Cream has a rich quality to it that is great for elevating your desserts or thickening sauces, and nothing can compare. But what if you could make it at home and keep yourself from having to run down to the store? That is where making cream at home can be a lifesaver. Whether you are baking, cooking, or ready to make that last-minute treat, learning how to make cream from milk powder can save you time, money, and hassle.
Using powdered milk as a base is very convenient, versatile, and easy. Powdered milk has a long shelf life, is easy to store, and allows you to make only what you need. It is perfect in those instances where you can't find fresh cream. This creamy frosting or dessert recipe is simple, cost-effective, and with the ability to be used for both sweet and savory recipes.
Are you ready to make your cream? Let's explore how to make cream from milk powder and do it in your kitchen.
WHAT IS CREAM MADE FROM MILK POWDER?
Cream from milk powder is a creamy, thick dairy alternative, made by rehydrating powdered milk (also referred to as reconstituted milk) and mixing it with butter or other types of fat to create the consistency and mouthfeel of cream. It is a great alternative to cream for occasions when you do not have access to fresh cream or chill for desserts, sauces, baked goods, etc.
You are able to make different types of cream by modifying the fat content and viscosity of the reconstituted milk. Here are a few different types of cream you can mimic:
- Whipped Cream: 30-35% fat, generally used for whipping into soft peaks for cakes, pastries, and desserts.
- Heavy Cream: 36-40% fat, a richer, thicker alternative. Typically used for ganache, creamy soups, or for adding richness to sauces.
- Cooking Cream: Slightly lighter than heavy cream but still stable under heat, great for pasta sauces or rich savory dishes.
Choosing to work with milk powder not only provides a helpful solution, but it also gives you control over the amount you use and regulates the fat content based on the culinary use.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
- 1 cup milk powder (full cream or whole milk powder works best)
- ½ cup cold water (to reconstitute the milk)
- 2–3 tablespoons unsalted butter or ghee (melted; adds fat and creaminess)
- 1–2 tablespoons powdered sugar (optional, for sweet cream)
- A few drops of vanilla extract (optional, for flavor)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
RECONSTITUTING MILK POWDER
- Start with Cold Water: Empty 1/2 cup of cold water into a bowl. Cold water is good for controlling the clumps.
- Gradually Add Milk Powder: Gradually add 1 cup of full cream milk powder, a little at a time, whisking as you go. Using this process results in a smooth batter.
- Mix Thoroughly: Beat, preferably with a small motorised hand blender or electric whisk, until lump-free and smooth. This is key for texture.
- Cooling (Optional but Recommended): Chill for 15–20 minutes in the fridge. The chilling helps the powder to take/hand off smoother to your skin pores.
TIPS FOR BETTER RESULTS
Looking for that ideal, smooth, silken texture you remember from before? Check out these expert tips for better results when making cream from milk powder:
- Use Chilled Utensils & Ingredients: The cold bowls, beaters, and milk assist in whipping air into the mix from your cream more quickly, resulting in fluffier cream — and that’s especially important if you’re making your own whipped cream.
- Opt for Full-Fat Milk Powder: Full-cream, whole, or full-fat powdered milk imparts an even richer cream flavour, closer in resemblance to dairy cream. Low-fat milk will not have the same quality and texture, as there is not enough Fat in the milk.
- Avoid Overmixing: When the cream thickens, remove from the blender. Overmixing can result in breaking or a sandy texture.
- Store in the Refrigerator: Always allow homemade cream to cool before chilling — it thickens when it’s cold, and makes for a more stable dessert.
COMMON MISTAKES TO AVOID
Homemade cream from powdered milk is easy to make, but there are a few things that can go wrong during the process. Here’s how to follow the recipe to get a smooth, velvety sauce, and what you should avoid to prevent it
- Over-Whipping / Under-Mixing: These two factors are my biggest success killers. They’re related, but opposites. If you whip it too much, you risk having the cream curdle and turn into actual butter, and if you don’t whip it enough, you’ll be left with thin, dotted cream. Pulse only until you have the consistency you want — smooth and creamy.
- Substitute of Low-Fat Milk Powder to Creamy Think: If you want to end up with a rich, thick cream, you don’t want to use skimmed or low-fat milk powder. Only use whole milk powder to give it a rich and thicker feel.
- Failing to Dissolve the Powder Perfectly: Grainy or lumpy cream? Undissolved milk powder is often the cause. Strain or stir, dilute with a blender to ensure everything is dissolved in the water, and then add butter or shake really well, before whipping, etc.
USES OF MILK POWDER CREAM
Milk powder cream just stops in for a cheap and cheerful substitute for shop-bought stuff. When ready, you can use this in so many different recipes to give it richness, taste, and flavor. Here’s how you can use it:
IN DESSERTS
- Great for cakes, puddings, and frostings.
- Brings a velvety texture to custards, ice creams and no-bake desserts.
- Top fruit bowls, warm brownies.
IN COOKING
- Great in creamy pasta, soups, and white sauces.
- Adds richness to gravies and curries.
- Add to mashed potatoes or creamy vegetable bakes for extra smoothness.
AS A COFFEE CREAMER
- Mix it into your morning coffee or tea for a silky, café-like finish.
- Perfect for lattes, cappuccinos, and iced coffee as well.
FAQS (FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS)
CAN I WHIP CREAM MADE FROM MILK POWDER?
Cream using milk powder can whippable after being sufficiently cold with the mixing of cold water and a fat content.
HOW LONG DOES HOMEMADE CREAM LAST?
Homemade cream will be good in a sealed container in your refrigerator for up to 5 days.
CAN I STORE IT IN THE FREEZER?
Yes, homemade cream can be frozen for a month, but there may be some slight texture changes after thawing, especially for whipping.
CONCLUSION
Making cream from milk powder is a really easy and clever kitchen hack, which saves you a lot of time and money. Whether you have run out of fresh cream or simply like to make things from scratch, this method yields a delicious, creamy option for sweet or savory dishes alike. If you perform the steps correctly- use full-fat milk powder, add sweet, salted butter or ghee, and mix thoroughly- you will end up with a consistency and creaminess similar to store-bought cream. You can use it in desserts, sauces for pasta, curries, and even coffee. It would also stay fresh for weeks in the refrigerator if stored properly, for when you need it again. So, next time you find yourself in a crunch or having fun with something new, please remember that learning how to make cream from milk powder is a handy skill every home cook should know.