Heating cream up is usually done over a low heat on the stovetop, but it involves a lot of time and attention. We’ve all been there with the cream boiling over, leaving a right mess on the hob. But did you know you can microwave cream?
To microwave cream, add it to a microwave-safe pot, then heat for between 30 and 60 seconds. Stir it and check it is hot. Continue to microwave if you need to warm it up some more.
How to Microwave Cream
Microwaving cream is exceptionally straightforward. In fact, it’s probably the best way to heat cream, so it doesn’t split or spoil. We detail the steps you need to follow to heat cream successfully:
- Pour into a Microwave-Safe Pot
Pour the desired amount of cream into a microwave-safe pot and cover it with a paper towel. - Heat
Turn your microwave to its medium or high setting, and heat the cream for between 30 and 60 seconds. - Stir and Check Heat
Remove the cream from the microwave and stir it for a couple of seconds. Then, check if the cream has been sufficiently heated. If it’s not warm enough, return it to the microwave and heat it for a further 30 seconds. - Serve and Enjoy
Once your cream is at the right temperature, you’re ready to serve it up and enjoy!
How to Microwave Cream Successfully
Below we’ve included a few tips to consider when microwaving cream. Make sure you give these a quick read before proceeding to microwave it:
- Don’t Overfill the Pot – When microwaving cream, be sure to leave sufficient space in the container for the cream to bubble. If you overfill the container, the cream will spill over the side and leave a right mess.
- Opt for Double Cream – Thicker cream is easier to heat thoroughly in the microwave, so if you’re planning to heat cream, consider opting for double as opposed to single cream.
- Stir Before Serving – You will have to stir the cream thoroughly before serving it, particularly if you’re including it in a dessert or adding it to your coffee. This ensures it has the desired consistency and hasn’t clumped together during the microwaving process.
Why You Should Microwave Cream
Heating cream in the microwave has several advantages, namely:
It’s Easy
As you can see from the instructions, there’s nothing complicated about microwaving cream! Just add the right amount to a microwave-safe tub and turn the microwave on; it’s as easy as that.
You can Control the Temperature
Depending on how you plan to use heated cream, you can set your microwave to its low, medium, or high setting. This makes it easy to control the temperature of the cream effortlessly.
Why You Shouldn’t Microwave Cream
Although microwaving cream is straightforward, there are a couple of potential drawbacks, as introduced below:
Unsuitable for Certain Creams
You should avoid microwaving whipped and sour cream, as they don’t heat well. Pouring cream is the best type of cream to heat in the microwave.
Easy to Spill
If you’re not careful while you’re heating cream, it can easily bubble over the side of the container and spill into your microwave. Not only is this a waste of cream, but it also means you have to spend more time cleaning up!
Microwaving Cream FAQs
Do you have more questions about microwaving cream successfully? Then these FAQs might help:
Yes, cream can be warmed up to be served with desserts, to make sauces or to melt chocolate into. A low, steady heat should be used to avoid splitting the cream – especially for single cream.
Ross is a freelance writer with a passion for delicious food and drinks, having worked in the hospitality industry in the past. He began working with Let’s Foodie when it first launched to provide information on how to reheat, freeze and microwave different foods.
