Delicious and Easy Italian Sweet Cream Recipe

Picture this: An aroma of freshly made espresso floats through the air, combining with the gentle sweetness of the garden’s flowering jasmine – the famed Italian Sweet Cream aroma makes its way to your nose.

 Each ingredient in this delicious morning brew has a tale to tell. The heavy cream comes from cows grazing contentedly on the pastures, while the pure vanilla extract is a present from relatives on their travels. The delicate sweetness of condensed milk transforms it into a combination of magic, tradition, love, and the simple delights of Italian life.

Sounds amazing, right? Just as amazing as the simple ingredients and steps to make this simple recipe!

Ingredients to Make Italian Sweet Cream Recipe

You won’t believe the masterpiece you can create with so few ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for it:

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• A pinch of fine sea salt

Yes, that’s it!

How to Make Italian Sweet Cream Recipe

This recipe will likely take you only about 5 minutes, maybe even less! 

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Make sure all of the ingredients, especially the whipped cream, are chilled before you begin – it’ll give it a smoother blend once combined.

Tip: To make things simpler, use a food processor on a low or medium setting.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients 

In a small mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients and blend them with a hand or stand mixer. Give it a few minutes to thicken at medium speed for 3-4 minutes before you add anything else to it. 

Tip: Make sure it doesn’t turn into whipping cream; it should be rich and slightly thick. 

Step 3: Taste It

When it’s finished, give it a quick taste to see if it’s sweet enough. If you want it sweeter, add more condensed milk or vanilla essence.

 Voilà! Add a scoop of this delicious cream to your espresso, coffee, or Italian dessert – you’ll be surprised by how much the flavor changes! 

Expert Tips to Make it Even Better

Can’t get enough of it, yet want it to improve even more? Here are some of my best suggestions.

 If you’re looking for a flavorful twist, consider adding these:

• Almond extract
• Hazelnut extract
• Cocoa powder
• Cinnamon

 Tip: Add some mascarpone for a deeper taste. It adds a little more thickness and makes the mixture creamier.

How to Make Homemade Cannoli with Italian Sweet Cream Filling?

The Italian sweet cream is great in coffee, but it’s much better when used to make the traditional Italian cannoli. 

Ingredients For Traditional Cannoli Shells

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup dry white wine or Marsala wine

Instructions to Make Cannoli Shells

Here are the step-by-step instructions for making cannoli dough:

• Combine the flour, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl
• Stir in the butter and egg yolk until the mixture forms coarse crumbs
• After that, add the wine gradually and continue mixing until dough forms; cover the dough with plastic wrap and set it aside for about 30 minutes to rest
• Then thinly lay it out on a lightly floured surface to prevent sticking. 
• Cut out 4-inch circles and wrap one circle around a cannoli forms to create little cannoli tubes,

Use a deep fryer and deep fry 2-3 cannoli at a time in 375°F (190°C) oil until the shell dough turns golden brown, after you fried them and laid aside, then move them with a slotted spatula and dry on paper towels at room temperature until they’re cooled down. Once they’ve cooled down remove the cannoli mold and begin to fill the shells with cream.

Tip: You can also use store-bought shells, don’t worry about making them if you don’t have the time or ingredients. Especially if this is the first time you’re making them.

How to Make Cannoli Cream Filling

The recipe is very similar to the original italian sweet cream recipe, you just have to add some additional things to make it an actual creamy filling:

Ingredients for the filling:

• 1 cup Italian Sweet Cream (the recipe above)
• 2 cups ricotta cheese (preferably whole milk for richer taste)
• 3/4 cup powdered sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Orange zest (orange peel is ok too) – optional
• Mini chocolate chips or chopped pistachios for added texture (optional)

Tip: If you like a lemony touch, add lemon zest.

Instructions:

Combine the ricotta cheese and Italian Sweet cream until it’s fully smooth, then add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange zest until it becomes creamy. That’s it! Put it in the fridge for at least an hour to let the flavors meld together.

Tip: If you want a twist, add chocolate chips or chopped pistachios. 

How to Make Delicious Italian Cannoli

After you’ve done both, add the cannoli filling to a piping bag (or zip-top bag with a small hole in the corner). Then, pipe the filling into each little tube from both ends until it’s fully filled.

Tip for a little extra sweetness: Dip both ends into melted chocolate or chopped pistachios for some added eye candy.

What Are Some Alternatives to This Recipe?

Here are some alternatives if the original classic recipe just wasn’t your thing. 

Dairy-Free Italian Sweet Cream Recipe

Instead of using heavy whipped cream, use coconut cream or any other dairy-free alternative and swap out the condensed milk for a dairy-free version. 

Almond Italian Sweet Cream

Here’s an alternative with a more almond note:

• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 tbsp almond extract
• 1 tbsp cinnamon 
• 2-3 tbsp sweetener, such as honey, agave, maple syrup or similar 

Caramel Italian Creamer

Who doesn’t love caramel? For this version, add 2 tbsp caramel sauce to make it a sweet caramel dream come true!

Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe 

With this delicious recipe you will likely have some questions, no worries! I’ve got you!

How long does homemade Italian sweet creamer last?

Unfortunately, this Italian creamer only lasts about 6-7 days in the fridge if you put it in an airtight container – make sure to shake it or stir it with a spoon before using.

What does it best pair with?

This delicious creamer pairs best with coffee, but it also works well as a form of icing for cakes, Italian pastries, or even fresh fruit!

Can I use low-fat milk instead of heavy whipping cream?

Absolutely! The low-fat milk will make this a lighter version, which will alter the taste and texture slightly as well.

Can I freeze Italian Sweet Cream to make it last longer?

Although it can be frozen to extend its shelf life, its texture will change when you thaw due to its heavy whipped cream. So, it’s best to make it fresh or refrigerate short-term for the best quality.

What’s the difference between Italian Sweet Cream and regular sweet cream?

Great question! When compared to conventional sweet cream, Italian Sweet Cream stands out for its velvety texture and subtle vanilla flavor. 

How do I know if my Sweet Cream has gone bad?

Since it’s dairy based, you will notice the biggest difference in smell and color, however, you will also be able to see a separation in uneven textures – so, you will KNOW.

Can I whip the Italian Sweet Cream to make whipped cream?

If you want to use it for desserts, this is a good alternative, but it will make the whipped cream heavier and you might not get the same airy texture than you normally have.

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