If you’ve browsed through my ice cream recipes, you’ve probably noticed that I use half and half in most of them. Before I started making homemade ice cream, I only really knew half and half as something people put in their coffee. But it turns out, this creamy ingredient is a game-changer for making rich, smooth, and delicious ice cream at home!
So, what exactly is half and half?
Jump to:
- What is Half and Half?
- Half and Half Substitutes
- Why I Use Half and Half in Ice Cream?
- International Equivalents: What to Use Outside the US
- Common Uses for Half and Half
- Tips for Using Half and Half in Ninja Creami Recipes
- FAQs
- My Go-To Recipes Using Half and Half
- Ninja Creami Ice Cream Recipes
- Did you try this recipe?
What is Half and Half?
Half and half is a dairy product that’s made by combining equal parts whole milk and heavy cream.
The result?
A creamy, slightly rich liquid that’s thicker than milk but not as heavy as cream. It typically contains between 10-18% milk fat, making it perfect for adding creaminess without being too heavy.
Half and half was originally created as a convenient coffee creamer, but it's become a kitchen staple for cooking, baking, and my favorite use is making homemade ice cream.
Half and Half Substitutes
If half and half isn’t available where you live, you can easily make your own at home! Here’s how:
- DIY Half and Half: Mix equal parts whole milk and heavy cream.
- For a Lighter Version: Use 2% milk instead of whole milk.
- For a Dairy-Free Option: Combine full-fat coconut milk with almond milk or use a barista-style oat milk.
These substitutes work well in coffee, cooking, and, of course, homemade ice cream!
Why I Use Half and Half in Ice Cream?
I love using half and half in my Ninja Creami recipes because it creates a perfect balance between richness and lightness. Heavy cream alone can make ice cream too dense, while milk alone can make it too icy. Half and half gives me that creamy texture without being overly heavy. It works beautifully in my favorite vanilla base, creating a smooth and luscious foundation for flavors like chocolate mint, rose raspberry, and cotton candy ice cream. Each scoop turns out velvety and satisfying, making every bite a delicious treat.
Plus, I’ve heard from many heavy cream users that their ice cream sometimes turns into butter! Half and half helps avoid that issue while still delivering a rich and smooth consistency.
The Butter Problem
Here's something I've heard from many heavy cream users: their ice cream sometimes turns into butter!
This happens because the Ninja Creami's blade can over-churn high-fat dairy. When you use heavy cream and spin it multiple times, you're essentially churning butter.
Half and half helps avoid this issue while still delivering a rich and smooth consistency. The lower fat content means you can respin as needed without worrying about separation.
International Equivalents: What to Use Outside the US
Half and half is primarily a North American product. It's not commonly sold in the UK, Australia, or most other countries. Here's what to use instead:
United Kingdom
The UK doesn't have a direct equivalent to half and half. Your options:
| Instead of Half and Half | Use This |
|---|---|
| For coffee | Single cream (18%) or mix single cream with whole milk |
| For ice cream | Mix equal parts whole milk + single cream |
| For cooking | Single cream works in most recipes |
UK Cream Types:
- Single cream: 18-20% fat (closest to half and half)
- Double cream: 48% fat (much richer than US heavy cream)
- Whipping cream: 35% fat
- Clotted cream: 55% fat (for scones!)
Australia & New Zealand
Australia also lacks half and half on store shelves.
| Instead of Half and Half | Use This |
|---|---|
| For coffee | Light/pouring cream (18%) diluted with milk |
| For ice cream | Mix equal parts full-cream milk + thickened cream |
| For cooking | Light cream or "cooking cream" |
Note: Australian "thickened cream" has added stabilizers. For pure cream, look for "pure cream" on the label.
Canada
Good news for Canadians—half and half IS available! It's sometimes labeled as:
- Half and half (10% or 18%)
- Coffee cream (18%)
- Table cream (18%)
Europe
Most European countries use different cream classifications. Look for cream with 10-18% fat content and mix with whole milk if needed.
Common Uses for Half and Half
Half and half isn't just for coffee and ice cream! Here are other delicious ways to use it:
In the Kitchen
- Creamy soups and chowders – Adds richness without heaviness
- Pasta sauces – Creates silky Alfredo and cream sauces
- Mashed potatoes – For smoother, creamier texture
- Scrambled eggs – Makes them extra fluffy
- Quiche and frittatas – Perfect custard base
- Homemade salad dressings – Ranch, Caesar, and more
In Baking
- Cakes and muffins – Adds moisture and richness
- Scones and biscuits – Tender crumb
- Bread pudding – Creamy custard base
- Ganache – Works, but won't be as thick as heavy cream
In Beverages
- Coffee – The classic use
- Tea – Especially chai and milk teas
- Hot chocolate – Extra creamy
- Smoothies – Adds richness without too much fat
Tips for Using Half and Half in Ninja Creami Recipes
Based on my experience making hundreds of Ninja Creami recipes, here are my best tips for using half and half:
1. It's the Perfect Fat Balance
Half and half provides enough fat to create creamy ice cream without the risk of churning into butter. This is especially important for Ninja Creami recipes where you might need to respin multiple times.
2. Blend Thoroughly Before Freezing
Always blend your ice cream base until completely smooth. Even small lumps can freeze into hard ice crystals. Half and half blends easily with other ingredients.
3. Can Be Combined with Other Ingredients
I often pair half and half with:
- Cottage cheese – For protein and extra creaminess
- Sweetened condensed milk – For sweetness and smooth texture
- Cream cheese – For richness in cheesecake flavors
4. Store-Bought Works Great
No need to make your own, store-bought half and half works perfectly. Just avoid fat-free versions, which can make ice cream icy.
5. Freeze Flat
Always freeze your pint containers on a flat, level surface for even freezing and better texture.
FAQs
Yes, but it won’t be as thick and glossy as ganache made with heavy cream. If using half and half, you may need to adjust the chocolate ratio to get the right consistency.
Yes, but freezing may cause it to separate but if you’re using it for ice cream. Ninja Creami will take care of that!
Half and half contains about 1 gram of carbs per tablespoon, making it a lower-carb option compared to milk.
Half and half is a blend of whole milk and heavy cream with a lower fat content (10-18%), whereas heavy cream has at least 36% fat, making it much richer and thicker.
Half and half is commonly used as a coffee creamer, adding a rich and creamy taste without being as heavy as full cream.
Similar to coffee, half and half can be added to tea for a creamy texture, especially in chai or milk teas.
Yes! Half and half can be frothed, especially if you use the “cold foam” setting on a milk frother. It won’t be as stiff as whole milk foam but will still create a creamy, airy texture.
My Go-To Recipes Using Half and Half
Ready to put half and half to work? Try these Ninja Creami favorites:
- Basic Vanilla Ice Cream – The perfect starting point
- Old-Fashioned Chocolate – Rich and decadent
- Mint Chocolate Chip – A classic favorite
- Rose Raspberry – Elegant and floral
- Cotton Candy – Fun and colorful
- Dubai Chocolate – Viral TikTok inspired
Ninja Creami Ice Cream Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Did you try this recipe?
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Thank you! - Rose
Debbie says
hi could you please tell me how much of each liquid I need to use to make the 1/2 and 1/2 I cant seem to find it in the recipe
Rose Sioson says
Hello Debbie! For the half and half, use equal parts milk and heavy cream. So if the recipe calls for 1 cup of half and half, use 1/2 cup milk plus 1/2 cup heavy cream.