Freezing Dessert With Double Cream

Our answer

We suspect that you are referring to Nigella's Meringue Gelato Cake (from Nigelissima and on the Nigella website). This is a type of "semifreddo" iced dessert that is made with whipped cream and liqueur. Once the mixture has been whisked it will freeze well and should be served direct from the freezer. It is perfectly safe to eat.

Cartons of cream may suggest not to freeze in the instructions and this is as liquid cream does not freeze that well. Creams with a fat content of less than 35%, such as whipping and singe cream, will tend to separate when they thaw. Double cream has a higher fat content and is more stable but can sometimes be a little grainy when it is thawed and usually does not whip very well if it has been frozen and then thawed, though it is fine to use in cooking. If you want to freeze leftover whipping or double cream it is beat to whip if first and freeze it in the whipped form. Thaw the whipped cream overnight in the fridge before using.