Whipped Cream Recipe
Whipped Cream is pure, blissful magic in a bowl—one of those little luxuries that transforms any dessert into something special. Whether you’re topping a pie, adding a dollop to hot cocoa, or layering it between fluffy cake, this Whipped Cream recipe delivers silky clouds of sweetness with just three simple ingredients. You’ll be amazed how easy it is to create an ultra-creamy, pillowy topping at home, and once you try it, there’s no going back to store-bought. Ready to whip up a treat that everyone will rave about?
Ingredients You’ll Need
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For the whipped cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (or granulated sugar)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
How to Make Whipped Cream
Step 1: Chill Your Equipment
If you have a spare minute, pop your mixing bowl and whisk (or mixer beaters) into the freezer for 10-15 minutes. Extra-chilled tools help the cream whip up quicker and hold its lovely structure—especially handy on warm days.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Pour the cold heavy whipping cream into your chilled bowl and add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract. If you’re using a stabilizer like mascarpone or instant pudding mix, add it now. Everything goes in at once, making it as easy as can be.
Step 3: Whip Until Soft Peaks Form
Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, start on medium speed and gradually increase to medium-high. Beat for 2-4 minutes, watching closely as soft peaks begin to form. Stop when the Whipped Cream holds its shape but still looks smooth and luxurious—avoid overbeating, as it can quickly turn grainy or even start to separate.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Give your Whipped Cream a quick taste. Need a touch more sweetness or a hint more vanilla? Feel free to blend in a bit extra. Whipped Cream is totally customizable, so make it your own!
Step 5: Serve or Store
Use your Whipped Cream right away for maximum fluff, or store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. It holds beautifully, especially if you’ve added a stabilizer, and is ready to make any treat just a bit more festive.
How to Serve Whipped Cream
Garnishes
Dress up your Whipped Cream with chocolate shavings, citrus zest, sprinkles, or a dusting of cocoa powder. Even a fresh berry or two turns a simple dollop into an eye-catching flourish. The possibilities are endless, and a little garnish goes a long way!
Side Dishes
Whipped Cream is the ultimate companion to pies, crisps, cheesecakes, fresh cut fruit, pancakes, or waffles. It plays equally well with classics like hot cocoa or ice cream sundaes—anything that needs a bit of creamy, fluffy magic alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try piping your Whipped Cream into decorative swirls on cupcakes or parfaits, layering it in trifles, or filling chocolate shells for a dramatic treat. It’s also gorgeous scooped with a cookie or served in a bowl with edible flowers for a pretty, party-ready look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your freshly made Whipped Cream fluffy and delicious, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours, but stabilizers like mascarpone or pudding mix can help it hold up even longer.
Freezing
Believe it or not, you can freeze Whipped Cream! Spoon or pipe small dollops onto a lined baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag and return them to the freezer. Pop a cloud or two onto hot cocoa or pies straight from the freezer for effortless indulgence.
Reheating
While you don’t technically “reheat” Whipped Cream, you can revive its texture if it starts to deflate. Gently whisk by hand for a few seconds to bring back the fluff. If it’s separated, a quick remix with a hand mixer often does the trick.
FAQs
Why isn’t my Whipped Cream whipping?
If your cream isn’t thickening, double-check that you used heavy whipping cream (not half-and-half or milk) and that it’s very cold. Warm cream or bowl will slow down the process, so make sure everything is chilled for best results.
How do I know when Whipped Cream is ready?
Soft peaks mean the Whipped Cream forms gentle mounds that hold their shape but gently slump over when you lift the whisk. For most desserts, that’s just right—airy but still soft and dollop-able.
Can I make Whipped Cream ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a few hours ahead and store covered in the fridge. For the longest-lasting results, mix in a tablespoon of instant vanilla pudding mix or mascarpone to help stabilize its structure.
What’s the difference between soft peaks and stiff peaks?
Soft peaks curl gently when you lift the whisk, perfect for topping and folding into desserts. Stiff peaks stand straight up and are great if you need a firmer Whipped Cream, but be careful not to overbeat—it can become grainy or even start turning into butter!
How do I flavor Whipped Cream differently?
Try swapping the vanilla extract for almond, citrus zest, maple syrup, espresso powder, or even cocoa for flavored Whipped Cream. Fold in your add-in at the end so you can control the strength according to your taste.
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tasted homemade Whipped Cream, you’ll want to swirl it on everything! It’s simple, quick, and leaps above anything from a can or tub. Try it on your next dessert adventure, and watch the smiles appear with every fluffy spoonful.
Print
Whipped Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Learn how to make delicious and fluffy whipped cream at home with just a few simple ingredients. This homemade whipped cream is perfect for topping pies, cakes, hot chocolate, or fresh fruit!
Ingredients
For the whipped cream:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (or granulated sugar)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat on medium-high speed for 2-4 minutes, or until soft peaks form.
- Be careful not to overbeat — the whipped cream should be smooth and fluffy. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Notes
- For extra stability, you can add 1 tablespoon of instant vanilla pudding mix or 1 tablespoon of mascarpone when whipping.
- Delicious as a topping for pies, cakes, hot chocolate, or fresh fruit!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Condiment, Dessert Topping
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
