Posted Dec 29, 2019, Updated May 05, 2024 Homemade whipped cream is one of the simplest, and yet most-made recipes in my repertoire! It takes a mere 5 minutes and 3 ingredients to make this whipped cream recipe, and I promise once you try it you will never go back to the canned store-bought varieties again. I use this whipped cream recipe to serve with many of my favorite desserts, including flourless chocolate cake, pumpkin pie, and peppermint hot chocolate. It also tastes great on french toast, pancakes, waffles, or simply served on top of fresh berries!
Homemade Whipped Cream Recipe: Ingredients
People often wonder, “What is whipped cream made of?” Well, if you buy it in the store the answer is usually complicated and includes a long list of ingredients that are difficult to pronounce. However, in this homemade whipped cream recipe there are only three, easy to pronounce, ingredients: heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla! We’ll chat about each of the ingredients, as well as possible substitutions.
Heavy Whipping Cream (COLD) – For the best whipped cream that holds its shape and whips easily, it is important to use heavy cream, or heavy whipping cream. It’s also critical that the cream is cold. This means that if you just returned from grocery shopping on a hot day with your whipping cream in tow, you should be sure to put it in the refrigerator so it is thoroughly chilled before using it to make whipped cream. Powdered Sugar – This recipe is for sweetened whipped cream. Adding powdered sugar means it can be eaten straight from the mixer and has the perfect amount of sweetness. Pure Vanilla Extract – using pure vanilla extract (not imitation) is the key to a rich and delicious final product. If you would like to make whipped cream with different flavors simply substitute vanilla for your favorite extracts! Some suggestions are almond, peppermint, lemon, orange, etc.
Types of Whipping Cream and Cream
I’ll admit, the “cream” aisle in the grocery store can be confusing. So I am going to try to help clarify a few things about buying cream to make this whipped cream recipe.
Equipment
Standing Mixer fitted with a wire whisk attachment and a cold mixing bowl OR large, cold mixing bowl (glass or metal preferred) and hand mixer Recipe ingredients (listed above) Piping Bag and tip for piping (I always use the Wilton 1M tip with a large coupler). OR serving dish and serving spoon
How to Make Whipped Cream
This recipe takes minutes to make, but there are a few steps and notes that are absolutely critical to the outcome! Don’t forget to watch the video.
Chill the Mixing Bowl
About 15-30 minute before you’re ready to make this whipped cream recipe, place your mixing bowl (and wire whisk attachment or beaters too) into the refrigerator to chill. Whipping cream tends to whip better and stay stable longer when it remains cold.
Add All Ingredients
The goal is to minimize the amount of time it takes to make this recipe (so it remains cold). For that reason, we add all three ingredients into the chilled mixing bowl, and then beat the mixture. Be sure to start mixing on a low speed to incorporate the powdered sugar in to the whipping cream. Then gradually increase the speed to high as the mixture starts to form soft peaks. You may need to pause, scrape down the sides, and continue whipping.
Beat Until Stiff Peaks Form
Beat the whipping cream on high speed until stiff peaks form. Be very careful and do not walk away from the mixer. Whipped cream can turn from fluffy clouds of sweet cream to a curdled mess in a matter of seconds.
What happens if my whipped cream curdles?
If you over-mix the whipped cream it will curdle (become lumpy). Simply mix in fresh, unwhipped cream 1 TBS at a time with a wire whisk or with your mixer on low speed until the lumps disappear. Then you can re-whip the cream if needed. Fun fact: the solid portion of over-whipped cream is butter.
Serve
Now comes the fun part, it’s time to enjoy this whipped cream however you see fit! You can use it in place of cool whip or whipped cream in a recipe that calls for one of those ingredients such as French Silk Pie, Eclairs, Cream Puffs, etc. Or you can serve it as a condiment to your favorite dessert! Put it in a cute serving dish with a spoon and let people scoop it onto their favorite dessert! Here are some suggestions:
Put a dollop on top of a slice of this Homemade Pumpkin Pie! Cake: Serve it with this flourless chocolate cake or these molten chocolate lava cakes. Fruit Pies: I have so many delicious fruit pie recipes on my site that would pair perfectly with this fresh whipped cream. Strawberry pie, blueberry pie, apple pie, apple crumble pie, etc. Breakfast. top your favorite breakfast fare with a dollop of whipped cream! These healthy pancakes, our favorite and best waffles recipe, spinach pancakes, chocolate pancakes, the best french toast ever. etc. Fruit Crisps. You won’t regret whipping up a batch of this easy whipped cream to serve alongside this berry crisp, raspberry peach crisp or this apple crisp!
How to Store Whipped Cream
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container or in the piping bag. It may get less stiff if stored this way, you can always add more powdered sugar and beat it again to firm it up.
Freeze
Whipped cream freezes well. Simply store it in an airtight container or piping bag in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator before using. Now I’m going to try to answer some of the most commonly asked questions abou this recipe. If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can see your creations!
