How To Make Whipped Cream At Home

Getting that thick and smooth textured whipped cream is not that hard if the right ingredients are used in the right amount. The fun part is just 3 ingredients and the homemade whipped cream gets ready. Utilize this freshly made cream to make Christmas cake or other desserts of your choice.

Heavy Cream

This is the main ingredient which has a fat content of around 36-40%. This much fat is required in whipped cream to trap the air within the cream. The trapped air creates the bubbles in the cream and makes it look fluffy. 

So, keep in mind to use whipped cream with more fat content. The more the fat the better the fluffiness in the cream. 

Alternatively, you can use whipping cream but this one has slightly lower fat (30%-35%) than heavy cream. This fat content is still enough to make the cream fluffy. If you don't want to add extra calories then whipping cream is a good fit for you. 

Sugar

Sugar adds sweetness to the cream. Use granulated or powdered sugar whichever is easily accessible to you as both give that pleasing sweet flavor when whipped. 

We use powdered sugar because it dissolves easily in the cream, whereas granulated sugar needs more time to blend fully. As the granulated one has larger crystals, so you'll need to run the stand mixer for an extra few more minutes. 

Vanilla Extract

This ingredient works for flavoring because it takes flavors to the peak and makes the desserts even more delicious. Vanilla gives a slightly sweet and pleasing aroma that makes you drool.

Tools Needed

• Mixing Bowl
• Stand Mixer
• Measuring Cup and Spoon
• Spatula

This cream looks fancy and people often misunderstand it as a difficult one to make. But making whipped cream is actually pretty easy. Just gather the mentioned ingredients and tools, and you'll make it in under 10 minutes.

Ingredient Measurements

• Heavy cream: 1 cup
• Sugar: 2 tablespoons, powdered 
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon 

Step 1: Chill the bowl and beater

Before jumping to further process, first place the mixing bowl and beater attached to the mixer in the freezer for around 10-15 minutes as this makes the whipping process quicker. 

Step 2: Add the cream and whip

After 10-15 minutes, remove the bowl and beater from the freeze to begin the next step. Add 1 cup of cream to that bowl and whip it using the stand mixer until the cream starts to thicken. And once the cream starts to thicken, move towards the next step. 

Step 3: Add sugar and vanilla

It is time to include sugar and vanilla in the cream. Add powdered sugar or granulated sugar to that bowl. Adjust the amount of sugar based on your preference.

Vanilla extract is mainly for flavors so if you can get it from the store, use it. Although you can skip it altogether, using it surely elevates the taste of whipped cream. 

Step 4: Whip

Now mix together these ingredients in the stand mixer for 2-3 minutes. Scrape down all sides of the bowl using a spatula as it will gather the cream in the center. Again, whip the cream for a few minutes.

The cream comes into a firm shape with a soft texture when it gets ready. The more you whip the cream the more fluffy and firm the cream becomes so mix this until you get the desired texture. 

Step 5: Serve or store

Once you achieve the preferred fluffiness in the cream, set aside the stand mixer and assemble the cream in the center. The cream is all ready. Top it on coffee, make pancakes then use it on them, or anything that you like to do it with. 

Store the cream in the refrigerator by filling it in a jar if you're not using it immediately otherwise cream will lose its texture. 

Additional Tips

• In case you overwhip the cream, the cream may look grainy so add a small amount of heavy cream and fold all sides of the cream. This will smoothen the texture. 
• Vanilla extract is not the only flavoring here. Don't hesitate to try other flavorings- peppermint, almond, or cocoa.

Heavy cream is not the only cream that thickens the whipped cream, there are other options available too. You can follow one of the following methods when you're out of heavy cream at home. 

1. Using Whole Milk and Butter

In case you don't have heavy cream, use whole milk and butter and make your own whipped cream for your next recipe. Here's how to make whipped cream with milk: 

Ingredient measurements

• Whole milk: 1/3 cup
• Unsalted butter: 1/3 cup,
• Sugar: 1 tablespoon
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon

Step 1: Melt the butter

If you're using melted butter then you don't need to follow this step. So those using solid butter, first melt the butter. To do this, heat the pan on the stove and add the butter in there. Let the heat turn the butter into liquid form but make sure the butter is not hot. Just melt enough without making it hot. 

Step 2: Mix the milk and butter

Once the butter melts, combine the milk and butter in a mixing bowl. First, pour the butter into a small bowl from the pan. Then, move towards adding the milk in a mixing bowl and go with butter.

Pour the butter with one hand while the other hand should be slightly whisking the butter with a spoon or spatula. This initial whisking is important to further make the whipping easier.

Step 3: Whip the mixture

Let's blend the liquids more deeply. Use a stand mixer or the one that you have and whip the milk-butter mixture until there's some thickness. So it may take 3-5 minutes. 

Step 4: Add sugar and vanilla then whip

As the liquid begins to thicken, add sugar and vanilla extract then continue to whip it for a few minutes. A perfectly whipped cream will have a fluffy and firm appearance. There will also be peaks of the cream when you dip out the whisker from the cream. 

So all this means your cream has whipped nicely and it is ready for the serving. 

Step 5: Serve or store

Recently whipped cream is better to use as soon as possible for better flavors. If not used, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge as the cream stays fresh and lets you use it anytime you need it. 

2. Using Coconut Milk (Vegan option)

Looking for ways to make vegan-based whipped cream? Here's how to make vegan whipped cream at home: 

Ingredient measurements

• Coconut milk: 1 can, full-fat
• Sugar: 1 tablespoon, powdered
• Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon

Step 1: Chill the coconut milk

Very firstly, buy a fresh can of coconut milk and place it in the fridge overnight. This will separate the liquid and the coconut cream gets collected at the top. Remember freezer will freeze the whole liquid, it will not separate the cream so place it in the fridge only. 

Step 2: Scoop the cream and whip it

Before starting the cream recipe, get the coconut milk out of the refrigerator. Open the can carefully and take out the portions of coconut cream with a spoon then add it to a bowl. 

Put the mixing bowl in the refrigerator for at least 10-15 minutes. Chilling the bowl is not necessary but still doing it helps with the whipping. Using the stand mixer, whip the coconut cream until it becomes fluffy and light. 

Step 3: Add sugar and vanilla then whip

Add sugar for sweetness and adjust the amount according to the taste. Also, include vanilla extract for better flavors.

Again, whip the mixture all together with the mixer. Do this until soft peaks appear and the cream becomes thick. Keep in mind to scrape all sides of the cream while whipping. This ensures even beating. 

Step 4: Use or store

Homemade whipped cream is ready for the serve. Use it on the toast, cupcakes, or any whipped cream desserts of your choice. You can store the rest in the fridge. 

Whipped cream doesn't last much if we leave it on the counter. The fluffy and light texture starts to melt so it is important to store the cream properly. 

There's not a single way for the storage but 2 ways. This allows you to choose a way that fits your purpose of storing.

Refrigeration

This method is useful for short-term purposes, 2-3 days if used in between. But if refrigerated continuously without using it, then it goes for 5-6 days at max.

• Start the process by filling an airtight jar with whipped cream. 
• Cover the bowl with its lid tightly ensuring no air enters otherwise the cream will be contaminated and lose its original texture. 
• Now, place the container in the coldest spot in your refrigerator.
• Avoid placing it near the fridge's door because the temperature around there changes frequently due to the opening and closing of the door. 
• Maintain the internal temperature around 37°F but not above that. 
• Re-whip the cream before using as it brings the light and thick texture back. 

Freezing

This method keeps the whipped cream lasting for up to 4 months if stored properly. 

• First, ready the baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. 
• Make dollops of whipped cream and place them on the baking sheet. 
• Arrange each portion in such a way that there is an inch of space left between them. 
• Put the baking sheet inside the freezer for flash-freezing as it will solidify the cream. Leave the cream for about 1-2 hours or until freezes solidly. 
• Take the baking sheet out of the freezer and transfer those cream dollops to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. 
• Tightly close the bag or cover the airtight container and place the container in the freezer. 
• Set the internal temperature at 0°F or lower to retain the quality of the whipped cream. 
• Use the frozen whipped cream portions by refrigerating them for 10-15 minutes. 

Whipped cream is meant to be paired with other desserts so considering that here are some ways to serve whipped cream. Try these pairings when you beat the cream next time: 

• Waffles: The crispy waffles need a pair of soft and light whipped cream that melts on the warm waffles. As a result, you get to enjoy a slightly crunchy and smooth textured breakfast or snacks. 

• Cupcakes: Bake some cupcakes in the oven and when they get ready for the serving top them with whipped cream. For a more appealing look, add some chopped strawberries that way the taste gets even better.
• Cake: Whipped cream is a must for cakes as this cream gives a beautiful smooth layer which allows you to do some decorations over there. So, use the homemade whipped cream and prepare a cake for the coming occasion.
• Coffee: Make your plain coffee luxurious by adding some whipped cream on top of it. With this cream, you can make famous coffee drinks like mochas, lattes, and others at your home. As the cream melts into the coffee, the sweetness delights the day.
• Cornbread: Whipped cream with cornbread is not a usual pairing but the sweetness in the cream makes it a delicious one. Add a cup of plain coffee or tea to take the combo to a new level.

• Fresh fruits: Whipped cream uplifts the sweet and juicy flavors of fresh fruits so use strawberries, peaches, blueberries, or any fruits of the choice and enjoy the deliciousness.
• Milkshake: Stop making the milkshake the same way each time and add some whipped cream on top of the milkshake then decorate with some chopped dry fruits. You'll love this cream recipe.
• Pumpkin pie: This dessert packs the cinnamon and nutmeg. When the cool whipped cream goes on top of the warm pie, there will be heavenly smooth flavors and becomes a classic combo.
• Biscuits: Eating biscuits alone can be a bit dry so top each biscuit with whipped cream and enjoy the blend of cracks and softness all at once. Customize the flavors by adding some chopped berries or cherries that way the taste will blow you.

• Toast: Much like biscuits, the toast goes well with the whipped cream. Layer the top of the toast with the cream and eat it with a cup of hot no-sugar coffee.  This breakfast pairing is ideal to begin the day with a delightful mood. 

Is heavy cream the same as whipping cream?

They are not the same entirely. But they share the same color and functions too. The former one has a bit more fat content than the latter one. This also means that heavy cream holds the shape for a longer time while the whipping one loses the structure a bit quickly. 

How can I make fluff in whipped cream last longer? 

Stabilize the cream using gelatin, cornstarch, and cream of tartar. Include one of these ingredients during the whipping phase so that they blend well and help retain the structure for a longer time, usually 2-3 days. But storing in the fridge is a must.

Why isn’t my whipped cream thickening?

The creamy may not be cold enough or you could have used low-fat cream as the base. Over or under-whipping also causes the cream not to thicken. The moisture left in the bowl might also be the cause. So, take care of these things while whipping the cream. 

Can I make whipped cream by hand?

It is not like you can't make whipped cream by hand but the thing is you need to continuously whisk the ingredients and it could be tiring. So, using a stand mixer is usually recommended but if you don't have one, whip the cream by hand.