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This whipped cream recipe is truly so much better than store-bought, and so easy to make! It is rich, smooth, and full of creamy vanilla flavor.
Whipped cream is a decadent finishing touch for so many desserts, but don’t forget to use it for breakfast too! It makes the perfect topping for pancakes, French toast, waffles, and crepes!
Featured in this recipe
Trying to recreate popular store-bought items at home can be difficult. Often, you end up spending more time and energy than it is worth. That is NOT the case with this recipe. You’ll get a smooth texture, light and fluffy consistency, and rich flavor every time. You won’t believe how much better it tastes on everything from pumpkin pie to strawberry shortcakes.
This recipe only has ingredients that does not have anything artificial. Speaking of taste, you can use different extracts to get different flavors. Vanilla works great for most recipes, but you can also try almond extract, coconut, peppermint, or lemon!
Ingredients for Whipped Cream
These three ingredients are pantry staples that are used in several other recipes. Together they give a thick and creamy texture!
- Whipping cream – It is a heavy cream that gives a creamy texture but also has a smooth appearance.
- Powdered sugar – This confectioner sugar is used as a sweetener. It has a unique texture compared to granulated sugar.
- Vanilla extract – You can make our homemade vanilla extract for this whipped cream recipe.
Simple Steps to Make Whipped Cream
These instructions to make a homemade whipped cream recipe will have two steps to mix. You will use a medium-sized bowl for hand mix or use a stand mixer. It does take a lot of willpower and speed to get the cream to be whipped.
- Mix – Add heavy whipping cream to a bowl of a stand mixer. Mix on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
- Whip – Add sugar and vanilla. Whip on medium-high just until stiff peaks form. Do not overbeat.
How to Make Vegan Whipped Cream
If you are trying to eat more plant-based foods, you can substitute coconut cream for the heavy whipping cream. To get coconut cream, put a can of coconut milk in the fridge overnight. Open the can without shaking it. Then scoop the cream off of the top and leave the watery liquid in the can. Prepare the coconut cream just like you would the heavy cream. If it is too thick, add a little bit of the liquid from the can.
How Does It Work?
When milk is left to settle, the substance that rises to the top is the cream, leaving the milk at the bottom. Heavy cream is just the cream part. Half and half is equal parts cream and milk. And, of course, milk is just the milk part and no cream. Heavy cream can be “whipped” because of the high fat content. As you whip it, the air gets trapped inside the fat molecules, causing the mixture to double in size!
Recipe Tip
When you make whipped cream, you want the cream to form stiff peaks. This means that when you lift the whisk out, the little peak that forms stays pointy.
“Homemade Whipped Cream is always better than store bought. It really isnt that difficult to make too!”
-Amy
Frequently Asked Questions
You certainly can whip the cream by hand but be warned it will take 8-9 minutes of whipping. It is not for the faint of heart or the weak of arm! But never fear, you can also use a blender! Throw all the ingredients to a blender and blend on low until the ingredients are combined and then put it on high until the stiff peaks form. It should only take about a minute.
As a general rule, plan on mixing at high speed for about three to five minutes to get those perfect stiff peaks. You want to be careful not to overmix or the cream will start to deflate. Start on a low speed first, then switch to a higher speed if needed.
Technically you ~can but it is not recommended. Half and half has less than half the fat content of heavy cream so it doesn’t whip up as nicely and it will deflate really quickly. To make it work in a pinch you will need to freeze the bowl and the whisk prior to whipping and keep the half and half extremely cold.
Storing Whipped Cream
There are a couple of ways to store your leftovers. Keep it covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. However, if you cover it and put it in the freezer, it will last for up to three months. To thaw, remove the whipped cream from the freezer and allow it to thaw at room temperature until it’s at the desired consistency.
Our Favorite Recipes with Whipped Cream
This whipped cream recipe is perfect for adding to other desserts or sweet treats. This is a great way to create even more of our family’s favorite recipes!
How to Make Whipped Cream Recipe
Whipped Cream Recipe
Video
Equipment
- stand mixer or hand mixer
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 Tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add heavy whipping cream to a bowl or stand mixer. Mix on medium-high until soft peaks form.
- Add sugar and vanilla. Whip on medium-high just until stiff peaks form. Do not overbeat.
- Serve with your favorite dessert or breakfast item.
Homemade Whipped Cream is always better than store bought. It really isnt that difficult to make too!
I try to always have ingredients on hand to make this. It’s so much better than store bought!
Homemade whipped cream is seriously the best!! Use it in so many recipes!
Thank you so much for this! This is very helpful!