How to whip cream

Learn how to make whipped cream using all the best kitchen utensils and appliances.

Whether enjoyed with a scone, or dolloped aside a dense dessert, whipped cream finds its way into a number of our favourite sweet dishes. A dairy cream that is whipped by a whisk or a mixer until it’s light and fluffy, whipped cream can be sweetened with sugar or flavoured with vanilla.

Also known as Chantilly cream, whipped cream is a simple accompaniment worth mastering.

How to make whipped cream recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
• 2 tablespoons sugar, honey, or maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla or other flavorings (optional)

Electric beaters

Pour cream into large, clean bowl and whip on medium speed. Move the beaters around the bowl to ensure even coverage. Beat until the cream thickens.

Stick blender

Pour cream into a large narrow jug. Process until thick, moving the stick blender up and down as you go.

Whisk

Whip the cream in a circular motion while tilting the bowl to ensure all the cream gets whipped evenly.

Whipped cream recipe tips:

• Chilling the bowl and beaters will make the cream whip faster
• The cream should also be very cold to beat properly.
• Add any sugar only after the cream has started to thicken.
• Make sure the cream has enough milk fat. It will need to contain at least 35% milk fat in order to whip effectively.
• If you are concerned about overwhipping the cream, finish it off by hand. This will give you more control over the cream.
• The type of cream you use will have an impact on the type of whipped product you get. A cream with a high fat content like double cream will whip faster but be less fluffy and stiffer. A lower fat pouring cream will take much longer to whip but you’ll get lots of volume.
• To incorporate more air, whip by hand rather than using an electric beater. A stick blender will give you an even denser end result and is not recommended. It’s the same when whisking mayonnaise – the best results come from handiwork with the hand whisk.

Can you whip thickened cream

Thickened cream has a milk fat content percentage of 35, so it is suitable for whipping.

How long does whipped cream last

Homemade whipped cream will last up to 3 days in the fridge. To make whipped cream last longer, keep it refrigerated when not in use, and store on ice if it must be left out. It’s a good idea to keep whipped cream in an airtight container to reduce contamination and moisture.

Can whipped cream be frozen

Homemade whipped cream can be frozen for up to 2 months. An opened container of cream can be stored in the freezer for up to 4 months.

Best whipped cream recipes:

• Chocolate coconut ‘Bounty’ tart
• Justine’s lemon curd and cream pavlova
• Berry tiramisu

See also:

• How to fix overwhipped cream
• Whipped coconut cream
• Eton mess recipes perfect for Christmas

Originally published as How to whip cream