Buying pre-made whipped cream is quick and convenient, but there are numerous benefits to making your own whipped cream in-house. Homemade whipped cream gives you complete control over the ingredients and can save you money in the long run. The cost per serving of homemade whipped cream is significantly lower compared to pre-packaged options. This can result in substantial savings, especially for establishments that frequently use whipped cream in their menu offerings. Try our simple recipe and the results just might convince you!
Whipped Cream from Scratch
Watch our video to learn how to make your own whipped cream with just a few simple ingredients.
What Special Equipment Do I Need?
To get started with this fresh whipped cream recipe, you'll only need two kitchen items:
- Electric stand mixer or electric whisk attachment - We use the AvaMix immersion blender with a whisk attachment, but you can also use a stand mixer or handheld mixer.
- Large mixing bowl - You'll need a large bowl with enough room to move the whisk around. The heavy cream will also increase in size as it becomes whipped full of air, so the bowl should be big enough to accommodate the final product. We recommend a bowl with a wide diameter like the Choice 20-quart stainless steel mixing bowl.
Whipped Cream Recipe
Approximate Yield: 4 cups whipped cream
Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons confectioner’s sugar, sifted
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions
- Add heavy cream to large mixing bowl and chill for at least an hour
- Remove container from refrigeration and add confectioner’s sugar and vanilla extract to heavy cream
- Using an electric whisk attachment, blend heavy cream at medium speed
- Continue blending until the cream starts to form stiff peaks
- Best served immediately, but can be stored in refrigeration for 1 day
Whipped Cream FAQ
If you're new to the world of homemade whipped cream, you may have a few questions. Here are some frequently asked questions about making homemade whipped cream:
What Are Stiff Peaks?
The term "stiff peaks" is used frequently in recipes, but what exactly does it mean? This common phrase means the whipped cream holds its shape firmly when the beaters or whisk are lifted. At this stage, the cream has been whipped enough to form peaks that stand upright without collapsing. Test out the whipped cream by pulling the whisk up and out of the mixture. If you see peaks form, then you have reached the right stage!
What Type of Heavy Cream Should I Use?
For the best results with homemade whipped cream, we recommend using fresh heavy cream with a fat content of at least 36%. Look for products labeled "heavy cream" or "heavy whipping cream". You can use a lighter product with less fat, but keep in mind that the results will not be as thick or stable.
Can I Whisk Whipped Cream by Hand?
Yes, you can use a hand whisk to make whipped cream if you are only making a small amount. Your arm would get very tired from whisking several cups and the results might not be consistent.
Can I Make Vegan Whipped Cream?
Yes, it's possible to make vegan whipped cream that contains no dairy. You'll need a can of full-fat coconut milk (not the carton variety). Simply refrigerate the can overnight, scoop out the solidified coconut cream, and whip it until it reaches a light and fluffy consistency. You can also add a sweetener like powdered sugar or maple syrup to enhance the flavor.
In just a matter of minutes, you can have freshly made whipped cream to use on your desserts and beverages. Making your own whipped topping gives you complete control over the ingredients used, and you'll also save money in the process. With its ease of preparation, there's no reason not to elevate your menu with homemade whipped cream.
Related Resources
Using a Whipped Cream Dispenser
Whipped cream siphons are versatile pieces of equipment that are most commonly used for creating fresh whipped cream. But, these siphons have a variety of uses in foodservice that many chefs may not know about. Keep reading to learn about what whipped cream dispensers are, how they work, and three unique ways that you can use them in your bar or restaurant. Shop Whipped Cream Dispensers and Chargers What Is a Whipped Cream Dispenser? A whipped cream dispenser is a handheld kitchen tool that uses nitrous oxide gas to whip ingredients, which gives them a soft and pillowy texture. Whipped cream siphons work by incorporating nitrous oxide gas into the product, which then creates lots of tiny bubbles and gives it a light and whipped texture. What Are Whipped Cream Chargers? Whipped cream chargers are small metal canisters that are filled with nitrous oxide (N2O) and placed into a whipped cream dispenser's charger holder. When activated, the N2O is released into the canister and stabilizes the cream, making it thick and airy. How to Use a Whipped Cream Dispenser Making your own whipped cream is super easy, requires minimal ingredients, and is ready to use in no time. Plus, it can help save on costs and it does not contain any gums, additives, or emulsifiers, unlike most store-bought whipped creams. Insert head gasket into dispenser head. Insert dispensing piston into dispenser head. Screw decorator tip onto dispensing piston. Fill bottle with pre-chilled mixture. Be sure not to overfill past fill line. Screw dispenser head onto bottle, making sure it is secured tightly and evenly. Insert compatible whipped cream charger into the charger holder. Screw the charger holder with the inserted charger onto dispenser head until hearing hissing sound of gas being released. Vigorously shake bottle six to ten times. Unscrew charger holder and throw out empty charger, recycling it if possible. Turn the whipper upside down and gently press lever to dispense. Three Unique Ways to Use Your Whipper While many foodservice professionals refer to the tool as a whipped cream dispenser or siphon, it can be used for many tasks other than making whipped cream. Many dispensers also come with several different tips and accessories, which you can use to decorate baked goods or to create a beautiful presentation for your customers. Here are three foods that you can make using a whipper: 1. Espumas You may have never heard the word ‘espuma,’ but if you’ve eaten at a gastropub or fine-dining establishment, chances are you’ve eaten espuma before. Espuma is a Spanish word that means foam or froth, and, in cooking, it refers to warm edible foam. Espumas are made by combining vegetable purees, soup, or stock with a thickening agent and nitrous oxide, creating an airy, edible foam. When plating your dishes and espumas, you can use different attachments to create an attractive presentation. 2. Batters Another unique use for your whipper is creating bubbly and airy batters for pancakes, waffles, or deep frying. Occasionally, pancake and waffle batter can end up thick, resulting in a product that is too dense. One way to ensure that your batter turns out light is to use a whipper. Adding nitrous oxide to your batter creates light and pillowy pancakes and waffles. Additionally, you can use whipped cream chargers to lighten your fry batter, resulting in crisp fried food that isn't too heavy or oily. 3. Cocktails Although cream whippers are mainly used in kitchens for food preparation, you can use them to make a variety of cocktails and beverages. Additionally, you can make multiple kinds of cocktails in whippers, ranging from drinks that are fizzy and bubbly to others that are thick and creamy. Even if you're looking to make non-alcoholic drinks, injecting your cocktails with nitrous oxide can give them an effervescent texture and refreshing taste. Cream dispensers and whippers have a variety of uses outside of just making fresh whipped cream. You can use them to create airy foams, delicate batters, and even bubbly cocktails. Plus, there are several types of attachments and accessories that you can outfit your whipped cream dispenser with, increasing their capabilities. As a result, whippers and dispensers are the perfect multi-purpose tool for any style of foodservice establishment.
Differences between Creme Fraiche, Sour Cream, Mascarpone, and Cream Cheese
Creme fraiche, sour cream, mascarpone, and cream cheese add a rich, velvety consistency and flavor to your culinary creations. These versatile ingredients can be used to cool down spicy dishes, for cooking, or in baking applications. While these creamy ingredients may appear similar at first glance, each one brings a unique taste and texture to the table. Understanding the differences between them will help you choose the right option for your recipe. When done properly, you can substitute them for each other without altering the flavor and consistency of your recipe. Skip to the ingredient that interests you: 1. Creme Fraiche 2. Sour Cream 3. Mascarpone 4. Cream Cheese What Is Creme Fraiche? Creme fraiche is a French-style cultured cream with a rich and velvety texture and a slightly tangy and nutty flavor profile. It's made by combining heavy cream with a culture of bacteria. Its fat content is typically around 30-40%, giving it a luxurious mouthfeel and creamy consistency. Its high-fat content also allows chefs to whip it into soft peaks, making it a popular choice for desserts and pastry fillings. Creme fraiche is used in both cooking and baking. It can be added to pasta sauces, soups, and dressings to provide a rich and creamy base, or used as a topping for fresh fruit, desserts, or even savory dishes like baked potatoes or tacos. Its tangy flavor can help balance the sweetness of desserts or add a depth of flavor to savory dishes. Creme fraiche must be refrigerated at all times to maintain its freshness and prevent spoilage. It has a relatively short shelf life compared to other dairy products, so use it within a week or two of opening. What Is the Difference between Creme Fraiche and Sour Cream? Sour cream is cream that has been fermented with a culture of lactic acid bacteria. Creme fraiche is traditionally made from unpasteurized cream, where fermentation bacteria are naturally present. If pasteurization laws forbid this (such as in the United States), creme fraiche is produced with a starter culture of bacteria instead. Sour cream may contain thickening agents like gelatin or polysaccharides to create a smooth texture, while creme fraiche's fermentation process naturally produces a thicker texture than sour cream. Plus, sour cream has a tangier taste than creme fraiche, which has a rich and creamy taste. This is in part because creme fraiche contains more fat than sour cream, with 30% compared to sour cream's 20% fat content. Creme Fraiche vs. Cream Cheese Creme fraiche is a French-style cultured cream that is thick, rich, and slightly tangy with a velvety texture. It's commonly used in sauces, soups, and dressings because you can heat it without curdling it. Cream cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese that is made from a mixture of cream and milk. It has a mild, slightly tangy flavor and a smooth, creamy texture. It’s a versatile ingredient that is often used in both sweet and savory dishes, such as cheesecakes, dips, frostings, and spreading atop different types of bagels. What Is Sour Cream? Sour cream is made from pasteurized cream fermented with lactic acid bacteria. It has a smooth and creamy texture with a slightly thick consistency. Its tangy, slightly acidic flavor profile adds depth and complexity to dishes. The level of tanginess can vary depending on the brand and production process, making it important to taste and adjust seasoning when using sour cream in recipes. Sour cream is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of culinary applications. It is commonly used as a topping for baked potatoes, nachos, and walking tacos, adding a creamy and tangy element to these dishes. Sour cream is also used in baking to add moisture and richness to cakes, muffins, and quick breads. It should be stored in the refrigerator at all times to maintain its freshness and quality. Can I Use Sour Cream as a Creme Fraiche Substitute? Yes, you can use sour cream as a substitute for creme fraiche. Substitute 1 cup of creme fraiche with 1 cup of sour cream, but reduce the heat to a simmer or lower because sour cream curdles at high temperatures. Sour Cream vs. Cream Cheese While sour cream is made by fermenting cream, cream cheese is made by curdling milk, draining it, and processing it into a smooth, soft cheese. As a result, cream cheese does not have the same sour taste that sour cream has. Cream cheese also contains more fat than sour cream: a minimum of 33% milk fat is required for cream cheese, whereas sour cream contains 20% fat. What Is Mascarpone? Mascarpone is a rich and creamy Italian cheese that is a popular ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. Made from cream that was coagulated with tartaric or citric acid, mascarpone has a high-fat content, typically around 60-75%. This gives mascarpone its smooth and luscious consistency. Unlike some other soft cheeses, mascarpone is unaged, so it has a delicate flavor and is best consumed fresh. Mascarpone is a luxurious addition to desserts like tiramisu, cheesecakes, and frostings. It's also used in savory dishes to add richness and creaminess. It can be mixed with herbs and seasonings to create a flavorful spread for crackers or used as a topping for grilled meats and vegetables. It should be stored in the refrigerator and used within a few days of opening to ensure the best flavor and texture. Mascarpone vs. Creme Fraiche Mascarpone is a rich and creamy Italian cheese made from cow's milk. It has a mild and slightly sweet flavor, making it a popular ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. Creme fraiche is a French cultured cream that has a tangy and slightly nutty flavor. Mascarpone has a high-fat content, typically around 60-75%, giving it a smooth and velvety texture. It is made by adding bacterial cultures to heavy cream and allowing it to ferment, resulting in a thick and creamy product. Creme fraiche has a lower fat content compared to mascarpone, typically around 30-40%, and is known for its velvety texture and rich taste. Mascarpone and creme fraiche can be used interchangeably in some recipes, but their distinct flavors and textures make them better suited for specific applications. Mascarpone is ideal for adding richness and creaminess to desserts and sauces, while creme fraiche is perfect for adding a tangy and slightly acidic kick to dishes. What Is Cream Cheese? Cream cheese is made from a combination of cream, milk, and sometimes salt. It has a high-fat content, which gives it a rich and creamy texture. Cream cheese also has a high moisture content, which gives it its spreadable consistency. It's commonly used as a topping for bagels, toast, and baked goods. Cream cheese adds richness and creaminess to dishes such as sauces, soups, and casseroles. It can also be mixed with herbs, spices, or sweet ingredients to create dips, spreads, cheesecakes, and different types of frostings, Cream cheese should be kept refrigerated. Store cream cheese in an airtight container away from foods with strong odors, as it can easily pick up these flavors. Unopened cream cheese can typically last in the refrigerator for about two to three weeks past the sell-by date. Once opened, cream cheese should be consumed within one to two weeks for optimal freshness. Mascarpone vs. Cream Cheese Mascarpone is categorized as a cream cheese, but it is different than what we know as “cream cheese” in America. Mascarpone is made similarly to American cream cheese, but it uses a base of whole cream rather than milk. Like cream cheese, it is a fresh cheese that is not aged before it is eaten. Cream cheese contains at least 33% milk fat, and mascarpone may contain 60-75% milk fat. Mascarpone has a buttery flavor that makes it particularly suitable for desserts. It adds richness and a creamy texture, while cream cheese brings a creamy consistency and slightly tangy taste to dishes. For this reason, cream cheese is perfect for both sweet and savory foods. Can I Use Cream Cheese as a Mascarpone Substitute? Yes, cream cheese makes a great substitute for mascarpone. There are two methods to substitute mascarpone: Substitute 1 cup of mascarpone with 1 cup of a cream cheese and whipping cream mixture. To make this mixture, use 1/4 cup of cream for every 8 oz. of cream cheese. Substitute 1 cup of mascarpone with 1 cup of a sour cream and cream cheese mixture. To make this mixture, use 1/2 cup of sour cream and 1/2 cup of cream cheese. Back to Top While creme fraiche, sour cream, cream cheese, and mascarpone may look similar, their unique textures and preparation methods offer distinct benefits and drawbacks when added to your dishes. Learning the nuances between them will allow you to select the proper ingredient to impart a luxurious texture and a rich, creamy flavor to your culinary creations.
Ice Cream Topping Ideas
Whether you’re starting your own ice cream shop or you just want to expand your dessert menu, there are many types of ice cream toppings that can liven up your offerings. Traditional toppings like hot fudge, sprinkles, and whipped cream will always be a favorite, but why not try something new and unexpected? There’s a sundae topping for everyone on our list of ice cream topping ideas! Shop All Ice Cream Toppings Ice Cream Toppings List Create your own signature sundaes or stock your ice cream bar with these popular ice cream toppings. You'll find everything from french fries to macarons on our toppings list. 1. Savory Toppings Sweet and salty is a popular ice cream combination! Instead of plain pretzels, try experimenting with other savory foods. The salty flavor of snack foods and crackers brings out the sweetness of the ice cream. Bits of crunchy, crispy foods also provide a pleasing contrast to the smooth, creaminess of your frozen desserts. Crackers - Crushed crackers make a golden, buttery topping for ice cream sundaes. Potato Chips - Crunchy, salty potato chips make an indulgent ice cream topping. French Fries - You’ve heard of dipping french fries into milkshakes. Now french fries are popping up on ice cream menus as a sundae topping! Popcorn - Try buttered popcorn or even caramel corn on top of ice cream for a sweet and savory flavor combo. 2. Boba Toppings The same colorful, fruity toppings that make bubble tea such a fun drink can be used on top of ice cream and frozen yogurt! Boba toppings have unique textures that turn an ordinary sundae into a special treat. You'll also find that bubble tea toppings come in unexpected tropical flavors that will make your ice cream menu stand out. Try some of these bubble tea add-ins: Tapioca Pearls - Chewy tapioca pearls come in different flavors like mango, brown sugar, or lychee. Popping Boba - These brightly colored pearls burst open in your mouth with a satisfying pop. Jellies - Boba jelly toppings are made with agar powder and have a pleasing jelly-like texture. Puddings and Jams - Create a layered sundae with bubble tea puddings in almond or matcha flavors, or add fruity jams like passion fruit and honeydew. 3. Spicy Toppings A new ice cream trend that’s popping up on menus is the addition of spicy ingredients and toppings. The flavor contrast of peppery spices against smooth, cool ice cream is a surprising treat for the taste buds. Think flavors like Mexican chocolate spiced with chili powder or peanut butter ice cream with ribbons of Thai chili sauce. Try some of these trendy sweet and spicy combinations: Chili Crisp - This spicy sauce has been making an appearance on menus everywhere, and now it’s an ice cream topping too! Chili crisp is a spice-infused oil with crunchy pieces of fried chili peppers. Wasabi Peas - Not for everyone, wasabi peas pack a lot of heat and add a nice crunch. Old Bay Seasoning - A dusting of zesty Old Bay seasoning adds complexity to sweet vanilla ice cream. 4. Cereal Cereal and milk is a traditional combo, so why not cereal and ice cream? The possibilities are endless with cereal as a sundae topping! From fun, fruity cereals to healthy granolas, there’s a wide range of flavors and textures you can play with. Try some of these popular cereals on top of ice cream sundaes: Fruity Cereals - Everyone has a favorite fruity cereal! Whether it’s loops, puffs, or crisps, fruity cereals add color and flavor to ice cream sundaes. Cinnamon Cereals - Crunchy cinnamon-sugar cereal makes a tasty addition to vanilla ice cream. Puffed Rice Cereals - Combine crispy puffed rice with marshmallow topping or add chocolate puffed rice to peanut butter ice cream. Healthy Cereals - Granola, muesli, and toasted flakes of corn add interesting flavors to your ice cream sundaes. 5. Honeycomb and Honey Instead of butterscotch and caramel sauce, try honey as an ice cream topping. Ribbons of golden honey provide a wholesome sweetness and gooey texture to sundaes. There are different types of honey and honey products to play around with, making it a fun ingredient to add to your menu. Try these honey toppings: Honeycomb - Fresh honeycomb is taken straight from the beehive and contains the hexagonal wax comb filled with pockets of honey. For a sophisticated ice cream sundae, top off some ice cream with pieces of honeycomb. Hokey Pokey - Also called honeycomb candy, hokey pokey is a traditional ice cream topping in New Zealand. This sweet, crunchy candy can be made with honey or golden syrup. Bee Pollen - The wellness trend has crossed over into the dessert world! Bee pollen is a superfood that doubles as a sweet ice cream topping. Hot Honey - This sweet and spicy condiment is being used on everything from pizza to pancakes. So why not ice cream, too? Hot honey combines honey with hot chili peppers for a sweet, peppery kick. 6. Candy Toppings Adding sugary candies to ice cream is the ultimate indulgence. Partner with local confectionaries or candy shops to showcase local favorites, or choose from a wide variety of sweet, colorful candies. Gummy Candies - Sour gummies, gummy bears, and gummy worms are just a few types of candy with an addictively chewy texture. Crushed Candy Bars - You can’t go wrong with chopped candy bars. Many popular chocolate bars are available as crushed toppings for your sundae bar. Hard Candies - Add color and texture to your ice cream with hard candy toppings. Candy rocks, crushed candies, and candy bark are a fun alternative to traditional sprinkles. 7. Cookies and Cookie Dough Cookies and cookie dough are already some of the most popular ice cream toppings available. Sometimes sticking with the classics pays off! You can create a diverse toppings list by offering traditional favorites, like crushed OREO® Cookies, along with some new options that your guests are not expecting. Try these cookie and cookie dough toppings: OREO® Cookies - Try adding a whole cookie as a garnish or topping off your sundaes with crushed OREO® pieces<. CHIPS AHOY!® - Top off sundaes, create layered desserts, or blend decadent milkshakes with Chunky CHIPS AHOY! Cookie Pieces. Cookie Dough - The obsession with cookie dough knows no bounds. Try to mix it up by offering different types of cookie dough, like peanut butter, snickerdoodle, or sugar cookie dough. Just make sure it doesn’t contain eggs! Gourmet Cookies - Who says you can’t put a macaron cookie on top of a sundae? Put your ice cream menu over the top with gourmet cookie toppings like stroopwafels, macarons, and biscotti. 8. Tropical Fruits Consumer awareness of the plentiful rainbow of tropical fruits has been growing! Dragon fruit, jackfruit, and papaya are becoming a more common sight in the produce section. But which fruits pair well with ice cream? Try these tropical fruit recommendations: Passion Fruit - The bright yellow pulp of the passion fruit has tiny black crunchy seeds, making it a treat for the eyes and the taste buds. Guava - The popular Cuban combo of guava and cream cheese can be replicated in a frozen dessert. Layer pink guava puree with cheesecake ice cream for an elevated sundae experience. Grilled Mango - Mango is tasty on its own, but grilling it takes it to a new level. Combine chopped mango with pineapple juice and chili powder before grilling or sauteing to create a sticky, caramelized topping. 9. Mini Cupcakes and Brownies Ice cream and cake are meant to be together. A slice of birthday cake with a scoop of ice cream on the side is a heavenly treat that’s hard to resist. Take advantage of this winning combo by adding cake pieces and mini cupcakes to your toppings list. Mini Brownies - Mini brownies or brownie pieces make the perfect chocolatey sundae topping or add-in. Cake Crumbles - Have you ever felt deep regret seeing leftover cake pieces tossed in the trash? This is the perfect opportunity to use up corner pieces or cake mistakes as a crumbled ice cream topping. Cake Batter - We love cake so much it doesn’t even have to be baked! Anyone who’s licked the mixing bowl knows that’s an indisputable fact. Drizzle ribbons of brownie batter or cake batter over sundaes in place of other sauces for a nostalgic treat. 10. Nuts and Seeds Chopped peanuts are a must-have topping for many ice cream sundae fans. For a unique twist on an old favorite, try incorporating different nuts, seeds, or nutty toppings into your ice cream menu or sundae bar. Here are some peanut alternatives for adventurous ice cream lovers: Hazelnuts - Buttery hazelnuts are the ingredient that gives Nutella its signature flavor. Try mixing chopped hazelnuts with chocolate chips to imitate the flavor of the popular spread. Cashews - Toasted, caramelized cashew nuts are a sweet crunchy topping that will make you forget all about chopped peanuts. Pumpkin Seeds - Try roasting pumpkin seeds with different spices to create sweet, spicy, or savory flavor combos. Pacoca - This Brazilian nut candy is made with ground peanuts, sugar, and salt. It has a crumbly texture and a sweet-salty flavor, making it a tasty alternative to chopped peanuts. With so many ice cream toppings to choose from, you'll never run out of ideas for exciting new sundaes. Try mixing it up with different options from our list of toppings, like combining cake crumbles with tropical fruit or cereal toppings with candy sprinkles. Don't stop there, because many of these toppings go great with snow cones, shaved ice, or even blended dessert drinks.