Homemade Whipped Cream

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This whipped cream recipe is so easy for anyone to make! It requires only 3 ingredients and comes together in less than 10 minutes.

whipped cream swirled on top of chocolate cupcakes

Simply, mix the ingredients together and you will have a smooth, fluffy homemade topping. No need to buy premade at the store.

It’s so easy to make this at home. Simply mix heavy cream, vanilla extract, and confectioners’ sugar until stiff peaks form.

You can also beat just until the mixture reaches soft peaks for a softer texture. It’s so easy you’ll tell all of your friends how to make whipped cream.

This is great for topping desserts such as strawberry shortcake and raspberry pie.


Why this recipe works

  • The powdered sugar can be adjusted to suit the sweetness you desire.
  • It can be flavored any way you like! I stay true to classic crème chantilly by adding vanilla extract.
  • It’s literally a dump-and-mix recipe. You can’t mess it up… Unless you overwhip it.
  • Homemade is so much fresher than store bought.

You’ll love how simple and fast this recipe is to make at home.

bowl of powdered sugar, bowl of vanilla extract, and glass measuring cup with heavy cream

What you need

Simple ingredients make up this easy homemade whipped cream recipe. Let’s discuss just a few of the key ingredients:

Ingredients

This is a short overview of the ingredients I used and why I chose them. The full recipe can be found at the bottom of the post!

  • Heavy cream: You must use heavy, not regular. The more fat content it has the more stable it will be as a finished product.
  • Confectioners’ sugar: This ingredient adds sweetness to the recipe.
  • Vanilla extract: This adds a sweet, woody aroma and flavor to it.

Equipment

This is a list of tools I used to make the recipe. Some of the links are affiliate links.

  • Mixer: You’ll need to use an electric mixer to mix the ingredients correctly.

How to make whipped cream

1. Whip until frothy

Combine ingredients and beat until just foamy.

mixer whipping cream in a glass bowl
  1. Combine cream, confectioners’ sugar and vanilla with an electric mixer.
  2. Mix on medium-low speed until just foamy.

2. Whip to stiff peaks

Then, continue beating until a stiff peaks texture is achieved.

  1. Turn electric mixer speed up to medium-high.
  2. Then, continue to mix until it forms medium to stiff peaks.
  3. Make sure not to overbeat because it will become lumpy and butter-like.
  4. Use immediately or cover tightly and refrigerate the whipped cream for up to 24 hours.

Frequently asked questions

Is heavy cream the same as whipping cream?

Heavy cream and whipping cream are not the same thing. The difference is in their fat content. Heavy cream contains 36% milk fat. While whipping cream contains just 30% milk fat.

Is heavy cream the same as heavy whipping cream?

Yes! The word heavy in the title means it is essentially the same product.
You need that heavy fat content in order for it to remain stable.

Can it replace Cool Whip?

Yes, homemade works wonderfully as an equal substitute for frozen whipped topping.

How to make a stabilized version?

To make stabilized whipped cream, you need to add one additional ingredient – gelatin, cream of tartar, piping gel, or cream cheese. Stabilizing it will allow it to hold up longer in the refrigerator.


Fun flavor options

  • Chocolate: Sift 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder with the powdered sugar before adding it to the recipe. Everything else remains the same.
  • Strawberry: Mix all the ingredients to soft peaks. Add ¼ cup strawberry jam and continue to whip to stiff peaks.
whipped cream in black bowl with peach colored napkin in background

Storing & Freezing

To store: Use immediately on your dessert. However, you can cover it tightly and refrigerate 24 hours.

To Freeze: I don’t recommend freezing it unless it is already placed on or in your dessert.


Delicious ways to use whipped cream

This homemade recipe is so versatile. I love using it in so many of my favorite recipes on the blog, such as, the ones listed below.

Homemade Whipped Cream

4.57 from 16 votes
whipped cream swirled on top of chocolate cupcakes
This Homemade Whipped Cream recipe is so easy, anyone can make it! It requires only 3 ingredients and comes together in less than 10 minutes.
Jen Sobjack
Prep Time 6 minutes
Total Time 6 minutes
Serving Size 16

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy whipping cream
  • ¼ cup (30 g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl, whip cream, confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer on medium-low speed just until foamy.
  • Turn the speed up to medium-high and continue to whip until the cream forms medium to stiff peaks. Make sure not to overbeat, the cream will become lumpy and butter-like.
  • Use immediately or cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Notes

  • Make sure you are using cold cream. Warm cream will not whip to medium/stiff peaks.
  • If you live in a warm climate, chill the mixing bowl and beaters for 30 minutes before you whip the cream.
  • For stabilized whipped cream, add 1 ½ teaspoons clear piping gel.
Makes about 2 cups.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoons | Calories: 59kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 17mg | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 15mg | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 219IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.02mg

The nutrition information provided is for convenience and as a courtesy only. It is not guaranteed to be accurate because nutrition information can vary for a variety of reasons. For precise nutritional data use your preferred nutrition calculator and input the exact ingredients and brands you used in the recipe.

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

34 Comments

  1. Once you have the real stuff, it’s hard to go back. I love mixing melted chocolate into mine, too. It’s like mousse! This is so much better than anything you buy in a can or container!

    1. Jen Sobjack says:

      Very true, Mir! Melted chocolate mixed in sounds so good right now!

  2. aimee @ like mother like daughter says:

    I LOVE homemade whipped cream. I still find myself buying coolwhip sometimes, but I have no idea why!? 🙂

    1. Jen Sobjack says:

      You better stop that and start making your own!!

  3. Love homemade whipped cream! Can’t believe so many people around me don’t even know to make it and use Cool Whip!

    1. Jen Sobjack says:

      This is so true, Mira! I don’t think people realize just how simple it is to make.

  4. Manali @ CookWithManali says:

    very true..homemade whipped cream is so good. I always eat it with a spoon! 😉

    1. Jen Sobjack says:

      Eating with a spoon is the best!

  5. Homemade whipped cream is the best! So easy and way better than store-bought! Yours looks perfect, Jen!!

  6. Medha @ Whisk & Shout says:

    This looks incredible! I used to HATE whipped cream with a passion, but then I had some on a pancake at a super fancy restaurant and realized that when it’s done well, it’s amazing- just like this!

    1. Jen Sobjack says:

      Eating it over pancakes is a fantastic way to enjoy it!

  7. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says:

    Store bought whipped cream doesn’t come close to the homemade kind! I’m totally with you, Jen… once you make your own you just CAN’T go back! Yours looks super light and perfectly fluffy! I could eat this with a spoon! Cheers!

    1. Jen Sobjack says:

      Thank you so much for the sweet comment, Cheyanne!

  8. Blair @ The Seasoned Mom says:

    Yep, I’m definitely that girl who still buys the store-bought stuff. I need to branch out and actually try making my own. I’m sure it IS 1000x better — just like most things! 🙂

    1. Jen Sobjack says:

      It’s way too easy to not make it yourself! And cheaper, might I add. 😉

  9. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says:

    Homemade whipped cream is my absolute favorite! Whenever I make it, I end up eating half with just my spoon. It definitely beats the store bought kind!

    1. Jen Sobjack says:

      It definitely is way better than store-bought. Thanks, Gayle!!

  10. Ami@NaiveCookCooks says:

    5 stars
    This is so helpful Jen!! Would be trying it soon! 🙂

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