• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Sweet Occasion

Learn. Bake. Enjoy.

  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Breads
    • Breakfast
    • Dessert
      • All Categories
      • Brownies & Bars
      • Cakes & Cupcakes
      • Cookies
      • Custards, Parfaits & Pudding
      • Frostings & Fillings
      • Frozen
      • Pies, Tarts & Crisps
    • Pastry
  • Guides
    • Baking Techniques
    • Baking Tips
    • Ingredient Guides
  • About
  • Contact
Home » Guides » Baking Techniques » Baking 101: How to make Homemade Whipped Cream

Baking 101: How to make Homemade Whipped Cream

August 23, 2019 By Maria 2 Comments

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Homemade whipped cream is simple to make using only 3 ingredients in just 5 minutes.  It’s perfect for topping pies, making mousse, topping cakes, garnishing hot chocolate and so much more.

Bowl of homemade whipped cream

How to make homemade whipped cream

Step 1

Always begin with cold heavy cream as this will yield the most successful whipped cream.  Pour the heavy cream into a large bowl (for an added step, chill your mixing bowl to help keep your heavy cream cold while whipping).  Begin by whisking the heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla on medium-low speed until the mixture becomes frothy.

Bowl of heavy cream for whipped cream

Step 2

Increase speed to medium-high and whisk for 3-4 minutes or until medium peaks are achieved.  Watch as the volume increases to thick, fluffy clouds of whipped cream.  It is critical to keep a close eye on your mixer as your whipped cream can easily go from perfectly whipped cream to over whipped cream (a thick and grainy consistency).  The cream is perfectly whipped to medium peaks when it holds its shape on the end of the whisk.  Its tip will slightly curl over but not lose its shape.

Bowl of homemade whipped cream with beaters displaying medium peaks

Heavy cream vs. heavy whipping cream vs. whipping cream

Sound confusing?  You may be standing in the dairy aisle wondering what the difference is between heavy cream, heavy whipping cream, and whipping cream.  They all sound so similar, right?  Let me explain the differences.

Heavy cream and heavy whipping cream are essentially the same, they are just labeled with different names.  These items are interchangeable and either may be used to make homemade whipped cream.  Both heavy cream and heavy whipping cream must contain at least 36% milkfat.

On the other hand, there is a difference between heavy cream and whipping cream.  Each contains a different amount of milkfat.  Whipping cream contains 30%-35% making it a lighter product than heavy cream.  A difference of 5% milkfat may not seem like a lot but the lower fat content means that you will not be able to achieve stiff peaks when whipped!  So always choose heavy cream or heavy whipping cream for the perfect homemade whipped cream.

What if I over-beat my homemade whipped cream?

Over whisking whipped cream can easily happen if you do not watch it carefully (I’ve experienced this on several occasions).  Homemade whipped cream only takes 5 minutes to make so it’s safer to just not walk away.   However, if you are in this predicament, fear not you may be able to salvage it.  Add one or two tablespoons of cream to the mixture and carefully whisk by hand.  If it’s salvable it will become smooth once again.  However, if it is beyond repair you can always use the over whipped cream to make homemade butter!

Bowl of homemade whipped cream

Ways to use homemade whipped cream

Medium peaks.  Perfect for using as a topping to pies, coffee, hot chocolate, and ice cream sundaes.  Used in making mousse or folding into no baked desserts such as chocolate almond cheesecake mousse and no-bake cherry cheesecake parfaits.

Stiff peaks.  Great for folding into no-churn ice cream like in my no churn cherry chunk ice cream.

Next time you need whipped cream, skip the store-bought kind.  Make it from scratch in just 5 minutes and using only 3 ingredients.  I promise you it’s worth it!

Recipes that use whipped cream

  • French Silk Pie
  • Vanilla Bean Cream Puffs
  • Banoffee Pie
  • Strawberry Shortcake Biscuits
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Bowl of homemade whipped cream

Baking 101: How to make homemade Whipped Cream


  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 2 cups 1x
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade whipped cream is simple to make using only 3 ingredients in just 5 minutes.  It’s perfect for topping pies, making mousse, topping cakes, garnishing hot chocolate and so much more.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) cold heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl using a hand-held mixer or stand mixer with the whisk attachment, whisk the heavy cream, powdered sugar and vanilla on medium-low speed until mixture becomes frothy.  Increase speed to medium-high and continue whisking until medium peaks form, about 3 minutes.  Careful not to over mix or else it will become thick and lumpy.

Notes

  • Storing:  Preferably use immediately.  If you have any leftover, store tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
  • Multiple Batches:  This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled.
  • Sugar:  2 tablespoons granulated sugar can easily be substituted for the powdered sugar.  It’s a personal preference.  However, if making large batches of homemade whipped cream, use powdered sugar as the granules in granulated sugar may be evident in larger amounts.

Keywords: homemade whipped cream

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @thesweetoccasion on Instagram and hashtag it #thesweetoccasion

Filed Under: Baking Techniques

Previous Post: « Peach Blackberry Crisp
Next Post: Birthday Cake Cupcakes »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. sheenam @ thetwincookingproject

    August 24, 2019 at 8:17 am

    Just in time! I have to make whipping cream for a dessert and I am totally following this method.

    Reply
    • Maria

      August 27, 2019 at 3:00 am

      Perfect timing! Hope these tips and techniques are helpful to you! (Homemade whipped cream is so much better than store bought.) Happy Baking!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Meet Maria!

Professionally trained pastry chef at your fingertips. I provide the baking knowledge and tools for bakers like you to successfully create in your kitchen. Read More…

What's holiday baking without some delicious fruit What's holiday baking without some delicious fruit desserts?  I was excited to make this simple tart using @starrrachgrowers apples, basic pastry dough, and a sprinkling of sugar and butter.  These @juici_apple apples give a beautiful hue of red and have the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavor.  What's your favorite holiday apple recipe?  #EatBakeLove⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#StarrRanchGrowers #JUICIOfficial #thesweetoccasion #apples #applebaking #appletart #holidaybaking #tart #bakingfromscratch #bakinglove #bakersofinstagram #bakingblog #piedough
New Peppermint Cake up on the blog! This three-la New Peppermint Cake up on the blog!  This three-layer white cake is flavored with peppermint and frosted with a white chocolate peppermint swiss meringue buttercream.  Add crushed candy canes for an extra fun holiday cake!  Recipe link in bio!⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip: To check for cake doneness, use the bounce-back test.  Gently press down on the cake.  If an indentation is left in the cake, then it needs more time.  If it bounces back, then it's fully baked.  You will also notice that the sides of the cake begin to pull away from the pan.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#peppermint #cake #whitechocolate #thesweetoccasion #cakesofinstagram #christmascake #layercake #cakelover #bakegram #madefromscratch #holidaybaking #learntobake #learnbakeenjoy #christmascakes #holidaycake #bakingblog #bakingtips #swissmeringuebuttercream #christmasdessert #christmascakedecorating⁠
Coffee Cupcakes are definitely for the coffee love Coffee Cupcakes are definitely for the coffee lover.  Made with a delicious coffee-flavored batter that’s baked to perfection and topped with a light and airy coffee buttercream.  They’re easy-to-make using staple pantry ingredients with the exception of espresso powder that is easily found at your local supermarket.  Recipe link in bio.⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip:  Use a cookie scoop to easily fill your cupcake liners.  Only fill 2/3 full to prevent the cupcakes from spilling or sinking.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#coffeelover #cupcakes #thesweetoccasion #delalloeats #coffeedaily #cupcakesofinstagram #coffeecupcakes #buttercream #coffeebuttercream #learntobake #learnbakeenjoy #sweets #bakingtips #cupcakestagram #bakersofinstagram #cupcakesdaily #cupcakesfordays #bakingfromscratch #bakinglove
Almond cream is such a versatile recipe that's per Almond cream is such a versatile recipe that's perfect for holiday baking.  It can be used for filling pastries like croissants, topping sliced brioche and baking until golden brown, or filling an unbaked tart shell, adding fruit, and baking until set.  Almond cream will become your best friend when creating impressive desserts for your family and friends.  Recipe link in bio!⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip:  If you'd like to make this cream with another nut flour, substitute half of the almond flour with your choice of nut flour.  You will still benefit from using almond flour while also using a stronger flavored nut.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#frangipane #almondcream #almond #filling #thesweetoccasion #holidaybaking #learntobake #learnbakeenjoy #bakersofinstagram #bakingblog #bakingtips #frenchpastry #frenchdesserts #pastrychef #tartfilling
⁠Looking for an easy recipe this holiday season? ⁠Looking for an easy recipe this holiday season?  Try this creamy Coconut Cheesecake made with @naturesgreatestfoods organic coconut cream.  It's a decadent and delicious dessert made with a coconut graham cracker crust.  For extra flavor and texture, top this cheesecake with toasted coconut.  Recipe link in bio.⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip:  Do not overmix your filling, as overmixing can cause your cheesecake to crack.  Only mix until all the ingredients are just combined.  Use the paddle attachment to mix your ingredients on medium-low speed to avoid beating too much air into your filling.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#coconut #coconutcheesecake #thesweetoccasion #learntobake #learnbakeenjoy #lifeofabaker #coconutcream #cheesecakes #coconutcake #toastedcoconut #grahamcracker #grahamcrackercrust #sweets #foodgram #bakegram #bakersofinstagram #cheesecakelove #cheesecakelovers⁠
The holidays are a time for lots of baking. Add c The holidays are a time for lots of baking.  Add carrot bundt cake to your list.  It's filled with a layer of cream cheese and topped with a cream cheese frosting for a delicious spiced cake that's a real crowd-pleaser.⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip:  Do not use store-bought shredded carrots, as it will affect your cake's moisture content.  They are very dry and lack sweetness compared to shredding your own carrots. ⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#carrotcake #creamcheesefrosting #bakedfromscratch #lifeofabaker #bakefeed #instayummy #delish #thebakefeed #holidaybaking #holidaycake #thesweetoccasion #fromscratch #easyrecipe #bakingblog #bakersofinstagram #bakingtips #learntobake #learnbakeenjoy #scratchbaking #bakingblog #carrotbundtcake
⁠Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are a holiday favori ⁠Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls are a holiday favorite.  They’re made with molasses and filled with a brown sugar spiced filling for a gooey and delicious winter-inspired roll.  As if these soft and fluffy rolls aren't enough, they're topped with a brown sugar cream cheese frosting for a real treat.⁠ Recipe link in bio.⁠
⁠
⁠✨Pastry pro tip:⁠ To reheat cinnamon rolls in the microwave, place a microwave-safe cup containing water in the microwave and heat thoroughly.  Add the cinnamon rolls next to the water and heat.  The steam from the hot water will prevent the rolls from becoming too dry or too soggy.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#gingerbread #cinnamonrolls #holidaybaking ##breakfastideas #thesweetoccasion #learntobake #bakingblog #learnbakeenjoy #bakingtips #scratchbaking #bakinggoals #christmasbreakfast #holidaybreakfast #creamcheesefrosting #bakefeed #foodgram #thefeedfeed #bakegram #bakersofinstagram #lifeofabaker #scratchbaking #ilovebaking #sweets #bakinglove⁠
Holiday baking can get overwhelming. To help ⁠e Holiday baking can get overwhelming.  To help ⁠ease the stress, head on over to the blog for my tips on how to freeze cookie dough.  It's convenient to do, perfect for gifting, and allows you to get ahead for all your cookie baking.⁠ Grab these tips from the link in my profile.⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip:  For cookies that call for rolling in sugar, such as snickerdoodle cookies, prepare the dough as directed without rolling in the sugar and add it just before baking.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#cookiedough #cookiesofinstagram #thesweetoccasion #learntobake #learnbakeenjoy #bakingtips #bakingtechniques #bakinglove #madefromstratch #giftgiving #cookiegifts #bakingfromscratch #bakingcookies #freezingcookies #housewarmingcookies
⁠Dessert or breakfast? Coconut rice pudding can ⁠Dessert or breakfast?  Coconut rice pudding can certainly be either.  It's a simple-one pot pudding that is creamy and perfectly tender without being mushy.  Add a bit of granola and you have a simple yet flavorful breakfast ready in no time.⁠
⁠
✨Pastry pro tip:  When making this coconut rice pudding, do not rinse the rice.  The starchiness is key to creating a creamy and thick mixture.⁠
⁠
Recipe link in bio!⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#coconutrice #ricepudding #thesweetoccasion #learntobake #bakingblog #bakersofinstagram #bakedfromscratch #learnbakeenjoy #bakingtips #pudding #instapudding #lifeofabaker #foodgram #bakegram #onepot #lovetobake #onepot
Follow on Instagram

Categories

Latest Posts

  • Brown Butter Toffee Cookies
  • Peppermint Cake
  • Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls
  • Zucchini Puff Pastry Tarts
  • Birthday Cake Cookies

Archives

Footer

Follow Me

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Meet Maria!

Professionally trained pastry chef, wife, and a mom to two. Sharing my recipes, tips & techniques so that any occasion can be a sweet occasion. Read More…

  • Privacy Policy

The Latest Recipes!

Stack of brown butter cookies with toffee bits on a French wire cooling rack with milk in the backgroud.
Peppermint flavored cake with white chocolate peppermint swiss meringue buttercream on a marble round board.
Pan with frosted gingerbread flavored cinnamon rolls in a baking pan with some cinnamon rolls.

Copyright © 2022 · thesweetoccasion.com