How Do You Make Whipped Cream?

A bowl of whipped cream sits next to a piping bag filled with more cream on a white surface with a blue-striped towel.

This homemade light and fluffy whipped cream recipe is a perfect topping for your favorite desserts. But how do you make whipped cream? Let me teach you with these 3 quick steps.

Course Dessert

Keyword homemade

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings 1/3 cup servings

Calories 291

Author Gina Dickson

Ingredients

2 cup heavy whipping cream Key Tip: Make sure your heavy cream is cold. Cold cream whips better!
1/4 cup confectioners’ powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract Use pure vanilla not imitation.

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract. Key Tip: Make sure your heavy cream is cold. Cold cream whips better!
2 cup heavy whipping cream, 1/4 cup confectioners’ powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Using an electric hand mixer or a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, beat the mixture on medium-high speed for about 3-4 minutes.
You’re looking for medium peaks—this means the cream will hold its shape but still look soft and a bit fluffy.

Storage

Use the whipped cream right away, or cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. If you freeze whipped cream, it might lose some of its creamy texture, but it can still be used.

Notes

Tips For Recipe Success

Chill heavy cream for at least half an hour in the fridge before whipping. Doing so will help the cream whip up faster, increase volume, and result in a smoother texture.
Chill your beaters and mixing bowl for about 10-15 minutes before whipping to keep the cream cold and achieve a fluffier texture.
Sift the powdered sugar before use to prevent clumps in the cream.
Avoid whipping for too long, as it can result in the graininess of the cream. Stop as soon as you reach the medium peaks.

Tip Fixing Over-Whipped Cream (If Needed)

If you accidentally whip it too much and it looks thick or curdled, don’t worry! Just add a little more cold heavy cream and gently stir it in with a spatula until it smooths out.

Nutrition