One thing that people love more than actual pie is whipped cream. It is the ultimate finishing touch to any chocolate dessert, ice cream sundae or cake. While you can opt for canned whip cream from your local store, nothing beats whipped cream made from scratch. It is fresh and deflates quickly, so you don't have to wait long before it.
A must-have item when making whipped cream is a thermo whip. It keeps your cream cold for up to 8 hours, giving it extra volume and fluffy consistency. This article primarily focuses on the several whip cream recipes you can try this Christmas. It also outlines some tips to consider as you prepare this delicacy.
Making Homemade Whipped Cream
Making whipped cream requires only three ingredients: vanilla extract, powdered sugar and heavy whipping cream (or just heavy cream). Begin with cold cream, as it is easier to whip. Alternatively, you can freeze your whisk and bowl for about 15 minutes before making it or place the cream in a thermo whip.
It is advisable to whip the cream on high speed and achieve a nice, stiff whipped cream. You can use it to frost cupcakes or other desserts, so you want it to stay put. Therefore, whip it until stiff peaks form.
When you remove the whisk from the cream, it should remain in place. However, you should be careful not to overwhip the cream. Leaving it too long can turn it into butter.
Instructions
To make whipped cream, you will need heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. First, chill a mixing bowl and beaters in the fridge for at least 15 minutes. Then, pour the heavy cream into the chilled bowl and add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract.
Using a hand or stand mixer, beat the mixture on medium speed until it forms stiff peaks, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overbeat the cream, as it can turn into butter.
Stabilising Homemade Whipped Cream
If you want to ensure your cream doesn’t wilt, use powdered sugar. This ensures the cream can stay in place for several days. The general rule of thumb is to use half a cup of sugar for every cup of cream.
You can also add a small amount of cream cheese or mascarpone to the whipped cream to help stabilise it. Another option is to use heavy cream with a higher fat content, which holds its shape better than lighter creams.
What Is the Difference Between Whipping Cream and Heavy Cream?
These two are similar in every aspect, only that their milk fat content differs. Heavy cream and heavy whipping cream have 36% milk fat, while whipping cream has 30% milk fat. Although both can whip into whipped cream, heavy cream holds its shape better and for longer. This is why they are the better choice for whipped cream.
Holiday-Ready Whip Cream Recipes
Are you looking to spice up things this holiday season? These whipped cream recipes will come through for you and your loved ones.
1. Whipped Cream Wreath
A whipped cream wreath is a decorative dessert made by shaping whipped cream into a wreath shape and adding various toppings and decorations.
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A handful of fresh berries or sprinkles for decorating
Instructions
- Begin by pouring the heavy cream into a mixing bowl
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat on high speed until the cream begins to thicken
- Slowly add in the sugar and vanilla extract, continuing to beat until stiff peaks form
- To shape the whipped cream into a wreath, transfer the whipped cream to a large pastry bag fitted with a large star tip
- Pipe the whipped cream onto a large plate or serving platter in a circular shape, building up the sides to create a wreath shape
- You can also use a spoon or spatula to shape the whipped cream if you don't have a pastry bag
- Once the wreath is shaped, you can decorate it with your choice of toppings, such as sprinkles, chocolate chips, fruit, nuts, or candy
- You can also add a ribbon or other decorative elements to give the wreath a festive touch
- Serve the whipped cream wreath immediately, or refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy!
2. Eggnog Whipped Cream
Eggnog whipped cream is a type of whipped cream that is flavoured with eggnog. Eggnog is a traditional holiday drink made with eggs, milk, sugar, and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg.
The eggnog is typically added to the whipped cream in the form of a concentrate or extract, which gives the whipped cream a rich, creamy, and slightly sweet flavour.
Eggnog whipped cream is often used as a topping for desserts such as pies, cakes, and cookies or as a filling for pastries and other sweet treats. It is also sometimes used as a topping for hot drinks like coffee or cocoa.
Eggnog is a holiday classic, and this whipped cream recipe adds a creamy twist to the traditional drink. To make it, you'll need the following:
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until it begins to thicken
- Add in the sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and vanilla extract, and continue beating until stiff peaks form
- Serve this whipped cream on top of your favourite eggnog recipe, or use it as a topping for holiday pies or cakes
3. Peppermint Whipped Cream
Peppermint whipped cream is a type of whipped cream that has been flavoured with peppermint extract or peppermint oil. It is typically used as a topping for desserts like chocolate cake or brownies or as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Add some holiday cheer to your desserts with this peppermint whipped cream recipe. To make it, you'll need the following:
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- A few drops of red food colouring (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until it begins to thicken
- Add in the sugar and peppermint extract, and continue beating until stiff peaks form
- If desired, add a few drops of red food colouring to give the whipped cream a festive pink hue
This peppermint whipped cream is perfect for topping hot chocolate, Christmas cookies, or holiday cakes.
4. Gingerbread Whipped Cream
This gingerbread whipped cream is a delicious and aromatic addition to your holiday desserts.
Gingerbread whipped cream can be used to top cakes, pies, and cupcakes or added to hot chocolate or coffee for a festive twist. It can also be used as a filling for sandwiches or as a topping for ice cream.
To make it, you'll need the following:
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream until it begins to thicken
- Add in the sugar, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, and vanilla extract, and continue beating until stiff peaks form
- This gingerbread whipped cream is delicious on top of holiday pies and cakes or as a topping for hot drinks like coffee or tea.
5. Maple Whipped Cream
This maple whipped cream adds a touch of sweetness and warmth to your holiday desserts. To make it, you'll need the following:
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Chill a mixing bowl and beaters in the freezer for at least 10 minutes. This will help the whipped cream hold its shape.
- Next, pour the heavy cream into the chilled bowl and beat it on medium-high speed until it thickens.
- As the cream thickens, gradually add the maple syrup, sugar (if using), and vanilla extract (if using).
- Continue beating the mixture until it reaches stiff peaks, which means it stands up on its own when the beaters are lifted out of the bowl. Be careful not to overbeat the cream, as it can turn into butter.
- Once the whipped cream is ready, it can be used as a topping for your favourite desserts. It can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Note:
- You can add a tablespoon of sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture for an extra creamy texture.
- If you prefer a less sweet whipped cream, you can decrease the amount of maple syrup or sugar.
- You can also add other flavours to your maple whipped cream, such as cinnamon or nutmeg.
6. Orange Whipped Cream
Orange whipped cream is a delicious and refreshing variation of traditional whipped cream made by adding orange flavour. It can be made with either fresh oranges or orange extract and is typically made with heavy cream, sugar, and a little bit of vanilla extract.
Here is a recipe for orange whipped cream:
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon orange extract
- Orange food colouring (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream on medium-high speed until it begins to thicken
- Add the confectioners' sugar and orange extract and continue beating until the cream forms stiff peaks
- If you want to add a pop of colour, mix in a few drops of orange food colouring
- Use the orange whipped cream immediately, or transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
7. Pumpkin Spiced Whipped Cream
Here is a recipe for pumpkin spiced whipped cream:
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons confectioners' sugar
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat the heavy cream until soft peaks form.
- Add the confectioners' sugar, pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract, and beat until stiff peaks form.
- Serve the whipped cream on top of your favourite pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, or any other dessert. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Freeze Whipped Cream?
Freezing whipped cream is generally not recommended, as it can become grainy and lose its texture when thawed. If you need to store whipped cream in the freezer, it is best to do so in an ice cube tray.
Once the whipped cream is frozen, transfer the cubes to a sealable bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to use the whipped cream, thaw it in the refrigerator and re-whip it to restore its texture.
What Guidelines Should Be Followed When Whipping Cream?
These tips will be helpful when whipping cream:
- Use cold heavy cream: Make sure the heavy cream is chilled before whipping. This will help it whip up to a stiffer consistency.
- Use a cold bowl and beaters: Using cold tools will also help the cream whip up better.
- Add sugar or other sweeteners: If you want sweetened whipped cream, add sugar or other sweeteners before beating the cream.
- Start at low speed: Begin beating the cream at a low rate, gradually increasing the pace as the cream thickens.
- Don't overbeat: Be careful not to overbeat the cream, as it can quickly turn into butter. Stop beating the cream when it reaches stiff peaks.
- Add any additional flavours or extracts: If you want to add flavours or extracts, do so just before the cream reaches stiff peaks.
- Keep whipped cream chilled: If not serving immediately, store whipped cream in the fridge until ready to use. It will start to lose its stiff peaks if left out at room temperature for too long.
What Happens to Whipped Cream When Heated?
When whipped cream is heated, the fat molecules in the cream start to melt, and the air bubbles that were whipped into the cream begin to collapse. As a result, the whipped cream loses its fluffy texture and becomes more liquid-like. It may also start to separate and become oily.
How Cold Should You Keep Whipped Cream During Holidays?
Whipped cream should be kept cold in the refrigerator, ideally at a temperature of 40°F or lower. This will help it retain its texture and flavour and prevent it from melting or going bad.
If you are serving whipped cream as part of a dessert during the holidays, it is a good idea to keep it chilled until the last possible moment to ensure that it stays fresh and creamy.
Are you ready for the holidays? One way to spread joy this festive season is by exploring different whip cream recipes with your loved ones. At iSi Cream Whippers, we are devoted to making kitchen times fun times.
This is why we stock a variety of kitchen tools such as thermo whips. The thermo whip is the all-rounder for kitchen and catering. It ensures soups and sauces remain warm and desserts, whipped cream and creams stay cold and fresh even outside the fridge. Check out our recipes and contact us.
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