Homemade Whipped Cream Recipe (Bookmark It!)

Add this homemade whipped cream recipe to your favorites: in just 5 minutes you’ll have sweet whipped cream that tastes infinitely better than store-bought!

Nothing can beat the taste experience of real whipped cream. Although most recipes call for using an electric mixer, Alex and I found it easier to use a regular whisk, not to mention that beating the cream by hand is oddly therapeutic. The ingredients needed for this homemade whipped cream recipe are simple: heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. That’s it!

If this is your first time learning how to make real homemade whipped cream, don’t worry. It only takes a few minutes and the end product is unlike anything you’ll find at the grocery store. Move, Cool Whip! Alex and I have been using this homemade whipped cream recipe for over 10 years. These are our tried and true topping desserts, perfect on a strawberry shortcake or a tall jar of berries and whipped cream.

Related: Would you like a herbal option? Try coconut whipped cream

whipped cream ingredients

How to make this homemade whipped cream recipe? Once you’ve done it, you’ll never shop in store again: trust us! The homemade version is so easy to prepare that a shaker is absolutely not necessary. And all you need are three ingredients! Here are the whipped cream ingredients you will need:

• whipped cream
• granulated sugar
• vanilla extract

What is whipped cream? Are whipped cream and whipped cream the same? Whipped cream and heavy cream are essentially the same thing: both must contain at least 36% or more milkfat. Whipped cream is lighter and contains 30-35% milk fat; Whipped cream contains 36% or more milk fat. You can use whipped cream or whipped cream in this recipe.

You may be wondering if it’s possible to make half and half whipped cream or milk? No, don’t even try! Half and half and milk don’t have enough fat to thicken when whipped.

How to make whipped cream

Now how do you make whipped cream? WHIP IT. Contrary to what you might think, it’s actually easier to make this homemade whipped cream recipe if you not mix the cream in circles. Instead you should Whip the cream back and forthas if you were crossing it. One thing to make whipping easier: chill the bowl and cream before you start. This will make it go faster, which your forearms will thank you for later.

Before you begin, here are a few notes about this homemade whipped cream recipe:

• Whisk until desired consistency is achieved. You can go with a fluffier cream: it can be nice to top a shortcake or a chocolate cake. Or beat more to get stiff peaks: this will have a fluffier texture. In any case: do not beat for too long, otherwise you will get butter!
• Add more or less powdered sugar depending on your taste. We like our whipped cream to be slightly sweet, especially when we eat it with sweet seasonal fruit. If you want a sweeter whipping cream recipe, add powdered sugar 1/2 tablespoon at a time. You can always add more sweetener, but you’ll likely run out of heavy whipping to compensate for the sugar if you add too much.

Here’s how to store this whipped cream recipe

This homemade whipped cream recipe is best made on the day of the service. But how long does whipped cream last? Stored in an airtight container, the whipped cream will keep in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. Bring it back to life by whisking it a few moments before serving. We personally prefer to have it chilled just before serving, but this method works too!

Can you freeze whipped cream? You really can! Place small spoonfuls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze, then peel off and place in an airtight container.

How do you make vegan whipped cream?

You can make vegan whipped cream by whipping heavy cream out of a can of coconut milk. Here is our coconut whipped cream recipe.

Can you use a KitchenAid for whipped cream?

Yes, you can use a stand mixer or KitchenAid for this whipped cream recipe by using the whisk attachment. Follow the instructions below and beat in the blender until desired consistency. Alex and I would rather hit with our hands than with a KitchenAid simply because we enjoy the satisfaction of doing it with our own hands. But if you prefer, feel free to use your KitchenAid mixer!

Types of homemade whipped cream

There are many types of homemade whipped cream recipes, from healthy to bourbon-infused to dairy-free! Here are our favorite variations.

Looking for easier dessert recipes?

This recipe for lightly sweetened homemade whipped cream goes well with many desserts. Here are some of our favourites:

• Berry Yogurt Whipped Cream: Use this whipped cream recipe to accompany seasonal berries: or try this yogurt whipped cream! It uses Greek yogurt to create a slightly sweet, sour cream that provides a healthy boost.
• Poached Pears with Pecan Granola: These pears poached in wine make an elegant fall or winter dessert! Top with crunchy pecan granola and a dollop of this whipped cream.
• Easy Raspberries and Cream: Our favorite way to eat this whipped cream recipe: easy with ripe summer berries! It’s a simple treat that tastes amazing.
• Strawberry Vanilla Shortcakes When strawberry season kicks off, nothing beats strawberry shortcakes! Our shortcakes are made with Greek yogurt to keep them moist and topped with crunchy turbinado sugar.
• Easy Bananas Foster: Instead of serving with ice cream, toss a dollop of whipped cream over our Bananas Foster recipe! It’s the perfect light counterpoint to the rum and caramel sauce.
• Plain Apple Crisp in a Jar: Of course, what’s better than an apple crisp with a dollop of fluffy whipped cream?

Looking for more gluten free desserts?

This homemade whipped cream recipe is…

Vegetarian and gluten free. If you’re trying to avoid refined sugar, you can omit powdered sugar (it still tastes good but isn’t sweet).