Make-Ahead Whipped Cream

Indulge in our delightful make-ahead whipped cream, a heavenly concoction that retains its light and fluffy texture for several days in the fridge. Ideal for enhancing the decadence of pies, cakes, hot chocolate, and more, this gluten-free marvel is a game-changer in your culinary repertoire.

Crafted with care, it requires just three simple ingredients and less than 10 minutes of your time. The magic lies in its unique stability, thanks to a secret ingredient that ensures the cream holds its form and doesn’t succumb to mushiness even after an hour. This recipe not only simplifies your preparation process but also allows you to plan ahead, making it a versatile and convenient addition to your culinary arsenal. Elevate your desserts with this enduringly delightful whipped cream, perfect for all your sweet creations.

Can Whipped Cream Be Made Ahead Of Time?

Yes, it can! The following recipe doesn’t use unflavored gelatin as other recipes do but rather cream cheese – the extra fat and acid help keep the whipped cream stable for longer.

Kitchen Tip: You could use full-fat Greek yogurt or sour cream in place of the cream cheese.

How To Make

First things first, give your mixing bowl and beaters a little chill time in the fridge – about 15 minutes should do the trick.

While we want the mixing bowl chilled, you’ll need to make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature.

Once your bowl and beaters are nicely chilled, pour in the cold heavy whipping cream. Start mixing on low, then crank up the speed as it starts thickening. Add the powdered sugar then blend at a medium-high speed.

When your cream is thick enough to handle the high-speed action without making a mess, add in the cream cheese. Continue whipping until soft peaks start to form. If you want stiffer peaks, beat a little longer, but check frequently to make sure it’s not getting too thick. This process might take a bit, but trust me, the result is a heavenly whipped cream that’s gonna rock your taste buds.

Kitchen Tip: Soft peaks fold over when you lift the whisk out of the cream. Medium peaks keep their shape when you lift out the whisk, but the overall texture is still soft and pillowy. Stiff peaks have the firmest structure.

Stop mixing when the cream is just right for how you want to use it. If you want light and fluffy, go for medium peaks, if you want a nice firm dollop on top of your pie, go for firm peaks. 

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Chill Out: Make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are nice and cold. Pop them in the fridge for about 15 minutes before starting. This helps the cream whip up light and fluffy.

Gradual Bliss: When adding the heavy whipping cream, start on low speed and gradually increase it. This gradual approach helps the cream thicken up evenly without any lumps.

Watch and Whisk: Keep an eye on the whipping process. It’s easy to overwhip, and you might end up with butter instead of whipped cream. Stop when you reach those perfect soft, medium, or stiff peaks.

Serve Chilled: For the best results, serve your whipped cream chilled. It holds its texture better and adds a delightful coolness to your desserts.

Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to get creative! Add a splash of vanilla extract or other flavorings to customize the taste of your whipped cream.

Make-Ahead Magic: This whipped cream is a superstar in make-ahead convenience. Whip it up in advance, store it in the fridge, and it’ll be ready to steal the show when dessert time arrives.

How to store homemade whipped cream?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, this make-ahead whipped cream can last for up to 3 to 4 days. The key to maintaining its quality is to keep it in an airtight container to prevent absorption of any odors and to minimize exposure to air. Additionally, it’s advisable to refrain from adding perishable ingredients to the whipped cream if you intend to store it for an extended period.

As with any dairy-based product, it’s essential to use your judgment and inspect the whipped cream before consuming it. If you notice any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or unusual texture, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid using it.

Remember that the stability of the whipped cream may vary slightly depending on factors such as the specific ingredients used and the conditions of your refrigerator. Always use your senses and best judgment to ensure the freshness and safety of your stored whipped cream.

FAQ

Should I store whipped cream in the freezer or fridge?

Whipped cream is best stored in the fridge rather than the freezer. Freezing can alter the texture of whipped cream, causing it to become grainy or separate upon thawing. The water content in whipped cream tends to crystallize during freezing, affecting its overall quality.

To store whipped cream in the fridge:

1. Transfer the whipped cream to an airtight container.
2. Seal the container tightly to minimize air exposure.
3. Keep it refrigerated at a consistent temperature.

Stored this way, whipped cream can maintain its quality for up to 3 to 4 days. It’s important to note that if the whipped cream shows any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell or unusual texture, it’s best to discard it.