Whipped cream is a delightfully airy and fluffy dairy product that can add a tasty touch of sweetness and texture to desserts, hot beverages, and more. But not all whipping creams are created equal when it comes to whipping up that light, cloud-like texture we know and love. So when it comes to the popular Silk brand of dairy-free whipping cream, can you actually whip it into softly peaked perfection? Let’s take a closer look at how Silk whipping cream performs when put to the whisking test.
What is Silk Whipping Cream?
Silk whipping cream is a plant-based whipping cream made by the company Silk. It is dairy-free, lactose-free, soy-free, gluten-free, cholesterol-free, and made from a blend of oils like coconut, palm, and sunflower. It comes in a shelf-stable carton that does not require refrigeration until after opening.
The ingredients list contains filtered water, coconut oil, sunflower oil, palm oil, pea protein, sea salt, gellan gum, guar gum, natural flavors, and beta carotene (for color). It is designed as a vegan alternative to traditional dairy whipping cream.
How Does Silk Whipping Cream Compare to Dairy Whipping Cream?
| Property | Silk Whipping Cream | Dairy Whipping Cream |
|---|---|---|
| Calories per serving | 45 calories | 52 calories |
| Total Fat | 5g | 5g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5g | 3g |
| Protein | 0g | 0g |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0g |
| Contains Dairy | No | Yes |
| Contains Lactose | No | Yes |
| Suitable for Vegan Diet | Yes | No |
As you can see from the nutritional information, Silk whipping cream is quite comparable to traditional dairy whipping cream in terms of calories, fat, and carbs. The main differences are that Silk contains no dairy or lactose and is suitable for vegans.
Can You Successfully Whip Silk Whipping Cream?
The proof is in the whipping! Let’s go through some tips and tricks for whipping Silk cream to soft peaks:
Start with Chilled Cream
Even though Silk whipping cream can be stored at room temperature, chilling it is ideal before whipping. Cold cream whips up faster and holds its shape better. Refrigerate the carton for at least 2 hours before using.
Use a Chilled Bowl and Whisk
Continue the chilled theme by placing your mixing bowl and whisk in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before whipping. The cold bowl and whisk help the cream hold its whipped structure better.
Whip on High Speed
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, whip the chilled cream on high speed to incorporate as much air as possible. This will give you the fluffiest, cloud-like texture.
Whip Until Soft Peaks Form
Whip the Silk cream for 2-3 minutes until it takes on a thicker, fluffier texture and soft peaks hold their shape when you lift the whisk. Be careful not to overwhip or it can turn grainy.
Add Sweetener if Desired
For slightly sweetened whipped cream, add 1-2 tablespoons of powdered sugar or granulated sugar while whipping. This is optional but can offset any coconut flavor from the cream.
Use Immediately or Refrigerate
For best results, use the whipped Silk cream right away on top of pies, cakes, coffee drinks, etc. Or store it in the fridge but the texture may deflate a bit over time.
How Does Whipped Silk Cream Compare to Whipped Dairy Cream?
Here’s how the whipped version of Silk stacks up against whipped heavy whipping cream:
| Property | Whipped Silk Cream | Whipped Dairy Cream |
|---|---|---|
| Consistency | Medium-stiff peaks | Stiff peaks |
| Texture | Light and fluffy | Ultra light and airy |
| Flavor | Slight coconut taste | Neutral dairy flavor |
| Stability Over Time | Holds shape 2-3 hours | Holds shape 4+ hours |
| Ease of Whipping | Moderately easy | Very easy |
The whipped Silk has a pleasant fluffy texture, though not quite as stiff and stable as dairy whipped cream. It holds its shape moderately well for a few hours before starting to deteriorate. The flavor has just a hint of coconut. Overall, it whips up decently with some tips and tricks.
What Are Some Tips for Using Whipped Silk Cream?
Here are some pro tips for getting the best results when whipping and using Silk cream:
– For added stability, refrigerate whipped Silk cream in a container with straight sides rather than curved sides. This helps minimize contact with the sides of the container which can cause it to deflate over time.
– If the whipped cream starts to deflate before serving, you can rewhip it briefly to restore some of the airiness. But don’t overmix or it may turn grainy.
– For topping hot beverages like coffee or hot chocolate, either whip the Silk cream right before using or gently fold it once reheated to maintain the texture.
– When layering whipped Silk cream in parfaits or trifles, use quick-set agents like gelatin between layers to help “set” the cream and prevent oozing.
– For best flavor integration when whipping, add any sweeteners or extracts slowly at the end once the cream has started thickening up.
– If your whipped Silk cream turns grainy or starts to “break” during whipping, it’s likely overwhipped. Start over with fresh chilled cream.
What Are Some Delicious Ways To Use Whipped Silk Cream?
Here are some yummy ideas for how to enjoy whipped Silk whipping cream:
– Top pies, cakes, cupcakes, waffles, pancakes, French toast, bread pudding
– Sweeten coffee, tea, hot chocolate
– Make trifles and parfaits
– Fill cream puffs or eclairs
– Top fruit like berries, peaches, bananas, mango
– Use in tiramisu recipes
– Frost cupcakes and cakes
– Make whipped cream frosting
– Fill cannoli shells
– Top cheesecake
– Use in mousse recipes
– Fold into ice cream for a lighter, fluffier texture
– Spoon over chilled dessert soups
– Dollop on top of coconut yogurt or chia pudding
– Mix with mascarpone cheese for lighter tiramisu or cannoli filling
– Spoon inside crepes and blintzes
– Sweeten and flavor for a vegan “Cool Whip” substitute
The possibilities are endless for how to enjoy lightweight, sweet whipped Silk cream!
Conclusion
While Silk whipping cream may not whip up quite as thick and sturdy as traditional dairy cream, it can still be transformed into a fluffy whipped topping with some chilling, high-speed whisking, and proper handling. The texture is pleasantly airy and the flavor is mildly coconut-y. With a few tips and tricks, Silk cream can be whipped into submission to float atop cakes and coffees for a creamy, dairy-free indulgence. It may not be 100% identical to the real dairy deal, but Silk whipping cream certainly whips up decently into a fluffy, plant-based cream topping.