Using store bought whipping cream is an easy way to add luxurious, fluffy texture to desserts, drinks, and more. Whipping cream, also known as heavy cream, is a dairy product that contains between 36-40% milkfat. This high fat content allows the cream to whip up into soft, billowy peaks when air is incorporated into it. While whipping cream can be made fresh at home, most grocery stores stock containers of pre-made, pasteurized whipping cream that whips up just as well. Here is a guide to everything you need to know about how to use store bought whipping cream.
What is whipping cream?
Whipping cream, also known as heavy whipping cream, is a dairy product made from the high-fat layer skimmed off the top of milk before homogenization. It contains between 36-40% milk fat, whereas lighter creams like half-and-half only contain 10-12% milk fat. The high fat content allows whipping cream to whip up into a light, airy foam when beaten. When properly whipped, the fat globules in the cream encapsulate air bubbles, creating a stable network that holds its shape.
Whipping cream is pasteurized and homogenized to create a smooth, creamy liquid that whips consistently. Unhomogenized cream may separate more easily. Whipping cream does not contain any thickeners, stabilizers, or other ingredients – it is pure cream.
Due to its high fat content, whipping cream has a rich, indulgent taste and creamy mouthfeel. It can be lightly whipped into soft peaks for topping desserts and drinks, or whipped into firmer peaks to make desserts like whipped cream or mousses. The uses for store bought whipping cream are endless!
Tips for whipping cream
Follow these tips for whipping store bought cream to perfection:
- Make sure your cream is well chilled – For best results, refrigerate the cream for at least 12 hours before whipping. Starting with cold cream allows more air to be incorporated into the fat structure as you whip it.
- Use a chilled bowl and beaters – Chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the fridge or freezer. Whipped cream will start deflating quickly if your equipment is warm.
- Whip on high speed – Use a stand mixer or hand mixer on high speed to aerate the cream fully. Take care not to overbeat once it starts holding soft peaks.
- Whip just until it holds peaks – Whip the cream just until it holds its shape in soft or stiff peaks, depending on your desired consistency. Do not overbeat or it can turn grainy and butter-like.
- Use immediately after whipping – For best results, use freshly whipped cream right away before it starts to deflate. Whipped cream will only hold its shape for a couple hours before starting to soften and lose volume.
How to whip cream to soft peaks
Whipping cream to soft peaks gives you billowy, mounded whipped cream that is perfect for topping desserts, drinks, pies, cakes, and more. Follow these steps:
- Chill a metal or glass mixing bowl and beaters in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.
- Pour well-chilled whipping cream into the bowl. Whip on high speed for 1-2 minutes until the cream starts to thicken.
- Continue whipping until the cream forms mounds and holds a soft shape when you lift the beaters. It should not hold long, sharp peaks.
- Use the softly whipped cream immediately as desired. To avoid deflating, scoop it out with a spatula rather than pouring.
Softly whipped cream like this is perfect for:
- Topping pies, cakes, cupcakes, waffles, pancakes, coffees/teas
- Folding into cake batter before baking
- Filling between cake layers
- Topping fruit, desserts, or scones
- Adding a dollop to hot chocolate, milkshakes, smoothies
How to whip cream to stiff peaks
Whipping the cream to stiff, upright peaks gives you the consistency required to make whipped cream frostings, mousses, dessert fillings, and more. Follow these steps:
- Chill the bowl and beaters well.
- Whip the cream on high speed for 2-3 minutes until it holds its shape.
- Continue whipping just until it forms very firm, upright peaks when you lift the beaters. The cream should not appear grainy or clumpy.
- Use immediately before it starts to soften. Scoop it out rather than pouring to preserve the texture.
Stiffly whipped cream is ideal for:
- Decorating cakes, cupcakes, desserts
- Frosting layer cakes, fillings
- Whipped cream
- Mousses, parfaits, trifles
- Piping decorative borders or rosettes
How long does whipped cream last?
Freshly whipped cream starts deflating fairly quickly after whipping. To enjoy the whipped cream at its best, use it within:
- 2 hours if whipped to soft peaks
- 4 hours if whipped to stiff peaks
For longer storage, whipped cream requires stabilization:
- Refrigerate – Store whipped cream in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last 1-2 days but lose volume.
- Freeze – For longer storage, freeze whipped cream in piping bags or a freezer container for 1-3 months.
- Stabilize – Add a small amount of powdered sugar, corn starch, gelatin, or commercial whipped cream stabilizer before whipping.
What to do if cream won’t whip up
Cream failing to whip up into billowy peaks is frustrating. Here are some potential reasons and solutions if your store bought whipping cream refuses to whip properly:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Cream was not chilled | Chill cream and equipment well before whipping again |
| Bowl and beaters were warm | Always use chilled bowl and beaters |
| Cream was overwhipped | Whip just until soft or firm peaks form |
| Cream is too cold | Allow it to sit out briefly until slightly softened |
| Cream was shaken before use | The shaking caused it to separate. Do not shake cream before whipping. |
| Cream is ultra-pasteurized | Ultra-pasteurized cream won’t whip up as well. Use regular pasteurized cream. |
| Cream is too old | Use fresh cream within 5-7 days of purchase for best results. |
If your chilled cream still refuses to whip up, it may be defective or have gone bad. Purchase a new carton of fresh whipping cream and try again with well-chilled equipment.
How to stabilize whipped cream
Whipped cream starts losing volume quickly after whipping. To help it better maintain its shape for several hours or days, you can stabilize it by:
- Powdered sugar – Beat in 1-2 tbsp powdered sugar per 1 cup cream when whipping
- Cornstarch – Mix 1 tsp cornstarch per 1 cup cream before whipping
- Gelatin – Bloom 1/2 tsp gelatin in 1 tsp cold water per 1 cup cream. Heat until melted then cool before whipping.
- Commercial stabilizer – Use whipped cream stabilizer as per package instructions.
- Keeping chilled – Store whipped cream in fridge in airtight container, chilling again if needed before use.
Even stabilized whipped cream will eventually break down. For longer storage, pipe or scoop it into a freezer container and freeze for 1-3 months. Thaw in fridge before using.
How to flavor whipped cream
Whipped cream provides a neutral, dairy backdrop that can be flavored either subtly or boldly. Common flavor additions include:
- Sugar or powdered sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Flavor extracts like almond, coconut, hazelnut, mint
- Zest from citrus fruits
- Spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom
- Cocoa powder or melted chocolate
- Instant coffee or espresso powder
- Fruit purees or preserves
- Liqueurs like Kahlua, Irish cream, rum
For most stir-in mix-ins like extracts, zest, spices, or powdered ingredients, add and mix them in once the cream has started to thicken while whipping. For swirled cakes or visual appeal, you can fold or swirl in fruit purees, chocolate, or liqueurs once the cream is fully whipped.
How to color whipped cream
Colored whipped cream provides festive flair for cakes, cupcakes, dessert tables, drinks, and more. To color whipped cream at home:
- Use gel food coloring for the best and most vibrant results. Start with just a drop and add more as needed.
- Mix in powdered drink mixes like powdered pink lemonade for subtle tinting with flavor.
- For a natural color, whip in a fruit puree like raspberry, strawberry, or mango.
- Mix in melted chocolate, cocoa powder, or chocolate syrup for a chocolate whipped cream.
Mix in the color once the cream has started to thicken so it incorporates well. Add it slowly until you achieve your desired shade.
What to serve with whipped cream
Billowy whipped cream is a delightful topping, pairing well with all kinds of fruits, cakes, pies, desserts, and drinks. Dollop it atop or serve it alongside:
- Fresh fruit like strawberries, bananas, pineapple, mango, berries
- Pies – great on fruit pies, banana cream, pumpkin, chocolate
- Cakes and cupcakes – add a finishing touch
- Waffles, crepes, pancakes
- Milkshakes, ice cream sundaes, banana splits
- Hot chocolate, milk teas, Irish coffees
- Puddings and custards like crème brûlée
- Desserts like cheesecake, tiramisu, trifle
Whipped cream provides a nice creamy, cooling contrast to both sweet and more savory foods.
Storing whipped cream
To retain the best texture after whipping it, store whipped cream:
- In an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days max
- In piping bags or freezer container in the freezer for 1-3 months
To thaw frozen whipped cream, move to fridge overnight or leave at room temp 1-2 hours until softened enough to pipe or scoop. Re-whip briefly if needed to restore texture.
When to avoid whipping cream
In some cases, whipping cream may not be the best choice:
- Diets restricting fat/dairy – Whipping cream is high in saturated fat and calories. Substitute lower fat whipped toppings or alternatives if needed.
- Vegan or dairy-free diets – Use dairy-free whippable products like aquafaba or coconut cream instead.
- Desserts with high moisture content – The water in foods like fresh fruit pie can cause whipped cream to break down faster.
- Cakes or desserts getting second day use – Whipped cream may not hold up well overnight on cakes or desserts stored in the fridge.
- High heat – Do not use whipped cream as a topping or filling for items that will be baked or broiled after adding the cream.
Conclusion
Store bought whipping cream allows you to easily achieve light, fluffy whipped cream at home to elevate all kinds of desserts, fruit dishes, and beverages. Chill the cream well before whipping, whip just until it holds peaks, and use immediately for best results. Stabilize it with sugar or other ingredients if you need it to hold its shape longer. Whipped cream can be flavored and colored in endless ways. Always whip it fresh and serve atop pies, cakes, fruit, waffles, ice cream, milkshakes, coffee drinks, and more. Follow proper storage methods to enjoy store bought whipped cream whenever a touch of airy sweetness is needed.