Quick Answer
Whipped cream can generally last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator if stored properly in an airtight container. However, for best quality and taste, it’s best to whip cream right before serving. Pre-whipped cream may start to weep, lose volume, deflate, and develop off-flavors within a few days.
How Long Does Whipped Cream Last Refrigerated?
Properly stored, homemade whipped cream will last for:
Counter: 2-4 hours
Refrigerator: 5-7 days
Freezer: 2-3 months
The shelf life of store-bought canned whipped cream is slightly longer:
Unopened: 1 week past expiration date
Opened: 10-14 days
Whipped dairy cream contains fat and air bubbles. Over time, the fat molecules will destabilize and the air bubbles will pop, causing whipped cream to deflate and “weep” liquid. Higher fat content and colder temperatures help extend the shelf life. However plain dairy cream without stabilizers will still break down faster than stabilized whipped cream in a can.
For optimal freshness and texture, homemade whipped cream is best served within a few hours of whipping. But it can keep for up to a week if you store whipped cream properly in an airtight container in the coldest part of the fridge.
Does Whipped Cream Go Bad?
Yes, whipped cream can go bad eventually. Signs of spoiled whipped cream include:
– Watery liquid (weeping, separation)
– Deflated or flat
– Sour, rancid, or “off” smell
– Mold growth (fuzzy green spots)
If you see any of these signs, it’s best to discard the whipped cream. Consuming spoiled whipped cream can cause digestive upset in some people.
Spoiled whipped cream may develop a foul smell from bacteria or fungi digesting the milk fats. It may also curdle and separate as the fat destabilizes. Mold can grow if contaminated and stored too long.
Proper refrigeration is key to preventing whipped cream from going bad prematurely. Keep your whipped cream chilled at 40°F or below. The colder the better for freshness.
How To Store Whipped Cream
To extend the shelf life of whipped cream, store it:
– In an airtight container. This prevents air from drying it out.
– In the back of the fridge furthest from the door. This is the coldest spot.
– Away from high-odor foods. Whipped cream can absorb fridge odors.
– For cooked recipes, store in the freezer up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
You can also stabilize whipped cream using powdered milk, powdered cream, or mascarpone cheese. These ingredients help strengthen the air bubbles and fat structure so whipped cream stays fluffy longer.
Can You Freeze Whipped Cream?
Yes, it’s safe to freeze whipped cream for long-term storage. Place dollops on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze solid, then transfer to freezer bags. It will keep for 2-3 months frozen.
Thaw frozen whipped cream in the fridge before using. The texture may be a bit grainy or saggy after thawing but still usable in many recipes. Or re-whip briefly before serving.
Freeze whipped cream in airtight containers or bags, minimizing air exposure. Use within 2 months for best quality.
How To Revive Whipped Cream
If your whipped cream has deflated or separated, there are a few tricks to revive it:
– Whip again – Briefly re-whip flat cream in a cold bowl to reincorporate air bubbles.
– Drain liquid – Drain off any watery liquid, then whip again.
– Add stabilizers – Fold in a small amount of powdered milk, cream, or mascarpone cheese to thicken and stabilize.
– Blend with cream cheese – Blend in a spoonful of cream cheese until smooth. This adds stability.
– Freeze then re-whip – Freezing deflated whipped cream firms it up again for re-whipping.
However, whipped cream that smells sour or rancid should be discarded. Eating spoiled whipped cream can potentially cause illness.
How To Make Whipped Cream Last Longer
To help your fresh whipped cream maintain optimal texture and freshness longer:
– Chill the cream and bowl before whipping. Whip cold ingredients in a cold bowl.
– Whip cream to soft peaks only. Overwhipping incorporates too much air and destabilizes the structure.
– Use heavy whipping cream with 35-40% fat. Higher fat content makes more stable foam.
– Add powdered milk, powdered cream, or mascarpone cheese. These help stabilize the whipped cream.
– Use pasteurized cream. Raw cream is more unstable.
– Store whipped cream in an airtight container, as air exposure causes drying and collapse of foam.
– Keep whipped cream refrigerated at 40°F or below. Colder is better.
Following these tips, lightly sweetened plain whipped cream stays fresh in the fridge for 5-7 days. Stabilized whipped cream lasts 1-2 weeks refrigerated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you whip cream a day in advance?
Yes, it’s safe to whip cream a day ahead of time. For optimal texture, store whipped cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It may deflate slightly but can be re-whipped right before serving if needed.
Can I whip cream 3 days in advance?
Whipping cream 3 days in advance isn’t recommended. While it may still be safe to consume, the texture and freshness will degrade over time. The whipped cream will likely deflate, separate, and develop off-flavors that far in advance.
How long does whipped cream last unrefrigerated?
Whipped cream should not sit out unrefrigerated for more than 2-4 hours. The warm temperature will cause the dairy cream to destabilize and collapse much faster than if refrigerated. Discard any whipped cream left out longer than 4 hours.
Can you freeze and rewhip whipped cream?
Yes, it’s possible to freeze whipped cream, then thaw and rewhip it. However, the texture will be a bit grainy and runny after thawing. For best results, freeze dollops on a parchment-lined tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Thaw slowly in the fridge before rewhipping.
What happens if you whip cream too much?
Overwhipping cream can cause it to turn into butter. Excess agitation breaks down the fat molecules. The liquid fats separate out, leaving behind solid butterfat. For lightly whipped cream, whip just until soft peaks form. Do not whip to stiff peaks.
The Bottom Line
For best quality and fresh whipped cream flavor, it’s always ideal to whip it right before serving. However, with proper refrigerated storage in an airtight container, whipped cream can last up to 1 week before quality degradation occurs. Heavy cream whipped with stabilizers can even last 2 weeks.
If whipped cream starts deflating, weeping liquid, or smelling sour, it’s time to discard it. But stabilized whipped cream stored in optimal conditions can keep well over a week without significant issues. To extend the shelf life as long as possible, keep whipped cream chilled at 40°F or colder.
| Whipped Cream Type | Refrigerator | Freezer |
|---|---|---|
| Homemade Whipped Cream | 5-7 days | 2-3 months |
| Canned Whipped Cream (Unopened) | 1 week past expiration date | Does not freeze well |
| Canned Whipped Cream (Opened) | 10-14 days | Does not freeze well |
Conclusion
Whipping cream too far in advance comes with drawbacks, as the delicate foam structure starts to break down within days. For whipped cream at its freshest, whip it right before serving. However, with proper chilling and air-tight storage, lightly sweetened dairy whipped cream keeps well for 5-7 days refrigerated. Stabilized whipped cream lasts even longer – up to 2 weeks if refrigerated at 40°F or below.