Quick Answer
Approximately 2/3 cup, or 5 1/3 tablespoons, of Cool Whip equals 1 cup of freshly whipped heavy cream. Cool Whip is an aerated whipped topping product that is lighter and fluffier than homemade whipped cream. Due to having more air whipped into it, a smaller amount of Cool Whip is needed to equal the volume of freshly whipped cream.
Comparing Cool Whip and Whipped Cream
Cool Whip and freshly whipped cream have some similarities and differences that impact how they can be substituted for one another in recipes. Here is a comparison:
| Property | Cool Whip | Freshly Whipped Cream |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Water, hydrogenated vegetable oil, high fructose corn syrup, less than 2% of sodium caseinate (a milk derivative), natural and artificial flavors, xanthan and guar gums, polysorbate 60, sorbitan monostearate, beta carotene (color) | Heavy cream, sometimes vanilla and sugar |
| Calories per serving | 25 calories per 2 tablespoon serving | 52 calories per 2 tablespoon serving |
| Fat content | No fat | 5 grams fat per 2 tablespoon serving |
| Shelf life | Up to 4 weeks refrigerated | 3-5 days refrigerated |
| Texture | Light, fluffy, foamy | Richer, denser |
| Flavor | Sweet, artificial flavor | Creamy, rich, natural dairy flavor |
As you can see, Cool Whip contains no fat, fewer calories, and has a longer shelf life compared to real whipped cream. It achieves a light, airy texture because it incorporates more air during the whipping process and contains gums and emulsifiers to help stabilize the foam structure. However, real whipped cream contains no artificial ingredients and has a richer, creamier, more natural flavor.
Volume Difference Between Cool Whip and Whipped Cream
The main reason that Cool Whip and whipped cream are not substituted 1:1 in recipes is due to differences in their volume.
Cool Whip triples in volume when whipped, while heavy cream only doubles in volume when whipped. So for example, 1 cup of heavy cream will whip up into about 2 cups of freshly whipped cream. But 1 cup of liquid Cool Whip will whip up into around 3 cups.
This means that Cool Whip by volume is lighter and fluffier than whipped cream. More air is incorporated into its foam structure thanks to added emulsifiers and stabilizers.
So for every 1 cup of freshly whipped heavy cream, you need about 2/3 cup, or around 5 tablespoons, of Cool Whip to equal the same volume. Cool Whip simply takes up more space than whipped cream due to its lighter, airier texture.
Weight Difference Between Cool Whip and Whipped Cream
In addition to differences in volume, there is also a difference in weight between equal amounts of Cool Whip and whipped cream.
One cup of freshly whipped heavy cream weighs approximately 230 grams.
One cup of whipped Cool Whip weighs about 120 grams.
So whipped cream is nearly twice as heavy as Cool Whip for the same volume measurement. This confirms that Cool Whip contains more air by weight and is less dense than real dairy whipped cream.
How to Substitute Cool Whip for Whipped Cream
When substituting Cool Whip for whipped cream in recipes, keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Use about 2/3 cup Cool Whip for every 1 cup whipped heavy cream.
- Reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe, since Cool Whip is already sweetened.
- Add vanilla extract if you want more flavor.
- Cool Whip will not hold its shape as well, so avoid piping decorations with it.
- Do not add Cool Whip to hot liquids or heat it directly, as it can lose structure.
- Because it is lower in fat, Cool Whip can lead to drier or more crumbly results in some baked goods.
- Whipped cream substitutes like coconut cream may more closely mimic the texture and fat content of real dairy whipped cream.
With some adjustments to the amount used and recipe details, Cool Whip can substitute for whipped cream in most applications like topping cakes, pies, hot chocolate, milkshakes, and more. Just keep in mind it will lend a lighter, fluffier, and sweeter result.
Recipes Substituting Cool Whip for Whipped Cream
To give you an idea of how to use Cool Whip in place of whipped cream, here are a few recipe examples:
Easy Fruit Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups diced strawberries
- 2 cups blueberries
- 2 bananas, sliced
- 1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 1/2 cups Cool Whip
Directions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the diced strawberries, blueberries, banana slices, and pineapple chunks.
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip just until combined.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve. Top with additional Cool Whip when serving if desired.
No-Bake Cheesecake
Crust Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
- 5 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Cheesecake Filling Ingredients:
- 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 (8 ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed
Directions:
- In a bowl, mix together the crust ingredients. Press firmly into the bottom of a 7-inch springform pan.
- In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Mix in sugar and vanilla.
- Gently fold in the Cool Whip just until incorporated. Spread filling evenly over crust.
- Refrigerate cheesecake for at least 4 hours before serving.
Milkshake
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup Cool Whip
- Sprinkles for topping (optional)
Directions:
- Put ice cream, milk, and Cool Whip in a blender.
- Blend until smooth and thick, about 30 seconds.
- Pour into a glass and top with sprinkles if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cool Whip the same as whipped cream?
No, Cool Whip and whipped cream are not the same. Cool Whip is an imitation whipped cream product made with water, vegetable oil, high fructose corn syrup, and other additives. It does not contain any dairy ingredients. Real whipped cream is made by whipping heavy cream until it forms soft peaks.
Is Cool Whip lighter than whipped cream?
Yes, Cool Whip is lighter and fluffier in texture than whipped cream. It whips up to triple the volume, while heavy cream only doubles in volume when whipped. Cool Whip also weighs nearly half as much as whipped cream for the same volume amount.
Does Cool Whip melt like real whipped cream?
No, Cool Whip is more stable and does not melt as quickly as real dairy whipped cream. It contains stabilizers and emulsifiers that help maintain its foam structure when exposed to heat or moisture. Fresh whipped cream made from heavy cream will start to soften, weep liquid, and lose its shape faster than Cool Whip.
Can you freeze Cool Whip?
Yes, you can freeze Cool Whip for longer term storage. It holds up well when frozen for 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using on desserts, fruit salads, or beverages. Whipped cream does not freeze as well and will weep liquid during thawing.
Is Cool Whip dairy free?
Cool Whip is dairy-free, as it does not contain milk, cream, or other dairy ingredients. However, it does contain sodium caseinate, which is derived from milk protein. So Cool Whip is not suitable for people with dairy allergies, but it is lactose free.
Conclusion
Cool Whip can be used as a substitute for whipped cream in many applications, though the proportions are different. Use about 2/3 cup of Cool Whip for every 1 cup of fresh whipped cream called for, and be aware that the texture, richness, and flavor will be slightly different. Adjusting sugar and other ingredients like vanilla may help Cool Whip better mimic whipped cream. But for a lighter, sweeter whipped topping, Cool Whip can be easily swapped in for real whipped cream in most recipes.