If you’re looking to upgrade your old kitchen kit, here are some of our tried, tested and top-rated favourites that would come in handy for whipping cream.
Homemade whipped cream recipe
Makes 600ml, serves 10
- 300ml double or whipping cream, chilled
- flavourings (see below for inspiration), if using
How to whip cream with a whisk:
- Pour the cream into a chilled bowl and begin to whisk, moving the cream back and forth across the bowl – take breaks when you need to. The cream will start turning to frothy bubbles and then to a thick liquid.
- When you can make trails of cream on the surface that don’t sink in immediately, you’ll know you are nearly there. Keep whisking until the cream forms peaks that flop over (soft peaks).
- Once it starts to form soft peaks, whisk in any flavourings and then keep whisking until the cream starts to feel more solid and the peaks don’t flop over any more (stiff peaks). Stop at this point.
How to whip cream with a hand mixer or stand mixer:
- Pour the cream into a chilled bowl and begin to beat it on a medium speed, you’ll soon have a bowl of froth and bubbles which will begin to thicken. When you can make trails of cream on the surface that don’t sink in immediately you’ll know you are nearly there.
- Keep whisking until the cream forms peaks that flop over at the peaks (soft peaks).
- Once it starts to form soft peaks, whisk in any flavourings, then keep whisking on a slower speed until the cream starts to feel more solid and the peaks don’t flop over any more. Stop at this point.
How to use whipped cream for…
Spreading: Cream will continue to stiffen while you spread it, so the more you need to move it around after you have finished whipping it, the softer the whipped peaks need to be at the start.
Piping: You can put softly whipped cream in a piping bag and chill it until you need it, but be very careful that you don’t over-whip it, otherwise the heat from your hands might make it go grainy as you pipe it.
Decorating: If you’re finishing desserts with whipped cream just before serving, don’t do it too early. If there is anything wet, fruit in syrup for example, on top of it the cream will start to ‘crack’ and look messy.
How to flavour whipped cream
You can add a touch of sweetness or flavour by incorporating icing sugar, vanilla, a sprinkle of a spice such as cinnamon, melted and cooled chocolate or a spoonful of alcohol like Baileys or whiskey while you are whipping. Add this when the cream is beginning to thicken and has soft peaks – if you add it at the end you might over-whip it. Bear in mind that as the cream thickens the flavour will dilute, so add enough to take account of this.
Another way to add flavour is to infuse cream before whipping it. Put strips of citrus zest in cold cream, or warm some cream in a pan with a cinnamon stick and leave to infuse (then cool and chill before whipping), for example.
How long does whipped cream last?
Whipped cream is best consumed within three days when kept refrigerated, although bear in mind that it will start to deflate slightly.
Can single cream be whipped?
Due to its lower fat content of 18-20%, single cream cannot hold air and create a whipped consistency. Whipping cream generally has a fat content of around 36%, while double cream has roughly 48%, both of which allows them to hold the whip.
Can you freeze whipped cream?
You can freeze whipped cream, which is a great way to prevent leftovers from going to waste. Line a baking sheet with baking paper, then spoon or pipe small amounts onto the paper. When the whipped cream is solid, it can then be transferred to a freezer bag or container.
How to fix over-whipped cream?
Over-whipped cream can often be fixed, but it does depend how badly it has been overworked. If it has completely separated into a solid and liquid, it can’t be salvaged (and the solid you’ve made is butter!).
If the damage is more slight, add in a couple of tablespoons of cold double cream or milk and lightly whisk.
Whipped cream recipes to try next:
Lemon syllabub
Mississippi mud pie
Brandy syrup cream
Passion fruit trifle
Boozy caramel mini shakes