Can You Make Whipped Cream with a Milk Frother

We've been selling milk frothers for years and have seen all the trends, from frothy matcha lattes to the infamous dalgona coffee craze (we've tested those recipes a lot!). And while some trends died out faster than the foam on a lukewarm cappuccino, one question kept bubbling up from our customers again and again:

“Can I use my milk frother to make whipped cream?”

Well, it’s a fair question, especially when you already have a frother on your counter. After all, it's small, fast, and easier to clean than hauling out a stand mixer. With that, we decided to dig into this little kitchen experiment, test it thoroughly with our different frothers, and share everything we’ve learned from years of frothing, foaming, and whipping behind the scenes! 

Now, let’s break it all down, including which type of frother works best and our step-by-step method to get cloud-like whipped cream.

What is a Milk Frother

A milk frother is a kitchen gadget designed to aerate milk, creating a rich and creamy foam ideal for beverages like lattes and cappuccinos. There are several types of milk frothers:

• • Handheld Electric Frothers: Also known as stick frothers, these wand-style tools are a staple in many kitchens. They're lightweight, budget-friendly, and easy to use. With the press of a button, the tiny motor spins a whisk at the end of the wand, creating a vortex in your milk or cream that introduces air and builds froth in seconds. 
  • Steam Wand Frothers: Steam wand frothers are typically built into espresso machines. These wands inject steam into milk, heating and frothing it simultaneously for that silky, café-quality microfoam. While they're not ideal for whipping cream (the heat can affect the texture), they excel at milk-based drinks like lattes, flat whites, and cappuccinos. 
  • Manual Frothers (Pump-Style): Manual frothers resemble a French press and require some physical effort to operate, but the payoff is worth it. You pour your milk or cream inside, then use a plunger-style pump to create froth by forcing air into the liquid. 

Can You Make Whipped Cream with a Milk Frother

Yes. In fact, milk frothers can incorporate air into heavy cream, much like traditional mixers, but are more convenient for small batches. This is perfect for topping off your coffee, hot chocolate, or desserts without the hassle of larger equipment. 

Here's What You’ll Need:

• • Heavy Whipping Cream (chilled)
  • Optional Sweeteners or Flavorings (powdered sugar or vanilla extract)
  • A Tall, Narrow Container (we recommend a frothing pitcher!)
  • A Milk Frother

How to Make Whipped Cream with a Milk Frother:

1. Chill the Ingredients

To achieve the best results when whipping cream, it's important to start with cold ingredients. Keeping everything cold while preparing the whipped cream will help keep the fat firm. If your fat backbone softens and liquifies, the globule structure can collapse, which results in releasing air bubbles and causing deflation.

2. Pour the Cream

Once your ingredients are chilled, pour the right amount into your frothing pitcher, enough to avoid overfilling the container. Leaving some space will help prevent any overflow and make the whipping process easier.

3. Add Flavorings

If you like it sweet, you can add powdered sugar, which dissolves easily and gives a smooth texture. You might also want to add a vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.

4. Use the Milk Frother

Insert your frother into the pitcher and switch it on. To incorporate air, gently move the frother up and down within the cream. This helps aerate the cream and creates a stable structure as it thickens. Make sure to keep the frother submerged to prevent splattering.

But, how do you know when to stop whipping?

Since we can't see the microscopic fat clumping in action, we rely on visual cues. First, you’ll notice faint trails in the cream, which means the air is just beginning to mix in. Then come soft peaks, still low in volume. When those peaks firm up and the cream doubles in size, stop—your whipped cream is ready.

Go past this point, and you’ll break down the fat too much. Air escapes, the volume drops, and you’re left with stiff, grainy cream on the edge of turning into butter. If that happens, don’t worry, you can still use it; you just accidentally made the first step toward butter. It still tastes the same, but the form is different than what you expected. 

After whipping, or after the cream doubled its size, use it right away to top desserts, coffee, or other treats for an elevated flavor and presentation!

When a Frother is Best (and When It’s Not)

Using a milk frother is a great option when working with small batches, like a dollop of whipped cream for your morning coffee, hot chocolate, or a quick dessert. It's perfect when you want a light, airy topping without pulling out your stand mixer or hand beaters. The prep is minimal, the cleanup is a breeze, and you can make a cream in under a minute.

However, milk frothers do have their limits. If you're making whipped cream for a crowd or need a large batch, a frother may not keep up. Likewise, if your recipe calls for very stiff peaks (like for piping onto cupcakes or holding structure in a layered dessert), a traditional mixer will give you better control over the final texture. Frothers are fantastic for convenience, but not necessarily for precision-heavy tasks.

What Milk Frothers to Use to Make Whipped Cream

Not all milk frothers are created equal, specifically when making thick, luscious whipped cream. At Zulay Kitchen, we’ve spent years perfecting our lineup of frothers to help you get that dreamy, cloud-like texture with minimal effort. Here's how our top models stack up for whipping cream: 

1. Rechargeable Milk Frother Lux

Designed with a powerful upgraded motor and long-lasting rechargeable battery, Rechargeable Milk Frother Lux creates strong, consistent mixing action. This is exactly what you need to whip heavy cream wherever you are.

Use the low setting for lighter froths or switch to the high-powered mode to whip cream faster and with more volume. It’s also waterproof, so cleanup is as easy as rinsing under the faucet. This frother is perfect for everyday users who love adding whipped cream to their coffee at home, at work, or anywhere.

2. Double Whisk Milk Frother Handheld Mixer

Simple, powerful, and to the point, the Double Whisk Milk Frother is perfect for whipping cream quickly. The double whisk head means more air gets whipped into your cream in less time, producing a rich, fluffy texture ideal for topping lattes, waffles, or even berries and cream. This frother is a great pick for casual home users who want fast results.

3. Tornado Triple Whisk Milk Frother with Stand

The Tornado Triple Whisk Milk Frother features a triple-whisk design that aerates even faster and more effectively, making it a go-to for anyone who likes whipped cream on the thicker side. The ergonomic handle is easy to grip during longer whipping sessions, and the stainless steel whisk can handle both cream and lighter liquids like milk or matcha.

If you’re looking for a frother that can double as a multi-use kitchen tool, the Tornado’s power and design make it an excellent choice (not just for whipped cream, but for frothy lattes, hot cocoa, or protein shakes too!).

Zulay's Final Thoughts

Making whipped cream with a milk frother might seem like a small kitchen hack. But honestly, it can completely transform your daily routine. This kitchen gadget truly brings big results with very little effort.

We’ve spent years creating tools that help home cooks and coffee lovers save time, skip the hassle, and enjoy more of the moments that matter. Our line of milk frothers—including handheld, rechargeable, and multi-whisk designs—was built with that same mission in mind: to make life a little easier, and a lot more fun.

So yes, you can make whipped cream with a milk frother. And once you try it, you might wonder why you didn’t start sooner. It's fast, mess-free, and genuinely satisfying—like giving yourself a treat, any time you want.

Frequently Asked Questions About Making Whipped Cream Using a Milk Frother

Can I use non-dairy cream with a milk frother?

Yes, non-dairy alternatives like coconut cream can be whipped using a milk frother, though results may vary based on the product's fat content.

Why isn’t my whipped cream thickening?

Ensure your cream is cold and has a high enough fat content (at least 36%). Also, make sure your frother is functioning properly. If you want to know more about why it's not working, we created a blog, "Why Does Some Milk Not Froth" to help you understand the science behind milk frothing. 

How long does whipped cream last?

Freshly whipped cream is best used immediately but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

What’s the difference between whipped cream and foam?

Whipped cream has a thicker, more stable consistency suitable for toppings, while foam is lighter and more airy, commonly used in beverages.

Can I add sugar or flavorings before frothing?

Yes, adding sweeteners or flavorings before frothing can help incorporate them evenly into the cream.