How to Make Homemade Whipped Cream

Most store-bought whipped creams contain stabilizers, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives. According to the USDA Food Database, many ready-to-use whipped toppings are more air and sugar than cream yet still packed in additives and processed ingredients. If you're looking for a better, cleaner alternative, homemade whipped cream is the way to go.

This Homemade Whipped Cream Recipe is light, fluffy, and made with just two ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. And with the right tool (hint: our frother), you don’t need a hand mixer or stand mixer to get stiff peaks in seconds. So whether you're topping off hot cocoa, waffles, or fresh fruit, this whipped cream delivers sweet satisfaction without the junk.

How to Make Homemade Whipped Cream

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes | Servings: 2

Ingredients

• • 4 tablespoons cold heavy whipping cream
  • 1 spoonful of powdered sugar

Optional:

• • A splash of Bailey's or your favorite flavored liquor for an adult twist

Instructions

Step 1: Start with cold ingredients

In a small mason jar or mixing bowl, stir together 4 tablespoons of cold heavy whipping cream and 1 spoonful of powdered sugar. Make sure your cream is straight from the fridge since it needs to be cold to whip properly.

Step 2: Whip it up

Insert your handheld milk frother and begin whipping the cream up and down. This helps aerate the mixture and prevent any unwhipped liquid from hiding at the bottom. Keep whipping for about 1 minute, or until stiff peaks form.

Step 3: Check the texture

Tilt the jar slightly and move your frother around the bottom edges to guarantee all the cream has thickened. You’re looking for a soft, fluffy texture that holds its shape.

Step 4: Serve and enjoy!

Spoon your homemade whipped cream onto pies, cakes, pancakes, or coffee drinks. If desired, stir in a splash of Baileys for a fun, boozy treat.

Tips and Twists to Try for Homemade Whipped Cream 

• No powdered sugar? Use granulated sugar or a few drops of maple syrup or honey.
• If you want a dairy-free version, try full-fat canned coconut milk (only the solid cream part).
• For a flavored twist, add a drop of vanilla extract, almond extract, or even peppermint for seasonal flair.
• Mix in your favorite liqueur. It could be Irish cream, Amaretto, or Kahlua, they all work great!

Health Benefits of Homemade Whipped Cream

While homemade whipped cream may not be a superfood, it comes with several real benefits that make it a smarter indulgence. By whipping it up yourself, you avoid preservatives, stabilizers, and artificial sweeteners commonly found in store-bought versions. You have full control over the sweetness level, allowing you to add just enough sugar or opt for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Plus, it’s easy to customize with organic cream or dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk. Best of all, you know exactly what’s going into your treat, making it a cleaner, more mindful way to enjoy dessert in moderation.

Make Your Own Homemade Whipped Cream Today!

There’s something incredibly satisfying about whipping your own cream in under a minute. No stand mixer, no long cleanup, just fresh, fluffy cream made right in your kitchen with minimal tools. And let’s be honest: Homemade Whipped Cream just tastes better. Once you make it yourself, you’ll never go back to canned versions again. Perfect for coffee, berries, holiday pies, or weekday pancakes. 

Tag us on Instagram @zulay_kitchen and use #kitchenhappiness to show off your whipped cream creations. We’d love to see how you sweeten up your day!

Other Kitchen Tools You'll Need

To make prep fast and cleanup a breeze, we recommend a few other kitchen tools from Zulay Kitchen:

• • Silicone Spatula Set – For scooping and folding whipped cream with zero waste.
  • Measuring Spoons – Helps measure powdered sugar and flavor extracts precisely.
  • Mixing Bowls Set – Great for portioning ingredients before whipping.

Explore our complete collection of kitchen gadgets that make even the simplest recipes feel gourmet.

Take Your Recipe to the Next Level with Premium Ingredients

Don’t settle for average whipped cream. Elevate your desserts by choosing premium ingredients from our Ingredients Collection. You can upgrade your pantry and give your desserts a gourmet finish with ingredients you can trust.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Recipe

Can I double or triple this whipped cream recipe?

Yes, absolutely. Just scale the ingredients proportionally. If you're using 8 tablespoons of heavy cream, double the amount of powdered sugar too. For larger batches, consider using a mixing bowl and a balloon whisk or immersion blender, though your Zulay milk frother can still handle medium batches with ease. Make sure to keep the cream cold before whipping for best results.

What’s the difference between heavy cream and whipping cream?

Heavy cream has a slightly higher fat content (around 36%) compared to regular whipping cream (30%). This extra fat helps whipped cream hold its shape longer and achieve stiffer peaks. 

For the best results, always use heavy cream when making homemade whipped cream. If you only have whipping cream, it will still work but may be a bit softer.

Can I use a blender or stand mixer instead of a frother?

Yes, though they’re not required. A milk frother is great for small batches and quick prep, while a blender or stand mixer can handle larger quantities. Be careful not to over-whip with high-powered appliances, as cream can turn into butter if whipped too long. With a handheld frother, you’re less likely to make that mistake.

How long does homemade whipped cream last?

Homemade whipped cream is best used immediately for peak texture. However, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24–48 hours. Store in an airtight container and re-whip briefly if it starts to deflate. If you need it to last longer for parties, consider stabilizing it with a small amount of cornstarch or cream of tartar.

What’s the best way to flavor whipped cream?

There are endless options! Vanilla extract is the classic, but almond extract, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, cocoa powder, or flavored liqueurs can all be added for variety. Start with just 1/4 teaspoon of extract and adjust to taste. Be sure to fold or mix gently to avoid deflating the cream after it’s been whipped.

Can I make whipped cream without sugar?

Yes, you can skip the sweetener entirely if you're pairing the cream with sweet desserts or fruit. Alternatively, you can sweeten it with natural options like agave syrup, maple syrup, or even a few drops of liquid stevia. For a keto-friendly version, use powdered erythritol or monk fruit sweetener for the same texture without sugar.

Can I freeze leftover whipped cream?

Surprisingly, yes. Pipe or spoon dollops of whipped cream onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag. These whipped cream “pucks” can be placed on top of hot drinks like cocoa or coffee, or thawed for use on desserts. Keep in mind, the texture will soften after thawing, but it will still taste great.