This post was written by staff dietitian Heidi Harkopf, MS, RD. She works in Connecticut as the director of nutrition programs.
It’s that time of year when family and friends gather to celebrate the simple joy of spending time together during the holidays. Let the food you celebrate with reflect that same wholesome, simple joy!
Many consumers today are interested in returning to the basics of wholesome food. They are looking for food that was produced sustainably, prepared simply, and made with familiar ingredients. Homemade whipped cream is just that! Despite it only being made with one ingredient, preparing whipped cream seems intimidating to many and drives some to purchase a non-dairy “whipped topping” alternative that just doesn’t feel quite so wholesome. The steps involved in making whipped cream may be more simple than you think.
Making Homemade Whipped Cream with Heavy Cream or Whipping Cream
You only need one ingredient to make this delicious topping, and that would be cream! But should you choose heavy cream or heavy whipping cream (whipping cream)? What’s the difference? With a slightly higher fat content, heavy cream provides more stability which could be helpful if you are looking to make whipped cream that will last beyond a day (such as for cake decorating). When using whipping cream, the product will have a billowy softness to it and keep its fluffiness for a few hours. Both heavy or whipping cream are options that will produce similar results, so use what you can find in your local grocery store.
The How-To
To transform heavy or whipping cream into a light, airy topping, it must be mixed vigorously. This can be done by beating the cream using a hand held or stand mixer at medium to high-speed for several minutes until soft peaks form. Take a look at these step by step instructions to make whipped cream, which like many other holiday treats, should be enjoyed in moderation.
Homemade Greek Yogurt Whipped Cream
Making Greek yogurt whipped cream might sound a bit daring for your next gathering, but you will be amazed at how the soft tangy peaks complement fruit and provide a wonderful contrast to many sweet desserts. In addition, you’ll get the nutritional benefits of the yogurt and the probiotics within! The tang of the yogurt also makes this a great addition to meals other than dessert. Try it on your pancakes for an extra special touch, or atop roasted vegetables. To make Greek yogurt whipped cream, start out by swapping ¼ of your cream with the low-fat or fat-free yogurt before whipping. For an even tangier taste, substitute ½ of the cream with yogurt. Just as you would make whipped cream, beat the cream and yogurt combination using a hand held or stand mixer at medium to high-speed for several minutes until peaks begin to form.
Flavor Variations: For a fun touch add these flavors before whipping!
- Vanilla or almond whipped cream: Add a ½- 1 tsp. of vanilla or almond extract per cup of cream. Optional: Add 1 Tbsp. of sugar per cup of cream to sweeten.
- Cinnamon whipped cream: Add 1 tsp. cinnamon per cup of cream. Optional: Add 1 Tbsp. of sugar per cup of cream to sweeten.
- Maple whipped cream: Add ¼ cup maple syrup to 1 cup of cream. Optional: Add 1 Tbsp. of sugar per cup of cream to sweeten.
- Chocolate whipped cream: Stir 2 Tbsp. cocoa with ¼ cup of cream until smooth, then add additional ¾ cup cream until cocoa is dissolved, then whip. Optional: Add 2 Tbsp. sugar to sweeten.
- Coffee whipped cream: 1 ½ tsp. of instant coffee granules per cup of cream. Optional: Add 2 Tbsp. of sugar to sweeten.
I recently demonstrated how to make the Greek Yogurt Whipped Cream on WFSB Channel 3 News! Watch below!