How to make whipped cream in a blender

Whipped cream in blender recipe

When it comes to making whipped cream, using the right tools is key. When you make whipped cream in a blender or other appliance, you’re adding air to the heavy cream that serves as the base ingredient that gives whipped cream its signature light, velvety texture. Making whipped cream in a blender is one of the fastest and easiest methods, and can be made fresh just minutes before serving your dish.

The following guide can help you understand how to make homemade whipped cream in a blender so you can add a creamy and delectable touch to your favorite dessert and drink recipes.

Tools

• Blender, like a KitchenAid® countertop blender

• Spatula or spoon

Prep time

• 10 minutes

Total time

• 10 minutes and 15 seconds

Ingredients

• Heavy cream or dairy-free alternative

• Sugar or powdered sweetener

• Vanilla extract, paste or beans (optional)

• Flavored extracts and syrups (optional)

Steps to make homemade whipped cream in a blender

Step 1: Chill ingredients and tools

Chilling your ingredients and blender jar beforehand can help ensure the best texture and highest volume for your homemade whipped cream. Place the blender and ingredients in the fridge to chill for approximately 10 minutes.

Step 2: Put ingredients in blender jar

To blend, put the chilled heavy cream, sugar and vanilla extract into the jar of your blender and secure the lid.

Step 3: Turn blender on

Begin blending on speed 1 or 2 and quickly increase to top speed. Blend for a total of 10–15 seconds, or until soft peaks have formed. Avoid over-blending the cream, which will make the cream lose its fluffy texture.

Step 4: Remove cream from blender

Using a spatula or spoon, gently remove the finished whipped cream from the blender jar.

Step 5: Clean the blender

Keep your appliance ready for your next culinary creation by cleaning the blender jar after each use. To clean your KitchenAid^® countertop blender, add a few drops of dish soap to the jar and blend on maximum speed for about 35 seconds. Rinse with warm water and dry well.

How to make immersion blender whipped cream

Without a countertop blender on hand, you can use an immersion or hand blender to whip cream. While you can quickly combine the ingredients in a bowl or cup on medium speed, keep in mind that an immersion blender doesn’t have a top cover like a blender, so this method can be a bit messier.

To make whipped cream using an immersion blender, follow these simple steps:

• Chill your ingredients and a bowl or jar in the fridge before working.

• Place all ingredients in the chilled jar or cup.

• Mix the ingredients together on the immersion blender’s medium speed, moving the blades throughout the mixture for even blending. Keep blades submerged to limit splatter.

• Blend on medium until soft peaks form.

• Remove the whipped cream from the container gently with a spoon or spatula

Achieve delicate, airy whipped cream at home using a KitchenAid® immersion blender with Wire Whisk Attachment on select models. If you don’t have a blender in your kitchen, you can still achieve the same light and fluffy whipped cream texture with alternate appliances like a KitchenAid® stand mixer or food chopper.

How to make whipped cream without heavy cream

The versatility of homemade whipped creams allows you to achieve the same fluffy and delicious results even without a particular ingredient on hand. For a lighter result or vegan option, consider experimenting with alternatives like whole milk or canned or chilled coconut milk.

When using a heavy cream alternative, ingredients with a high fat content are best for making whipped cream, so it’s best to avoid low fat options like almond or rice milk.

How to make whipped cream with coconut milk

Making blender whipped cream at home also allows you to experiment with different dairy-free alternatives that suit your cooking or dietary needs. To make whipped cream at home without dairy, coconut milk can serve as a great alternative.

If you choose to use coconut milk, opt for a full-fat version. To make the whipped cream, start by chilling a can of coconut milk in the fridge overnight to allow the fat to separate to the top of the can. When you’re ready to whip, chill your bowl and whipping tools like a whisk or mixer beaters in the fridge for a few minutes.

From there, scoop the thick top layer of fat from the can and into the bowl. Then, beat the substance with a mixer or whisk until soft, creamy peaks form. Finish off by adding a bit of vanilla and powdered sugar for added sweetness and beat again until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

How to make whipped cream with full fat or whole milk

You can also use butter and milk to create your own heavy cream substitute. To make it, whisk together full fat or whole milk and melted butter for about five minutes. Allow the mixture to cool completely before adding the rest of the ingredients.

Finish off by whipping all of the ingredients together with a whisk until thick. If using a stand mixer, slowly increase the speed to maximum and mix until thick. If the mixture doesn’t become thick enough, chill the mixture in the fridge for a few minutes before whipping again. To help stabilize the whipped cream after whipping, add a bit of cornstarch or softened gelatin once soft peaks have formed before beating again to achieve your desired consistency.

How to make flavored whipped cream

While vanilla is generally the most popular flavor, you can use alternatives like coconut extract, almond extract or maple syrup to alter the taste and further enhance your homemade topping. You can also get creative with flavor by experimenting with different add-ins like maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon or almond extract.

One of the greatest advantages of making whipped cream at home in a blender is the ability to experiment with different flavor options — simply add in your alternate flavoring before blending, or fold in afterwards if using a heavy ingredient. If you’re going with vanilla, consider using vanilla beans scraped from the pod for a boost of flavor and add a natural touch to your recipe.

Blender whipped cream pairings

Now that your homemade whipped cream is finished, you’re ready to start using it as a sweet and light topping for your favorite desserts or as a delicious pairing that complements a wide range of recipes.

Below are a few recipe ideas that you can use as inspiration to pair with your homemade whipped cream.

Coffee drinks

Top a chai latte or espresso with your homemade whipped cream for a touch of added sweetness to your morning cup. In the warmer months, add some to your go-to iced coffee for a deliciously sweet start to the day.

Milkshakes

There’s nothing quite like the nostalgia of a classic milkshake topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream. This familiar pairing is a great way to showcase your homemade topping with a fan-favorite dessert.

Pancakes and waffles

Make breakfast feel more like dessert by adding your blender whipped cream as a creamy and delicious topping to fluffy homemade pancakes, protein waffles or Belgian waffles. Use your whipped cream to experiment with other topping pairings like wild berries or chocolate chips for even more variety.

Cakes and pies

Satisfy your sweet tooth by pairing your whipped cream with a decadent, chocolatey cake or a freshly-baked pumpkin or sweet potato pie. The lightness of the whipped cream can help elevate the texture of a flaky crust or spongy cake.

Dessert cocktails

You can also use whipped cream as a flavorful complement to your next cocktail creation. For added sweetness, add your homemade whipped cream as a sweet bourbon complement or experiment with different ingredients to create your own signature cocktail for the holiday season.

What’s the best way to store homemade whipped cream?

Homemade whipped cream is best enjoyed fresh as a dessert topping, but you can store your homemade whipped cream in the fridge for up to two days with an airtight container. When you’re ready for another taste of your hand-crafted topping, be sure to re-whip the cream in the blender before enjoying.