Move over Cool Whip. Learn how to make homemade whipped cream. This healthy alternative to the tub you are used to buying. You only need 3 ingredients for this tasty treat!
Growing up Cool Whip was one of my absolute most favorite things. From the tub or can, I could literally shovel it in my mouth. I would always drive my mom crazy because I would try to sneak spoonfuls out of the tub and she needed the whole container for whatever dessert she was making. When our daughter was born though, we started watching what we were eating and I realized that I could be making my own homemade cool whip from scratch. Not only was it healthier, but it actually tastes better, too. Say WHAT!?
Is there a difference between cool whip and whipped cream?
Cool Whip is an artificial alternative for making whipped cream. Whipped cream is the process of whisking or beating heavy cream until light and fluffy and sweetened with vanilla and sugar.
Some may ask, “why not just buy Cool Whip (or ReddiWhip can)?” That’s because the ingredients in Cool Whip tub contains the following: water, hydrogenated vegetable oil (coconut & palm kernel oils), high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, skim milk, contains less than 2% of light cream, sodium caseinate, natural and artificial flavor, xanthan and guar gums, polysorbate 60, sorbitan monostearate, sodium polyphosphate, beta carotene (color). That’s more than 15 different ingredients! Half of which I have no clue what they are or how to even correctly pronounce them. Why would you ever want to put that into your body?
Alternatively, the ingredients in homemade whipped cream are: heavy cream, vanilla, and sugar. That’s it.
How do you make whipped cream?
A homemade whipped cream recipe consists of whisking vigorously with a whisk or beating with a mixer heavy cream until light and fluffy clouds begin to form. Halfway through you add vanilla extract and white sugar. The end result tastes better than any store bought tub or can can compare. You do have to be careful that you don’t whisk or beat too long or you will end up making homemade butter.
Can I Make Homemade Whipped Cream In Advance?
Move over Cool Whip. This homemade whipped toppings is a healthy alternative to the tub you are used to buying. You only need 3 ingredients for this tasty treat!
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
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In a chilled bowl of a stand mixer, add the heavy cream and begin to beat on medium speed.
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Slowly add in the organic sugar and pure vanilla extract.
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Continue to beat until stiff peaks begin to form. [This typically happens between 6-10 minutes, depending on your exact speed and the type of mixer you are using.]
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Use immediately or place in refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Cold heavy cream and a chilled bowl work best and fastest for this recipe, but if you are in a pinch it will still turn out great if the bowl isn't chilled (the cream needs to be cold though)
- Stop once you have stiff peaks. Over beating heavy cream will cause it to separate and form buttermilk and butter if beaten too long.
- You don't have to have a stand mixer, it's just what I have that works best. A regular mixer, or even just a bowl and a whisk will work great.
Pin this Homemade Whipped Topping Recipe to Pinterest and save for later!
This post was originally posted on 6/17/2014. Same great recipe, but our photography has greatly improved.
We're Parents is a unique mom and dad natural parenting blog focusing on topics such as breastfeeding, babywearing, and car seat safety. You'll also find Delicious recipes, inspired travel recommendations, and more as you journey with us through parenting. 
