The Best Whipped Cream Frosting
Light, airy, and just sweet enough, we think homemade whipped cream is right up there with the most wonderful things on earth, like puppies and rainbows. It takes so little time to whip up and tastes so much better than the stuff in the can that we make it from scratch as much as we can. And if you take that simple deliciousness and make it into a frosting… it just can’t get any better.
We love to use whipped cream frosting on cakes, cupcakes, and pretty much anything we can find in the kitchen, but it can be a little tricky since it is sensitive to temperature and will flatten out over time. The trick is to use a stabilizer to ensure that the cream stays nice and fluffy and whipped until you serve it. We like to use a little bit of powdered gelatin dissolved in water as a stabilizer. Many cooks have their own tried and true tricks, but we think our version makes the BEST whipped cream frosting around. Another bonus with stabilizing whipped cream is that you can make it ahead of time and it will stay fluffy in the fridge. That sure beats doing everything at the last minute!
If you’ve made whipped cream before, you know that pretty much the only key to it is to make sure that your cream is cold. It can help to chill the bowl and beaters too, but unless it’s like a sauna in your kitchen you shouldn’t run into any trouble if you skip that step. If you can work an electric mixer – or if you have really great arm muscles and can hold a whisk – you can make whipped cream frosting that will knock the socks off of just about anybody.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This whipped cream frosting is as versatile as it is delicious. It’s perfect for topping cakes and cupcakes, or even as a delightful accompaniment to fresh berries. Plus, our secret ingredient, gelatin, ensures that it stays fluffy longer, making it a great make-ahead option.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Medium bowl
- Small bowl
- Microwave
Ingredients
- 2 cups (1 pint) heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 4 teaspoons cold water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon unflavored powdered gelatin
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Add cold water to a small bowl and sprinkle gelatin over the top. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- Once set, microwave briefly, about 10 seconds, to turn gelatin to a liquid.
- In a medium bowl, add cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
- Beat with an electric mixer on low for 1 minute.
- Turn mixer to high and slowly pour in the gelatin mixture.
- Continue beating until medium-stiff peaks form and desired consistency is reached.
- Spread on cakes, cupcakes, or over berries, and enjoy!
Tips for Success
Ensure your cream is well-chilled before starting. This helps the whipped cream reach the perfect texture. If your kitchen is warm, consider chilling the bowl and beaters too.
Additional Tips or Variations
For a flavored twist, try adding a teaspoon of cocoa powder for chocolate whipped cream or a few drops of almond extract for a nutty note. You can also experiment with different sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
While the exact nutritional content will vary based on serving size, this whipped cream frosting is generally low in carbohydrates and sugar, making it a lighter option compared to buttercream.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this frosting ahead of time?
Yes, thanks to the gelatin, this frosting can be made ahead and stored in the fridge without losing its fluffiness.
How long can I store whipped cream frosting?
It’s best used within 24-48 hours for optimal texture and taste.
Can I freeze whipped cream frosting?
Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture once thawed.
Conclusion
There you have it—the best whipped cream frosting that’s sure to delight anyone who tastes it. We invite you to try this recipe and experience its magic for yourself. Don’t forget to share your creations and any tweaks you make to personalize it. Enjoy!
