Homemade Whipped Cream

Whipped cream is a holiday staple! Its light, airy texture and sweet flavor make it the perfect accompaniment for desserts such as pies, cakes, and hot chocolate. While easy to grab and affordable in stores (it's less than $3 at my local grocery store), it's important to consider what goes into those convenient cans. Many brands contain a surprising number of ingredients, even as many as 10, including whatever "mono- and diglycerides" is...So yes, store-bought whipped cream is convenient, but honestly it's easier and even cheaper to make it at home! With just TWO ingredients and a standing mixer (or a hand mixer or a jar with a lid!), you can have simple and delicious whipped cream to top any of your favorite desserts. The process is straightforward: simply combine the heavy cream and sugar in your mixing bowl or jar, and whip it until soft peaks form. This usually takes just a few minutes, and the result is a rich, creamy whipped cream that can elevate your holiday desserts to a whole new level.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of whipped cream

• 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar (add more or less to your taste)

That's it. Literally 2 ingredients.

Directions - standing mixer

1. Place your two ingredients into the standing mixer.

2. Begin mixing on low speed to combine.

3. Slowly increase the speed to medium, moving to speed 3 for about 30 seconds, then to 4 for another 30 seconds, and then to 5.

4. As you notice foam forming, gradually raise the speed to 6, then 7, and finally 8.

5. Allow the mixer to continue until the mixture thickens!

   1. I prefer mine thick with a good structure, so I continue just until the whipped cream starts to pull away from the sides.

   2. If you mix for too long, it will separate into butter. While that's also tasty, it's not our goal here.

Whisk or Shake - alternatives to a standing mixer

A standing mixer is not required. Maybe you don't have one or maybe you want to be even more present in the moment by trying a more manual process. Here are 3 options for making whipped cream without a standing mixer!

1. Handmixer: Pour your ingredients in a bowl. Start on a low speed to avoid splattering, then gradually increase the speed. Whip the cream until soft or stiff peaks form.

2. Whisk: Use a circular motion to whisk the cream, incorporating air as you go. It take a bit of muscle and patience, but continue whisking until soft or stiff peaks form.

3. Ensure the jar is clean and dry. Add heavy cream to the jar, filling it about halfway. Secure the lid tightly. Shake the jar vigorously for about 5-10 minutes, or until the cream thickens and soft peaks form. This method also takes muscle and patience. If you have a high-energy kid, try handing it to them for a few minute as they run around the house!

Customizing Your Whipped Cream

 One of the best aspects of homemade whipped cream is the ability to customize it to suit your taste. You can easily adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar you add, or experiment with different flavors by incorporating vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or even spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. This allows you to create a whipped cream that perfectly complements the specific flavors of your holiday desserts, making each bite even more enjoyable.

Serving Suggestions

 The versatility of whipped cream makes it an excellent choice for a wide array of holiday treats. Whether you're topping a slice of pumpkin pie, enhancing a bowl of fresh berries, or adding a dollop to your steaming cup of cocoa or coffee, homemade whipped cream can transform any dessert into a festive delight. It can also be used as a filling for cakes or pastries, or even as a topping for breakfast items like pancakes and waffles, making it a truly multifunctional addition to your holiday culinary repertoire. With minimal ingredients, simple preparation, and the ability to customize flavors, homemade whipped cream is not only a healthier choice but also a more satisfying one. So this holiday season, consider whipping up your own batch and enjoy the delicious difference it can make to your festive treats!