How to Make Whipped Cream for Cake
Fresh whole milk contains cream. When whole milk is allowed to stand, the cream rises to the top and can be skimmed off. Heavy whipping cream has a high butterfat content of 36 percent or higher. Heavy whipping cream is sold as pasteurized and ultra-pasteurized. For desserts and whipping, many cooks prefer pasteurized cream, because it is fresher-tasting and more flavorful. Ultra-pasteurized cream is treated with a different heat process for longer storage, and some people think it tastes bland.
Three cakes topped with whipped cream and sprinkles. (Image: leekris/iStock/Getty Images)Step 1
Chill the bowl, beaters and cream for 15 minutes in the freezer or one hour in the refrigerator before you plan to whip the cream. Colder temperatures help the cream whip faster.
Step 2
Pour the cold cream into the cold bowl. Using the chilled whisk or beaters, begin whipping the cream. If whisking by hand, use long strokes to incorporate more air into the cream quickly. When the cream begins to thicken, after about one to two minutes of whipping, add powdered confectioner's sugar a little at a time, beating it into the cream.
Step 3
Continue whipping until soft peaks form. When you lift the whisk or beaters out of the cream and peaks follow the whisk but topple over, it has reached soft peak stage. Add vanilla or other flavoring and continue whipping until it is incorporated thoroughly and the cream is smooth and fluffy.
Things You'll Need
Glass or metal bowl (many chefs prefer copper)
Wire whisk or electric mixer
One cup heavy cream
2 tbsp. powdered sugar
1 tsp. vanilla or other flavoring, optional
Tip
The cream should be about double in volume. One cup of heavy cream yields about two cups of whipped cream. After whipping, high quality cream lasts for 24 hours in the refrigerator without going flat. Granulated sugar works fine when whipping cream, but powdered sugar dissolves more easily. Adjust sugar and flavoring to your taste. If your kitchen is warm when you begin whipping the cream, set the cream bowl in a larger bowl with ice cubes in the bottom. This will help keep the cream chilled so it will whip faster.
Warning
If you continue whipping the cream too long, it will curdle and turn to butter.
