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How to Make Whipped Cream Without Heavy Cream: A Homemade Milk Recipe

Have you ever found yourself in a baking emergency, craving to top your favorite dessert with a dollop of whipped cream, only to realize you’re out of heavy cream? You might be wondering how to make whipped cream without heavy cream. The good news? It’s not only possible but can be pretty simple too! With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of culinary creativity, you can whip up a delicious homemade topping that rivals the real thing.

Milk: A Great Substitute for Heavy Cream

Whole milk can be a great substitute for heavy cream when making homemade whipped cream. Even though the fat content of heavy cream is significantly higher, you can still achieve a fluffy texture with whole milk. All you need is a combination of milk and a thickening agent.

A glass of whole milk sitting on a kitchen counter

Different Ways to Whip Milk Into Cream

There are different methods to transform whole milk into a delicious whipped topping. You can use a food processor, an electric mixer with a whisk attachment, a hand mixer, or even an immersion blender. It all depends on what you have on hand. For the best results, use a chilled bowl and start on a low speed, gradually increasing to medium-high speed.

Adding a Thickening Agent

Since the fat content in milk is much less than that in heavy cream, you will need to add a thickening agent. This can be powdered sugar, unflavored gelatin, or even a little bit of melted butter. This will help the milk reach the soft peak stage that you typically get with regular whipped cream.

Powdered sugar, unflavored gelatin, and melted butter on a wooden table

Non-Dairy Alternatives

If you’re dairy-free, don’t fret! You can still learn how to make whipped cream without heavy cream. Coconut cream is a popular choice, and it can be whipped into soft peaks just like heavy cream. Simply chill a can of full-fat coconut milk, then scoop out the thick cream that separates and solidifies at the top. Soy milk, combined with a little bit of olive oil and tapioca starch, can also work as a heavy cream substitute.

Flavoring Your Homemade Whipped Cream

Once you’ve whipped your milk (or alternative) into soft peaks, it’s time to sweeten and flavor it. A bit of powdered sugar or maple syrup can be used for sweetness. Vanilla extract adds a classic flavor, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other extracts or spices. A dash of cinnamon could be perfect for topping a pumpkin pie, for instance.

Vanilla extract and maple syrup next to a bowl of homemade whipped cream

Enjoying Your Homemade Whipped Cream

Now that you know how to make whipped cream without heavy cream, the possibilities are endless. Use it as a topping for hot chocolate or strawberry shortcake, swirl it into your favorite ice cream, or use it as frosting for cakes. The homemade version is so much better than the store-bought stuff, and it’s sure to impress your friends and family.

Homemade whipped cream topping a slice of strawberry shortcake

Storing Your Homemade Whipped Cream

If you have any whipped cream left over, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for a few days. Just give it a quick whip before using it again to restore its fluffy texture.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re out of heavy cream, avoiding dairy, or simply looking for a fun cooking project, knowing how to make whipped cream without heavy cream is a great skill to have. With a few simple tricks and a bit of creativity, you can make a delicious whipped cream substitute that’s perfect for your next dessert. Happy whipping!

Heavenly Homemade Whipped Cream – No Heavy Cream Required! Recipe

Heavenly Homemade Whipped Cream – No Heavy Cream Required! Recipe

Yield: 1 bowl
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

This is a delightful, fluffy, and versatile whipped cream recipe that is a perfect dairy-free, vegan-friendly alternative to traditional whipped cream. Use it to top off desserts, hot cocoa, or fruit, and enjoy the natural sweetness of coconut milk.

Ingredients

  • 1 can full-fat coconut milk
  • 1-4 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Chill a large mixing bowl and the beaters of a hand mixer in the fridge for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Open your can of coconut milk, scoop out the thick cream at the top into your chilled mixing bowl, leaving the coconut water behind.
  3. Whip the coconut cream on high speed for 2-3 minutes, until it becomes light and fluffy, and soft peaks form.
  4. Add your powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while continuing to whip. Taste after each addition until your desired sweetness is reached.
  5. Add in your vanilla extract and beat into the cream until well incorporated.

Notes

Remember, the key to this recipe is using full-fat canned coconut milk and refrigerating it overnight. This whipped cream is naturally sweet due to the coconut milk, so adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference. You can also experiment with different flavors by adding cinnamon, almond extract, or cocoa powder.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 120Total Fat: 10gSaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 15mgCarbohydrates: 6gNet Carbohydrates: 6gFiber: 0gSugar: 4gSugar Alcohols: 0gProtein: 1g

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