Learn to make homemade whipped cream with only 3 ingredients in less than 5 minutes! Skip store-bought, this is so easy to make and the perfect topping for desserts.

Slice of pumpkin pie with homemade whipped cream on top.

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Easy Homemade Whipped Cream Recipe

Tis’ the season of homemade pies! Every year on Thanksgiving we have an assortment of pies and I make this homemade whipped cream to go on top! A few of my favorites pie recipes to add it to are pumpkin pie or key lime pie with Greek yogurt.

Once you make this homemade whipped topping recipe, you’ll never go back to store-bought! It’s so simple to make and tastes 100 times better than the canned stuff.

Trust me, you’re going to love the from scratch version of this whipped topping! It’s a classic for so many treats including hot chocolate, banana cream pie and strawberry shortcake trifle!

Ingredients

This is a 3 ingredient whipped cream, it’s so easy!

Whipped cream ingredients in a mixing bowl.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Heavy whipping cream: Cold heavy cream works best.
  • Sugar: My preference is powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar), but granulated sugar also works too.
  • Vanilla: Vanilla extract adds to the classic flavor.

How to Make Homemade Whipped Cream

Whisk with homemade whipped cream on it.
  • Kitchen aid mixer: Start out by placing your whisk attachment and the bowl of a standing mixer in the freezer. Then whip the ingredients on medium-high speed until soft peaks form.
  • In a blender: Place the blender in the freezer and then blend until a peak forms.
  • Bowl + whisk: Place both in the freezer and then put your muscles to work the good ol’ fashioned way. :)

Favorite Recipes to Top with Whipped Cream

Foolproof Whipped Cream Tips

  • Your cream must be at least 30% milk fat. This means you cannot use light cream or half n half. Double cream or whipping cream may work but the whipping topping may not hold shape as well.
  • Freeze your bowl and beaters: Place your mixing bowl and beaters (or whisk) in the freezer for about 15 minutes prior to using them. The stiff peaks will form faster this way.
  • Cool whip replacement: If you’re making a dessert and don’t have cool whip on hand, just whip up a batch of this easy whipped cream and use as a 1:1 replacement. I personally like it better!
  • Make stable: Turn this recipe into stabilized whipped cream by adding unflavored gelatin. This version of homemade cool whip holds its shape for longer and stays sturdier on top of your favorite desserts.
Bowl of homemade whipped cream.

More dessert recipes to use with homemade whipped topping include banana pudding, chocolate silk pie or this crepe cake recipe.

More Recipes to Use with Whipped Cream

homemade whipped cream in a glass bowl

Homemade Whipped Cream Recipe

5 from 13 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 16
Learn to make homemade whipped cream with only 3 ingredients in less than 5 minutes! Skip store-bought, this is so easy to make and the perfect topping for desserts.
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Video

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup cold heavy cream
  • 2-4 Tablespoons powdered sugar or granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Place a medium to large bowl and electric beaters (or whisk attachment and a stand mixer bowl) in the freezer and chill 15 minutes.
  • In the chilled bowl, add the cream, sugar, and vanilla. Using an electric mixer fitted with chilled beaters, beat on low until combined. Beat on high 2 minutes, or until soft peaks form.
  • Enjoy on your favorite pie and desserts!

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Make-ahead: This recipe can be made 1 day in advance and stored in the fridge. 
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 24 hours. 

Nutrition

Calories: 55kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Protein: 0.4g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 17mg, Sodium: 4mg, Potassium: 14mg, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 219IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 10mg, Iron: 0.02mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this homemade whipped cream recipe dairy-free?

Yes, I have heard that coconut cream can be a great dairy-free substitute that works well.

Can I use this as a whipped cream frosting?

To use this as a frosting, you are going to want it to be a bit thicker. I would recommend whipping the cream to soft peaks and then adding vanilla and powdered sugar until you get stiff peaks. You could even add a few drops of food coloring to make it more decorative, if you like.

Can I add other flavorings besides vanilla to this whipped cream?

Absolutely! You can swap the vanilla extract for peppermint, orange, or almond extracts.

How long does this homemade whipped cream last?

You can store it for up to 3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. I have stored it for longer but it does start to separate.