Whipped cream is a delightful topping that adds lightness and sweetness to desserts, beverages, and even fruit bowls. Most people buy it ready-made, but did you know you can prepare it at home with just one glass of milk? This homemade recipe is cost-effective, free from artificial preservatives, and can be made with ingredients easily available in your kitchen. By following a simple method, you can transform ordinary milk into a fluffy, creamy, and rich whipped cream that rivals store-bought versions.
Ingredients
- 1 glass of full-fat milk (cold)
- 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted, melted)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional for flavor)
Instructions
- Start by melting the butter and letting it cool slightly until it is just warm but not hot. Pour the butter into the cold milk and blend using a hand mixer or high-speed blender.
- Once the mixture thickens slightly, add powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Continue blending until the texture becomes fluffy, creamy, and forms soft peaks. This process usually takes about 5–7 minutes.
- Chill the whipped cream in the refrigerator for 20–30 minutes before serving. Use it immediately for decorating cakes, topping pies, or adding to hot chocolate, coffee, and desserts.
Servings
This recipe makes approximately 2 to 3 servings, depending on portion size.
Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.)
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Sugar: 5 g
- Fiber: 0 g
Notes
This recipe works best with full-fat milk because of its higher fat content, which helps create a rich and stable whipped cream. Skim or low-fat milk may not provide the same texture or flavor. If you prefer a sweeter taste, increase the amount of powdered sugar according to your preference. The whipped cream is best consumed fresh, but it can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
Tips
- For faster results, place your mixing bowl and beaters in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before starting. Cold equipment helps the cream form quicker.
- If the mixture seems too runny, you can add a teaspoon of cornstarch or milk powder to stabilize it.
- Do not overmix, as this may cause the whipped cream to turn grainy or begin separating.
- Add cocoa powder for a chocolate whipped cream variation or a few drops of flavored extracts like almond or peppermint for a unique twist.
Health Benefits
Homemade whipped cream, when prepared with minimal sugar, is healthier than store-bought varieties that often contain artificial stabilizers and additives. Using real milk and butter provides calcium, vitamin D, and essential fats, which are beneficial for bone strength and energy. Unlike commercial versions, this whipped cream avoids hydrogenated oils and excess preservatives, making it a more natural choice. Moderation is key since it is calorie-dense, but when consumed responsibly, it can be part of a balanced diet.
Q & A
Q: Can I make this recipe without butter?
A: Butter helps add fat and stability, but you can replace it with heavy cream if available.
Q: How long can I store homemade whipped cream?
A: It is best consumed fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Q: Why isn’t my whipped cream thickening?
A: Ensure that the milk is cold, use full-fat milk, and do not skip the butter. Chilling your utensils also helps.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegan?
A: Yes, you can use plant-based milk and vegan butter, though the texture may be slightly lighter compared to dairy-based whipped cream.
Q: What desserts pair best with homemade whipped cream?
A: It goes perfectly with cakes, pies, puddings, hot chocolate, fruit salads, waffles, and pancakes.