Sometimes I need to pipe swirls of whipped cream on a dessert a few hours ahead of time. Even if I'm just leaving it in a bowl in the refrigerator, there are times when I need to whip the cream a few hours before I serve it. For these occasions I like to stabilize the whipped cream by adding something to help it be a bit stiffer, and less inclined to weep and lose that airy fluff. We're going to show you some easy tips on how to stabilize whipped cream.
Whipping Cream Stabilizing Methods
Whipping Cream Stabilizing MethodsI've tried several methods. All have their pros (stabilizing the cream) and some have cons (change in flavor.)
To one cup (8 ounce carton) whipping cream, you can add ONE of the following items:
- ¼ cup powdered "Dream Whip"
- ¼ cup powdered vanilla pudding mix
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- unflavored powdered gelatin (see instructions in recipe below)
If I have "Dream Whip" on hand, I often use it as it's easy to use and I like the flavor. The pudding gives a slight fake vanilla flavor which is OK, but not my first choice. The cornstarch gives a slight aftertaste but again it's OK.
How to stabilize whipped cream with gelatin
If I have time, I think the best method is to use unflavored powdered gelatin. Below are some simple steps:
1. Sprinkle powdered gelatin over water in a small glass bowl; let it stand about 5 minutes until the gelatin dissolves. Place the small bowl in the microwave and cook for 7 seconds on high. Stop, take out the bowl and stir the water/gelatin mixture. Repeat this step until gelatin is dissolved and turns to liquid. Be careful not to overcook the gelatin. Set it aside to reach room temperature but don't let it "set."
2. Whip cream, sugar and vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed until cream begins to stiffen and you can trace a line in the cream. Add two tablespoons cream to gelatin and gently mix.
3. While whipping, slowly pour the gelatin/cream over cream in mixing bowl. Increase mixer speed to high and beat until soft peaks form. Cover whipped cream and place in refrigerator, or top your dessert with cream and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Enjoy!
Dianna
Stabilized Whipped Cream
Ingredients
GELATIN METHOD
- 1 teaspoon unflavored gelatin example: Knox gelatin
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon water
- 1 cup (8 oz. carton) whipping cream
- 3 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Sprinkle powdered gelatin over water in a small glass bowl. Let it stand for about five minutes until the gelatin dissolves.
- Place the small bowl in the microwave and cook for 7 seconds on high. Stop, take out the bowl and stir the water/gelatin mixture. Repeat this step until gelatin is dissolved and turns to liquid. (Note: Don’t over cook gelatin.) Set it aside to reach room temperature but don’t let it “set.”
- Whip cream, sugar and vanilla with electric mixer on medium speed until cream begins to stiffen and you can trace a line in the cream.
- Add two tablespoons cream to gelatin and gently mix. While whipping, slowly pour the gelatin/cream over cream in mixing bowl.
- Increase mixer speed to high and beat until soft peaks form. Cover whipped cream and place in refrigerator, or top your dessert with cream and refrigerate until ready to serve.
admin says
Thank you! It really can be so helpful!
Mary Ann Yost says
Love this tip!!