This is the most dreamy whipped cream recipe—light, fluffy, and just sweet enough. It’s also a perfect match for rich desserts like our Two-Ingredient Chocolate Mousse. With just heavy cream and a touch of confectioners’ sugar, you’ll have a topping that’s far better than anything off the shelf.

A bowl of whipped cream with fruit scattered.

Tips for Perfect Whipped Cream Every Time

The key to great whipped cream is starting with cold heavy whipping cream. Anything lower in fat just won’t hold its shape well. Chill your bowl and beaters for even better results.

When whipping, aim for soft peaks rather than stiff ones. You want that light, cloud-like texture that gently holds its shape. Add the confectioners’ sugar once the cream begins to thicken—this helps it dissolve completely and gives a smooth finish. If you only have granulated sugar, add it at the beginning so it blends in thoroughly.

Accidentally overbeat it? Don’t panic! You can rescue over-whipped cream by gently folding in a little more fresh heavy cream and whisking by hand until smooth again.

How to Use Homemade Whipped Cream

Homemade whipped cream is one of those simple pleasures that instantly elevates just about anything it touches. Whether you’re spooning it over fresh fruit or folding it into a dessert, this fluffy, creamy topping has endless uses. Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy it:

Top a slice of pie or cake – Just a dollop is the perfect finishing touch on classics like our Strawberry Muffins or Lemon Blueberry Blondies.
Serve with fresh berries – Keep it simple and let seasonal fruit shine. Try it with juicy Honey-Lime Fruit Salad for a refreshing twist.
Layer into a trifle or parfait – Create beautiful, no-bake desserts using whipped cream, crumbled cookies, and fresh fruit.
Swirl onto pancakes or waffles – Skip the syrup once in a while and go for a fluffy cloud of whipped cream on top!
Serve with hot drinks – Stir it into coffee or top your hot cocoa for a cozy, café-style touch.

Once you have a batch ready, you’ll start finding all kinds of delicious excuses to use it!

An overhead image of a bowl of homemade whipped cream.

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Fresh whipped cream is best enjoyed immediately, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10 hours. After that, it may start to lose volume and separate.

To avoid waste, you can freeze this recipe! Here’s how:

Pipe or spoon dollops onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Freeze until solid.
Transfer to labeled freezer bags.

When you’re ready to use them, drop a frozen dollop straight into a hot drink, or let it thaw for 15–20 minutes for topping desserts.

Homemade Whipped Cream

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Homemade Whipped Cream is light, creamy, and easy to make with just two ingredients—perfect for topping all your favorite desserts!

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Ingredients

▢ 1 pint heavy whipping cream
▢ ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar

Instructions

Pour the heavy whipping cream into a large mixing bowl.
Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, begin mixing on low speed. Gradually increase the speed to medium as the cream starts to thicken. (Starting low helps prevent splattering.)
Once the cream begins to hold its shape slightly, stop the mixer.
Add the confectioners’ sugar slowly, then resume mixing—starting again on low speed and increasing to medium, then high.
Continue mixing until the cream forms stiff peaks. This happens quickly once it thickens, so keep a close eye to avoid overwhipping.