Whipping cream is a common baking and cooking ingredient used to make desserts light and fluffy. When selecting whipping cream, it’s important to understand the different types available and how to best use them in recipes.

We will walk you through the key factors to consider when buying whipping cream, tips for whipping it properly, and how to store it to maximize freshness.
3 PACK Dream Whip Topping Mix
Dream Whip topping mix is a classic whipped topping product that has been loved for decades. This powdered topping mix whips up into a light, fluffy dessert topping with simple preparation - just add cold milk and whip. It delivers a sweet, indulgent vanilla flavor perfect for topping fruit, pies, cakes, parfaits and more.
A major benefit of Dream Whip is convenience - it stores dry and takes just minutes to whip up fresh topping whenever you need it. Each envelope makes 2 cups of billowy topping to generously top desserts. There's no need to whip dairy cream by hand. The whipped topping holds its shape well without collapsing or becoming runny after whipping.
This product can help create quick homemade desserts with its sweet whipped topping. The taste brings back nostalgia while satisfying sweet cravings. It's perfect if you love an old-fashioned whipped topping for fruit salads, ice cream sundaes, banana splits and cupcake frosting.
Key Features:
- Powdered whipped topping mix
- Sweet indulgent flavor
- 2 cups topping per envelope
- Stores dry until ready to whip
Pros:
- Simple and quick preparation
- Great classic flavor
- Generous yield per envelope
- Holds shape after whipping
Cons:
- Contains common allergens
- Needs refrigeration
Dream Whip Whipped Topping Mix
Dream Whip makes whipping up fluffy whipped topping easy with its powdered mix. This classic whipped topping brings nostalgic vanilla flavor to desserts for a perfect finishing touch. Just mix the powder with cold milk to create sweet, billowy topping.
A major benefit is the convenience - ready to whip whenever you need it for toppings or frosting cakes and cupcakes. Each envelope yields 2 cups of airy whipped topping to generously top all kinds of desserts from fruit and ice cream to pies and cakes. There's no need to whip dairy cream.
This whipped topping holds its shape well after mixing without becoming runny. Its indulgent taste and smooth texture is perfect for homemade desserts or anytime you want an easy topping. Bring back memories while satisfying cravings with this beloved whipped topping product.
Key Features:
- Powdered mix for whipped topping
- Sweet vanilla flavor
- 2 cups per envelope
- Stores dry until ready to whip
Pros:
- Quick and simple preparation
- Great nostalgic flavor
- Holds shape after whipping
- Generous yield per envelope
Cons:
- Contains common allergens
- Needs refrigeration
Rich's On Top Soft Whip Topping
Rich's On Top Soft Whip topping offers a convenient ready-made whipped topping for endless menu opportunities. This innovative soft whip topping has an indulgent sweet cream flavor and uniquely smooth, creamy texture perfect for topping or drizzling.
Major benefits include the convenience of ready-to-pour topping - just thaw, shake and pour over hot and cold beverages and desserts. Its lush texture and sweetness add something special to coffees, milkshakes, cocktails and more.
This topping introduces new possibilities thanks to its drizzling consistency. Try it over ice cream, blended in drinks as "cloud foam", or use it in innovative ways to add interest. The taste satisfies cravings while the smooth texture excels at drizzling and cascading.
This ready-to-use topping comes in 19 oz frozen cartons, thawing overnight in the fridge. It brings creativity to the menu along with convenience.
Key Features:
- Ready-to-pour soft whipped topping
- Sweet cream flavor
- Indulgently smooth, creamy texture
- 19 oz frozen cartons
Pros:
- Convenient ready-made topping
- Great for drizzling and cascading
- Delicious sweet flavor
- Inspires innovative uses
Cons:
- Contains common allergens
- Need freezer and fridge storage
Wilton Whipped Icing Mix
Wilton Whipped Icing Mix makes preparing fluffy whipped icing easy. This convenient complete mix whips up light, creamy vanilla icing perfect for frosting cakes or desserts. Just add ice water and whip for sweet icing in minutes.
A major benefit is the ease of preparation - no heating or cooking needed. The smooth, creamy icing pipes beautifully for borders and decorating. The great vanilla taste isn't overly sweet. This ready-to-whip mix saves the effort of whipping butter or cream for icing.
The whipped icing holds its shape well after piping without becoming runny. It's an ideal choice for frosting cupcakes and cakes for birthdays, weddings and special desserts. Take your dessert presentation up a notch with this easy homemade whipped icing.
Key Features:
- Complete mix for whipped icing
- Sweet vanilla flavor
- Light, creamy texture
- Pipes well for decorating
Pros:
- Quick and easy preparation
- Great taste
- Holds shape for decorating
- Delicious whipped texture
Cons:
- Contains common allergens
- Needs refrigeration
Reddi Wip Whipped Topping
Reddi Wip makes real dairy whipped cream effortless with its ready-to-use topped topping product. This time-saving whipped topping offers true creamy whipped texture and taste without hydrogenated oils.
A major benefit is convenience - just shake the can and squirt fluffy whipped cream right from the nozzle. There's no need to whip heavy cream yourself. The smooth, creamy texture and sweetness is perfect for topping desserts from fruit to ice cream sundaes to pies.
Reddi Wip holds its whipped shape without collapsing or becoming runny shortly after dispensing. The genuine dairy-whipped flavor is much better than generic whipped toppings. Enjoy real whipped cream taste with the ease of an aerosol can for instant topping.
This ready-to-use whipped topping comes in convenient 15 oz cans that do not require refrigeration until opening. Enjoy whipped goodness anytime.
Key Features:
- Ready-to-use real whipped cream
- Sweet creamy taste
- Aerosol can for instant dispensing
- 15 oz cans
Pros:
- True whipped texture and flavor
- No hydrogenated oils
- Super convenient
- Holds shape after dispensing
Cons:
- Pressurized can requires caution
- Needs refrigeration after opening
Chefs Companion Whipped Topping Mix - 12 Per Case
Chefs Companion Whipped Topping Mix is a high-quality whipped topping product perfect for topping desserts in restaurants, bakeries, and commercial kitchens. This pre-made whipped topping offers great taste and superior performance compared to making whipped cream from scratch.
A major benefit of this whipped topping is simplicity - it's easy to prepare and requires minimal storage space. You just need to mix it with ice cold water using the directions on the label. It whips up to a light, delicate texture and flavor that complements any dessert beautifully. The topping holds its shape well without separating, even when refrigerated for days.
This whipped topping is ideal for large-scale dessert production. It comes in a case of 12 one-pound bags, providing excellent value for restaurants and bakeries. The topping is certified Kosher, satisfying dietary restrictions. Made in the USA, you can trust the quality and freshness.
Key Features:
- Pre-made whipped topping in 1 lb bags
- Delicate flavor and texture
- Kosher certified
- Easy preparation
Pros:
- Great taste and performance
- Holds shape for days refrigerated
- Minimal storage footprint
- Kosher certified
Cons:
- Must be refrigerated
- Only available in large case quantities
Chef's Companion Whipped Topping Mix
Chef's Companion offers a high-quality powdered whipped topping mix perfect for commercial kitchens. This convenient product delivers rich sweet flavor and a light, fluffy texture when whipped. It's an easy way to create whipped toppings from an affordable dry mix.
Major benefits include simple preparation - just add ice cold water and chill the mixing bowl to maximize volume. The whipped topping holds its shape well without separating. It can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. The mix also stores dry with a small footprint, saving valuable cooler space.
This whipped topping mix works beautifully for topping all kinds of desserts from pies to parfaits. It provides a delicate, smooth texture and sweet flavor. The mix is also Kosher certified for dietary needs. Made in the USA, you can trust its quality and freshness.
Key Features:
- Powdered whipped topping mix
- Delicate flavor and texture
- Kosher certified
- Stores dry and minimal space
Pros:
- Easy to prepare
- Holds shape when refrigerated
- Small storage footprint
- Kosher certified
Cons:
- Requires ice cold water
- Best for large quantity use
On Top Original Whipped Topping
On Top Original Whipped Topping is a ready-to-use pre-whipped dessert topping perfect for commercial kitchens. This convenient product offers a light, creamy texture and classic sweet flavor. It's ideal for topping hot and cold desserts with ease.
Major benefits include the time savings of a pre-made whipped topping. You can top, fill and layer both hot and cold desserts without extra work whipping cream. This whipped topping has a smooth, fluffy texture perfect for layering. The topping delivers a sweet, delicate flavor that works beautifully on desserts.
This whipped topping comes in convenient 16 oz pastry bags to make dessert finishing fast and efficient. The bags have an easy-open seal and decorator tip for quick, attractive topping. Use this whipped topping to add something special to your dessert offerings with minimal effort.
Key Features:
- Pre-whipped dessert topping
- Light, creamy texture
- Sweet classic flavor
- 16 oz pastry bags
Pros:
- Saves time pre-whipped
- Smooth, fluffy texture
- Delicate sweet flavor
- Easy-to-use pastry bags
Cons:
- Must refrigerate after opening
- Only available in large case quantities
Rich's Non-Dairy Liquid Whip Topping
Rich's Non-Dairy Liquid Whip Topping is perfect for commercial kitchens wanting a non-dairy whipped topping option. This convenient product offers classic sweet flavor and whips up to 4 times its volume into a fluffy whipped topping or filling.
Major benefits include the simplicity of use - just thaw, pour and whip for sweet toppings and fillings in a minute. There's no need to whip dairy cream by hand. The plant-based whipped topping delivers a rich, indulgent taste consumers will love. And it holds its shape all day without collapsing.
This non-dairy topping comes in easy-to-use 2 lb cartons. Each carton whips up a large batch of fluffy topping, allowing you to serve many portions from one carton. This makes it efficient for large-scale dessert production. It's also kosher pareve, satisfying dietary restrictions.
Key Features:
- Non-dairy liquid whipping topping
- Whips up to 4x volume
- Rich, sweet flavor
- Holds shape all day
Pros:
- Simple to use
- Large yield per carton
- Great taste
- Holds shape for hours
Cons:
- Contains common allergens
- Needs refrigeration
Dream Whip Whipped Dessert Topping Mix
Dream Whip Whipped Topping Mix is a convenient powdered mix that whips into fluffy whipped topping with ease. This classic whipped topping delivers indulgent taste and smooth texture for desserts.
Major benefits include the simplicity - just mix the powder with cold milk. There's no need to whip dairy cream by hand. Each envelope makes 2 cups of airy whipped topping. You can use it to top pies, fill cakes, or frost cupcakes attractively.
This whipped topping mix has been a beloved product for decades thanks to its delicious vanilla flavor. The whipped topping holds its shape well without collapsing. It's the perfect choice for no-fuss homemade desserts.
This product comes in convenient envelopes containing the powdered mix. They are easy to store until ready to whip a fresh batch of fluffy topping. Satisfy customers craving a nostalgic whipped topping without the work.
Key Features:
- Powdered whipped topping mix
- Makes 2 cups per envelope
- Sweet vanilla flavor
- Stays fluffy when whipped
Pros:
- Simple to prepare
- Great classic flavor
- Holds shape well
Cons:
- Contains dairy
- Needs refrigeration
Buying Guide for Whipping Cream
When purchasing whipping cream, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind to ensure you select the right product for your needs.
Types of Whipping Cream
There are several kinds of whipping cream available, each with different fat contents and whipping properties. Understanding the differences is helpful for choosing the variety best suited to your recipe.
Heavy Whipping Cream
Heavy whipping cream, also labeled heavy cream, contains between 36-40% milk fat. It whips up quickly into thick, voluminous foam perfect for topping desserts. Heavy cream provides richness, enhances flavor and contributes structure in recipes like mousses and soufflés. Due to its high fat level, it should be used in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Whipping Cream
Whipping cream, sometimes labeled light whipping cream, contains 30-36% milk fat. It whips up nearly as well as heavy cream, forming billowy foam, but with slightly less richness. It provides a lighter yet still decadent topping for items like cakes, waffles and hot chocolate.
Light Cream
Light cream, or coffee cream, contains between 18-30% milk fat. It can be lightly whipped for folding into recipes but does not achieve full, stiff peaks. It adds flavor and some airiness without the indulgence of heavy or whipping cream varieties.
Check the Label
When purchasing whipping cream, always check the label for the fat percentage to ensure you select the right product. Other descriptive terms like “ultra-pasteurized” indicate how it was processed but do not define the milk fat content. High-quality whipping cream only contains cream and sometimes natural flavorings or stabilizers—avoid products with additives.
Pay Attention to Freshness
For best results whipping cream, use containers with the furthest expiration date for freshest product. Give any cream a sniff test before using to ensure it smells fresh, not sour. Old cream may curdle or fail to whip properly. For longer shelf life, store whipping cream in the coldest part of the refrigerator, near the back where temperatures are most consistent.
Consider Convenience Features
Whipping cream is sold in cartons, plastic tubs or cans. Canned spray varieties are ultrapasteurized for longer shelf life. Whipped cream in a tub is lightly whipped in advance for faster use. Consider any features like these that offer convenience if it fits your needs.
Buy the Right Amount
Whipping cream is highly perishable and will only last about a week past its “sell by” date before going bad. Only purchase as much as you can use during that timeframe. For infrequent bakers, smaller containers are ideal to avoid waste. Heavy users may save with larger sizes.
Tips for Whipping Cream
While pouring liquid cream into a bowl and whipping may sound simple, there are some easy techniques to follow that can make all the difference in achieving perfect whipped cream.
Start with Chilled Ingredients
Always whip cream that is thoroughly chilled. Warm cream will not whip properly. For best results, store the whisk and bowl in the refrigerator too before whipping. Take all ingredients out just before using.
Whip Smaller Amounts
Whipping smaller batches of 2 cups or less at a time allows you to better control the process. Larger amounts tend to spill out and can easily be overwhipped. Work in manageable servings as needed.
Use Cold Mixer Speeds
Beat cream on low speeds first to incorporate air, then increase speed once soft peaks form. High, hot speeds early on can cause the cream to spill out. Keep mixing cold by placing the bowl on a damp towel or ice while whipping.
Watch for Stiff Peaks
Whip just until stff peaks form, when you lift the beater and a peak stands upright. Do not overbeat until liquid starts to separate, or the whipped cream will break down. Err on the side of underwhipping as you can always mix more if needed.
Add Sugar and Flavorings
When nearly finished whipping, sprinkle in sugar a bit at a time and add any flavorings like vanilla or cocoa powder. These additions help stabilize the whipped cream. Avoid adding early on when the cream is still thin.
Use Immediately or Refrigerate
For best results, serve freshly whipped cream right away before it starts to lose volume. Or, place back in the fridge in an airtight container where it can keep 1-2 days. The cream will slowly deflate over time.
FAQs
What is the difference between whipping cream and heavy cream?
Heavy cream and whipping cream contain slightly different amounts of milk fat, with heavy cream having a higher fat content. Heavy cream is ideal for recipes where you want rich taste andthick texture. Whipping cream makes slightly lighter, airy toppings and fillings.
Why won't my whipping cream whip up?
If cream refuses to thicken no matter how long you whip it, the most likely culprit is that it is too warm. Always start whipping cream straight from the fridge when chilled. Cream that is old or sour may also not whip properly.
Can I freeze extra whipped cream?
Yes, whipped cream can be frozen for up to 3 months. To help it hold its shape, fold in a tablespoon of sugar per cup of cream before freezing. Thaw frozen whipped cream in the refrigerator before using.
How long does whipped cream last?
Freshly whipped cream stored in an airtight container will last 1-2 days in the refrigerator before starting to break down. To extend its shelf life, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the cream before sealing the container.
What can I use as a whipping cream substitute?
In a pinch, substitute 1 cup whipping cream with 1 cup milk plus 2-3 tablespoons butter or coconut oil. Chill thoroughly before whipping. For a dairy-free option, chilled full-fat canned coconut milk can mimic the texture of whipped cream.
Conclusion
From heavy cream to whipping varieties, selecting the ideal whipping cream comes down to the fat percentage best suited for your recipes.
Always whip chilled cream in cold mixing bowls using low speeds. With the proper techniques, homemade whipped cream can lend airy sweetness to all kinds of baked goods and desserts.
Follow these simple tips for how to buy, store, and whip cream like a pro.