Silky Whipped Cream Recipe

Ina Garten’s Make Ahead Whipped Cream Recipe: Fluffy Delight

Whipping up a batch of Ina Garten make ahead whipped cream can turn an ordinary dessert into a luxurious treat.

This dreamy, silky topping adds a touch of elegance to any sweet creation.

Professional chefs and home bakers alike swear by this simple technique.

Garten’s method ensures a perfectly smooth and stable cream that holds its shape beautifully.

The secret lies in chilling your equipment and using the right technique.

Cold heavy cream and a chilled bowl make all the difference in achieving that cloud-like texture.

Dive into this foolproof recipe and watch your desserts become restaurant-worthy masterpieces.

How to Make Whipped Cream in Advance Like Ina

How to Make Whipped Cream in Advance Like Ina
  • Creamy Mixture

Grab your electric mixer and prepare for whipped cream magic. Combine cream, corn syrup, and vanilla in a mixing bowl, blending at medium-high speed until beautiful peaks emerge with soft, billowy texture.

  • Preparation and Storage

Transfer the whipped cream gently into a small baking dish, spreading it smoothly and evenly. Secure the surface with plastic wrap, making sure to label the container with the date. Pop it into the freezer where it’ll happily rest for up to two weeks.

  • Thawing Process

When dessert time approaches, remove the whipped cream from the freezer. Let it relax in the refrigerator overnight for gentle defrosting. Alternatively, you can leave it at room temperature for roughly an hour, allowing it to soften naturally before serving.

Adjusting Texture in Ina Garten’s Whipped Cream

  • Add a tablespoon of powdered sugar or corn syrup to help the whipped cream maintain its fluffy texture and prevent separation, keeping it stable for several hours.
  • Experiment with different extracts like almond, maple, or even a splash of liqueur to create unique and unexpected taste profiles that complement your desserts.
  • Pipe the whipped cream into small dollops on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for individual serving portions that can be easily added to desserts or hot beverages.
  • Always start with cold heavy cream and a chilled mixing bowl to achieve maximum volume and a perfectly smooth whipped texture that holds its shape beautifully.
  • Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk chilled overnight for a delicious vegan whipped cream option that's equally creamy and indulgent.

Serve Ina Garten Whipped Cream with Different Desserts

  • Dessert Companion: Pair this make-ahead whipped cream with fresh berry pies, chocolate cakes, or warm fruit crumbles for a delightful creamy topping that elevates every sweet bite.
  • Versatile Garnish: Dollop this whipped cream on hot cocoa, sprinkle with cinnamon, or use as a delicate frosting for cupcakes and individual pastries to add a luxurious touch.
  • Quick Party Hack: Prepare this whipped cream in advance, then effortlessly dress up dessert platters at gatherings, impressing guests with a professional-looking and delicious cream that's ready in minutes.
  • Breakfast Boost: Spread a generous layer on waffles, pancakes, or French toast to transform your morning meal into a decadent treat that feels like a special occasion.

Store Whipped Cream Without It Losing Airiness

  • Freeze Your Whipped Cream: Store the prepared whipped cream in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to maintain its fluffy texture and prevent freezer burn.
  • Thaw with Care: Remove the frozen whipped cream from the freezer and let it slowly defrost in the refrigerator for 24 hours, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency when serving.
  • Quick Room Temperature Option: If you're short on time, leave the whipped cream at room temperature for approximately one hour before using, allowing it to soften gently.
  • Maximize Freshness: Consume the whipped cream within two weeks of freezing for the best flavor and texture, and always label the container with the date of preparation to track its freshness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 200 kcal

Servings: 8

Everything to Prep Ina Garten Make-Ahead Whipped Cream

For Whipping Base:
  • Heavy Cream: Silky foundation that transforms into luscious, cloud-like peaks with robust dairy richness.
  • Corn Syrup: Smooth stabilizer preventing crystallization and ensuring velvety, consistent texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Aromatic enhancer adding warm, complex sweetness and depth to the whipped cream.
For Preparation Essentials:
  • Plastic Wrap: Protective shield for maintaining freshness and preventing freezer burn.
  • Small Baking Dish or Pie Pan: Versatile vessel for spreading and storing whipped cream evenly.
  • Permanent Marker or Label: Crucial for tracking preparation date and ensuring optimal storage timeline.
For Optional Serving Preparation:
  • Refrigerator: Gentle thawing environment for gradual cream restoration.
  • Room Temperature: Alternative quick-thaw method for softening whipped cream before serving.

Tools for Whipping Ina’s Make-Ahead Cream

  • Electric mixer: Essential for whipping cream to perfect medium-sized peaks.
  • Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure cream, corn syrup, and vanilla.
  • Small baking dish or pie pan: Used for spreading whipped cream evenly.
  • Plastic wrap: Needed for securely covering and storing the whipped cream.
  • Spatula: Helpful for smoothing and transferring whipped cream to storage container.
Print
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Silky Whipped Cream Recipe

Silky Whipped Cream Recipe


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4.7 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Ina Garten’s whipped cream recipe offers a simple, luxurious topping for desserts. Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla for a creamy, delightful garnish you’ll want to add to countless sweet treats.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ⅓ cup light corn syrup
  • 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) pure vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Whip Cream Preparation: Blend heavy cream, corn syrup, and vanilla extract in a mixing bowl using an electric mixer at medium-high speed until achieving soft, glossy peaks with a billowy texture.
  2. Container Transfer: Evenly spread the whipped cream mixture into a small baking dish or 9-inch pie pan, creating a smooth, uniform surface.
  3. Storage Preparation: Label the container with date and contents, then seal tightly with plastic wrap to prevent freezer crystallization and maintain optimal quality.
  4. Freezing and Preservation: Position the covered whipped cream in the freezer, where it can be safely stored for up to two weeks without degrading its delicate consistency.
  5. Thawing Process: Remove the frozen whipped cream from the freezer and transfer to the refrigerator, allowing a gradual 24-hour defrosting period for optimal texture restoration.
  6. Quick Serving Option: For faster preparation, let the whipped cream rest at room temperature for 45-60 minutes until reaching a soft, spreadable consistency, taking care to avoid potential spoilage by monitoring time and temperature.

Notes

  • Freeze Wisely: Use a shallow, wide container for quick and even freezing, helping maintain the whipped cream’s delicate texture and preventing ice crystal formation.
  • Seal Tightly: Wrap the container with multiple layers of plastic wrap or use an airtight freezer-safe container to prevent absorbing other freezer odors and protect against freezer burn.
  • Thaw Strategically: Always thaw in the refrigerator for the best texture, avoiding direct room temperature thawing to prevent potential bacterial growth and maintain cream quality.
  • Whip Perfectly: Use cold heavy cream and chilled mixing bowl for maximum volume and stability, ensuring peaks hold their shape without becoming grainy or over-beaten.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 200
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 10 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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