The Rise of Plant-Based Whipped Cream
The plant-based food movement has taken the world by storm, and no dessert ingredient has seen a bigger surge in popularity than plant-based whipped cream.
Why? Because it’s delicious, dairy-free, and healthier than traditional whipped cream!
Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just looking for a guilt-free option to top your favorite desserts, plant-based whipped cream is here to save the day.
But with so many plant-based options out there, how do you choose the right one? And once you’ve made your whipped cream, how do you keep it from separating or deflating?
In this ultimate guide, we’ll answer all of your questions and more. You’ll learn how to make luscious, dairy-free whipped cream with five different plant-based ingredients, plus get tips on how to flavor and stabilize your whipped cream so it holds up perfectly.
So if you want to take your desserts to new heights, keep reading!
Exploring the Plant-Based Options
The days of being limited to plain, boring whipped cream are long gone. Now we have a whole slew of plant-based options to choose from!
Here are five plant-based ingredients that make fantastic whipped cream:
- Coconut cream: This rich, creamy ingredient is perfect for making vegan whipped cream that tastes just like the real thing. Look for a can of full-fat coconut milk that has been chilled overnight, then scoop out the solid cream that has risen to the top.
- Cashew cream: For a nut-based option, try making cashew cream by soaking cashews, then blending them with water and straining out the liquid. You can use the leftover cashew pulp to make the whipped cream.
- Aquafaba (chickpea liquid): This is the liquid that comes from cooking or canning chickpeas. It has a surprising ability to whip up into stiff peaks, just like egg whites!
- Oat cream: This plant-based milk alternative has recently become popular for its creamy texture and neutral taste. Use a brand with at least 10% fat content for the best results.
- Almond milk: While not as thick or creamy as some of the other options, almond milk can still make a tasty whipped cream with a little bit of help from some plant-based ingredients.
Each of these plant-based options has its own unique advantages and challenges, so be sure to read our in-depth guide on how to make whipped cream with each one.
Mastering the Art of Plant-Based Whipped Cream
Now that you know the basics of plant-based whipped cream, it’s time to take it to the next level!
Here are some expert tips and techniques for achieving the perfect texture and stability in your whipped cream:
- Chilling and whipping techniques: Whether you’re using coconut cream, cashew cream, or aquafaba, it’s important to chill your ingredients before whipping them. This helps the fat solids separate from the liquid, making it easier to whip up into stiff peaks. Once you’ve chilled your ingredients, use a stand mixer or hand mixer to whip them until they reach the desired consistency. Be sure not to overmix, or your whipped cream may deflate.
- Stabilizing the whipped cream: To help your whipped cream hold its shape longer, you can add a stabilizer like agar agar or cornstarch. These ingredients help thicken the whipped cream and prevent it from separating or melting too quickly.
- Preventing separation and deflation: When making whipped cream with aquafaba, it’s important to not overmix the liquid or add it to the bowl too soon after opening the can, as this can cause the whipped cream to deflate. To avoid this, be sure to use a fresh can of chickpeas and chill it in the refrigerator before opening. Then, carefully drain the liquid without disturbing the chickpeas, and measure out the amount you need for your recipe.
Now that you know the basics of how to make plant-based whipped cream, let’s talk about how to flavor and customize it to your liking!
Flavoring and Customizing Your Whipped Cream
The possibilities for flavoring your plant-based whipped cream are endless. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Natural sweeteners: You can use any type of sweetener you like, whether it’s granulated sugar, powdered sugar, maple syrup, honey, or liquid stevia. Start with a small amount and taste as you go, adding more sweetener until you reach your desired level of sweetness.
- Vanilla: A half teaspoon of vanilla extract is a classic addition to whipped cream. You can also try using bean paste for a more intense vanilla flavor.
- Spices and extracts: Get creative with flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, mint, or even matcha. Start with a small amount and taste as you go.
- Fruit purees: Infuse your whipped cream with the flavors of your favorite fruits by adding a puree made from fresh or frozen fruit. Strawberry, raspberry, mango, and banana are all great options.
Now that you know how to make delicious, flavorful whipped cream, it’s time to put it to use! Here are some ideas for how to top your favorite desserts with it:
Whipped Toppings: Elevating Your Desserts
There are so many delicious ways to use whipped cream as a topping. Here are some of our favorite ideas for pies, cakes, and parfaits:
- Chocolate-swirled whipped cream: Fold in some melted chocolate or cocoa powder to make a decadent chocolate whipped cream. Drizzle some more chocolate over the top for an extra special touch.
- Caramelized coconut whipped cream: Caramelize some coconut sugar in a pan, then add it to your coconut whipped cream for a rich, caramel flavor.
- Strawberry-infused whipped cream: Fold in some fresh strawberry puree and a little bit of vanilla extract to make a delicious strawberry whipped cream that’s perfect for topping shortcake or strawberry pie.
No matter which topping you choose, be sure to pipe it on for a professional-looking finish. You can use a large star tip or just snip off the corner of a plastic bag for an easy way to pipe your whipped cream.
Troubleshooting and Common Challenges
Making whipped cream from scratch can be a bit tricky, so it’s important to know how to troubleshoot any issues that come up. Here are some common challenges you might encounter and how to overcome them:
- Separation: If your whipped cream separates and the liquid rises to the top, it’s usually because the fat solids haven’t separated properly from the liquid. To fix this, make sure you’ve chilled your ingredients thoroughly before whipping them. If that doesn’t work, you may need to use a different plant-based milk or adjust the amount of liquid in your recipe.
- Deflation: If your whipped cream deflates or doesn’t hold its shape, it’s likely because you’ve overmixed it or added the liquid to the bowl too quickly. To avoid this, use a stand mixer or hand mixer with a whisk attachment, and be sure to add the liquid slowly and steadily as you whip.
- Getting the desired consistency: If your whipped cream isn’t as thick or stiff as you’d like, you may need to add more sweetener or a stabilizer like agar agar or cornstarch. Start with a small amount and taste as you go, adding more until you reach your desired consistency.
Now that you know how to make luscious, dairy-free whipped cream with five different plant-based ingredients, you’re ready to take your desserts to new heights!
Delectable Dessert Recipes Featuring Plant-Based Whipped Cream
Vegan Lemon Meringue Pie
This vegan lemon meringue pie is a delicious twist on a classic dessert. The crust is made with almond flour and coconut oil, while the filling is made with silken tofu and fresh lemon juice. Top it off with a dollop of vegan coconut whipped cream for a indulgent finish.
Chocolate Mousse Tarts with Coconut Whipped Cream
These chocolate mousse tarts are a decadent dessert that’s sure to impress. The filling is made with melted chocolate, coconut cream, and a little bit of maple syrup, whipped up until it’s light and airy. Serve each tart with a swirl of coconut whipped cream on top.
Strawberry Shortcake with Almond Milk Whipped Cream
This classic summer dessert gets a plant-based makeover with almond milk whipped cream. The shortcake is made with almond flour and coconut sugar, while the whipped cream is made with unsweetened almond milk and a little bit of powdered sugar. Top each shortcake with fresh sliced strawberries and a generous dollop of whipped cream.
Pumpkin Pie with Spiced Cashew Whipped Topping
This vegan pumpkin pie is a delicious fall dessert that’s sure to become a favorite. The pie filling is made with canned pumpkin, coconut milk, and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Top it off with a dollop of spiced cashew whipped topping, made with cashew cream and a touch of cinnamon.