Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Key Points:
– Adding a small amount of cream cheese helps stabilize whipped cream.
– Ensure the cream cheese is softened and at room temperature for easy blending with heavy whipping cream.
I enjoy enhancing fresh fruit bowls with a dollop of homemade whipped cream for a delightful summertime dessert. Sometimes, I treat myself by adding whipped cream to my iced coffee for a special morning indulgence. Additionally, I often use whipped cream to adorn cakes, pair with blackberry cobbler, or decorate pies. To maintain the integrity of whipped cream for confections, especially those served later, stabilization is crucial to prevent shrinking, melting, or separating.
Fortunately, there are various methods for stabilizing whipped cream. However, some techniques involving gelatin, meringue powder, or Jell-O powder can be complex and may alter the flavor. But fret not! A simple and effective solution is to incorporate a small amount of cream cheese.
Upgrade Your Whipped Cream with Just One Ingredient
Stabilizing whipped cream becomes a breeze when you mix in softened cream cheese or mascarpone cheese. These soft, fatty cheeses maintain their structure at room temperature and over time. I discovered this trick while preparing a Chantilly cake in the test kitchen, opting for cream cheese over meringue powder due to availability and preference for its subtle, fresh taste. Since then, I’ve been making fresh whipped cream using this method, finding it to be fresher, tastier, and more convenient.
Here’s How It’s Done:
1. Soften cream cheese or mascarpone to room temperature.
2. Use a whisk attachment to loosen the cream cheese.
3. Add a splash of heavy cream while mixing on low speed until the mixture resembles a thick liquid.
4. Gradually pour in the remaining heavy cream while continuing to whisk on low speed.
5. Whisk on medium speed until stiff peaks form, scraping down the bowl occasionally to ensure a smooth consistency.
Experiment with Stabilized Whipped Cream in These Recipes:
– Chocolate Cupcakes With Irish Cream Icing
– Strawberry Shortcake
– Easy Vanilla Cake
– Vanilla Cupcake
Find the full recipe for Sturdy Whipped Cream Icing on ALLRECIPES.
