How to Make Whipped Cream in Advance
Whipped cream is one of the easiest and most versatile toppings for desserts. It’s a neutral indulgence that accentuates the flavour of whatever it accompanies, and the best part? It takes only minutes to whip up. But what happens when you need to prepare a dessert in advance or transport a cake to its final destination without the hassle of whipping cream on-site?
Making whipped cream ahead of time isn’t always ideal. It can deflate and turn grainy as the fat separates from the liquid. However, with some planning and the right techniques, you can achieve stable, fluffy whipped cream that stays perfect for your dessert.
Let’s dive into the tips and tricks for making whipped cream in advance, followed by some delicious Christmas dessert ideas.
Essential Tips for Whipping Cream
Chill Everything: Cream must be very cold to whip properly. If it’s been sitting out or is fresh from the supermarket, refrigerate it for a while before whipping. For extra assurance, chill your mixing bowl and beaters beforehand.
Choose Your Sweetener Wisely: While caster or icing sugar is the go-to for many, you can also use natural sweeteners or sugar alternatives. Whichever you choose, ensure the sugar granules are fine so they dissolve quickly into the cream. Larger granules can leave your whipped cream grainy.
Whip to Your Desired Consistency: Whether you need soft peaks or stiff peaks, remember that cream stiffens as you pipe, spread, or fold it. Whip it slightly less than your desired consistency to avoid over-whipping.
Methods to Stabilize Whipped Cream
Here are four methods to stabilize whipped cream and make it last longer, allowing you to prepare it ahead of time:
The Simplest Option: Whip the cream with your preferred sweeteners (like vanilla and
sugar) until just under your desired stiffness. Cover the bowl with cling film, pressing it directly onto the cream, and refrigerate. Before use, give it a quick whisk to re-incorporate any liquid. This method is great for same-day use or up to a day in advance.
Icing Sugar and Cornstarch: Mix 1 tablespoon of icing sugar with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch per cup of cream before whipping. The cornstarch helps stabilize the cream without altering its flavour or texture, making it suitable for desserts served after dinner.
Non-Fat Milk Powder: Add a tablespoon of non-fat milk powder to 1 tablespoon of icing sugar per cup of cream before whipping. The proteins in the milk powder stabilize the whipped cream, giving it a slightly richer, milkshake-like taste.
Gelatin for Maximum Shelf Life: For the ultimate in stability, use gelatin. For every cup of cream, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of gelatin in 1 tablespoon of cold water. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then heat it briefly in the microwave until melted. Allow the gelatin to cool slightly before adding it to the cream during the soft-peak stage of whipping. Gelatin won’t alter the flavour but will keep the whipped cream stable for hours.
Our Top 5 Christmas Desserts
Once your whipped cream is ready, pair it with one of these festive favourites:
Chocolate Pavlova Cake: A crowd-pleaser that’s indulgent and festive. While it might not win a beauty contest, its rich chocolate flavour is unbeatable.
Stained Glass Jelly Cheesecake: This vibrant cheesecake, inspired by Jane de Graaff’s recipe, is a hit with both kids and adults.
Sticky Date Pudding: Nothing says Christmas like sticky date pudding with custard. Add a splash of spiced rum or brandy for a festive twist.
Lazy Lemon Tiramisu: Quick, easy, and utterly delicious, this lemon tiramisu is a refreshing crowd-pleaser that feels like cheating.
Gingerbread Cheesecake: This viral dessert has all the warm spices of gingerbread in a creamy cheesecake. It’s a modern twist on a classic that’s sure to surprise and delight.
Lemon Ambrosia: Ambrosia is probably one of the easiest desserts to whip up, and it's loved by
just about everyone.
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