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Whipped Cream Without Heavy Cream Recipe

4.4 from 96 reviews

This recipe shows how to make whipped cream without using heavy cream by utilizing whole milk and butter. It’s a clever, homemade alternative that mimics the richness of traditional whipped cream, using simple ingredients and a blender to whip up a creamy, fluffy topping perfect for desserts and beverages.

Ingredients

Scale

Whipped Cream Ingredients

  • ⅔ cup (5 fl oz / 150 ml) whole milk
  • 10 ½ tablespoons (5 ¼ oz / 149 g) unsalted butter, diced
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine and Heat Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave, combine the whole milk and diced butter. Heat until the butter melts fully, ensuring a smooth mixture ready for blending.
  2. Blend the Mixture: Transfer the warm milk and butter mixture to a blender. Blend on the highest speed for 5 minutes. Every 30 seconds, carefully lift the center of the blender lid cap to release steam and prevent pressure build-up.
  3. Cool the Mixture: Pour the blended mixture into a small bowl. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the liquid to prevent a skin from forming as it cools down.
  4. Chill: Let the mixture come to room temperature, then refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to thicken and chill thoroughly.
  5. Sweeten and Whip: After chilling, stir in the sugar and vanilla extract if using. Pour the cold mixture into a medium bowl and use a handheld electric mixer to whip it on high speed for 3-5 minutes until it reaches the desired stiffness of whipped cream.
  6. Serve or Store: Use the whipped cream immediately as a topping or refrigerate for up to 2 hours. Note that the unwhipped mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Notes

  • Be careful when blending hot liquids; release steam regularly to prevent any pressure buildup inside the blender.
  • Plastic wrap placed directly on the mixture’s surface prevents a skin from forming, ensuring smooth texture.
  • Whipped cream made this way is best used fresh but can be stored briefly in the refrigerator.
  • Optional sugar and vanilla extract enhance flavor but can be omitted for a plain whipped cream.
  • Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness.

Keywords: whipped cream without heavy cream, homemade whipped cream, dairy whipped cream substitute, simple whipped topping