Whipped cream adds a luscious, velvety texture that elevates desserts to pure indulgence. Its light, airy consistency and rich flavor create a perfect balance, making it irresistible in both sweet and savory dishes. From indulgent trifles to decadent chocolate mousse and crunchy Eton Mess, there are endless whipped cream desserts that are so delicious, it will leave you craving for more.
The Pillowy Foundation
Before we start with the whipped cream desserts, we need to master the perfect whipped cream. The best part of knowing how to make whipped cream at home is that you can use it however you like. Whether you’re baking the classic Chocolate Mousse or preparing for a birthday party by baking Black Forest Birthday Cake, this comes in handy in every situation.
Ingredients:
- 250 ml cold heavy cream
- 30-50 gm powdered sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
- 5 ml vanilla extract (optional)
Procedure:
- First things first, make sure your heavy cream is cold. Stick your mixing bowl and whisk in the freezer for about 10 minutes. Cold cream whips better and faster.
- Pour your cold heavy cream into the chilled bowl. Start whipping slowly, gradually increasing speed. If you’re using an electric mixer, set it to medium-high. After a minute, add your sugar and vanilla extract.
- Whip until you see soft peaks. Soft peaks look like gentle waves; they hold shape but still flop over when the whisk is lifted. Stop here if you want a softer, more delicate texture. If you’re aiming for a sturdier whipped cream for layering, go for medium peaks, where they stand more firmly but don’t get too stiff. Excess mixing will turn the cream to butter, so be careful.
- Whipped cream is best served fresh.
Whipped Cream Fruit Trifle: Layers of Love
This dessert is the perfect marriage of light and luscious. You’ve got layers of whipped cream, fresh fruit, and soft cake, all coming together in a glass bowl like a rainbow of flavors.
Ingredients:
- 250 ml whipped cream
- 100 gm vanilla sponge cake (store-bought or homemade)
- 200 gm fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 50 gm fruit preserves or jam
- 10 ml fresh lemon juice
- 10 gm powdered sugar
Procedure:
- Toss the fresh berries with lemon juice and a bit of powdered sugar. Let them macerate for 5-10 minutes so they get juicy and soft. Pro tip: Squeeze in a little extra lemon if you like that zingy contrast to the sweet cream.
- Take the fruit preserves and heat them gently in a pan until they become more liquid. This will help it drizzle better in the layers.
- Break your sponge cake into bite-sized pieces. This is not the time to be delicate; crumbling is encouraged.
- In your serving glass or trifle bowl, start with a layer of cake, followed by a generous dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of jam, and a handful of berries. Repeat until you’ve filled the glass to your satisfaction (or until you run out of space).
- This one is best fresh. The cake will soak up the cream and berry juices, creating a dessert that's both creamy and refreshing.
Whipped Cream Eton Mess: Chaos in a Bowl
Eton Mess is like a dessert party that got out of hand - in the best way possible. With whipped cream, meringue, and fruit, it’s an irresistible combination of crunchy, creamy, and tangy. This goes best after a sophisticated Chocolate Pudding, served in fancy glasses.
Ingredients:
- 200 ml whipped cream
- 100 gm store-bought meringues
- 200 gm fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 20 gm powdered sugar
Procedure:
- Take half of the strawberries and mash them with a fork. Sprinkle in a bit of powdered sugar and let them get juicy.
- Crush the meringues into bite-sized chunks. This is a messy dessert, so there is absolutely no requirement to make it look perfect. The messier it looks, the tastier it’ll be.
- In a large bowl, gently fold together the whipped cream, meringue, and mashed strawberries. Then, throw in the remaining whole strawberries for texture.
- Eton Mess doesn’t wait. It’s best enjoyed right away while the meringue is still crisp! It’s the easiest of all whipped cream desserts.