How to Stabilize Whipped Cream

Using stabilized whipped cream is a great to increase the shelf life of your baked goods with whipped cream that holds its shape and won't go flat, watery, or spread. Learn how to stabilize whipped cream with 7 simple and straightforward methods.

How to Stabilize Whipped Cream

Making homemade whipped cream is actually very easy. It requires just three simple ingredients, and you can even do it with a whisk if you're ambitious.

Unfortunately, this simple whipped cream doesn't always hold its shape and texture very long. So storing a pie or cake in the refrigerator overnight can yield some interesting, at best, and disappointing, at worst, results in the morning.

But don't worry! Stabilizing whipped cream is fairly simple, and there are several methods to try to find your favorite.

But Why Should I Stabilize My Whipped Cream? Do I Have to?

The short answer is no, you don't have to. In fact, I usually don't because I just make a batch to spread on top of something or to scoop onto a dessert from a bowl.

I have seen some tutorials say you should stabilize your whipped cream if you want to be able to pipe it. But I've never had any trouble piping un-stable whipped cream, so I disagree with that based on experience (just whip until your cream is slightly stiffer, making piping possible. It can hold shape without becoming butter).

The primary reason you would want to stabilize whipped cream is if you are wanting it to hold shape and texture over time. So for example, I said overnight in the refrigerator might lead to disappointing results.

This is because typical whipped cream relies on incorporated air (the "whipping") to hold its shape. Over time, the air escapes and leaves your whipped cream looking a little deflated.

Added stabilizers can help keep it sturdy for up to days at a time in the fridge. So stabilizing whipped cream is best for cakes, cupcakes, or anything that you want to make ahead and still have look and taste its best a few days later.

The 7 Stabilization Methods

There are 7 basic methods to stabilize whipped cream. Some are easier than others. Some work better in different climates than others. I will tell you my favorites as I go, and I will include all methods and amounts in an adjustable and printable recipe card at the bottom!

Powdered Sugar

The powdered sugar method is my favorite because it's so easy and I rarely need whipped cream to hold up more than a few hours. Simply add 1 tablespoon powdered sugar to the whipped cream ingredients before whipping. This method is one that many of the other methods build on and add to, and on its own, it will allow whipped cream to last refrigerated up to 12 hours.

Cornstarch

The cornstarch method also includes the powdered sugar, but it's thought to be a bit more stability and stiffness. Add 1 tablespoon cornstarch with the tablespoon of powdered sugar and whip to combine. This method will still only give you about 12 hours of stability.

Milk Powder

Adding 1 tablespoon of nonfat milk powder with the powdered sugar will give you up to 24 hours of stability. It doesn't alter the flavor, but with the doubled stability time, it manages to rank as one of my favorite methods due to its ease to accomplish.

Greek Yogurt

This method seems surprising as Greek yogurt itself doesn't seem particularly stable. However, it does give the whipped cream some structure, which helps it hold shape longer. Add ¼ cup Greek yogurt with 1 tablespoon powdered sugar will give you approximately 12 hours of stability. However, be aware that it will taste tangy like yogurt. And on that same note, you can add layers of flavor by adding vanilla, honey, lemon, or coconut flavored yogurts.

Marshmallows

Another 24 hour stabilizer is melted marshmallows or marshmallow fluff. Whip the cream to soft peaks, then add 1 tablespoon of either fluff or melted marshmallows. This works because marshmallows actually have gelatin in them that helps them to hold their shape, but it's much easier than using gelatin itself.

Pudding Mix

The pudding mix method is one of the two longest lasting methods (up to 48 hours), and my favorite of the two. Use just 1 tablespoon vanilla pudding mix (or another flavor that is white-colored, such as white chocolate) along with 1 tablespoon powdered sugar. You can get more creative and use other flavors, like chocolate, caramel, or lemon. The finished whipped cream will be ultra-stable, creamy, and taste a bit like pudding.

Gelatin

Gelatin is another method that will result in long-lasting stable whipped cream (up to 48 hours). While this method is probably the most effective of all the methods listed, it is all the most temperamental and difficult to achieve. This is because in order to melt and activate, gelatin needs to be warmed. But adding warm gelatin to cold cream will cause it to seize and make your whipped cream lumpy or stringy. To avoid this, we use a process called tempering, which I will describe in detail in the printable recipe card below.

What Do You Serve with Stabilized Whipped Cream?

Um. Everything? Stabilized whipped cream is usually meant for holding up piping on cakes, cupcakes, or even pies and cheesecakes. However, it can be used on almost any dessert you'd like including ice cream, pancakes or waffles, fresh fruit, or cobblers or crumbles. Here are some more ideas:

• Berries and Cream Cupcakes - top these fluffy yellow cupcakes with stabilized whipped cream along fresh berries for a beautiful, light dessert.
• Homemade Fruit Salad - a simple, fresh fruit salad that goes beautifully with freshly made whipped cream (and maybe a scoop of ice cream for good measure.
• Best Old Fashioned Apple Pie - a classic for a reason. Rich, light whipped cream will accent the tart juicy apples and spicy cinnamon perfectly.
• Kentucky Butter Cake - a rich buttery bundt cake, just begging for a dollop of fresh whipped cream.
• Strawberry Pretzel Salad - a fruity fun dish featuring strawberry and cream cheese layers on top of a pretzel crust. Top with a little whipped cream for the complete experience.

How to Stabilize Whipped Cream Video