Whipped cream, renowned for its light and fluffy texture, is a delightful addition to numerous culinary creations, from cakes to hot chocolate. Whether piped or dolloped, whipped cream is undeniably an amazing topping.
However, this delightful dairy product, often sweetened and flavored with vanilla, can be prone to spoilage when frozen incorrectly.
So, Can You Freeze Whipped Cream, And If Yes Then How Do We Freeze It?
Yes, you can freeze whipped cream and extend its freezing life for up to 2 months. To do so, freeze it in dollops, store it airtight, and label it with the date. Thawed whipped cream is best for toppings, with a slightly altered texture but the same great taste.
How To Freeze Whipped Cream?
Freezing whipped cream can be a handy trick to extend its shelf life and have it ready for future use. Whether you’ve made too much-whipped cream or want to enjoy your favorite dessert topping without wasting any, here’s a simple guide to freezing it effectively.
- Preparation: Start by whipping your cream until it forms stiff peaks. You can sweeten it if desired, but avoid adding stabilizers like gelatin or cornstarch, as they can affect texture when frozen.
- Portioning: Decide on the portion size you’ll need in the future. You can spoon dollops onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or use an ice cube tray for smaller portions.
- Freezing: Place the portions in the freezer and let them harden for a few hours or until they’re completely solid.
- Storage: Once frozen, transfer the whipped cream portions into an airtight container or a freezer bag, ensuring they’re separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Labeling: Don’t forget to label the container with the date for easy tracking.
- Thawing: When you’re ready to use the frozen whipped cream, transfer the portions to the fridge and let them thaw slowly. Avoid microwaving, as it can affect the texture.
Frozen whipped cream works well as a topping for desserts or hot beverages, making it a convenient addition to your kitchen arsenal
How to Thaw Heavy Whipping Cream
Thawing heavy cream or whipped cream is simple:
- For heavy cream, simply place the frozen container in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 12 hours to thaw gradually. Avoid thawing cream on the counter or in warm water baths.
- For frozen whipped cream, thawed overnight in the fridge is best. Or, thaw for 1-2 hours on the counter if you’re in a pinch.
- Once thawed, give the cream a good shake or stir to re-combine any separated liquid.
- Whip thawed heavy cream just before use for the best results. It may take an extra minute or two to reach stiff peaks compared to fresh heavy cream.
- Taste thawed whipped cream and give it a sniff test before using it to ensure it’s still fresh and hasn’t separated or curdled during freezing.
- Use thawed whipped cream within 3-4 days for best quality and taste.
- Do not refreeze the cream once it has fully thawed.
How To Tell If Whipped Cream Has Gone Bad?
Whipped cream that has gone bad typically has some telltale signs:
- Change in texture – Bad whipped cream may look curdled or separated with liquid at the bottom of the container. Good whipped cream should be uniformly thick and creamy.
- Sour smell – Soured whipped cream will have a distinct sour milk odor. Don’t use it if it smells off.
- Odd color – While still safe to eat, whipped cream that is starting to go bad may turn slightly yellow. Fresh whipped cream is pure white.
- Mold – Check thawed or refrigerated whipped cream closely for signs of blue, green, or white mold growing on the surface, which means it should be discarded.
- Expired – If refrigerated whipped cream is past its “use by” date by more than 4-5 days, it’s best to toss it out.
When in doubt, remember the adage – if it smells bad or looks bad, throw it out! Using spoiled whipped cream can cause illness.
How To Use Frozen Whipped Cream?
Frozen whipped cream is handy to have in the freezer for:
- Ice cream sundaes – Top off bowls of ice cream with mounds of frozen whipped cream. Let sit briefly to soften before digging in.
- Hot chocolate or coffee – Top your mug with whipped cream right from the freezer. It will gently melt into the hot drink.
- Cupcakes and cakes – Frost cupcakes, and cakes or fill layers with still-frozen whipped cream straight from the freezer.
- Fruit salad – Gently fold thawed whipped cream into fruit salads for a light, sweet addition.
- Decorating desserts – Use whipped cream to decorate pies, parfaits, brownies, holiday cookies, and more right out of the freezer.
- Whipped cream sandwiches – Make an ice cream-inspired treat by slathering frozen whipped cream between cookies or cake slices.
The key is to use frozen whipped cream straight from the freezer before it has a chance to deflate. When topping hot foods and drinks, the heat will soften the whipped cream at the right pace. Let it sit out to thaw when used on cold desserts.
How To Store Whipped Cream?
To store whipped cream properly:
- Keep freshly whipped cream in an airtight container in the fridge and use within 5 days.
- For longer storage, spoon whipped cream into freezer bags, get out as much air as possible, then flatten and freeze.
- Heavy cream can be stored in the fridge in the original carton for 5-7 days past the “use by” date.
- Freeze heavy cream in the original carton for up to 3 months.
- Thaw frozen whipped cream in the fridge overnight before using.
- Store any leftover thawed whipped cream in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days max.
- Tightly cover any bowls of whipped cream and store in the fridge if not using right away. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent drying out.
- Do not store whipped cream at room temperature or in the door of the fridge. The warm temperature will cause it to spoil quickly.
Following proper storage methods will keep your whipped cream fresh and ready to use!
F.A.Q
Q1. What happens if I freeze whipped cream?
A1. Whipped cream will deflate and separate when frozen, losing its whipped texture. It becomes watery and grainy when thawed.
Q2. Does whipping cream freeze well?
A2. No, whipping cream does not freeze well. The high-fat content causes it to separate and curdle during freezing.
Q3. What is the best way to freeze whipping cream?
A3. There is no good way to freeze whipping cream, unfortunately. Even unwhipped, it will curdle when thawed.
Q4. How do you thaw frozen whipped cream?
A4. There is no way to properly thaw frozen whipped cream. It will not regain its smooth, fluffy texture once defrosted.
Q5. Does whipped cream taste good frozen?
A5. Frozen whipped cream tends to take on a greasy, grainy texture and lose its sweet flavor. It will not taste good frozen or thawed.
Q6. Will frozen whipping cream still whip?
A6. No, frozen whipped cream will not re-whip after thawing. The emulsion breaks down during freezing, preventing it from whipping again.
