The Best Ways to Make Whipped Cream Recipe

Hand-Whisk Method - In a large wide bowl, combine cream, and, if using, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Using a balloon whisk, beat cream by alternating between the following motions: moving the whisk quickly from side-to-side and in circles around the perimeter of the bowl while gently lifting. As you whisk, you'll begin to see trails in the cream that stay put. Continue to whisk until soft peaks form; if you lift the whisk, peaks will form but immediately slump over. You can use the whipped cream at soft peaks or continue to whisk until stiff peaks form. At this point, the whipped cream will be fluffy and thick; if you lift the whisk, the peaks will stand up straight. Do not whisk beyond stiff peaks. Serve or use as desired.

Stand (or Hand) Mixer Method - In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, combine cream, and, if using, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. If using sugar, whisk on low speed until sugar is fully dissolved, about 30 seconds. Increase speed to medium-high; as you whisk, you'll begin to see trails in the cream that stay put. Continue to whisk until soft peaks form, about 1 minute; if you lift the whisk, peaks will form but immediately slump over. You can use the whipped cream when at soft peaks or continue to whisk until stiff peaks form, about 10 seconds. At this point, the whipped cream will be fluffy and thick; if you lift the whisk, the peaks will stand up straight. Do not whisk beyond stiff peaks. Serve or use as desired.

Food Processor Method - In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a metal blade, combine cream, and, if using, sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Pulse until thick and creamy like Greek yogurt, less than 1 minute (the time will vary with the horsepower of your machine). Serve or use as desired.

Whipping Siphon Method - If using sugar, combine cream and sugar in a bowl, and mix until sugar is fully dissolved. Add cream, vanilla extract (if using), and a pinch of salt (if using) to the siphon canister, screw on lid, and charge with 1 nitrous oxide cartridge. Shake canister 15 times, dispense whipped cream, and serve.