If there’s one dessert topping that makes even the simplest treats feel extraordinary, it’s Chantilly Cream. This pillowy, lightly sweetened whipped cream with a gentle hint of vanilla has graced classic French pastries and fruit desserts for centuries, elevating everything it touches. With just three ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you’ll have a homemade Chantilly Cream that’s infinitely fresher, fluffier, and more flavorful than anything from a can. Once you taste it, you’ll want to dollop it on everything—so let’s get whisking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
How to Make Chantilly Cream
Step 1: Prep Your Equipment
Start by chilling your mixing bowl and beaters in the refrigerator or freezer for 10 to 15 minutes. Cold equipment makes your cream whip up faster and produce airier, more stable peaks—perfect Chantilly Cream every time!
Step 2: Combine Your Ingredients
Pour the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract into your chilled mixing bowl. This is the moment where the simplest pantry staples come together to create something soft and luxurious.
Step 3: Whip to Soft Peaks
Using a hand mixer or the whisk attachment of a stand mixer, begin beating your mixture on medium-high speed. Keep an eye on the cream as it thickens—within 2 to 3 minutes, it should form soft peaks. That means when you lift the whisk, the cream just holds its shape with tips that gently fold over. Stop here for classic Chantilly Cream! If you whip further, you risk going from cloudlike to grainy, so watch closely.
Step 4: Serve or Store
Use your Chantilly Cream right away as a topping, or refrigerate it if you’re preparing in advance. It will keep its airy texture for a few hours—just give it a gentle whisk before using if it has settled or separated slightly.
How to Serve Chantilly Cream
Garnishes
A swirl of Chantilly Cream looks gorgeous on everything from fruit tarts to steaming cups of hot chocolate. For a finishing touch, sprinkle on chocolate shavings, a dusting of cinnamon, or some fresh berries for color and flair.
Side Dishes
Chantilly Cream turns simple sides into showstoppers—think sliced strawberries, poached pears, or a warm scone. Even the humblest dessert shines with a generous helping of this luscious cream on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Use a piping bag to add Chantilly Cream rosettes to cupcakes or cakes, or dollop it artfully onto a pretty platter of mixed fruit. For a playful touch, serve mini jars layered with cream and crumbled cookies, parfait-style!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra Chantilly Cream, you can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. After sitting, it may lose a bit of volume—just gently whisk it back to life before serving.
Freezing
While plain whipped cream can sometimes be frozen, Chantilly Cream is best enjoyed fresh. If you must, dollop mounds onto a parchment-lined tray, freeze, then bag for up to 2 weeks; texture may change when thawed, so reserve this trick for casual treats rather than elegant desserts.
Reheating
Chantilly Cream is never meant to be warmed—simply give it a quick, gentle mix if it’s been in the fridge. If it has deflated, a few swirls with a whisk will restore its airiness without melting it.
FAQs
Is Chantilly Cream the same as regular whipped cream?
They’re very close! The main difference is that Chantilly Cream includes added sugar and vanilla, making it slightly sweeter and more aromatic than unsweetened whipped cream.
Can I flavor Chantilly Cream with other extracts or liqueurs?
Absolutely! A little almond extract, citrus zest, or even a splash of orange liqueur will give your Chantilly Cream a fun twist for special occasions.
How do I know when I’ve whipped the cream enough?
Look for soft peaks that hold their shape but gently fold over at the tip. Over-whipping leads to a grainy, stiff texture—instead, stop as soon as the cream thickens and becomes cloudlike.
Can I make Chantilly Cream ahead of time?
Yes! You can whip it a few hours ahead and keep it refrigerated, covered. If it deflates a bit, just whisk it back to soft peaks before serving.
What desserts pair best with Chantilly Cream?
It’s a dream with fresh berries, chocolate cakes, flaky pastries, shortcakes, or even dolloped over your morning pancakes. It’s the most versatile sweet finish in your kitchen!
Final Thoughts
Once you discover just how quick, easy, and delightful Chantilly Cream is to make, you’ll find yourself whipping it up at a moment’s notice—just like I do! Trust me, your desserts will never be the same, and your guests will swoon over every billowy bite. Give this classic a try and let a taste of homemade Chantilly Cream elevate your next sweet creation!
Print
Chantilly Cream Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: About 2 cups
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
Learn how to make Chantilly Cream, a versatile and delicious sweetened whipped cream perfect for topping desserts or enjoying on its own.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. This usually takes 2–3 minutes. Be careful not to over-whip, or the cream may become grainy. Use immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
Notes:
- Chill the mixing bowl and beaters before whipping for best results.
- Chantilly cream is perfect for topping cakes, pies, fresh fruit, or serving alongside pastries.
- For a flavored variation, try adding citrus zest, almond extract, or a splash of liqueur.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
