Homemade Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe: Easy 3-Ingredient Topping
Indulge in the festive flavors of the holiday season with this incredibly easy Peppermint Whipped Cream recipe! This homemade topping captures the essence of candy canes and Christmas cheer in every spoonful. Crafted with just three simple ingredients, it’s the perfect addition to your favorite hot chocolate, Christmas cheesecakes, and countless other desserts. Get ready to elevate your treats with this cool and refreshing peppermint delight!
When the holiday season rolls around, I fully embrace the peppermint craze. From peppermint mochas to decadent peppermint bark brownies, and even refreshing peppermint ice cream, I can’t get enough of that invigorating minty flavor.
The inspiration for this Peppermint Whipped Cream struck while I was preparing my go-to peppermint hot chocolate (the recipe is coming soon, so stay tuned!). I was searching for something a bit more special than the usual mini marshmallows to crown my cozy beverage.
And just like that, this dreamy, peppermint-infused whipped cream was born! This is a homemade whipped cream recipe that uses only 3 ingredients including peppermint extract which gives it its cool and wintry flavor.
It’s a delightful addition to my collection of flavored whipped cream recipes, perfect for adding a touch of magic to any dessert.
Imagine using this Peppermint Whipped Cream as an elegant garnish for a classic peppermint cheesecake or a rich chocolate cheesecake for your Christmas feast. Or, start your Christmas morning on a high note by topping a stack of chocolate pancakes or chocolate waffles with a generous dollop of this festive cream.
Simple Ingredients for the Best Peppermint Whipped Cream
Crafting this irresistible mint whipped cream is unbelievably easy. All you need are these three essential ingredients:
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Make sure you opt for heavy whipping cream rather than simply whipping cream to achieve the best results. The higher fat content in heavy whipping cream is crucial for creating that luscious, stable texture we all crave.
- Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar, also known as confectioners’ sugar, serves a dual purpose in this recipe. It not only adds the perfect amount of sweetness but also acts as a thickening agent, helping the whipped cream maintain its shape and consistency.
- Peppermint Extract: This is the secret ingredient that transforms ordinary whipped cream into a candy cane-inspired dream! The peppermint extract infuses the cream with that distinctive cool and refreshing flavor that evokes the spirit of the holidays.
What Exactly Is Peppermint Extract?
Much like homemade vanilla extract, peppermint extract is created by steeping peppermint leaves in alcohol, typically vodka. This process extracts the essential oils and flavors from the peppermint, resulting in a potent and aromatic liquid.
It’s important to note that peppermint has a distinct flavor profile that differs from spearmint and wintergreen. Therefore, it’s essential to use an extract specifically labeled as “peppermint” to achieve the desired candy cane taste.
Furthermore, peppermint extract is not the same as peppermint oil. Peppermint oil is far more concentrated than peppermint extract, so it’s crucial to avoid substituting them directly. Using the same amount of oil as extract would result in an overpowering and potentially unpleasant flavor.
If you decide to experiment with peppermint oil, remember that it’s approximately four times stronger than extract. A general guideline is to use about 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint oil for every 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract.
How to Make Peppermint Whipped Cream: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create this decadent whipped peppermint cream. With just two simple steps, you’ll have a delightful topping ready to elevate your favorite desserts:
- Whip: In a chilled bowl, whip the heavy cream until it begins to thicken. Continue whipping until soft peaks form. Soft peaks are achieved when you lift the beater or whisk, and the peaks that form gently curl over at the tip.
- Add: Gently incorporate the powdered sugar and peppermint extract into the whipped cream. Continue beating until stiff peaks form. Stiff peaks are characterized by their ability to stand upright when the beater or whisk is lifted, without collapsing or curling over.
That’s all there is to it! Your homemade mint whipped cream is now ready to be enjoyed. For the best flavor and texture, it’s recommended to serve it immediately after preparation. However, you can store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind that the whipped cream may deflate slightly during storage. If this happens, simply re-whip it briefly to restore its volume and fluffiness. Be careful not to overbeat, as this can lead to the cream turning into butter.
Understanding Soft Peak and Stiff Peak Stages
Many whipped cream recipes refer to whipping to soft peaks and stiff peaks, but what do these terms actually mean?
Soft Peak Stage: This stage is reached when you beat the heavy cream until it thickens and starts to hold its shape. When you lift the beater straight up, peaks will form, but the tips will gently curl or fall over.
Stiff Peak Stage: This is the desired consistency for most whipped cream recipes. When you lift the beater straight up, the peaks will stand tall and firm without collapsing or curling over. The whipped cream should hold its shape when spooned or piped onto desserts.
It’s crucial to pay close attention during the whipping process and avoid overbeating the cream. Overbeating can cause the fat molecules in the cream to separate, resulting in a grainy texture and ultimately turning the cream into butter.
Can You Freeze Peppermint Whipped Cream?
Yes! To extend the shelf life of your delicious mint whipped cream, especially if you’ve made a large batch, you can freeze it for up to two months. Freezing is a great way to preserve the flavor and texture of the whipped cream for future use.
To freeze the whipped cream, start by portioning it onto a cookie sheet. You can either spoon individual dollops or pipe elegant swirls using a piping bag. Place the cookie sheet in the freezer and freeze until the whipped cream portions are firm to the touch. Once frozen, transfer the portions to a freezer-safe bag or container for longer storage.
Freezing the whipped cream in individual portions makes it incredibly convenient for topping individual desserts or beverages. You can simply grab a frozen dollop whenever you need a quick and festive garnish. There’s no need to thaw the whipped cream before using it. It’s perfect for adding a touch of coolness and flavor to thick hot chocolate or homemade hot chocolate mix.
Delicious Recipes to Pair with Peppermint Whipped Cream
Now that you’ve created your own batch of enchanting candy cane whipped cream, here are some irresistible desserts that would be perfect served alongside it:
- Angel Food Cake in loaf pan
- Mini Angel Food Cake
- Angel Food Cupcakes
- French Toast For Two
- Mini Chocolate Cheesecakes
- 4 inch Chocolate Cheesecake
- 6 Inch Cheesecake
- Air Fryer Cheesecake
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Enhance the peppermint flavor by pairing it with a cup of warm peppermint hot chocolate. The combination is like a cozy hug on a cold winter day.
- Gingerbread Cookies: The cool, minty flavor of the whipped cream contrasts beautifully with the warm spices of gingerbread cookies.
Explore More Flavored Whipped Cream Recipes
If you thoroughly enjoyed this peppermint whipped cream recipe, you’ll be delighted to discover these other homemade whipped cream variations:
- Chocolate Whipped Cream
- Peanut Butter Whipped Cream
- Strawberry Whipped Cream
- Cream Cheese Whipped Cream
- Honey Whipped Cream
- Maple Whipped Cream
- Cinnamon Whipped Cream: Add a touch of warmth by incorporating cinnamon into your whipped cream.
- Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream: Use vanilla extract to infuse it with a classic vanilla flavor.
Peppermint Whipped Cream Recipe
2-4 servings
5 minutes
5 minutes
10 minutes
Peppermint Whipped Cream is a homemade whipped cream recipe that tastes like candy canes and Christmas in every bite! Made with only 3 ingredients, it’s the perfect whipped topping for your hot chocolate, Christmas cheesecake, and more.
Ingredients
Small Batch
- 1/4 cup cold heavy whipping cream
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (not oil)
Full Batch
- 1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon peppermint extract (not oil)
Instructions
- In a large cold mixing bowl on medium-high speed (with whisk attachment if using a 5 quart stand mixer), beat the heavy cream until it starts to thicken, about 1 minute.
If making the small batch version, you don’t want your bowl larger than 5 quart. If your bowl is too big or you’re having trouble whipping, use a smaller bowl with a handheld mixer.
- Gradually beat in the sugar and peppermint then continue beating until stiff peaks form (when you pull the beater up, peaks will form and not fall over), about 3-4 minutes.
Serve immediately. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 2 days. The longer it sits, the more it’ll deflate but will still be delicious.
Notes
- Additionally you can freeze whipped cream to make it last up to 2 months. Portion the whipped cream onto a cookie sheet by either piping or spooning, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
- Serve with Peppermint Hot Chocolate and Peppermint Cheesecake.
- Check out my other recipes for Homemade Whipped Cream, Peanut Butter Whipped Cream, Chocolate Whipped Cream, Strawberry Whipped Cream, Maple Whipped Cream, Honey Whipped Cream, and Cream Cheese Whipped Cream.
Recommended Products
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- Stand Mixer
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