Vegan Whipped Cream: How to Make Vegan Whipped Cream

Vegan whipped cream, also known as nondairy or dairy-free whipped cream, is a dessert topping or mix-in made from dairy-free and vegan ingredients. Traditional whipped cream consists of heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Vegan whipped cream mimics those flavors and the light, fluffy texture without heavy cream, allowing people with dietary restrictions or lactose intolerance to enjoy the flavor and texture of whipped cream without the dairy products.

Canned coconut milk is one of the most common substitutes for heavy cream in a vegan whipped cream recipe, but it’s not the only option. Here are three types of vegan whipped creams:

1. 1. Aquafaba: The liquid in a can of chickpeas—called aquafaba—mimics whipped egg whites, making it a popular ingredient in vegan recipes, especially dessert recipes like mousse. Whip aquafaba up the same way you would egg whites, with cream of tartar and some sugar. It’s airier than heavy cream but still provides a light and fluffy texture.
2. 2. Coconut: The most common ingredient for making vegan whipped cream is a can of coconut milk. Like all coconut products—including coconut oil and coconut water—coconut milk contains a degree of coconut flavor. Use your favorite brand of coconut milk or a can of coconut cream to make a rich whipped coconut cream.
3. 3. Soy milk: This milk alternative is a popular nondairy option for smoothies and cereal, but you can also use it to make whipped cream. Most soy milk is gluten-free, but check the carton to be sure. You can use other nondairy milks to make the vegan whipped topping, like almond or cashew milk.

The step-by-step process to make vegan whipped cream is often identical to the method for traditional whipped cream, but sometimes the steps vary. Here are three tips to help you make vegan whipped cream:

1. 1. Keep it cold. Keeping all ingredients, mixing bowls, and beaters cold helps the nondairy ingredients whip up quickly and form stiff peaks. Also, keeping your whipped cream cold until it is time to serve is critical to maintaining the airy consistency.
2. 2. Make it sweet. Powdered sugar is the traditional sweetener in whipped cream, even vegan whipped cream. If you are on a sugar-free diet, like the paleo diet, or you want to eat less refined sugar, use other sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar. Alternatively, make unsweetened vegan whipped cream.
3. 3. Use a stabilizer. Some vegan whipped cream recipes require a thickener or stabilizer to encourage the liquid to whip up and stay firm. Cream of tartar, xanthan gum, guar gum, or tapioca starch are all options, and almost all store-bought vegan whipped toppings include one of these ingredients.

You can use vegan coconut whipped cream (or other variations on vegan whipped cream) in the same ways you would use traditional whipped cream. Below are some ways you can use vegan whipped cream in other dairy-free recipes:

• Brownies: Whether you opt for a brownie square or a brownie ice-cream sundae, dollop vegan whipped cream on top for a light and sweet vegan dessert topping.
• Cheesecake: Not only is vegan whipped cream a flavorful topping for cheesecake, but it also serves as a mix-in for vegan cheesecake recipes because it mimics the light and creamy texture of whipped cream cheese and eggs.
• Cupcakes: Top cupcakes with vegan whipped cream instead of a traditional buttercream frosting.
• Hot chocolate: Finish vegan hot cocoa with a spoonful of whipped cream—the sweetness and lightness of the whipped cream balance out the slight bitterness of the dark chocolate.
• Pumpkin pie: A classic fall dessert, pumpkin pie benefits from a big dollop of vegan whipped cream. Use whipped aquafaba in the pie filling itself, and use a thicker vegan whipped cream, like a coconut whipped cream, for the topping.
• Waffles: For a spin on the classic diner breakfast, top waffles with vegan whipped cream, vegan chocolate chips, or fresh fruit.