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    Home » Recipes » Dessert Recipes

    Bourbon Whipped Cream

    Published: Sep 1, 2023 by Erin · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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    A Pintrest pin that says "bourbon whipped cream" and has a jar filled with piped whipped cream.

    In just a few minutes, you can whip up a batch of Bourbon Whipped Cream using 4 basic ingredients. This recipe enhances regular whipped cream to create a delightful boozy treat that is a sophisticated topping for desserts, coffee, and cocktails!

    A small jar with whipped cream piped into it and peaking out of the top.
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Key Ingredients
    • Whipping Cream vs. Heavy Cream
    • How to Make Bourbon Whipped Cream
    • Expert Tips
    • What to Serve it With
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Bourbon Recipes
    • Recipe
    • Reviews

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    Easy to Make - You only need 4 common ingredients - heavy cream, powdered sugar, bourbon, and vanilla - and it takes just a few minutes to whip up. The simplicity makes this recipe very approachable.

    Fun Flavor Twist - The bourbon gives the whipped cream nice hints of oak and caramel that enhances a variety of recipes. It the ordinary into something special.

    Customizable - Don't like bourbon? You can use rum, Kahlua, amaretto, or any liquor you want. Want it boozier? Add more bourbon.

    Key Ingredients

    Bourbon, vanilla, powdered sugar, and whipped cream in individual containers.

    See the recipe card at the bottom of this post for the full list of ingredients, including measurements.

    • Heavy Whipping Cream - Look for heavy cream with at least 36% milk fat. This higher fat content allows the cream to whip up into silky, billowy peaks. Do not substitute lighter creams or milk.
    • Bourbon - Use a high-quality bourbon that you enjoy drinking. Since this isn't a cooked recipe, and the ingredients are simple, you want to add the best flavor possible. 
    • Sugar - Powdered sugar sweetens the topping and can be adjusted to suit your preference. You can also use an equal amount of granulated sugar if you prefer.
    • Vanilla - Vanilla adds depth to the flavor of this recipe. Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor.

    Whipping Cream vs. Heavy Cream

    The main difference between whipping cream and heavy cream is that heavy cream has a higher fat content, which allows it to whip up thicker and hold its shape better.

    Heavy cream contains at least 36% milk fat, which allows it to whip up thick and billowy. It also produces a richer, creamier texture with a more luxurious mouthfeel. 

    Lighter whipping creams, which contain 30-32% milk fat, may whip up initially, but the end result is a softer whipped cream that melts and loses structure faster. 

    So when you are making whipped cream be sure to use the higher-fat option for the best texture and richness.

    For proper whipped cream storage, keep it in the refrigerator below 40°F (4°C) and use it by the expiration date on the carton. 

    A bowl of whipped cream with divots in it showing that it is firm yet fluffy.

    How to Make Bourbon Whipped Cream

    1) Combine Ingredients

    • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cold heavy cream, bourbon, sugar, and vanilla until blended.
    • Be sure your cream is thoroughly chilled before starting.

    2) Whip Cream

    • Using a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the cream mixture on high speed for 2-3 minutes. 
    • The mixture will become frothy and eventually form peaks when the beaters are lifted.
    • Use immediately, or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to a day.
    A collage with recipe ingredients in a bowl on the left, and whipped on the right, with beaters resting in bowl of fluffy cream.

    Expert Tips

    • Chill Everything Thoroughly - Make sure your cream, large bowl, and beaters are very cold before whipping. Starting with cold ingredients helps whip air into the cream.
    • Adjust to Taste ​- Use anywhere from 1-3 tablespoons of bourbon depending on how much flavor you want. Consider the flavors of what you are serving it with when deciding if you need more or less bourbon
    • Watch for Soft Peaks - Lift the beaters periodically to check for consistency. When soft peaks form (the tips will curl) it is ready for use spooning onto desserts and treats.
    • Do Not Overbeat ​- Continue beating until stiff peaks form if you want to pipe the cream. This is where the peaks stand straight up when you lift the beaters. But be careful not to overbeat or it will turn into butter.
    • Alcohol-Free - For the flavor of bourbon without any alcohol, try using a splash of bourbon extract.  
    • For a fun twist, combine this recipe with Cinnamon Cream or Caramel Cream!

    What to Serve it With

    Get creative with all the sweet and savory ways to use your homemade bourbon cream. With its sweet vanilla and oaky bourbon notes, this is the perfect topping to add an extraordinary touch to many desserts and drinks!

    • Top slices of pecan, sweet potato, or pumpkin pie.
    • Add a dollop on top of spice cake, brownies, and bowls of praline ice cream.
    • Scoop a spoonful onto Irish coffee, hot chocolate, or milkshakes.
    • Use as a garnish for cocktails like Brandy Ice.
    • Fill cream puffs or profiteroles.
    • Pipe rosettes onto cupcakes or cheesecakes.
    • Serve alongside poached pears or grilled peaches.
    • Spread on crepes, French toast, and pancakes.
    • Spoon dollops on top of cobblers or crisps.
    A slice of dump cake on a plate with a dollop of whipped cream on it, a bowl of cream and a bottle of bourbon in background.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I make homemade whipped cream in advance?

    Whipped cream is best made on the same day that it is served. But if you need to make it ahead of time just follow the directions of my Stabilized Whipped Cream recipe to extend the life by adding a little cream of tartar.

    Can I freeze whipped cream?

    Yes, you can freeze this recipe. It is best to put it in the freezer in the shape you want to serve it, so I recommend piping the cream into rosettes on parchment paper and flash-freezing before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

    Can I make whipped cream with different types of alcohol?

    Yes, you can use your favorite alcohol to make boozy whipped cream! Some delicious choices include dark rum, Kahlua, and Amaretto.

    How do I thicken soupy cream?

    Over time your bourbon whipped cream recipe will lose its texture. Simply re-whip the leftovers to thicken it back up.

    More Bourbon Recipes

    • slice of chocolate walnut pecan pie with ice cream on top and caramel drizzled all over.
      Bourbon Chocolate Walnut Pecan Pie
    • Square of brioche casserole on a plate with berries on top.
      Brioche French Toast Casserole Recipe
    • Close up of peach cobbler with 2 scoops of ice cream and 3 spoons digging in.
      Southern Peach Cobbler in a Cast Iron Skillet
    • Stack of peanut butter whiskey fudge with glass of whiskey.
      Peanut Butter Whiskey Fudge

    Let me know how you like this recipe by leaving a review! And follow along on Instagram @stateofdinner for behind-the-scenes and to be among the first to know when new recipes post!

    Recipe

    Jar of whipped cream with a piping bag and a jar of bourbon in background.

    Bourbon Whipped Cream

    Recipe by: Erin
    In just a few minutes, you can whip up a batch of Bourbon Whipped Cream using 4 basic ingredients. This recipe enhances regular whipped cream to create a delightful boozy treat that is a sophisticated topping for desserts, coffee, and cocktails!
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Course Condiments, Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12
    Calories 80 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 cup (237 ml) heavy whipping cream
    • 3 tablespoons (23 grams) powdered sugar or granulated
    • 1 ½ tablespoon (22 ml) bourbon
    • ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Chill a mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes.
    • Add the cold heavy cream, powdered sugar, bourbon, and vanilla extract to the chilled bowl. Using an electric mixer, mix on low speed until the mixture becomes frothy.
      1 cup (237 ml) heavy whipping cream, 3 tablespoons (23 grams) powdered sugar, 1 ½ tablespoon (22 ml) bourbon, ½ teaspoon (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
    • Increase to medium-high speed and beat for 2-3 minutes until soft peaks form.
    • Once at the desired consistency, serve with your favorite dessert or drink.

    Notes

    Variations:
    • Give this topping more bourbon flavor by increasing the total amount of bourbon to 3 tablespoons. Or use 1 tablespoon for a subtle flavor.
    • Sweeten the mixture by adding more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time. Or for less sweetness just use 2 tablespoons.
    • Try different types of alcohol, like rum or Kahlua.
    Storage: 
    • It is best to use this recipe on the same day it is made. But if you have leftovers, store it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 80kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 19mg | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 292IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.02mg
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    Photo of Erin Gierhart

    Welcome! I'm Erin: Wife, mom, lover of great food, and former food safety administrator. I am passionate about cooking mostly from scratch recipes that bring comfort, without spending all day in the kitchen. Most recipes on this site can be made in under 30 minutes! This approach to cooking allows me to provide delicious meals for my family while freeing up time to spend with those I love.

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