This Caramel Whipped Cream recipe uses just two simple ingredients to create a decadent topping that will elevate any dessert.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor: The caramel sauce adds a delectable sweetness and depth of flavor to traditional whipped cream. The combination of creamy, buttery caramel flavors with light, airy whipped cream creates a delicious caramel mousse!
- Versatility: This creamy Caramel Whipped Cream is incredibly versatile, making it the perfect accompaniment to a wide range of desserts. Whether you're dolloping it onto a slice of pie, swirling it into hot cocoa, or layering it onto a cake, its velvety texture and caramel notes will enhance any sweet treat.
- Simple Recipe: With just two ingredients, this is so easy to make. There's no need for complicated techniques or lengthy prep time.
Ingredients
The recipe card at the bottom of this post includes the complete list of ingredients, measurements, and instructions.
Heavy Cream - It is important to use heavy cream, also known as heavy whipping cream or double cream, for this recipe. Heavy cream has a higher fat content, which is crucial for achieving the desired whipped texture. Using a cream with lower fat (like regular whipping cream) will result in a less stable whipped cream.
Caramel Sauce - You can use homemade caramel sauce or store-bought. It should be a thick, high-quality sauce and not a thin topping like what comes in a squeeze bottle.
​Variations
Salted Caramel Cream - Incorporate a savory twist by adding â…› teaspoon of sea salt to the cream before whipping. The balance of sweet and salty flavors creates a heavenly combination
Spiced Caramel Cream - If you love Cinnamon Whipped Cream try combining it with this recipe. Just add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice.
Vanilla Caramel Cream - Most caramel sauces already contain vanilla extract, but if you want additional warmth, add ½ teaspoon to the recipe.
Coffee Caramel Cream - Coffee whipped cream and caramel are a perfect pairing! Just add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder.
Bourbon Caramel Cream - Mix in 1-3 tablespoons of bourbon for delicious boozy whipped cream!
How to Make Caramel Whipped Cream
1) Beat Heavy Cream Until Foamy
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- In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream on medium speed using an electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment.
- Continue beating for about 1 minute until the cream becomes foamy and starts to thicken.
2) Add Caramel Sauce
- Increase the mixer speed to high speed and continue beating until the cream reaches the desired thickness.
As you beat the cream, it will transition through different stages of peaks:
- Soft Peaks: The cream will form peaks that hold their shape for a moment but will still droop or curl at the tips when the whisk is lifted. Soft peaks are ideal for gently incorporating into desserts or as a lighter topping.
- Medium Peaks: The peaks will hold their shape firmly but will still have a bend when the whisk is lifted. Medium peaks are more stable than soft peaks and are perfect for spreading over desserts.
- Stiff Peaks: This is also known as firm peaks. The peaks will be stiff and stand up straight without collapsing when the whisk is lifted. This cream will hold its shape well and is great for decorating cakes and piping elaborate designs.
Expert Tips
- Chill your mixing bowl and beaters - Cold equipment helps the cream whip faster and achieve a better texture.
- Use heavy cream with a high fat content - Heavy whipping cream has 36% milk fat. Lower fat creams may not whip up as well and can result in a thinner consistency.
- Use room temperature caramel sauce - Refrigerated will be too thick and warm sauce will keep the cream from whipping properly. If you are making your own caramel sauce plan additional time to let it cool.
- Keep the cream cold - For best results, store the whipping cream in the refrigerator until you are ready to whip it.
- Start slow - Start beating the heavy cream on medium speed initially to prevent splattering. Once it becomes foamy, you can increase the speed to high.
- Add the caramel sauce gradually - Pour the sauce in slowly while the mixer is running. This allows for even distribution and avoids clumps of caramel in the final product.
- Taste as you go - Adjust the sweetness or intensity of the caramel flavor by adding more caramel sauce if desired.
- Do not overbeat - Watch closely for the desired peaks, and stop beating as soon as you reach the desired consistency to prevent it from turning grainy or curdling.
- Extend the shelf life - Add â…› teaspoon of cream of tartar to keep stabilize this topping for 3-4 days.
How to Serve Caramel Whipped Cream
Caramel Cream is a perfect topping for so many different things! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Dollop on Desserts: Spoon a generous amount onto your favorite desserts, such as pound cake, pecan or apple pie, or apple crisp.
- Spread as a Frosting: Use an offset spatula to spread across spice, pumpkin, or chocolate cake. It's also great for brownies and cupcakes!
- Layer in Parfaits: Create beautiful layers in parfait glasses by alternating whipped caramel filling with fruits, cookie crumbles, or cake pieces.
- Swirl into Hot Drinks: Add a dollop or two of Caramel Whipped Cream to hot beverages like coffee, hot chocolate, or warm caramel apple cider.
- Top-Off Ice Cream: Take your ice cream sundae to the next level by topping it with a generous swirl of caramel cream.
- Decorate Sweet Treats: Use a piping bag fitted with a decorative tip to pipe onto cookies, pastries, or other desserts.
- Serve with Fresh Fruits: Pair with fresh fruits like sliced strawberries, apples, or grilled peaches.
Recipe FAQs
If you accidentally overbeat the cream and it starts to curdle, you can attempt to salvage it by gently whisking in a few tablespoons of cold heavy cream until it smooths out.
Gently scoop the whipped cream into an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
This whipped cream recipe is best served on the same day as it is prepared. I have a full article on how long whipped cream lasts if you want tips on how to extend the shelf life.
Recipe
Caramel Whipped Cream
Recipe by:Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream 237 ml
- ¼ cup caramel sauce 60 ml, room temperature
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the heavy cream on medium speed using an electric mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment.
- Continue beating for about 1 minute until the cream becomes foamy and starts to thicken.
- Slowly pour the caramel sauce into the bowl then increase the mixer speed to high speed and continue beating until the cream reaches the desired thickness.
Notes
Equipment
Nutrition
The nutritional facts provided are only estimates. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Vanessa says
I made my own caramel and wanted to try this with it. So glad I did. I 1.5x for this recipe. It was sweet and I could taste the caramel, but it was missing something. Instead of adding more caramel I opted to add a few shakes from my salt shaker and about 1/8 cup of powdered sugar.
That really changed the flavor. Brought the caramel more forward and sweetened it without adding more caramel. Also used cream of tartar as suggested to give it some more stability.
I will definitely use this again!
Erin Gierhart says
Thanks, Vanessa! I’m so glad you tried it with your homemade caramel. That sounds delicious! And great call on the salt and powdered sugar to adjust the flavor. Happy to hear you loved it!