Whipped cream is so delicious! It takes almost any dessert to the next level! But inevitably, you will have a little bit left, and of course, you can't just throw away such goodness! Fortunately, there are some incredible ways that you can use your leftover whipped cream!
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Ways to Use as a Topping
If you are looking for a way to incorporate your leftover whipped cream into something you are already having, try one of these ideas!
- Breakfast: Put a little dollop on your French toast, pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal for an indulgent breakfast. Waffles with strawberries and whipped cream are one of my favorite ways to use leftover cream!
- Fresh Berries: This is an easy way to get your kids to eat more fresh fruit! It turns it into a treat and tastes so much better than using Cool Whip!
- Coffee: Since whipped cream is made with cream and sugar it is only natural that you would put it in your morning coffee! And this turns your daily cup into a decadent drink that feels like a reward! This is especially delicious with espresso whipped cream!
- Hot Chocolate: It's debatable whether hot cocoa is better with marshmallows or whipped cream. Why choose? Add a little cream and some marshmallows for a rich drink on a chilly day!
- Ice Cream: On a hot summer day, skip the hot chocolate and scoop yourself some ice cream, then top it with whipped cream. Turn plain ice cream into ice cream sundaes by adding some hot fudge sauce!
- Pies, Cakes, and Brownies: I can't think of a dessert that isn't better with whipped cream dollops! Consider this permission granted to go pick up your favorite dessert from the grocery store so you can top it with your leftover cream!
Recipes that Use Whipped Cream
Many recipes can be made with leftover heavy cream, but each uses a cup or less of already-prepared whipped cream, so it's a great way to use your leftovers!
- Strawberry Shortcake: Make a half batch of this shortcake recipe and layer it with strawberries. Or add blueberries for a patriotic dessert!
- No-Bake Banana Split Pie: This recipe is for you if you love easy desserts! It layers a creamy filling, fresh bananas, crushed pineapple, and whipped cream in a graham cracker crust, then gets topped with chocolate drizzle and cherries.
- Chocolate Mousse: Melt about a tablespoon of chocolate chips, then fold into 1 cup of whipped cream for an easy dessert! Sprinkle it with crushed Oreo cookies for an extra special touch.
- Apple Pavlova: If you have never made a pavlova, you now have a great excuse to try one! The caramelized apples in this recipe are amazing!
- Cake Batter Mousse: Cream cheese and cake mix are added to whipped cream and then layered with sprinkles and graham crackers. Yum!
- Cream Puffs: Such a heavenly dessert! A light and airy pastry filled with cream.
- Peanut Butter Pie: This is like peanut butter and jelly in a pie, and best of all, it's a no-bake recipe!
- Jelly Cakes: These individual sponge cakes are layered with whipped cream, covered in jelly, and rolled in coconut. The flavors and textures are divine!
- Raspberry Trifles: Trifles are especially great if you have leftover cake or brownies. It's so easy to assemble, and they look beautiful!
If you have a large amount of leftover whipping cream, then you can make one of these delicious recipes:
- Strawberry Pretzel Salad: Here is another recipe that combines cream cheese and whipped cream. This time, it has a salty pretzel crust and a sweet strawberry Jell-O topping!
- Mississippi Mud Pie: One of the most decadent desserts! It starts with an Oreo crust and has layers of Fudge cake, chocolate mousse, whipped cream, and fudge sauce!
- Tin Roof Ice Cream: Homemade ice cream is easy to make and does not even need an ice cream maker! This recipe has chocolate-covered nuts and a fudge swirl.
- Black Forest Cupcakes: You can top any cupcake recipe with whipped cream, but I especially love this Black Forest Cupcake recipe with cherry pie filling in the center. Cupcakes can be topped with fresh whipped cream and are also a great way to use frozen whipped cream.
How Long Does Whipped Cream Last?
Leftover whipped cream will last anywhere from 1 to 7 days, depending on how you made your recipe.
Basic Recipe - If you follow a standard whipping cream, sugar, and vanilla extract recipe, it is best to enjoy it on the day it is made. After a day, the liquid will start to separate from the cream, making a puddly mess. Your best bet for leftovers is to check out the section at the bottom of this post to freeze your whipped cream!
Flavored variations, like spiced whipped cream and caramel whipped cream, follow the same shelf-life principles as your basic recipe.
Stabilized - If you stabilize your whipped cream it can last up to 5 days. This stabilized whipped cream recipe is what I make most often because it is just as easy as making traditional whipped cream.
You can also make whipped cream with gelatin. How your recipe is stabilized will impact how long it lasts. For all of those details, check out this How Long Does Whipped Cream Last post.
In a Dispenser - You can also make your whipped cream in a dispenser, and the beauty of that format is that it can be recharged, allowing it to last up to 7 days! (Or follow the expiration date of your heavy cream container, whichever comes first.) This is ideal for many of the leftover ideas.
That's right, you can freeze your whipped cream for longer storage! And it works beautifully!
How to Freeze Whipped Cream
Using a pastry bag or whipped cream dispenser, pipe the whipped cream into little mounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Put the whipped cream into the freezer in the same shape as you want it to be when you use it. Heavy cream freezes well but once it is thawed it cannot be transformed into a new shape.
Place the tray in your freezer for 3-4 hours until the whipped cream has hardened. Transfer the frozen dollops into an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
When you are ready to use, simply remove the frozen whipped cream clouds and place them on your dessert. They can thaw in the refrigerator or serve them immediately for a sweet treat that tastes like homemade ice cream!
The frozen cream dollops can also be placed directly onto your hot chocolate or cup of coffee. They will slowly melt as you enjoy your beverage.
Emily says
Will frozen whipped cream stabilized with cream of tartar turn watery when thawed? I'm worried that it'll make my roulade look a weeping and soggy mess 🙁
Erin says
You'll want to pipe it before freezing then thaw in the refrigerator. It should hold together fine.