Sugar-Free Whipped Cream: Keto-Friendly Delight?

Sugar-free whipped cream is a versatile, low-carb, gluten-free, and keto-friendly dessert topping. It is made with just three ingredients: heavy whipping cream, a sugar alternative, and vanilla extract. The sugar alternatives used vary from recipe to recipe, with some calling for powdered sugar substitutes, while others suggest natural sweeteners such as honey or maple syrup. The vanilla extract can also be replaced with other extracts such as almond, peppermint, or coconut. Sugar-free whipped cream can be served as a topping for cakes, pies, berries, or even added to drinks like hot chocolate or coffee. It can also be enjoyed on its own as a sugar-free snack.

Sugar-free whipped cream ingredients

Sugar-free whipped cream is a treat that can be enjoyed by those on a keto diet. It is easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients. Here is a list of ingredients you will need to make delicious sugar-free whipped cream:

• Heavy Whipping Cream: This is the base of your whipped cream. It is important to use heavy cream, also known as double cream, as it has a richer flavour and a creamier texture. The cream should be fridge-cold to ensure the best results.
• Sweetener: To make it sugar-free, you can use a powdered sugar-free sweetener such as allulose, erythritol, monk fruit sweeteners, xylitol, or stevia glycerite. These sweeteners dissolve well and provide a similar sweetness to sugar without the carbohydrates.
• Vanilla Extract: While optional, vanilla extract adds a lovely flavour to your whipped cream. It is recommended to use pure vanilla extract for the best results.

With these three ingredients, you can make a delicious and healthy sugar-free whipped cream. Simply combine them in a mixing bowl and beat with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. You can also add other ingredients, such as cocoa powder or lemon zest, to create different flavours.

Sugar-free whipped cream is a versatile topping that can be used on desserts, fruits, or even in your coffee. It is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth while sticking to a keto or low-carb diet.

How to make sugar-free whipped cream

Ingredients:

• Heavy whipping cream
• Sugar alternative (e.g. honey, maple syrup, powdered sugar alternative, or stevia)
• Vanilla extract (or alternative extract)

Optional:

• Food colouring
• Unsweetened cocoa
• Coconut extract

Method:

Chill your mixing bowl, beaters or whisk attachments, and whipping cream in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.

Place the heavy whipping cream into your refrigerated mixing bowl, along with your chosen sugar alternative and vanilla extract.

Use refrigerated beaters or whisk attachments to beat the ingredients on a medium-high setting until soft peaks begin to form. Stiff peaks will form when the cream holds its shape when the beaters are raised.

Be careful not to overbeat the mixture, as it can turn grainy or like butter. Stop once you achieve the desired consistency.

Tips:

• Chilling your equipment is essential for the success of your homemade whipped cream.
• Not all sugar alternatives taste the same, so you may need to experiment with different options and adjust for texture and taste.
• You can make this recipe vegan by using chilled full-fat coconut milk instead of whipping cream.
• To make chocolate whipped cream, simply add a tablespoon or two of unsweetened cocoa to the mixing bowl.
• For extra flavour, add a few drops of your favourite extract (e.g. vanilla, almond, peppermint, or coconut) to the cream before whipping.
• To add colour, add one or two drops of food colouring while whipping.
• This recipe is best served immediately, but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day.

Sugar-free whipped cream storage

Sugar-free whipped cream is best served fresh, but it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. If you need to store it for longer, you can freeze it.

Refrigerating Sugar-Free Whipped Cream

To store sugar-free whipped cream in the refrigerator, place it in an airtight container and keep it covered. It will stay fresh for up to a day. Before serving, whip it briefly again if it has started to run.

Freezing Sugar-Free Whipped Cream

To freeze sugar-free whipped cream, dollop or pipe mounds of the cream onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen mounds to a freezer-safe container and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw the frozen whipped cream at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving, or add it to hot drinks like keto hot chocolate while still frozen.

Sugar-free whipped cream serving suggestions

Sugar-free whipped cream is a versatile topping that can be used in a variety of sweet and savoury dishes. Here are some serving suggestions for sugar-free whipped cream:

Fruits and Berries

Top your favourite fruits and berries with a dollop of sugar-free whipped cream. It pairs well with strawberries, raspberries, and other keto-friendly fruits. The cream adds a creamy and indulgent touch to these healthy treats.

Puddings and Mousses

Take your pudding or mousse to the next level by adding a scoop of sugar-free whipped cream. It complements chocolate mousse, chocolate pudding, or a berry ricotta dessert beautifully. The cream's light and fluffy texture creates a delightful contrast with the rich, creamy pudding.

Cakes and Pies

Whipped cream is a classic topping for cakes and pies, and the sugar-free version is no exception. It tastes perfect on keto pound cake, chocolate cake, or apple pie. The cream adds a touch of sweetness and a creamy mouthfeel to these desserts.

Hot and Cold Drinks

Sugar-free whipped cream is an excellent addition to both hot and cold beverages. Swirl it into your keto hot chocolate, vanilla milkshakes, or iced coffee for a creamy and indulgent touch. It can also be used to top keto-friendly smoothies or protein shakes.

Savoury Dishes

While whipped cream is commonly associated with sweet treats, it can also be used to add richness to savoury dishes. Try adding a dollop to soups or creamy sauces for a unique flavour profile. Its creamy texture can enhance the mouthfeel of savoury dishes without adding any sweetness.

Customisations

The beauty of sugar-free whipped cream is that it can be customised with various extracts, spices, and flavourings. Here are some ideas to elevate your whipped cream:

• Add flavour extracts like peppermint, maple, or almond for a unique twist.
• Mix in spices like cinnamon or espresso powder for a warm, aromatic touch.
• Make chocolate whipped cream by adding unsweetened cocoa powder to the mixture.
• For a dairy-free option, use chilled full-fat coconut milk instead of whipping cream.
• Add a few drops of food colouring to create visually appealing whipped cream that matches any theme or holiday.

Sugar-free whipped cream variations

Chocolate Whipped Cream

You can make chocolate whipped cream by adding 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the other ingredients before mixing. This variation goes well with keto chocolate cake.

Lemon Whipped Cream

Add a little lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon to the whipped cream for a fruity twist. This variation is great for fruity desserts.

Cinnamon Whipped Cream

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the whipped cream while it's mixing in the bowl.

Coconut Whipped Cream

Use coconut extract instead of vanilla extract for a coconutty twist. Be careful, as coconut extract has a strong flavour and could overpower your dessert.

Peppermint Whipped Cream

Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the cream before whipping for a refreshing variation.

Almond Whipped Cream

Add a few drops of almond extract to the cream before whipping for a nutty variation.

Maple Whipped Cream

Add a few drops of maple extract to the cream before whipping for a sweet variation.

Frequently asked questions