There’s nothing like fluffy, sweet homemade sugar-free whipped cream. It’s so easy and is ready in just minutes. Learn how to make a basic recipe with additional flavor variations.
If you’ve never had homemade whipped cream, you are in for a serious treat. It’s nothing like the kind you get from a can and it’s a far cry from the store-bought kind you find in a tub. Using fresh heavy whipping cream makes the BEST topping for homemade Keto Eggnog at the holidays, your morning or post work-out Strawberry Smoothie, or on top of Keto Brownies for dessert. You'll want it on just about everything (or just enjoy some with a spoon – no judgement!).
Low-carb whipped cream is so versatile. It tastes just like the traditional version, except you use a sugar alternative, making a zero-carb keto-friendly dessert topping. It’s perfect for pies, cakes, berries, cocoa and anything else you can imagine. Personally, I adore it in my morning coffee. It’s a perfect topping for Strawberry Clafoutis or a rich Chocolate Mug Cake or any of my dessert recipes.
This no sugar whipped cream is a perfect combination of sweet and savory. It’s also fluffy and rich, not too sweet and tastes just like ‘traditional’ topping that uses high carb powdered sugar.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Fluffy, cloud-like whipped cream is just so, so good
- It’s very easy to make using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer
- You can whip up a batch in less than 5 minutes
- It takes just a few basic ingredients
- You can enjoy whipped cream on keto because it’s made without sugar
- If you follow a low-FODMAP diet, you can still enjoy real whipped cream in small portions
Is whipped cream keto?
Yes! It is a high fat dairy product that is very low in carbohydrates and is suitable for a keto diet. In ¼ cup, there is only 1.75g of carbs in heavy cream, making it an excellent keto treat. As it whips, it expands to about twice the size, so ¼ cup of this fluffy dessert topping will have less than 1 carb.
Is heavy cream low-FODMAP?
If you are avoiding lactose on a low-FODMAP diet, heavy whipping cream can be included, just in small serving sizes. Since it is very high in fat, it is naturally low in lactose, making it FODMAP-friendly in servings of 1 tablespoon. You can feel good about using it to top any low-FODMAP dessert!
Ingredients
Only three ingredients are needed to make the best low carb and keto friendly dessert topping:
- Heavy whipping cream – this whips up so light and fluffy. You can also use coconut cream if you want to make a dairy-free whipped cream.
- Powdered sweetener – I like to use Swerve Confectioners Sweetener
- Vanilla extract – this adds just a little bit of flavor and a classic taste
TIP: I like to buy the purest heavy whipping cream available. Some products contain additives and other ingredients besides heavy cream, such as thickeners like carrageenan and other gums. I find these additives change the flavor and texture, so opt for a brand that has heavy cream as the only ingredient, if possible.
Instructions
Get ready for the easiest recipe ever:
Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl or in the bowl of your stand mixer
Using your electric hand mixer or stand mixer with the whisk attachment, gradually increase speed to high to avoid splatter and beat on the highest setting until soft peaks form, about 2 minutes.
TIP: It’s best to chill your bowl before whipping the cream. Keeping everything chilled will help it hold enough air, making it light and fluffy. I typically put my freezer-safe bowl in the freezer for about 5 minutes.
TIP: Whip only until you have soft peaks. If you overmix, it will turn to butter, so keep an eye on the mixing!
Whipping cream vs heavy cream vs heavy whipping cream
Confusing, right? In the U.S., the terms heavy whipping cream and heavy cream are used synonymously. For this product, there can be no less than 36% milkfat. This is the best to use because it’s thicker, richer and will hold soft peaks the longest.
Whipping cream contains anywhere from 30-36% milkfat and is not as thick and rich as heavy whipping cream. It whips up to be silky and creamy and is also an excellent choice. However, you may find that the peaks will fall a littler faster.
Should I use cream of tartar in whipped cream?
To make a basic recipe, you do not need to add cream of tartar. This is used to make ‘stabilized whipped cream’ that is used mostly as a frosting. It also allows it to be refrigerated for a longer period without collapsing, but is not necessary to make a whipped topping.
How to store
Store in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, keep in mind the longer it is refrigerated, the more it will lose its structure.
Variations and add-ins
The sky is really the limit. Here are a few of my personal favorite flavored whipped cream variations:
- Almond or Maple whipped cream – replace the vanilla with almond or maple extract
- Bailey’s or amaretto whipped cream – yes, these alcohol infused, boozy whipped cream ideas are actually suitable for a low carb or keto diet. Add 2 tablespoons of alcohol to the bowl, eliminate the vanilla, and whip per instructions. This won’t throw off your macros or toss you out of ketosis. It will add only about 1g net carb per serving and a ton of flavor. Purchasing one mini bottle (also known as an ‘airplane bottle’) is plenty for this recipe.
- Chocolate whipped cream – Add 2 tablespoons of raw cacao or cocoa powder to the bowl
- Blueberry, strawberry or raspberry topping – Add 1-2 tablespoons of berry powder (or powdered freeze dried berries) to the bowl
- Coffee whipped cream – Yes, you can use heavy whipping cream as a creamer in coffee, but try using some coffee in your whipping cream! Add one teaspoon instant coffee granules to the bowl and stir until completely dissolved. Then whip. Consider adding some cocoa powder to make a mocha variation – absolutely sinfully good! This can seriously be a dessert unto itself.
- Peanut butter whipped cream – add 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter powder to the bowl and whisk until the powder is thoroughly incorporated before whipping
- Lemon whipped cream – add 1 tablespoon of preserved lemon paste for an incredible blast of lightly salted lemon flavor. It’s divine. Read about Preserved Lemons and Preserved Lemon Paste as well as how to make your own lemon puree in my Ingredient Spotlight post.
- Blue whipped topping – add a pinch or two of blue spirulina for an amazing blue color that’s so fun and interesting piped onto berries or on top of smoothies and shakes
- Add herbs and spices - such as pumpkin spice or a pinch of cinnamon. Try making your own homemade Pumpkin Spice Seasoning for that personal touch.
FAQ
Yes! Since it is a dairy product it is naturally gluten-free. However, if you have a gluten sensitivity or allergy, always read ingredient labels, as some brands include additives.
While there is a such thing as a sugar-free keto Cool Whip, regular Cool Whip is not keto-friendly, as it’s made with regular sugar and is very high carb.
Since it is a very high fat product, it is also very high in calories. There are about 800 calories in one cup, which averages to approximately 100 calories per serving when whipped, based on a ¼ cup serving size.
When you lift the beaters (or food processor whisk), a peak will form. It will still be soft, but will hold its shape.
It does not freeze well. When defrosted, it will completely lose its structure and revert back to a liquid state. However, you can freeze it piped into small discs on parchment and use these in hot drinks, such as coffee or hot chocolate.
Did you make this recipe? If so, let me know how you like it by giving a star rating and leave a comment. And, I'd love to see your creations! Post a pic and tag me on Instagram at @rad_foodie!
Recipes that deserve a dollop
- Keto Eggnog
- Strawberry Clafoutis (Gluten-free)
- Lemon Raspberry Bundt Cake
- Deep Dish Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies for Two
- Easy Keto Brownies
- Keto Strawberry Smoothie with Almond Milk
- Chocolate Almond Flour Mug Cake
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📖 Recipe
Low-carb Whipped Cream (keto and sugar-free)
Ingredients
- 1 cup Heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons Swerve Confectioners Sweetener (or powdered sweetener of choice)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl or stand mixer bowl
- Using your hand mixer or stand mixer with the whisk attachment, gradually increase speed to high to avoid splatter and beat until soft peaks form, about 2 minutes.
Notes
How to store
Store in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, keep in mind the longer it is refrigerated, the more it will lose its structure.Variations and add-ins
The sky is really the limit. Here are a few of my personal favorite flavored whipped cream variations:- Almond or Maple whipped cream – replace the vanilla with almond or maple extract
- Bailey’s whipped cream or amaretto whipped cream – yes, these alcohol infused, boozy whipped cream ideas are actually suitable for a low carb or keto diet. Add 2 tablespoons of alcohol to the bowl, eliminate the vanilla, and whip per instructions. This won’t throw off your macros or toss you out of ketosis. It will add only about 1g net carb per serving and a ton of flavor. Purchasing one mini bottle (also known as an ‘airplane bottle’) is plenty for this recipe.
- Chocolate whipped cream – Add 2 tablespoons of raw cacao or cocoa powder to the bowl
- Blueberry, strawberry or raspberry whipped cream – Add 1-2 tablespoons of berry powder (or powdered freeze dried berries) to the bowl
- Coffee whipped cream – Yes, you can use heavy whipping cream as a creamer in coffee, but try using some coffee in your whipping cream! Add one teaspoon instant coffee granules to the bowl and stir until completely dissolved. Then whip per instructions. Consider adding some cocoa powder to make a mocha whipped cream – absolutely sinfully good! This can seriously be a dessert unto itself.
- Peanut butter whipped cream – add 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter powder to the bowl and whisk until the powder is thoroughly incorporated with the cream. Then whip.
- Lemon whipped cream – add 1 tablespoon of preserved lemon paste for an incredible blast of lightly salted lemon flavor. It’s divine. Read about Preserved Lemons and Preserved Lemon Paste as well as how to make your own lemon puree in my Ingredient Spotlight post.
- Blue whipped cream – add a pinch or two of blue spirulina for an amazing blue color that’s so fun and interesting piped onto berries or on top of smoothies and shakes
- Add herbs and spices - such as pumpkin spice or a pinch of cinnamon. Try making your own homemade Pumpkin Spice Seasoning for that personal touch.
Nutrition
*Net carbs = carbohydrates - fiber
Nutritional information is an estimate, calculated using online tools and does not include optional ingredients unless otherwise indicated.
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