Whip It Up: How to Make Delicious Vegan Whipping Cream

CookUnity | 3/30/2023

From cakes to desserts, pies, and drinks, a small topping of whipping cream can take the taste to another level. It’s also a common ingredient in different soups and sauce recipes.

Are you tired of missing out on the creamy goodness of whipped cream just because you're vegan? Fortunately, this struggle of finding a perfect vegan whipped cream with similar taste, texture, and creaminess of a regular whipped cream has come to an end.

We experimented with several recipes, and asked multiple vegan diet experts to find the perfect vegan whipping cream recipe that is not only plant-based but is unbelievably easy to make.

Here is a detailed guide to whip up a dairy-free, vegan whipping cream that you can use in your favorite desserts, and other recipes without any guilt.

Key Takeaways

You can make vegan whipping cream with coconut cream/milk, soy, and almond milk.
Making plant-based whipping cream is easy and requires simple ingredients.
You can swap vegan whipping cream with regular whipping cream in cakes, pies, sauces, drinks, etc.

Experience a world of indulgent, chef-prepared vegan treats and desserts, alongside an extensive menu of plant-based meal options, all available for delivery right to your door with Cook Unity, the ultimate vegan meal delivery service featuring the largest selection of dishes crafted by award-winning chefs.

Let’s get started.

Understanding What Makes A Vegan Whipping Cream

Veganism, or a vegan diet, is a trending concept nowadays. Apart from being a lifestyle choice, the agenda of vegans is to stop animal exploitation, which is why veganism goes beyond eating habits and discards anything made from the animal by-product.

Food-wise, it’s a plant-based diet that includes all colorful veggies, fruits, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. And excludes all meat products like dairy, fish, meat, eggs, honey, and ingredients like gelatin, casein, fish oil, whey, etc. But don’t worry; vegans don’t miss out on anything delicious; there are perfect replacements for every food item.

A traditional whipping cream contains dairy. It uses the creamiest part of milk and that’s why most people also call it heavy cream. Since regular whipped cream contains dairy, which is an animal by-product, it’s unsuitable for vegan consumption.

But fret not! We now have multiple vegan-friendly whipped cream options that are made from plant-based milk and cream such as coconut cream, soy, or almond milk. You can even make it easier by adding flavoring ingredients like vanilla essence, sweeteners, etc.

Making Vegan Whipping Cream With Coconut Cream: Things To Note

coconout-cream

		Coconut Whipping Cream

This vegan-friendly whipping cream is a perfect substitute for dairy-based whipping cream. And the best part is that you can make it with ingredients that are readily available in your kitchen.

Here is a detailed recipe for making vegan coconut whipped cream.

Ingredients:

One can of coconut cream. You can also use full-fat coconut milk. ¼ to ¾ cup powdered sugar ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Cooking Method:

Step One: Chill the coconut cream or milk overnight. Don’t flip, shake, or tap the can while storing to allow cream separation from the liquid.
Step Two: The mixing bowl, beater, and other tools also need to be chilled overnight.
Step Three: Take the coconut milk/cream can from the refrigerator without tapping or shaking for the same reason mentioned earlier.
Step Four: You should have a hardened, thick cream; if it does not have that consistency, add 1 to 4 tbsp of tapioca starch during the whipping process.

Beating The Cream

Step Five: Scrape out the cream part and transfer it to the chilled bowl. Use a hand mixer and beat at high speed for 20 to 30 seconds or until creamy.

Beating Cream

Step Six: Add powdered sugar and vanilla and mix for another 20 seconds. Start at a low speed but quickly increase the speed. Be careful, and don’t overmix it.

How The Cream Consistency Should Look Like

Step Seven: Once you get the desired consistency, your coconut cream whipping cream is ready. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator.

Important Tips To Note While Making Coconut Cream Whipping Cream

You must use full-fat coconut cream or milk. Using a light cream won’t give a thick whipping cream, and you’ll end up with a liquid mess.
Choose a good and reliable coconut cream brand. Some great brands are- Nature’s Charm Coco Whipping Cream, Native Forest Organic Premium Coconut Cream, etc.
Make sure the cream and cooking tools are chilled overnight in the refrigerator, not in the freezer.
Work quickly to prevent the cream and tools from getting warm.
You can use Stevia or a healthier sweetener if you don’t want to use sugar.

Making Vegan Whipping Cream With Other Plant-Based Milk

Not a fan of coconut? Here are some other vegan-friendly whipping cream recipes using almond milk and soy milk that you can try .

Vegan Whipped Cream Recipe With Almond Milk

Ingredients

1.5 cups almond milk (use unflavored and unsweetened almond milk)
½ tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp xanthan gum
½ tsp cornstarch
1 tbsp granulated sugar

Cooking Method Double Boiler

Step One: In a double boiler, add almond milk, cornstarch, xanthan gum, and vanilla. Keep whisking till you get a slightly thick mixture, and remove from heat. Mixing Whipping Cream
Step Two: Use a hand mixer and whip until you get a thicker consistency. Add sugar once you get the desired consistency, and whip again for some time. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator.

Vegan Whipped Cream Recipe With Soy Milk

Ingredients

½ cup soy milk (unsweetened)
1 cup refined coconut oil or any neutral-tasting oil
1 to 2 tbsp granulated sugar (or your choice of vegan sweetener)
1 ½ to 2 tbsp modified starch
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Cooking Method:

Step One: Take ½ cup oil first and blend it with the soy milk in a blender at the highest speed for 20 to 25 seconds. Then add the other half cup of oil slowly. Adding Oil To Cream

Step Two: Add sugar and vanilla extract and blend till you get a thick creamy consistency. Transferring The Mixture To Container

Step Three: Transfer the mixture to a container and refrigerate for a couple of hours to thicken further.
Step Four: Take the cream mixture out of the refrigerator, add modified starch, and mix with a hand blender for a couple of minutes. You should get a thick, creamy whipping cream.
Step Five: Transfer into an airtight container and store for some more time before using. You can use this soy milk whipping cream for up to a week.

Important Tips To Note While Making Almond & Soy Milk Whipping Cream

Use good quality and unsweetened vegan milk varieties.
To avoid the taste of coconut oil, use refined or neutral-tasting oil in soy whipping cream.
Don’t reduce the quantity of ingredients; otherwise, the result won’t be satisfying.
Refrigerate well before adding them to recipes. Refrigeration further thickens the whipping cream, and they only work when the whipping creams are perfectly chilled.
If you blend well, the texture of vegan whipping creams will be indistinguishable from typical whipping cream.

Using Vegan Whipping Cream In Recipes: Tips to Use it Like a Chef

Vegan whipping cream is a versatile ingredient to have in your plant-based kitchen. Here are some suggestions to use in your favorite recipes-

In Sauces: Vegan whipping cream can be used to make pasta sauces, casseroles, and curries. The creamy texture provides a rich taste and flavor.
Topping For Desserts: Using as a topping is the classic use of vegan whipped cream. Use it on top of your favorite chocolate cake or apple pie, or enjoy it on top of your favorite fruits. It tastes as good as dairy whipped cream.
In Drinks: Vegan whipped cream is a great addition to creamy, indulgent drinks like hot cocoa, latte, cappuccino, shakes, and some mocktails. Simply whip the cream on top of the drink and enjoy the creamy goodness.
In Breakfast Dishes: Vegan whipped cream works well with breakfast recipes like waffles, pancakes, or smoothie bowls.
In Dressings: Mix vegan whipped cream with some herbs and spices to make a creamy dressing for your salads, veggie bowls, or just as a dipping sauce.

Benefits Of Using Vegan Whipped Cream Instead Of Traditional Whipped Cream

Here is why adding vegan whipped cream is healthier than a typical whipped cream made from dairy-

Great Alternative For Lactose Intolerant People

Vegan whipped cream is the best substitute for lactose intolerant people or those who have any other dairy allergy.

Lower In Fat & Calories

Vegan whipped cream is made from low-fat ingredients like coconut cream, almond, or soy milk, and you can replace sugar with a healthier sweetener making it very low in calories and fat. It’s a better option for people shifting to a healthier diet and trying to lose weight.

Higher In Plant-Based Nutrients

Since vegan whipped cream is made from plant-based ingredients, it’s a great source of plant-based nutrients. For instance, coconut cream is high in lauric acid, an antioxidant that helps boost immunity and is good for heart health.

Lower In Cholesterol

Vegan whipped cream is entirely free from cholesterol, whereas dairy whipped cream contains high amounts of cholesterol, which is not good for heart health.

Check Out These Two Recipes With Whipped Cream As The Core Ingredient

			Pasta In Vegan Whipping Cream

Pasta With Vegan Whipped Cream & Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

1 pound pasta of your choice
2 chopped shallots
4 cloves minced garlic
2 tbsp olive oil
1 can crushed tomatoes
1 cup vegan whipped cream
2 tsp sugar
Salt & pepper to taste
A handful of fresh basil leaves (roughly chopped)
Vegan parmesan cheese

Method:

Step One: Cook pasta as per package instructions and drain once done.
Step Two: Heat oil in a pan, add shallots once the oil is hot and cook till it's soft.
Step Three: Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Step Four: Add crushed tomatoes and sugar and cook for about ten to fifteen minutes.
Step Five: Slowly fold the vegan whipped cream into the tomato sauce.
Step Six: Add the pasta, stir well, and add salt, pepper, cheese, and basil. Mix everything well.
Step Seven: Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy it warm and delicious.

Vegan Whipped Cream Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

2 cups vegan whipped cream
2 tbsp vegan butter
2 tbsp all-purpose butter
Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

Step One: Melt butter in a pan and add flour once it's melted. Keep stirring to prevent lumps.
Step Two: Add salt and butter and cook for another two minutes.
Step Three: Add one cup of vegan whipped cream and continue stirring until it thickens. It won't take longer than two minutes.
Step Four: Add the rest of the cream and stir for a few more minutes. Take off the heat once it thickens a little more. You can have it as a pasta sauce or as a dip with bread.

Vegan Whipped Cream FAQs

What Can I Use Instead Of Heavy Vegan Whipping Cream?

You can use vegan butter and milk, silken tofu, and soy milk instead of vegan whipped cream.

How To Make Vegan Whipped Cream With Oat Milk?

You need to mix heavy cream oat milk with vegan butter, cornstarch, or olive oil to make plant-based whipped cream with oat milk.

What Is The Best Vegan Whipped Cream?

Full-fat coconut cream is the best vegan whipped cream. It blends really well and has a slightly sweet taste, making it great for recipes.

Conclusion

So there you have it, a thorough, in-depth guide on making vegan whipped cream that’s perfect for adding to desserts, sauces, drinks, and on breakfast recipes. Whether you’re a vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply want a healthier and better alternative to dairy whipped cream, plant-based whipped cream is a great option to replace it with.

I have shared three plant-based whipped cream recipes, do try them and explore different dishes with vegan whipped cream. Want to read more about veganism, its health benefits, or vegan whipped cream in general? Check out these articles published by Havard Health, Columbia University Medical Center.

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