If you’re looking to take your desserts to the next level, Lemon Whipped Cream is a total game-changer. This light, airy, and perfectly tangy whipped cream adds the right touch of citrus to any sweet treat. Whether you’re dolloping it on a slice of pie, spreading it over cake, or serving it with fresh berries, this zesty whipped cream is bound to be your new favorite topping.
Trust me, once you taste this lemony twist on classic whipped cream, you’ll never want to go back to the plain stuff. It’s just the right balance of sweetness and tartness, and it pairs so well with a wide range of desserts. Your taste buds are in for a real treat!
Why You’ll Love Lemon Whipped Cream
1. Quick and Easy to Make
You don’t need any fancy tools or techniques for this whipped cream—just a hand mixer or whisk and a few simple ingredients, and you’re all set. It’s as easy as whipping cream with a little lemon zest and juice, and in minutes, you’ve got a topping that’s perfect for any dessert.
2. A Fresh, Zesty Flavor
The lemon adds a burst of freshness and brightness that’ll bring your desserts to life. It’s not too overpowering—just the right amount of tang to balance the sweetness of cakes, pies, or even a bowl of fruit.
3. Versatile
This whipped cream isn’t just for pies (though it’s amazing on pie!). It can be added to cakes, cupcakes, pancakes, waffles, or even served alongside your favorite fruit for a refreshing treat. It’s so versatile and goes with pretty much everything!
4. Light and Fluffy
What’s better than fluffy, billowy whipped cream? The lemon makes it even more irresistible, giving it a delightful airiness and texture that makes every bite feel like a little cloud of happiness.
Ingredients in Lemon Whipped Cream
Here’s all you need for this zesty whipped cream:
Heavy Cream
The base for all whipped creams! Heavy cream will whip up perfectly to create that fluffy texture we love.
Powdered Sugar
For sweetness—powdered sugar dissolves quickly and gives you a smooth, sweet whipped cream without any grittiness.
Lemon Zest
The zest is the secret to getting that fresh, aromatic lemon flavor. It’s bright, fragrant, and adds a citrusy kick without being sour.
Fresh Lemon Juice
A squeeze of lemon juice adds just the right amount of tang to balance the sweetness and bring that refreshing citrus flavor front and center.
(Note: Full measurements for the ingredients are provided in the recipe card above!)
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
- Servings: About 8
- Calories per serving: 35
- Total Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
- Sodium: 5mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 0g
Instructions
1. Whip the Cream
In a chilled mixing bowl (this helps the cream whip up faster!), pour in the heavy cream. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. This will take about 2-3 minutes, so keep an eye on it!
2. Add the Sweetness
Once soft peaks have formed, add in the powdered sugar. Continue to whip on high speed for another minute or two until stiff peaks form. The whipped cream should hold its shape when you lift the beaters out.
3. Add Lemon Zest and Juice
Now, add the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice to the whipped cream. Gently fold them in with a spatula or beat on low speed for just a few seconds. You want the lemon flavor to be evenly distributed, but you don’t want to deflate the whipped cream.
4. Taste and Adjust
Take a little taste! If you want more lemony tang, feel free to add a little more zest or juice. If you prefer a sweeter whipped cream, add a pinch more powdered sugar to balance it out.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Once everything is whipped and perfectly blended, it’s time to serve! Spoon the Lemon Whipped Cream over your favorite dessert, or just enjoy it on its own as a light, refreshing treat.
How to Serve Lemon Whipped Cream
This luscious whipped cream can be used in so many ways. Here are some serving ideas to inspire you:
On Fruit
Serve with fresh berries, sliced peaches, or any of your favorite fruits. The lemony whipped cream adds just the right amount of sweetness and tartness to complement the fruit’s natural flavors.
Over Pie
It’s the perfect topper for fruit pies, especially lemon meringue, blueberry, or strawberry rhubarb pies. It’s also great on key lime pie for an extra citrusy twist.
On Cakes and Cupcakes
Lemon whipped cream is a dreamy topping for cakes and cupcakes, especially when paired with lemon cake or carrot cake. It adds lightness and an extra layer of flavor that’s irresistible.
With Pancakes or Waffles
Skip the syrup and try lemon whipped cream on your pancakes or waffles for a fun and refreshing change. It’s like breakfast, but with a little extra zest.
As a Dip
Serve it as a dip alongside graham crackers, cookies, or even marshmallows for a quick, sweet treat that everyone will love.
Additional Tips
1. Use Chilled Tools
For the best results, make sure your mixing bowl and beaters are chilled. This helps the cream whip faster and more easily, leading to better results.
2. Adjust Sweetness and Tang
Feel free to adjust the sweetness or tang level to suit your tastes. If you love a more intense lemon flavor, add a little extra zest or juice. For a sweeter whipped cream, increase the powdered sugar.
3. Make Ahead
Lemon whipped cream can be made ahead of time! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a quick whisk before serving to bring it back to life.
4. Experiment with Other Citrus
While lemon is the star here, you could experiment with other citrus fruits like lime or orange for a different twist. Each one will bring a unique flavor to your whipped cream!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use regular sugar instead of powdered sugar?
A1: Powdered sugar is best because it dissolves more easily, but if you’re in a pinch, you can use regular granulated sugar. Just be sure to whip it well so the sugar dissolves fully.
Q2: Can I use this lemon whipped cream in a cake filling?
A2: Yes! This whipped cream works great as a light cake filling, especially for cakes that could use a little citrusy refreshment, like lemon or vanilla cakes.
Q3: Can I freeze lemon whipped cream?
A3: While whipped cream is best served fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just be aware that it may lose some of its texture when thawed, but it will still taste great.
Q4: How do I store leftover lemon whipped cream?
A4: Store leftover whipped cream in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You may need to re-whip it lightly before serving.
Q5: Can I make this whipped cream without lemon zest?
A5: Yes! If you don’t have lemon zest, you can still make this whipped cream using just lemon juice for the citrusy flavor. The zest adds extra aroma and intensity, but it’s not essential.
Q6: Can I use this whipped cream in a no-bake dessert?
A6: Absolutely! Lemon whipped cream makes a fantastic topping or layer in no-bake desserts like cheesecakes, parfaits, or mousses.
Q7: Can I make this whipped cream dairy-free?
A7: Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative, like coconut cream or almond milk cream, and the recipe will still work beautifully.
Q8: How can I make this whipped cream stiffer?
A8: If you want a firmer whipped cream, add a little bit of cornstarch or a whipped cream stabilizer during the mixing process. This will help it hold its shape for longer.
Q9: Can I make a larger batch of lemon whipped cream?
A9: Definitely! Simply double or triple the ingredients as needed, and be sure to adjust the mixing time to handle the larger batch.
Q10: Can I make this lemon whipped cream without an electric mixer?
A10: Yes! You can whip it by hand using a whisk, but it will take longer and require more effort to achieve stiff peaks.
Conclusion
This Lemon Whipped Cream is a fresh, light, and utterly delicious way to elevate your favorite desserts. Whether you’re topping a cake, serving it with fruit, or just spooning it straight into your mouth (hey, no judgment here!), it’s a treat that adds a perfect zesty twist. Make it once, and you’ll keep coming back for more—your desserts will never be the same!
PrintLemon Whipped Cream
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup (about 6–8 servings) 1x
Description
This Lemon Whipped Cream is a zesty twist on traditional whipped cream! It’s light, fluffy, and packed with refreshing lemon flavor, making it the perfect topping for cakes, pies, fruit, or even coffee. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a deliciously sweet and tangy whipped cream that will elevate any dessert!
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Chill Your Equipment:
- For the best results, chill your mixing bowl and beaters (or whisk attachment) in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before making the whipped cream. This helps the cream whip more easily.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In the chilled bowl, add the heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
- Whip the Cream:
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes, or until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat, as it can turn into butter.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the whipped cream is fluffy and smooth, it’s ready to use! Spoon it onto your favorite desserts, or store it in the fridge for up to 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Storage: Lemon whipped cream is best served fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours. After that, it may start to lose its fluffiness.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of powdered sugar to your preference for sweetness. If you prefer a less sweet topping, reduce the sugar slightly.
- Flavor Variations: You can experiment with different citrus zest, like orange or lime, for a unique twist on this whipped cream!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Topping
- Method: Whipping
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 300=
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 11mg