Whipped cream, that light and fluffy crown atop countless desserts, seems like a forbidden pleasure for vegans. But fear not, plant-based chefs and enthusiasts! The world of vegan whipped cream offers a delightful array of possibilities, allowing you to indulge in decadent desserts with a clear conscience. This comprehensive guide explores the exciting realm of vegan whipped cream, equipping you with the knowledge and recipes to create your own dairy-free masterpieces.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Chocolate whipped cream can transform any dessert, offering variations from light cocoa flavours to rich, decadent chocolate.
- Beyond topping for cakes and pies, you can use it in banana split trifles, cream puffs, eclairs, molten lava cakes, or even savoury dishes like chilli and soups for a surprising twist.
- Chocolate whipped cream can be creatively served in shot glasses, used to fill profiteroles, or piped on mini tarts. Offers an upscale touch to any dessert or breakfast dish.
- Keep refrigerated in an airtight container, ideally used within 2-3 days. Allow to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving for the best consistency.
Homemade Chocolate Whipped Cream Recipe
Chocolate whipped cream adds a decadent twist to any dessert, and for the best results, use a quality cream charger to achieve that perfect and airy texture.
Now, there are a few easy ways to incorporate chocolate into regular whipped cream. You can use:
Cocoa powder
Adding cocoa powder is one of the easiest ways to give your whipped cream a delicious chocolate flavour.
When using cocoa powder, start with about 1-2 tablespoons per cup of heavy whipping cream. You can adjust to taste depending on how chocolatey you want the whipped cream to be.
It’s important to sift the cocoa powder before adding it to the cream. This helps break up any clumps so the cocoa powder incorporates smoothly. If you add clumpy cocoa powder, you may end up with little flecks of cocoa in the whipped cream, which doesn’t look very appetising. Sifting also ensures the cocoa powder blends well into the cream.
Using cocoa powder will give your whipped cream a rich chocolate taste and turn it a light brown colour. The more cocoa powder you use, the darker the whipped cream will become. Just keep in mind that too much cocoa can make the whipped cream stiff and thick. So start with a smaller amount and tweak it to your preference.
Melted Chocolate
Melting chocolate is a delicious way to add intense chocolate flavour to whipped cream. When melting chocolate, it’s important to use a gentle technique to avoid scorching the chocolate.
The best way is to place chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan with 1-2 inches of barely simmering water. Make sure the water does not touch the bottom of the bowl. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. Remove from heat.
For chocolate whipped cream, use about 1/4 cup of melted dark chocolate per 1 cup of heavy whipping cream. Allow the melted chocolate to cool slightly so it does not melt the whipped cream.
Gently fold the melted chocolate into the whipped cream using a spatula just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can cause the whipped cream to lose volume. The chocolate should be thoroughly incorporated but you may see small streaks of chocolate in the whipped cream.
Melting chocolate is an easy way to create a rich, decadent chocolate whipped cream that will add a sophisticated chocolate flavour to any dessert. Just be sure to melt the chocolate gently and fold it in completely for the best texture and taste.
Hot Chocolate Mix
Using hot chocolate mix in whipped cream offers a unique and easy twist, perfect for those looking for a quick way to add a chocolatey sweetness to their desserts. This method is especially appealing for its convenience and the creamy, milk chocolate flavour it imparts, reminiscent of your favourite cosy beverage.
Unlike cocoa powder, which can be bitter and require additional sweeteners, hot chocolate mix is already sweetened and often contains flavour enhancers like vanilla, making it an all-in-one option for instant chocolate flavour. It’s a great way to achieve that beloved hot chocolate taste in a fluffy, creamy form.
Incorporating hot chocolate mix into whipped cream is straightforward.Â
Start with a base of chilled heavy whipping cream, and as it begins to thicken up while beating, gradually add in the hot chocolate mix to taste.
For each cup of heavy cream, starting with 2 to 3 tablespoons of the hot chocolate mix is a good rule of thumb, but feel free to adjust based on how sweet or chocolatey you like it.
Just like with other methods of making chocolate whipped cream, the key here is to beat the heavy cream to soft peaks before adding your hot chocolate mix.
Once added, continue to beat until stiff peaks form, ensuring not to overbeat as it can make the whipped cream too dense. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dash of vanilla extract can add an extra layer of flavour.
Chocolate Ganache Whipped Cream Recipe
Ganache is a rich, decadent chocolate mixture that can be used in so many ways. One delicious way to use ganache is to whip it together with heavy cream to create an ultra-chocolate whipped cream.Â
The technique for mixing whipped cream into ganache is simple:
- Make a batch of chocolate ganache by melting chocolate and cream together. Allow it to cool completely so it sets up.
- In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, whip some cold heavy cream on medium speed until it begins to thicken.Â
- Add in the cooled ganache a spoonful at a time, whipping continuously. The ganache will melt into the whipped cream.
- Continue whipping until the cream holds stiff peaks. Be careful not to overbeat.
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The result is a chocolate whipped cream with an intense, decadent chocolate flavour. Folding the whipped cream into the ganache gives it a lighter, airier texture while amplifying the chocolate taste.
This chocolate whipped cream is the ultimate topping for cakes, brownies, ice cream sundaes, and any dessert needing a chocolate boost. The silky, mousse-like whipped cream provides a rich chocolate experience with every bite.
Unique Uses for Chocolate Whipped Cream
Chocolate whipped cream is so versatile. Here are some innovative ways to use it beyond just topping cakes and pies:
Get Creative with Desserts
- Layer chocolate whipped cream with bananas and wafers for a decadent banana split trifle.Â
- Fill cream puffs or eclairs with chocolate whipped cream for a rich surprise.
- Fold into chocolate mousse along with fresh raspberries for a light chocolate cloud.
- Swirl into the centre of homemade molten lava cakes right before baking.
- Make chocolate whipped cream-stuffed donut holes for a fun twist.
- Use as a frosting on brownies or chocolate cupcakes.
Savoury Uses
- Dollop on top of chocolate chilli or mole for a cool, creamy finish.
- Swirl into vegetable or potato soups for a luxurious texture.
- Fill crepes with chocolate whipped cream, fresh berries, and a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
- Top waffles or pancakes with it as an alternative to syrup.
- Use as a dip for fresh fruit or pretzels
Creative Serving Suggestions
- Pipe into shot glasses with cocoa powder or chocolate shavings.
- Fill profiteroles with chocolate whipped cream for an elegant dessert. Â
- Top mini pie tarts or tartlets with piped rosettes.
- Serve in a hollowed out orange or pineapple half for a beautiful presentation.
- Spoon into stemmed glasses with layers of chocolate chips and toasted nuts.
- Swirl on top of a layered chocolate trifle.
Storing and Serving Your Chocolate Whipped Cream
Once you’ve whipped up a batch of chocolate whipped cream, you’ll want to store it properly so it stays fresh and holds its shape for serving. Here are some tips:
- Store your whipped cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This prevents it from absorbing fridge odours and prevents skin from forming on the top.
- Chocolate whipped cream will usually keep for 2-3 days when stored properly in the fridge. Be sure to use it within that window for the best texture and flavour.
- When ready to serve, use a piping bag fitted with a star tip to pipe rosettes or dollops of the whipped cream onto your desserts. Or simply scoop it with a spoon. Â
- For best results, let the chocolate whipped cream come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before piping or scooping. This allows it to soften slightly, so it holds its shape better. Â
- Pipe or dollop the whipped cream onto slices of cake, individual desserts, ice cream sundaes, pies, and more. It’s a delicious topping for any chocolate or dessert lover.Â
- If not using right away, return leftover whipped cream to the fridge in the airtight container. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for extended periods.
In Summary
With chocolate whipped cream, you can add a decadent twist to any dessert or a quirky and surprising touch to savoury dishes. So reach out to us today to grab yourself a quality cream charger for a fun and easy way to make this delicious treat.
Sources
- Basic Mischief. (n.d.). Chocolate Whipped Cream. Retrieved from https://bakingmischief.com/chocolate-whipped-cream/
- The Spruce Eats. (2022). Chocolate Whipped Cream. Retrieved from https://www.thespruceeats.com/chocolate-whipped-cream-3056279/Â
- King Arthur Baking Company. (2023). We tried every method: This is the best way to melt chocolate. Retrieved from https://www.kingarthurbaking.com/blog/2023/02/08/how-to-melt-chocolate
- Beyond Frosting. (2012). Hot Chocolate Whipped Cream. Retrieved from https://beyondfrosting.com/hot-chocolate-whipped-cream/