Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Liquid at the bottom, sour smell, yellowish tint, or mould are signs that homemade whipped cream has gone bad.
- Refrigeration and freezing are the best ways to store whipped cream.Â
- Homemade whipped cream should be consumed within a few days when refrigerated.
- Freezing and adding stabilisers can extend the shelf life of homemade whipped cream.

Whipped cream is one of life’s simple pleasures. A dollop on pie, a swirl in your coffee, or a mountain atop a milkshake. But like all dairy products, homemade whipped cream has a limited shelf life.
So how long does fresh whipped cream last, and how can you store it properly to ensure that it’s safe for use?
Signs That Your Homemade Whipped Cream Has Gone Bad
Here are the signs that your whipped cream has gone bad:
- Liquid at the Bottom: One of the first signs of spoiled whipped cream is liquid or water accumulating at the bottom of the container. This is caused by the heavy cream starting to separate and break down.
- Sour Smell: Fresh whipped cream has a mildly sweet, creamy smell. If your whipped cream starts smelling sour or unpleasant, it’s time to throw it out. A sour odour indicates bacterial growth.
- Yellowish Tint: While a yellowish tint doesn’t necessarily mean the cream is bad, it can be a sign that the cream has gone wrong, possibly due to the sourness of the milk or bacterial activity.
- Mould: If you see any fuzzy mould growing on the surface of your whipped cream, it has definitely spoiled and should not be eaten. Mould will start out white but can develop grey, green, or black fuzz. So discard the whipped cream immediately if mould is present.
How to Store Whipped Cream
Here’s how you can do it to avoid homemade whipped cream becoming the last-minute scramble.
Refrigeration
The best way to store homemade whipped cream is in the refrigerator. After whipping heavy cream until stiff peaks form, transfer the whipped cream to an airtight container and store it in the fridge.
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Now, you might be wondering, ‘How long will fresh whipped cream last in the refrigerator?’. Well, if it’s kept properly refrigerated, it can last up to 7 days.Â
The cold environment helps slow down the separation of the fat molecules in the cream. Storing the whipped cream covered or in an airtight container prevents it from absorbing fridge odours and drying out.
Refrigerating whipped cream also helps prevent bacterial growth. As long as the whipped cream hasn’t been contaminated after whipping, keeping it chilled in the fridge will maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
The key is to consume refrigerated homemade whipped cream within a few days for the best texture and taste. It will start to deflate, separate, and develop off-flavours if kept for longer than 24 hours.
Freezing
Freezing homemade whipped cream is a great way to extend its shelf life. It can pretty much last for up to a few days. However, it’s important to first store it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.Â
When ready to use frozen whipped cream, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before re-whipping. Thawing slowly in the fridge will allow the whipped cream to re-emulsify.Â
Once thawed, whip the cream briefly to restore its texture before using. The whipped cream may separate slightly or weep some liquid during freezing, but re-whipping will incorporate everything back together.
How to Extend the Shelf Life of Homemade Whipped Cream
Adding a stabiliser is one of the best ways to extend the shelf life of homemade whipped cream, and you might already have what you need to do this in your kitchen. In essence, stabilisers prevent the whipped cream from deflating and the fat from separating.
Popular options include:
- Gelatin – Unflavored gelatin powder can be dissolved in liquid and added to the cream before whipping. It works by strengthening the structure of the foam.
- Cornstarch – Mixing a small amount of cornstarch with the cream before whipping will stabilise it as the cornstarch thickens the mixture.
- Commercial Stabilizers – Products like whipped cream stabilisers and heavy cream stiffeners contain ingredients like vegetable gums to maintain the whipped texture.
In ConclusionÂ
Homemade whipped cream adds a special touch to desserts and beverages alike, transforming simple treats into luxurious indulgences. While it may seem fleeting in its freshness, with the right storage techniques, you can extend the enjoyment of your homemade whipped cream.
If you found this guide helpful, check out our other guides for even more tips and tricks to make that perfect whipped cream every time!
Sources
- State of Dinner. (2023). How Long Does Fresh Whipped Cream Last in the Fridge. Retrieved from https://stateofdinner.com/how-long-does-whipped-cream-last/
- wikiHow. (2024). How to Store Whipped Cream. Retrieved from https://www.wikihow.com/Store-Whipped-Cream/
- How to Store Things. (n.d.). How to Store Homemade Whip Cream. Retrieved from https://howtostorethings.com/how-to-store-homemade-whip-cream/
- The Kitchen Knowhow. (2022). How Do You Store Homemade Whipped Cream? Retrieved from https://thekitchenknowhow.com/how-do-you-store-homemade-whipped-cream/