Fresh whipped cream is one of life’s great pleasures. Once you discover how easy it is to make at home, you’ll never go back to the canned version again. Start with 2 cups of heavy cream and 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar. You can increase the sugar if you prefer it sweeter. To heighten the flavor, consider adding a splash of vanilla, bourbon, or amaretto.
Use a stand mixer with the whisk attachment to beat the cream, sugar, and vanilla until it holds soft peaks, watching carefully as different mixers may vary. The whipped cream can be prepared up to 2 hours ahead and should be refrigerated until ready to use. Stir it gently before serving.
If you accidentally overwhip, don’t worry. Add a small amount of fresh cream to the curdled mixture and fold it in with a spatula until smooth. Enjoy it on brownies, alongside cake, or mixed with crushed berries for a delightful dessert.
