Whipping cream is made by whisking air into cream that has between 30-36% fat. Whisking the air into the cream creates a soft solid. There are also many Whipped Cream Chargers on the market that use nitrous oxide to create the whipped cream. Cool whip or whipped topping is an immitation of whipped cream; It contains no cream or dairy.

The history of how whipped cream came to be is unknown. Perhaps it was noticed when people tried to make butter in a hurry? 

A simple recipe to make whipped cream is:

  • Whip 1/2 pint of cream (make sure it is cold) in a bowl. Be sure not to over mix or you will end up with butter.
  • When cream begins to thicken add 3 tbs of sugar and 1 tsp vanilla.
  • Stir and refridgerate.