Light, tangy, and effortlessly easy to make, Lemon Whipped Cream adds a zesty twist to desserts, fruit salad, pancakes, pies, parfaits and more!
Lemon Whipped Cream is a delightful topping that is exactly what it sounds like – a light, airy whipped cream infused with the zest of fresh lemons.
It's a perfect blend of creamy sweetness and tangy citrus that will make so many dishes extra special. I love it on a stack of Lemon Pancakes or dolloped onto Passion Fruit Mousse.
Lemon whipped cream is incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can create a topping that's as versatile as it is delicious.
Whether you're dolloping it on a slice of pie, folding it into a trifle, or using it to top fresh berries, the possibilities are endless.
Do you love lemon? Try this incredible Lemon and Cucumber Cake! It's refreshing and would be perfect topped with this lemon whipped cream and even a drizzle of Lemon Syrup.
You could even wash it down with a glass of Rose Lemonade.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Versatility: Lemon whipped cream pairs wonderfully with a variety of desserts, from cakes and pies to fresh fruit and pancakes.
- Easy to Make: With just four ingredients and a few simple steps, you can have this delicious topping ready in minutes.
- Flavor Boost: The lemon zest adds a refreshing tang that cuts through the richness of the cream, making it a balanced and delightful addition to your sweets.
- Impressive Yet Simple: Despite its simplicity, lemon whipped cream has a gourmet feel that will impress your guests.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the sweetness and citrus level to suit your taste.
Ingredients
- Double Cream (Heavy Cream): The base of the recipe, providing richness and a smooth texture. You can substitute with whipping cream if needed.
- Unwaxed Lemon, Zest: Adds a bright, tangy flavor. Ensure the lemon is unwaxed to avoid unwanted chemicals in your whipped cream.
- Powdered Icing Sugar, Sifted: Sweetens the cream and helps stabilize it. Adjust the amount to your preference for sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds a hint of warmth. Use pure vanilla extract for the best taste. Optional.
See the recipe card below for quantities.
Instructions
Follow this step-by-step photo tutorial, then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and method.
Add the cream, zest, sifted powdered sugar and vanilla to a large bowl (or stand mixer).
Beat with a whisk or electric mixer until thick and forms soft or stiff peaks (depending on your preference and how you will use it).
Variations
- Lemon-Lime Whipped Cream: Add the zest of one lime along with the lemon zest for a more complex citrus flavor.
- Herb-Infused Lemon Whipped Cream: Add a hint of fresh herbs like mint, lemon thyme, lavender or basil for a unique twist.
- Lemon-Coconut Whipped Cream: Substitute part of the cream with coconut cream for a tropical flair.
- Spiced Lemon Whipped Cream: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon for a warm spice note.
Serving Suggestions
Fresh Berries: Dollop the lemon whipped cream on top of strawberries, blueberries, or a mixed berry salad for a light and refreshing dessert.
Pies and Tarts: Use as a topping for lemon meringue pie, berry tart, or any citrus-based dessert for an extra burst of lemon flavor. Try it on this Cream Cheese Lemonade Pie.
Cakes and Cupcakes: Frost lemon, vanilla, or angel food cakes with this whipped cream. It also makes a delightful filling for layer cakes. It's great on this Lemon Drizzle Traybake.
Pancakes and Waffles: Serve alongside your favorite breakfast treats for a sweet and tangy addition that elevates the meal.
Parfaits and Trifles: Layer the lemon whipped cream with fruit, cake pieces, and custard in a trifle or parfait for a beautiful and delicious dessert. Use it in this Easy Pear and Gingerbread Parfait.
Hot Beverages: Add a dollop to hot cocoa, coffee, or a mug of warm milk for a comforting and citrusy twist. Try it in a Lemon White Hot Chocolate.
Storage
Store: Lemon whipped cream is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Top Tips
- Chill Your Equipment: For the best results, chill your mixing bowl and whisk in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before whipping the cream.
- Watch Closely: Whipped cream can go from soft peaks to over-whipped quickly. Keep an eye on it and stop whipping as soon as you reach the desired consistency.
- Taste as You Go: Adjust the sweetness and lemon flavor to your liking by adding more powdered sugar or lemon zest.
- Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon zest is essential for the best flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon juice or pre-grated zest.
FAQs
It typically takes 3-5 minutes, depending on your mixer and the temperature of the cream.
Yes, a small drop of yellow food coloring can enhance the lemony look of the whipped cream.
Whipped cream is ready when it forms soft or stiff peaks, depending on your preference. Soft peaks will hold their shape but fold over when you lift the whisk. Stiff peaks stand up straight.
For the best results, use double cream or heavy cream, which have a high-fat content and whip up beautifully. Whipping cream can also be used, but it may result in a lighter texture.
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📖 Recipe
Lemon Whipped Cream
Equipment
- Bowl
- Electric Mixer or whisk
Ingredients
- 200 ml double cream (heavy cream or whipping cream) ¾ cup
- 3 tablespoons powdered icing sugar sifted
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add the cream, zest, sifted powdered sugar and vanilla to a large bowl (or stand mixer).
- Beat with a whisk or electric mixer until thick and forms soft or stiff peaks (depending on your preference and how you will use it).
- Try it spooned over fresh fruit, as a topping for cakes or use it in many other ways!
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
chara
We put it on fruit salad and everyoen loved it! An easy dessert.
Anjali
This was such a delicious twist on regular whipped cream!! The lemon flavor really came through and was bright and refreshing. We served it over pancakes and it tasted great!
Ashley
I loved this easy way to update whipped cream! I served it with pancakes in the morning, with fresh raspberries too.
Paula
This whipped cream was so light and airy. I loved the fresh zesty lemon added to it, too! It was perfect with out French toast brunch.
Lubna
I feel like tasting it right out of screen. So delicious and yum!