Pumpkin Whipped Cream Recipe: A Fall-Inspired Delight
This Pumpkin Whipped Cream Recipe is the perfect way to add a festive touch to your autumn desserts. The creamy, spiced whipped topping is simple to make and elevates everything from pies to lattes. Start by whipping heavy cream in a chilled bowl until soft peaks form. Then, gently fold in pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. These warm spices bring out the rich, comforting flavors of fall. The result is a light, fluffy whipped cream with a delicious pumpkin flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin pies, apple crisps, or even a warm cup of coffee. You can make this Pumpkin Whipped Cream Recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a few hours, so it’s ready whenever you need a sweet topping. It’s an easy way to add seasonal flair to your favorite treats!
Pumpkin Whipped Cream Recipe: A Fall-Inspired Delight
When the crisp air of autumn starts to settle in, there’s a certain coziness that comes with the season’s flavors—pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. One such fall-inspired treat that brings warmth and indulgence to any dish or drink is pumpkin whipped cream. This fluffy, spiced topping offers a deliciously creamy twist to everything from pumpkin pies to lattes and pancakes. Whether you’re hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, sipping a pumpkin spice latte, or simply craving a seasonal treat, pumpkin whipped cream is the perfect addition to elevate any dessert or beverage.
This recipe combines the natural sweetness and creamy texture of whipped cream with the spiced flavors of pumpkin, creating a versatile topping that pairs wonderfully with pies, coffee, hot chocolate, and more. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, with just a few key ingredients. In this detailed guide, we’ll take you through the recipe step-by-step, as well as give you some helpful tips on variations, storage, and nutrition.
Pumpkin Whipped Cream Recipe
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer with whisk attachment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream, chilled
- 2 tbsp pumpkin puree
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves)
- Optional: a pinch of salt
Instructions
- Chill the Mixing Bowl and Whisk: Place the mixing bowl and whisk attachment in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes before making the whipped cream. This helps in achieving a better whip.
- Combine Ingredients: In the chilled mixing bowl, add the heavy whipping cream, pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and optional pinch of salt.
- Whip the Cream: Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, start whipping the cream mixture on low speed until it begins to thicken. Gradually increase the speed to medium-high and continue to whip until soft peaks form. Be careful not to overwhip, as this can cause the cream to become grainy and eventually turn into butter.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the whipped cream reaches the desired consistency, it’s ready to use. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Stir gently before using if it has been refrigerated.
Notes
- Chill Everything: Keep the cream, bowl, and whisk chilled for better whipping results.
- Avoid Overwhipping: Stop as soon as soft peaks form to prevent graininess.
- Taste and Adjust: Add more powdered sugar if you prefer a sweeter cream.
- Stabilize for Longevity: Add a tablespoon of cornstarch to help the whipped cream hold its shape longer.
- Smooth Pumpkin Puree: Ensure the puree is smooth and strain if necessary to avoid watery texture.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 10 minutes
Resting Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Cuisine: American, Fall-Inspired
Course: Dessert, Beverage Topping
Servings: 8-10 servings
Calories: Approximately 70 calories per serving
Ingredients
To make this delicious pumpkin whipped cream, you’ll need a handful of ingredients that are easy to find and can be stored in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree (pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling)
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (adjust based on your sweetness preference)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of ground cloves (optional, but recommended for a more spiced flavor)
- Pinch of salt (to balance out the sweetness)
Equipment
You don’t need any specialized kitchen equipment to make this pumpkin whipped cream. However, a few tools will make the process easier:
- A large mixing bowl (preferably chilled for better whipping)
- An electric hand mixer or stand mixer with a whisk attachment (you can also whip it manually with a whisk, but an electric mixer will save you time and effort)
- Measuring spoons
- A rubber spatula for scraping the sides of the bowl
- A spoon for serving or piping (if you prefer a more decorative presentation)
Instructions
- Chill Your Equipment: Begin by chilling your mixing bowl and the beaters (if you’re using an electric mixer) in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes. Cold equipment helps the whipped cream reach the desired fluffy consistency more quickly.
- Combine Ingredients: In the chilled mixing bowl, add the heavy whipping cream, pumpkin puree, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- Whisk the Cream: Using your electric mixer on medium-high speed, begin whipping the mixture. Continue beating for about 3-5 minutes, or until soft peaks begin to form. If you don’t have an electric mixer, you can also whisk by hand, but it will take longer and require more effort.
- Check the Consistency: When the whipped cream forms soft peaks, stop mixing. You want the whipped cream to hold its shape but remain light and airy, not too stiff.
- Serve or Store: Once your pumpkin whipped cream is ready, serve it immediately by dolloping it on top of your favorite fall desserts or beverages. Alternatively, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a quick whisk before serving if it has softened a bit.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 0g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fiber: 0g
(Note: These values are approximate and can vary based on the exact ingredients and measurements used.)
Variations
While this pumpkin whipped cream recipe is already delicious, here are a few ways to make it your own:
- Dairy-Free Version: For a dairy-free option, you can use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream. Make sure the coconut cream is chilled before whipping for the best results. You can also swap out the powdered sugar for maple syrup or another sweetener of your choice.
- More Spice: Adjust the spice levels based on your personal preference. Add more cinnamon or nutmeg if you love the warm flavors of fall, or even a dash of ginger for a spicier kick.
- Boozy Whipped Cream: Add a tablespoon of rum or bourbon to give the whipped cream a little extra warmth for your fall cocktails or after-dinner treats.
Serving Suggestions
Pumpkin whipped cream is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of dishes and drinks. Here are some of the best ways to serve it:
- Pumpkin Pie: Top your freshly baked pumpkin pie with a dollop of pumpkin whipped cream for the ultimate fall dessert.
- Pumpkin Spice Latte: Stir a spoonful into your homemade or store-bought pumpkin spice latte for extra creaminess and flavor.
- Hot Chocolate: Add a spoonful on top of your hot cocoa for a festive, seasonal twist.
- Pancakes or Waffles: Serve it on top of pancakes or waffles for a sweet and creamy breakfast treat.
- Cakes and Cupcakes: Use it as a topping for cakes or cupcakes, especially those with pumpkin, cinnamon, or spice cake bases.
Storage Tips
If you have leftover pumpkin whipped cream (although it’s so delicious you might not!), here are some helpful storage tips:
- Refrigerate: Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for up to 3 days.
- Whisk Before Using: After a day or two, the whipped cream may lose some of its fluffiness. Simply give it a quick whisk with an electric mixer or by hand to bring it back to its creamy consistency.
Conclusion
Pumpkin whipped cream is a delightful way to bring the flavors of fall into your kitchen with minimal effort. With its creamy texture and aromatic spices, it’s the perfect topping for a variety of seasonal treats. Whether you’re serving it with pumpkin pie or stirring it into your hot coffee, this whipped cream brings warmth and indulgence to every bite. The recipe is quick to prepare, requires only a few ingredients, and can be customized to suit your taste. So, next time you’re in the mood for a fall-inspired dessert or beverage, don’t forget to make a batch of pumpkin whipped cream—it’s the finishing touch that will elevate your dish to the next level!
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.