Whipped cream is a delightful addition to any dessert. Whipping cream is the preferred topping for ice cream, pudding, and cake.
But what exactly is “whipped cream” and how long can it be left out before going bad? Is it dairy or non-dairy?
Whipped cream comes in many forms. Whipping cream can only be left out for two hours, regardless of whether it is homemade, purchased from a store, dairy, non-dairy, or opened. Any type of whipped cream enters the Danger Zone if left out for a longer period of time. This is the term used by the U. S. Department of Agriculture for the range of temperatures between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit
Types Of Whipped Cream
There are two main categories of whipped cream, as we mentioned above. Dairy and non-dairy. But, within those two categories, there are several types.
All of the whipped creams we discuss below are only edible after 2 hours out of the refrigerator.
Any of these whipped creams should be discarded as soon as they enter the danger zone.
Dairy Whipped Creams
When we refer to whipped cream as “dairy,” we mean that it was made using a milk product. Heavy whipping cream and sugar are used to make basic whipped cream.
We’ll discuss both store-bought and homemade whipped creams in order to cover all the bases.
Store-Bought – In The Can
Probably the most well-known brand of whipped cream in the dairy industry is this particular variety.
The same components are used to make homemade and canned whipped cream. But they add a stabilizer; mono and diglyceride carrageenan.
Whipped cream out at room temperature has 2 hours. The Danger Zone applies to all dairy products.
We advise throwing away any whipped cream cans that were left on the counter.
It might come out looking good but could be riddled with harmful bacteria that cause food poisoning.
Homemade
Whipping your cream is fun and tastes fantastic. It is simple, and you can use the majority of the kitchen items you already have.
In this section, we’ll cover dairy homemade whipped creams. There, when we discuss non-dairy, we’ll discuss those homemade varieties.
Sugar, a dairy product, such as cream, and typically vanilla extract are needed to make dairy whipped cream. You combine the ingredients in the right amounts and whisk them together until they peak.
Some forms of dairy won’t work as well as others. First, we’ve included a basic recipe below.
Then, we’ll discuss additional dairy products used to make whipped cream and some advice for using them.
How To Make Basic Whipped Cream
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
Whether you’re using a stand or hand mixer, the bowl you use should be made of metal and should be cool to the touch. Put all your ingredients in the bowl.
For three to four minutes, whip the ingredients in your mixer at medium-high speed. You should have peaks that are medium to stiff. Don’t beat the cream too much or it will start to resemble butter.
Use it right away or keep it sealed in the refrigerator. Only two hours can pass without refrigeration for homemade whipped cream. It will enter the dreaded Danger Zone if it continues for too long.
When food enters the danger zone, it can become contaminated with bacteria. Get it into the refrigerator before the 2-hour window.
Made With Milk
Milk can be used to make homemade whipped cream, but gelatin powder is required to thicken it.
This light dairy product won’t produce homemade whipped cream that is as thick as the cream-based version. However, if you must, and that is all you have, try it.
Milk can only be used to make homemade whipped cream, and it can only be left out for two hours.
The Danger Zone still poses a threat even though milk is thinner than cream. All dairy products fall under the 2-hour rule.
Throw it away if you left it out after those two hours. Food poisoning is not worth the risk.
Half And Half
Your whipped topping won’t be as thin if you use this kind of cream instead of milk. You also won’t be required to add gelatin.
However, it won’t be as thick as it would be if you used heavy whipping cream. The same recipe can be used as well. If you have the choice, you’ll discover that cream makes for a better base.
Half and half whipped cream should not be left out for more than two hours. Dairies include half-and-half, and any dairy products that enter the Danger Zone pose risks.
Foodborne illnesses are nothing to take lightly. They may result in severe symptoms such as dehydration and stomach pain.
Butter
Another component that can be added to whipped topping is butter. It’s not considered whipped cream but buttercream frosting. And it’s delicious.
It works well on cupcakes and you can add a variety of flavors. The butter must also be whipped with milk or cream; gelatin is not required.
If buttercream is left out for more than two hours, it is just as vulnerable to contamination by harmful bacteria.
Cream Cheese
Excellent cream cheese whipped topping goes well with red velvet or carrot cake.
They are prepared similarly to regular whipped cream, but cream cheese is added. Don’t forget the milk or cream for whipping.
Other Ingredients
If stored properly, sugar and extract can be kept out in dry storage. But you can only keep them out for a maximum of two hours after they combine with dairy products.
Extracts are stored in the pantry and don’t need refrigeration. however, when they are combined with perishable foods like milk and cream
Non-Dairy Whipped Cream
Dairy isn’t for everyone. Some people believe it’s unhealthy, others are allergic, and lactose intolerance can lead to problems. Some people refrain from consuming dairy products for these and other reasons.
If you cut out dairy from your diet, you don’t have to give up whipped cream.
There are numerous store-bought options as well as DIY options. Let’s take a look.
Store-Bought – In The Can
The can also contains non-dairy whipped cream that has nitrous oxide capabilities and a spout.
In their preparation, coconut milk is used in place of cream, sugar, and other additives. These might consist of pea protein, xanthan gum, natural flavor, mono- and diglycerides, and carrageenan.
Store-Bought – In the Tub
Some whipped toppings come already prepared and in a tub. Usually, you can find them in your grocery store’s freezer or refrigerator.
These typically contain tapioca syrup and palm kernel oil, depending on the brand. Checking the label is a good idea because each brand has its own unique recipe.
These dairy-free whipped toppings can only be stored at room temperature for two hours.
Bacteria multiply quickly once a dairy-free whipped cream enters the danger zone.
Homemade
If you enjoy cooking but cannot consume dairy, there are several alternatives. Several dairy-free ingredients, such as coconut cream and almond milk, are available.
Coconut and soy milk are fantastic options too. Apples, cashews, and pine nuts are all used in recipes. There are many options available to you if you enjoy creating.
It’s important to keep in mind that whipped topping contains a lot of moisture, which bacteria love.
They are an easy target for toxins that cause foodborne illness once they enter the danger zone.
What’s The Best Way To Store Whipped Cream?
Whipping cream, both dairy and nondairy, should be stored in the refrigerator. Put a can or bottle on the door if you have one.
Don’t leave it out at all. Keep your kid’s sundae bar submerged in ice water if you set one up.
Throw away any store-bought whipped cream that has been left out for more than two hours.
The Danger Zone is where all whipped creams left out for more than two hours are. Put them in the refrigerator after securing them in an airtight container.
Depending on the type you have, they may not stay fresh in the fridge for very long.
Canned – Dairy And Non-Dairy
The whipped cream varieties that come in aerosol cans keep well for two to three weeks in the refrigerator.
There should be an expiration date on the container. You can go two to three weeks past that. This restriction applies to both opened and unopened whipped cream cans.
In The Tub
Tub whipped creams are available in dairy, non-dairy, or a combination of the two. This and other store-bought items have an expiration date.
They last for one to two weeks past that date. Both opened and unopened tubs of whipped topping are subject to this rule.
Homemade
As you’ve read in this article, making your own whipped cream is easy and delicious. Additionally, you can either use any type of dairy product or completely avoid it.
The variety of options is almost endless. Whipping cream will keep for two to three days in the fridge, dairy or non-dairy.
Homemade whipped creams are free of food additives and preservatives. This is why they taste lovely and fresh.
However, there is a trade-off: it doesn’t last very long. Make sure to tightly seal homemade whipped cream containers when storing them.
Can I Freeze Whipped Cream?
Yes. Whipped cream freezes well and will last about four months. Using a pastry bag and an ice cube tray or cookie sheet, you can freeze it in dollops. In your coffee or hot chocolate, you can then add one.
Despite possible differences in consistency, the flavor should remain the same. Defrost whipped cream in the fridge.
When defrosted whipped cream sits at room temperature for more than two hours, it enters the danger zone.
How Do I Know If My Whipped Cream Is Bad?
A spoiled batch of whipped cream might not exhibit any symptoms of spoilage. But discard it if you notice a strange color or smell.
Final Considerations
The refrigerator is the ideal place to keep whipped cream fresh. Any whipped cream that has been out for more than two hours should be regarded as spoiled.
We all detest wasting food, but there is no justification to endanger your health. Every available variety of whipped cream is subject to the 2-hour rule. So be smart and err on the safe side. Put it in the fridge.
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FAQ
Is whipped cream still good if left out overnight?
No matter whether it is dairy or non-dairy, whipped cream should only be left out at room temperature for two hours, according to the Smarter Homemaker. According to our EveryDay Life blog, you should probably throw away your whipped cream if it stays at a temperature of about 40 degrees Fahrenheit for any longer than those two hours.
What happens if whipped cream is left out?
Whipping cream may be safe to store and eat if left out for no more than two hours. In general, dairy products like whipping cream should not be used if they have been at or above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for more than two hours.
How long can stabilized whipped cream sit out?
Given that this is a fresh dairy product, stabilized whipped cream should be left out for up to an hour. To lower the risk of food poisoning, you should refrigerate after an hour or two.