When autumn rolls around, nothing captures the cozy, spiced flavors of the season quite like Pumpkin Whipped Cream. Light, fluffy, and delicately spiced, this topping transforms everyday treats into festive indulgences. Imagine spooning it over a slice of pumpkin pie, swirling it onto a steaming mug of hot chocolate, or dolloping it over pancakes for a weekend breakfast. It’s simple, quick, and adds a warm seasonal flair to almost anything.
The best part? You only need a few ingredients and about 10 minutes to make it. Let’s walk through the full recipe, step by step, with helpful tips and ideas to make your whipped cream extra special.
Ingredients for Pumpkin Whipped Cream
This recipe uses pantry-friendly ingredients with fall-inspired spices.
-
1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
(Cold cream whips faster and holds its shape better.) -
¼ cup pumpkin purée
(Be sure to use plain pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling, for the right consistency and flavor.) -
2 tbsp powdered sugar
(Adds sweetness without making the cream gritty. You can adjust to taste.) -
½ tsp ground cinnamon
(Classic fall spice that enhances the pumpkin flavor.) -
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
(Optional but adds a warm, nutty depth.)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Chill Your Tools
Place a mixing bowl and the beaters (or whisk attachment if using a stand mixer) in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. Cold equipment helps the cream whip faster and prevents it from separating.
Step 2: Add the Cream
Pour the cold heavy whipping cream into the chilled bowl. This will be the fluffy base of your topping.
Step 3: Add Flavorings
Sprinkle in powdered sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These ingredients will sweeten the cream and add those cozy fall spices.
Step 4: Whip the Cream
Using an electric mixer, beat the cream mixture on medium-high speed until soft peaks form. At this stage, the cream should be slightly thick but not fully stiff.
Step 5: Incorporate Pumpkin Purée
Gently fold in the pumpkin purée with a spatula until fully combined. Folding carefully ensures the cream stays airy and doesn’t deflate.
Step 6: Whip to Stiff Peaks
Whip briefly again until stiff peaks form and the mixture looks light, fluffy, and holds its shape. Be careful not to overwhip, or the cream can become grainy.
Step 7: Serve or Store
Use immediately as a topping, or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. After that, the cream may lose some of its fluffiness, but you can re-whip it lightly before serving.
Tips for Perfect Pumpkin Whipped Cream
- Keep everything cold: Chill the bowl, beaters, and cream. Cold temperatures are the secret to light and fluffy whipped cream.
- Don’t use pumpkin pie filling: It contains added sugar and spices, which can make your whipped cream overly sweet or too heavy. Stick to pure pumpkin purée.
- Adjust spices to taste: Like more warmth? Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra depth. Want it lighter? Stick with just cinnamon.
- Sweetener swaps: If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can use granulated sugar, but powdered sugar dissolves better and creates a smoother texture. For a healthier option, try maple syrup or honey.
- Avoid overwhipping: Stop as soon as stiff peaks form. If you whip too long, the cream may separate into butter and liquid.
Serving Ideas
Pumpkin whipped cream isn’t just for pies. Here are some creative ways to use it:
- Classic Pumpkin Pie: The ultimate pairing—pumpkin on pumpkin.
- Hot Chocolate: Add a generous swirl to a mug of cocoa for a cozy night treat.
- Pancakes or Waffles: Replace syrup with a dollop of this cream for a fall-inspired breakfast.
- Coffee Topping: Make your morning coffee feel like a café latte by spooning some on top.
- Cakes and Cupcakes: Use it as a light frosting or filling for spiced or chocolate cakes.
- Fruit Dip: Serve it as a dip with apple slices, pears, or graham crackers.
Variations You Can Try
- Pumpkin Spice Latte Cream: Add a teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to mimic the PSL flavor.
- Boozy Version: Fold in a splash of bourbon, rum, or Bailey’s for a grown-up dessert topping.
- Extra Spiced: Blend in a pinch of ginger and cloves to make it taste like pumpkin pie spice.
- Lightened Version: Use half heavy cream and half coconut cream for a dairy-friendly twist with subtle tropical notes.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Short-Term Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Reviving Whipped Cream: If it deflates slightly, re-whip gently with a hand whisk or mixer.
- Freezing: Pipe small dollops of whipped cream onto a baking sheet lined with parchment. Freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. These frozen dollops can be added directly to hot drinks or used as quick toppings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this whipped cream without sugar?
Yes, you can omit the powdered sugar or use a natural sweetener like maple syrup, honey, or stevia. Keep in mind that powdered sugar also helps stabilize the cream.
Why is my whipped cream not stiffening?
Most likely, the cream wasn’t cold enough or it doesn’t have a high enough fat content. Always use heavy whipping cream with at least 36% fat for best results.
Can I use canned pumpkin purée?
Yes! Just make sure it’s plain pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling, which already contains sugar and spices.
Can I make this ahead of time for Thanksgiving?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance and store it in the fridge. For best results, make it the morning of your event and whip again briefly if needed.
What if I don’t have an electric mixer?
You can whip the cream by hand with a whisk, but it will take longer and require some effort. Chill the bowl and whisk first to speed things up.
Can I pipe pumpkin whipped cream onto desserts?
Definitely! This whipped cream holds its shape well when piped, making it perfect for topping cupcakes, tarts, or specialty drinks.
Final Thoughts
Pumpkin whipped cream is a quick, versatile recipe that brings the flavors of fall into every spoonful. It’s light yet flavorful, festive yet simple, and pairs perfectly with both sweet treats and cozy drinks. With just a few ingredients and some simple techniques, you can create a topping that elevates any dessert into something seasonal and special.
Whether you’re serving it with holiday pies, dolloping it on breakfast favorites, or adding a swirl to your morning coffee, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep in your fall kitchen rotation.