Gelatin can be very useful when you are looking to stabilize whipped cream. However, there are a variety of reasons why you might not be able to use gelatin – perhaps this is due to dietary requirements or maybe you just hate gelatin!
Whatever the reason, you’re going to need to know the best possible ways of how to stabilize whipped cream without gelatin, and luckily we’ve got all the answers you need in this handy guide.
So, if you’re ready to find out a lot more – then read on and discover all the answers!
What Does It Mean To Stabilize Whipped Cream?
Stabilized whipped cream is pretty much just regular whipped cream that you might use at home, but it keeps its shape. Many people use whipped cream on their desserts like pies and cakes, or even on their cup of hot chocolate.
However, there is a key difference between regular whipped cream and stabilized whipped cream. Stabilized whipped cream uses gelatin that is unflavored and made with powder. While the taste is the same, it will keep its shape for around two days.
After this, it tends to water out and perform as regular whipped cream would. The reason this is important to know is because many people may have an aversion or an allergy to gelatin, which means they must know if gelatin is in the whipped cream.
As a rule, stabilized whipped cream will contain gelatin – but this does not mean that you can’t stabilize whipped cream without using gelatin. We’ll look into some of the best ways you can do this below.
This is how to stabilize whipped cream without gelatin.
How To Stabilize Whipped Cream Without Gelatin
So, without any further delay – you will find all of the ways to do this step below. We hope this guide can help you.
Use Powdered Sugar
Perhaps one of the easiest ways to stabilize whipped cream without gelatin is by using powdered sugar. It’s one of the most popular choices too as it includes a sweet twist to things at the same time.
For every cup of whipped cream, you need to add one tablespoon of powdered sugar. It’s important to note though, that this method will work but the whipped cream will not remain stabilized for as long as some of the other methods in our list.
Instead of getting around a day or two of stabilized whipped cream, you’ll likely get a few hours out of it – unless you decide to add a heck of a lot of powdered sugar, but this is seriously ill advised.
In other words, this method is perfect if you want to get some whipped cream ready for a slice of pie for dessert that evening – but not for long term use.
Use Cornstarch
A pretty inexpensive way to stabilize whipped cream without using gelatin is through cornstarch. For every cup of whipped cream, you need to add one tablespoon of cornstarch. Not only is this one of the cheapest methods to stabilize whipped cream, it’s also stable!
The finished product will hold for around two days which is of course good news. However, there are a few things you need to bear in mind. If you have a dietary requirement that prevents you from eating corn – you’ll need to avoid this method.
Additionally, you need to ensure you stir the mixture thoroughly. If it has not dissolved properly, a very bitter and gritty taste and texture will be the result – so you’re advised to remember this.
Use Cream Of Tartar
One chosen method is by using half a tablespoon of cream of tartar for every cup of whipped cream. It’s a nice way to sweeten the mixture without actually adding any further sugar. With cream of tartar, you’ll find the cream goes incredibly white.
You should be aware though that cream of tartar tends to be relatively expensive – so while it might be a sweet option, it might not be so sweet on your bank account!
Use Powdered Milk
Another tried and tested method is to use powdered milk with the whipped cream. For every cup of whipped cream, you need to use one tablespoon of powdered milk. The finish result is a very pleasant and beautifully milky taste.
This will add a new and welcome taste to your whipped cream – and this is even more important if you’re using unsweetened whipped cream. However, you need to remember to stir and dissolve it well to avoid any horrible grainy textures.
We’d recommend adding the powdered milk around an hour or so before you plan to serve it on your dessert or hot chocolate to ensure the best results.
Use Custard Mix Or Instant Pudding
A final way of stabilizing whipped cream without gelatin is by using either custard mix or instant pudding. Many people would say that this is their favorite method by far because it adds extra sweetness and flavoring.
In fact, you can even go further and add your own vanilla extract, butterscotch or pistachio to make the tastes even better. Of course, while this might all be a huge pro to a lot of people, some people will find it the opposite for them.
If you are somebody that doesn’t want their whipped cream too sweet, you can use the unsweetened version like the sugar free varieties of the mixture. Of course, the choice ultimately comes down to you.
How Long Will My Whipped Cream Remain Stable?
It depends on which method you have chosen and what ingredients you have used. Generally speaking, you have between a few hours and a couple of days.
The best possible thing you can do is only make a batch for its intended purpose and make it to order. Otherwise you could have too much whipped cream or you will find your batch collapsing pretty quickly – which is just a waste!
Is It Worth Stabilizing Whipped Cream?
Once again, this comes down to you. You don’t necessarily have to use whipped cream at all or you could try to find an alternative in the store that does not use gelatin – but this is extremely difficult to find.
Aside from whipped cream, you can use custard or ice cream – but of course, you will need to check the ingredients for any included gelatin.
Gelatin: Frequently Asked Questions
We’ll now cover your most asked questions regarding gelatin specifically. We hope we answer them all for you.
What Exactly Is Gelatin?
Gelatin is an ingredient that is used in a variety of different foods and other products – and its role is usually to thicken something – in this instance, it exists in the whipped cream in order to thicken and stabilize it.
Why Might People Avoid Gelatin?
There are a number of reasons why people may want to avoid consuming or using gelatin. First, some people might need to avoid it for dietary requirements. Gelatin is protein gathered from boiling animal remains in water.
As a result, vegetarians, vegans and other people might need to avoid it. Indeed, some people may even have an allergy to certain animal products and should stay clear of gelatin rather than take the risk.
This is because some gelatin may contain fish, eggs, pork and much more. This of course can cause significant problems for vegans, vegetarians and those with a religious belief and require their food in a certain way – for example, Kosher.
Having said this, there is a new product on the market now known as “agar agar”, which is actually a vegan version of gelatin and acts in the same way as its predecessor. As a result, many candy products are now using it.
Is Gelatin Dangerous?
No, gelatin is not normally dangerous and if you can eat it/use it then there’s no reason for you not to do so. Of course, if you have a dietary restriction or want to change your choice for ethical reasons – that’s entirely up to you!
The Bottom Line
As we have seen, there are many ways you can stabilize your whipped cream without gelatin – and there are many reasons why you may wish to do this. We hope our guide has helped you!
Have you ever made something so delicious that you wished you could savor it forever?
Only to find that the recipe has now mysteriously vanished from your phone and the entirety of the internet. Yep, there’s not much more painful than that.
Hi, my name is Mark Williams and I have been infatuated with cooking since I was young. I would beg my mother to pull a chair up to the counter so I could watch what she was doing.
