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  • Writer's pictureHigh Altitude Baker

WHY is Homemade Whipped Cream more of a Challenge in a HIGH ALTITUDE Kitchen? & a Recipe...

Updated: Dec 14, 2023


Making whipped cream in a high altitude kitchen can be challenging because the lower air pressure can affect the stability of the whipped cream. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making whipped cream in a high altitude kitchen:

  1. Use cold ingredients: Start by chilling your cream and any equipment you'll be using, such as your bowl and beaters. This will help your whipped cream stay stable in the lower air pressure.

  2. Use a lower speed: When whipping the cream, start on a lower speed than you would at sea level. This will help prevent the cream from over-whipping and breaking down.

  3. Use less sugar: High altitude environments can cause sugar to crystallize more easily, which can affect the texture of your whipped cream. Consider using less sugar than you would at sea level or using a different sweetener, such as honey or maple syrup.

  4. Add stabilizers: You can add stabilizers to your whipped cream to help it stay stable in the lower air pressure. Gelatin or cream of tartar are two common stabilizers used in whipped cream.

  5. Adjust the recipe: If you find that your whipped cream is still not stable enough, you may need to adjust the recipe. You may need to use more cream or less sugar to achieve the desired texture.

Overall, making whipped cream in a high altitude kitchen can take some experimentation and adjustments, but with some practice, you should be able to achieve a delicious and stable whipped cream.



Here's a detailed recipe for making whipped cream in a high altitude kitchen:


Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cold heavy CREAM

  • 1-2 tablespoons granulated SUGAR (adjust based on preference)

  • 2 teaspoons pure VANILLA extract

  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of TARTAR (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Chill a mixing bowl and whisk attachment (or hand-held mixer beaters) in the freezer for at least 15 minutes prior to starting.

  2. Pour the cold heavy cream into the chilled mixing bowl.

  3. Add the sugar, vanilla extract, and cream of tartar (if using) to the mixing bowl.

  4. Start whisking the mixture on low speed to prevent splattering, gradually increasing the speed to medium-high.

  5. Continue whisking until soft peaks form, which means the cream will hold its shape but still look pillowy and soft.

  6. Check the texture of the whipped cream frequently while whisking to ensure it doesn't over-whip. It's important to not over-whip whipped cream in high altitudes, as it can result in a gritty, grainy texture.

  7. Once soft peaks form, stop whisking and serve the whipped cream immediately or store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Note: If you find that the whipped cream is not stable enough, you can adjust the recipe by using less sugar, adding a bit more cream, or using a stabilizer like gelatin or cream of tartar.


Whipped cream has been enjoyed for centuries and its history can be traced back to ancient Rome. The Romans would use a milk and honey mixture, called "simila lactea," to create a frothy whipped topping for their desserts.


In medieval times, whipped cream was a delicacy enjoyed by royalty and the wealthy. It was often served with fruit or sweet pastries and was made by hand using a whisk or a fork.

The invention of mechanical whisks in the 18th century made it easier to whip cream and increased its popularity. By the 19th century, whipped cream had become a staple in European and American desserts.


The first canned whipped cream was introduced in the United States in 1947 by the Reddi-wip company. This made it easier and more convenient for home cooks to enjoy whipped cream without having to whip it by hand.


Today, whipped cream is a popular topping for desserts and drinks all around the world. It is often used in classic desserts like strawberries and cream, pumpkin pie, and chocolate mousse. It can also be flavored with different extracts, liqueurs, and spices to create a wide variety of delicious and creative desserts.



Here's a recipe using canned or homemade whipped cream:


No-Bake Strawberry Shortcake Trifle


Ingredients:

  • 1 package of pound CAKE (10-12 oz), cut into cubes

  • 1 pint of fresh STRAWBERRIES, sliced

  • 1 can of whipped CREAM in can or Homemade

  • 1 box of instant vanilla PUDDING mix (3.4 oz)

  • 1 cup of cold MILK

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and the cold milk until fully combined.

  2. Fold in about 1/2 cup of the whipped cream into the pudding mixture until fully incorporated.

  3. In a trifle bowl or a large clear glass bowl, start by layering the pound cake cubes on the bottom of the bowl.

  4. Add a layer of sliced strawberries on top of the pound cake.

  5. Pour about 1/3 of the pudding mixture over the strawberries.

  6. Repeat the layering process with the remaining pound cake, strawberries, and pudding mixture.

  7. Finish by topping the trifle with a generous layer of the canned whipped cream.

  8. Chill the trifle in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight.

  9. When ready to serve, garnish with additional sliced strawberries and whipped cream, if desired.

This no-bake strawberry shortcake trifle is a quick and easy dessert that's perfect for any occasion, and the whipped cream adds a light and fluffy finish to the top of the trifle.


Visit my website for additional tips and tricks at altitude...In the meantime....




  • Ensuring your oven's temperature is accurate is essential for successful baking and cooking.

  • An oven thermometer is key to achieving this accuracy.

  • For baked goods and meats, checking internal temperature with a food thermometer is crucial.

  • Investing in a reliable thermometer is a wise choice for precision in cooking and baking.

  • Without accurate temperature measurements, the quality of your cakes or dishes could suffer.

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