Ah, whipped cream. Is there any better topping? Whether it’s used to top strawberries, ice cream, or hot chocolate, whipped cream is always delicious. Unfortunately, it doesn’t last forever and will eventually go bad. But how long does whipped cream last?
Homemade whipped cream can last up to four days with proper stabilizers. Store-bought aerosol whipped cream can last up to two weeks past the “best by” date. For the most extended storage, freeze your whipped cream (homemade and store-bought) in the freezer for up to three months.
If you have leftover whipped cream (what’s leftover whipped cream?), you need to know how long you have to consume it – and that’s what we’re talking about in this article.
My name’s Michelle, and I’ve been baking for over ten years. Today, we’re discussing whipped cream longevity. Let’s see just how long that delicious whipped cream really lasts!
Contents
How Long Does Whipped Cream Last?
When discussing whipped cream longevity, we have two types to consider: homemade and store-bought aerosol cans. The two have very different longevity. Let’s check it out.
| Type | Fridge | Freezer |
| Homemade | 1- 4 Days | 3 Months |
| Store-bought Aerosol Can | 2 Weeks Past Best By Date | 3 Months |
Homemade Whipped Cream
Homemade whipped cream only lasts one to two days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. If you want to extend the longevity up to four days, you’ll need to use a stabilizer.
There are many ways to stabilize homemade whipped cream. Yet, my favorite method (and the simplest technique) is to swap the weight of granulated sugar in your recipe for powdered sugar. (Yes, you’ll need an excellent kitchen scale to do this – trust me, you’ll love having this handy gadget in your arsenal.)
If you need to store homemade whipped cream beyond four days, you’ll need to freeze it. Simply keep it in an airtight container for up to three months. You can also create fun shapes, freeze them, and then wrap them in foil or plastic wrap and place them in the freezer until you’re ready to use them.
Store-bought Aerosol Whipped Cream
To be honest, I make the bulk of my whipped cream. But sometimes, I’m just not in the mood to make whipped cream, and my kids are begging me for some to put on top of their hot cocoa. That said, I’ve purchased my fair share of store-bought aerosol cans of whipped cream.
How long do they last, though? A lot longer than homemade varieties. In fact, you can use store-bought aerosol cans of whipped cream up to two weeks past their “best-by date” – as long as it is refrigerated and the nozzle is cleaned after each use.
Remember – a best-by date is not an expiration date. As long as the product’s been stored and used correctly, and there are no signs of spoilage, you can keep using it for a couple of weeks after the posted date.
When frozen, store-bought aerosol can whipped cream can last up to three months. However, you’ll need to remove it from the can. To do this, simply squirt the whipped cream into an airtight container (or multiple containers). Seal the lid and store it in the freezer until ready to use it.
How to Tell Whipped Cream Has Gone Bad (5 Signs)
Don’t remember when you stored your whipped cream? Just want to know if your whipped cream is still safe to consume? All you need to do is check for these tall-tell signs of spoilage.
1. Thinned/Runny Consistency
This is geared more toward homemade whipped cream than store-bought, but nonetheless, if the consistency has become more watery and loose, you might want to toss it. (To be fair, thinned-out whipped cream with no fluffiness isn’t appealing to begin with, right?)
2. Sour Flavor
Go ahead and place a little whipped cream on the tip of your tongue. Give it a taste. Does it have a sour flavor? Then you’ll need to throw it out. Remember – whipped cream is a dairy product, and sour dairy products can only equate to one thing = they’ve spoiled.
3. Yellow Hue
Whipped cream has a noticeable bright white shade that looks almost like a pile of beautiful snow sitting on top of your pumpkin pie. But if you squirt it out and notice that it’s become an off-white or even yellow hue, you can assume it’s gone bad.
4. Odd Smell
Whipped cream doesn’t really have a distinct smell – it’s not like a juicy cheeseburger or a coconut cream pie. If anything, it just has a delicately sweet undertone that makes it irresistible.
That said, go ahead and give it a whiff. Does it smell a little sweet? Or has your whipped cream gained an odd, almost sour smell? If it’s less than delightful, I’d suggest tossing it out. Sorry!
5. Mold
“I love to eat mold!” – said no one ever. Mold is not only disgusting, but it can cause health problems ranging from mild to severe. It’s really not worth the risk.
You can easily check for mold in homemade whipped cream by giving it a good look-over. Do you see any colorful spots or fuzzy growth? Get rid of it immediately.
Mold might be harder to spot on store-bought aerosol varieties. The best place to look is around the nozzle. If you see anything funky going on, throw it in the trash can, make some fresh, or buy a new one.
FAQs
Now you know how long whipped cream lasts. But if you’re still curious about this topic, I’ve added a few interesting questions below that have been asked by readers – just like you. So go ahead and take a look, whipped cream fanatic!
How long will fresh whipped cream stay whipped?
If you do not use any stabilizers, your fresh, homemade whipped cream will remain adequately whipped and “ready for action” for about three hours. If you need it to stay whipped for longer, ensure you use a stabilizer such as cornstarch or gelatin.
How do you store whipped cream after whipping it?
You can simply keep your homemade whipped cream in an airtight container. However, some bakers prefer to place their homemade whipped cream on top of a sieve inside an airtight container. That way, the excess liquid can drip, leaving your whipped cream fluffy and delicious.
Can I whip cream ahead of time?
You can, but you’ll likely need to whip it “back into shape” before serving it to your guests. My suggestion is to wait until you’re ready to consume your dessert before whipping up a batch of whipped cream. It’s simply better to consume whipped cream immediately after making it in terms of texture and taste.
Whipped Cream Longevity Changes Depending on the Type
Homemade whipped cream doesn’t last very long, with up to four days being the maximum (with stabilizers). Store-bought aerosol cans can last up to two weeks beyond the best-by date. Freeze both types for up to three months. Always store correctly for the best longevity and freshness.
How long do you typically keep your whipped cream, homemade or store-bought? Do you have some other tips or tricks to add to this article? Share in the comments below!
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