Whip Up Perfect Whipped Cream With A Totally Unexpected Appliance

When it comes to making whipped cream at home, an age-old process, most people reach for an electric mixer, a hand whisk, or even a milk frother. Though, many might forgo the whole ordeal and just buy a canister of whipped cream from the store instead. While these methods will certainly get the job done, there's a surprisingly easy and satisfying way to create homemade whipped cream that you might not have considered: Using a French press. Yes, the same French press you use to brew your morning coffee can double as a tool for whipping up a creamy, fluffy topping in mere minutes. Who knew?

Whipped cream has been around for a long, long time. And the French press, although typically known for its ability to brew coffee to absolute perfection, can actually be an ideal candidate for creating perfectly plump whipped cream. The plunger and the mesh filter work together to incorporate air into the cream, resulting in a light, airy whipped cream that beats out any store-bought variety. Whether you're making a small batch to top a dessert or you're preparing a larger quantity for a crowd, the French press provides a hands-on approach that requires minimal equipment, little clean up, and a fun process.

There are tons of different ways to make delicious whipped cream but the key to all of them is introducing air into the heavy whipping cream to create a light, fluffy texture. The French press, with its sturdy glass (or stainless-steel) body and mesh plunger, is especially effective for this task. When you pour heavy cream into the French press and start pumping the plunger up and down, the mesh filter swirls the cream around and traps those all-important air bubbles within it. And, as you continue to pump, the pressure gradually builds, causing the cream to thicken and take on that gorgeously whipped texture.

The best part about using a French press is that it doesn't require any additional equipment like beaters or whisks, which often get messy or require extra effort. Sure, you can also use a mason jar as a simple trick to achieve perfect whipped cream, but it's definitely an arm workout. And while it's a pretty mess-free way to do it at home, the continuous motion of shaking the jar can be quite tedious. The French press allows for a smoother, more efficient process. That controlled motion of the plunger is all you need for expertly whipped cream in under five minutes. Just be careful not to over-whip, or else you'll have butter (literally!) on your hands.

So, why use the French press over any other tool in your kitchen? First and foremost, a French press is relatively easy to operate and doesn't require the setup or, crucially, the cleanup that comes with electric or stand mixers — simply pour in your cream, keep pressing the plunger up and down until it thickens, and you're done. Additionally, it requires just two main ingredients: Heavy cream and a bit of sugar (or vanilla, for a delicious vanilla whipped cream, if desired).

The texture of whipped cream can also be significantly benefited by using a French press. With this tool, you can control the level of firmness a lot easier. If you want soft, pillowy whipped cream, you can stop pressing a little earlier. But for stiffer peaks, simply keep pressing until it reaches the right consistency. There's no guesswork here, and you won't risk overwhipping, as can happen with electric mixers, since you've got more control.

Moreover, arguably one of the most frustrating aspects of using a mixer or a whisk to make whipped cream is the ensuing mess. We've all been there, cream splashes everywhere and you're left with a mountain of whipped cream residue on your mixer blades, whisk, and countertops. A French press avoids all of that. The tool's design keeps the cream contained and minimizes spillage, ensuring a cleaner experience from start to finish.