Celebrate National Whipped Cream Day With 10 Ways to Enjoy This Tasty Treat!

January 5th is National Whipped Cream Day.

That means just five days into your New Year’s resolution, you have no choice but to consume this sweet, fluffy, cloud-like delicacy. So even if you are eating healthfully in 2016, remember to enjoy a little indulgence every now and then. Just remember: “Everything in moderation.”

And by the way, since whipped cream contains nothing but pure heavy cream, sugar and a drop of vanilla, it is by definition “all-natural.” See? Your resolution is already going well!

Last year, we told you how to make the best whipped cream (hint: use Hiland Dairy Heavy Whipping Cream and chill your bowl and beaters for best results); this year, we’re giving you some suggestions on how to use it.

1. Strawberries & Cream

This classic combination is the semi-official breakfast of the Wimbledon tennis tournament. It’s easy, yet almost mind-blowingly delicious. And all you need to do is top ripe strawberries with pure whipped cream. That’s it!

2. Chocolate Mousse

For a super-simple yet sinfully decadent dessert, melt good milk or dark chocolate chips, either in a double boiler or the microwave, and then fold in whipped cream until you reach your desired consistency. What’s not to love?

3. Waffles, Pancakes or Crêpes

Whipped cream is a classic topping for these wonderfully continental concoctions. Simply top your waffle or pancake with your favorite fruit or jam and then add whipped cream. Do the same for crêpes, but then roll them up. Dust with powdered sugar for an extra-professional look!

4. Cranachan

This adults-only recipe comes all the way from the highlands of Scotland and is a great way to finish off a dinner. Marinate 1 1/2 cups raspberries for half an hour or more in 3 tablespoons of warm honey and 3 tablespoons of good scotch whiskey. In the meantime, toast some steel-cut oats in a pan until just brown. Spoon some raspberry mixture into four rocks glasses, then add a layer of whipped cream and dust with toasted oats. Repeat until glass is full and garnish with more raspberries, chill and serve!

5. Banana Pudding Parfait

Similar to the cranachan, above, this dessert involves layering whipped cream with other ingredients – this time, banana pudding. Simply spoon prepared banana pudding into a glass, add a layer of whipped cream and then repeat to fill the glass, finishing with pudding. Top with more whipped cream and garnish with a vanilla wafer.

6. Hot Chocolate or Coffee

If you have leftover whipped cream, you can turn an everyday hot beverage into a festive delight simply by adding a little whipped cream to it. So dress up that cup of cocoa or add some zing to your morning mocha!

7. Pie

Is there any pie that can’t be made better with a dollop of pure, natural whipped cream? Whether it’s key lime or apple, cherry or chocolate, whipped cream will take your sweet pie to the next level of luxury.

8. Milkshakes

One of the most classic whipped cream pairings is to top off a milkshake with some of the fluffy white stuff and add a maraschino cherry on top. Simply add Hiland Dairy Milk and your favorite Hiland Ice Cream to a blender (1 cup milk for every 2 cups ice cream), mix and then pour into a glass. Top with whipped cream and a cherry for an extra helping of tradition!

9. Frozen Whipped Cream

This is a great idea to save leftovers when you’ve made too much. Dollop spoonfuls of whipped cream onto a wax paper-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer frozen dollops to a bag or container and store in freezer. Add directly to coffee for a creamy treat or place on pies and other desserts and let thaw for 15-20 minutes before serving.

10. Make a No-Bake Cake

This delicious dessert can be assembled in just minutes and enjoyed after 1-2 hours. Spoon a thin layer of whipped cream onto the bottom of a baking dish. Cover with a layer of graham crackers – breaking a necessary to fit. Then spread a layer of whipped cream on top of the crackers and add a layer of your favorite fruit. Repeat two more times: crackers, cream, fruit. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one to two hours. The moisture from the whipped cream and fruit will give the graham crackers a cake-like consistency. But don’t let it sit too long; it will get soggy after a few days!

How will you celebrate?

We’d love to hear how you like to celebrate National Whipped Cream Day. Tell us or show us with a comment or photo below!