Reddi Wip is a distinct memory from my childhood.
I remember how exciting it was every time my brother, sister, and I saw my dad walk over to the refrigerator and pull out the Reddi Wip can. As long as no one got hurt in the sprint to the kitchen, or in our respective attempts to be first in line, we’d all get some Reddi Wip sprayed directly into our mouths.

Homemade Whipped Cream
My mom always insisted that her homemade whipped cream was better than the nitrous oxide-propelled whipped cream that came out of the Reddi Wip can.
I didn’t entirely believe her until I got older. The swirled Reddi Wip cream was too enticing.
As an adult, I get it. Homemade whipped cream is, hands down, better in every way.
Stiff Peaks vs. Medium Peaks
Some are convinced that stiff peaks are ideal for whipped cream. Others insist that medium peaks are better.
I like both.
First, you must use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to make whipped cream. I don’t own a stand mixer, but even if I did, I’d probably still use a hand mixer for whipped cream.
Stiff peaks stand straight when you lift the hand mixer out of the whipped cream, while medium peaks will fall a bit/lose some structure when you lift the hand mixer out.
Make your whipped cream both ways, and decide if you prefer one type of peak to the other. It’s merely a matter of how long you whip the cream: medium peaks will form first. If you keep whipping, you’ll get firm peaks.
Make Homemade Whipped Cream
Now my daughter and nieces line up in the kitchen whenever they see grandpa take the Reddi Wip can out of the refrigerator. I’ll always love Reddi Wip because of my dad, and I hope all the granddaughters will too.
But I’m also excited for the day that they recognize grandma’s wisdom: homemade whipped cream is the best. Make my recipe next time you want to make a favorite dessert even better.
A Few Things!
I sweeten my whipped cream with sugar, and I add vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Be sure to use real vanilla extract. Costco usually has an amazing price. Imitation vanilla extract may be cheaper, but it doesn’t taste half as good. And, there’s debate about where it comes from…
Here’s my favorite hand mixer on Amazon [aff. link]. This is the mixer I always use for my whipped cream. You can also find this mixer in my Amazon store here.
Homemade Whipped Cream
Ingredients
- 2-3 Tbsp sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream, (8 fluid ounces)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add the sugar, cream, and vanilla extract to a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Turn a hand mixer on to medium speed, and beat the sugar, cream, and vanilla extract together.
- Beat for 3-5 minutes, until medium or stiff peaks form, whichever texture you prefer.
Serve and enjoy!
- Serve the whipped cream with brownies, cake, pie, ice cream. etc.
3 Responses
Absolutely agree – you cannot beat freshly whipped cream. Loving the addition of vanilla. And with the holiday season coming up, there’s also endless ways to infuse it with “winter spices” like nutmeg or cinnamon.
Oh, I couldn’t agree more about whipped cream! That stuff in the can just doesn’t even come close. (Now I know Reddi Wip might have sentimental value…that’s entirely different!) Topping almost any holiday dessert with a bit of homemade whipped cream and a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon on top is the way to go!
Perfectly said David! Reddi Wip has that nostalgic aspect, but nothing compares to homemade whipped cream.