Delightfully Tangy Key Lime Whipped Cream

There’s nothing better than the taste of vanilla with homemade whipped cream…or is there? Enter its tangy cousin, key lime! Green with envy? I thought so.

Use fresh lime or key lime juice and zest and instantly transport yourself to a carefree tropical island, minus the airfare, of course. Who knew a little lime could taste so good? 

Top on fruit, waffles, or pound cake for a zesty twist you’ll be sure to remember.

this Recipe

Why You’ll Think This Tangy Key Lime Whipped Cream Is the Tops

Looking for a quick and easy way to add a zesty twist to your desserts?

Well you’re in luck because this lime flavored whipped topping quickly transforms routine flavors into something new and intriguing – perfect for any time of year.

Intensify the flavor experience of fresh fruit, berries, coconut, pound cake or angel food cake. Even waffles! I like it with strawberries.

It’s also the perfect addition to key lime pie for a key lime flavored explosion!

This is a straightforward recipe to follow and uses simple ingredients. Whether you’re entertaining guests at a party or simply indulging in a sweet treat at home, this key lime whipped cream is sure to delight your taste buds and add a burst of citrusy flavor to any dessert. 

Kitchen Tools

• Mixing tool: Use an electric mixer (handheld or stand), or whisk. Regular beaters will work just fine if you don’t want to use a whisk attachment.
• Mixing bowl: If not using a stand mixer.
• Citrus juicer
• Zester: I prefer a “rasp” style (such as a Microplane), but you can even use the fine holes of a cheese grater in a pinch.
• Measuring cups/spoons

Ingredients

• Cold heavy whipping cream 
• Sugar: Granulated or confectioners’ sugar (powdered).
• Lime juice and zest: Regular limes (Persian) or key limes will work. Bottled lime juice will also work, but since you will also be using the zest, you might as well use fresh squeezed juice. 
• Vanilla extract

Be sure to check out the recipe card for total quantities and ingredient information.

Does It Matter What Kind of Sugar I Use?

Not really. I like using granulated, but use whatever is available to you, such as powdered or even brown sugar.

Is There a Difference Between Key Limes and Regular Limes?

Persian limes, which are the “normal” limes you typically find in the grocery store tend to be more bitter and tart when compared to key limes which have a more floral flavor.

So yes, there is a difference in both size and flavor, but either will work for this recipe.

Substitutions

Heavy cream – Yes: It’s actually the same thing as heavy whipping cream. 

Regular whipping cream – Yes: It has a similar, though smaller amount of fat (approximately 30% vs 36%). Though it’s possible it may produce softer peaks.

Half and half – NO: The fat content is just too low at around 10%.

How to Make Key Lime Whipped Cream

1. Zest your lime or key limes.
2. Then juice your limes.

1. Add all your ingredients, the heavy whipping cream, sugar, lime juice, zest, and vanilla into a mixing bowl. 
2. Mix on medium-high speed. This is the best way to whip cream and is ideal for incorporating air into it in a sensible amount of time, without the danger of over-whipping. However, you can mix at a faster pace if you prefer, but it is important to monitor it closely.

1. Beat until stiff peaks form. After you begin to see the cream thickening and soft peaks form, continue to whip until stiff peaks form and they hold their shape.

How Do I Store It?

This whipped cream can easily be stored in the fridge overnight or in the freezer for a few months. Just make sure to use an appropriate airtight container. You may need to re-mix if thawed from frozen.

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