If you think your Starbucks coffee is delicious – irresistible even – because of that big dollop of whipped cream that’s swirled perfectly on top, you are not alone! For many people, its creaminess and sweetness make every sip perfect.
Starbucks uses their in-house whipped cream to top most of their mochas, fraps, and hot chocolates. It’s also the finishing touch for various lattes like Chestnut Praline, Cinnamon Dolce, and Caramel Brulée. Even an espresso shot sometimes gets a tiny dollop of the whipped cream to create the heavenly drink Espresso con Panna.
So, what whipped cream brand does Starbucks use? They make their whipped cream in-house, and this should be a no-brainer. After all, they only use two ingredients – vanilla syrup and heavy cream.
If that is the case, then everyone can make their own, even you, right? Yes, but only if you have the right tools! Making “professional” whipped cream as Starbucks does requires the right materials and tools.
Starbucks Whipped Cream Canister
A professional-grade whipped creamed dispenser is necessary to make your version of Starbucks whipped cream. To be specific, Starbucks uses iSi brand whippers that have a maximum filling capacity of half-liter (1 pint). You must also have whipped cream chargers containing nitrous oxide.
To make your whipped cream, just pour the syrup and cream into the canister. Tightly screw on a charger to release its nitrous oxide content into the canister, which then creates tiny bubbles.
Shake the canister several times, then allow it to rest on one side for a minute. You’re done.
You have just made yourself some fluffy and nice whipped cream – and you’ll never want to use store-bought whipped creams again! After all, you can produce more whipped cream this way than any other DIY method.
Starbucks Whipped Cream Ingredients
Starbucks’ recipe for their whipped cream is very simple. They only use two ingredients – vanilla syrup and heavy whipping cream.
As mentioned, the tools used are an N2O charger and a whipped cream dispenser.
You can buy vanilla syrup in grocery stores, usually in the same aisle as coffee.
Vanilla is often stocked as it’s a common flavor. You can also find small Starbucks-brand syrup bottles.
To keep as close to the original as possible, try looking for the same vanilla syrup bottle used by Starbucks baristas. Try looking on Amazon or asking a barista you know.
How to Make Starbucks Whipped Cream – DIY Style
Making your very own version of Starbucks’ and other professionally-made whipped creams is quite simple once you learn it. Following are the steps:
1. Place the whipping cream and syrup into the dispenser. Screw on the lid, and then combine well by shaking.
2. Screw the N20 charger on. The ideal way of doing this is to drop the charger first into the cap (which should come with the dispenser). Next, put the charger screw on. Make sure it’s only to the point where the screw goes all the way, but not tightened. Then, give the screw one big, final turn to completely tighten the charger and allow it to release the gas.
3. Mix well by giving the dispenser around 10 good shakes. Next, lay it on one side for a minute or so. This gives the N20 and heavy cream some time to combine even more.
4. Your whipped cream is now ready for use. At this juncture, take the spent charger out. To remove it, just unscrew the cap and charger. You should hear a slight hissing sound as some of the gas is being released. This is normal and should be expected.
Starbucks Whipped Cream Dispenser
When you are ready to dispense the cream, hold the canister in such a way that the decorating tip/nozzle is pointing downward.
You may find it more comfortable to use if the trigger is on the outer side or away from your body. Then, using your hand, fully squeeze the trigger to top your favorite drink or dessert with the “Starbucks” whipped cream
To top your beverages with the whipped cream “ala” Starbucks, apply the whipped cream in a circular fashion. The easiest way to start is to make a big circle around the outer edge of the drink. Continue circling, moving to the center. This should result in a sizeable and nice poof of decadent cream.
If you prefer, elevate your beverages a notch higher with caramel sauce, crunchy toppings, or other drizzles.
After all, what would your Iced Caramel Macchiato be like without the caramel sauce and the sweet whipped cream? Likewise topping hot chocolate mocha with whipped cream is heavenly.
More Tips for Making and Storing Your Starbucks Whipped Cream
DIY whipped cream crafted from a professional-grade dispenser will remain good for use for a few days. However, it may turn a bit runny as time passes.
Small pockets might even be noticeable in whipped cream ribbons. Thus, to achieve optimum results, keep the following in mind:
1. Use a cold canister and cold ingredients when making your whipped cream.
2. When not using the whipped cream, make sure to keep it cold.
3. When storing the dispenser in the fridge, keep it on its side.
4. Make sure to use the whipped cream before the heavy cream used expires. So take note of the heavy cream’s expiration date.
Starbucks Whipped Cream Recipe
Preparation time: 2 mins. Total time: 2 mins.
This recipe is great for use as coffee, ice cream, and dessert toppings.
Ingredients
1. 2 cups of heavy whipping cream
2. ¼ cup of vanilla syrup
Procedures
1. Combine the vanilla syrup and heavy cream in one container. A glass measuring cup w/ spout would be ideal.
2. Pour the blend into the whipped cream dispenser. Make sure not to go over the “max fill” mark.
3. Put on the dispenser lid and screw the whipped cream charger on.
4. Vigorously shake the canister around 8 to 10 times. Then, put it down on its side to rest for around 15 seconds.
5. To dispense the whipped cream, position the canister with the trigger away from you and the decorating tip pointed downward.
6. Refrigerate the whipped cream on its side. Make sure to slightly shake the canister before using it.
To achieve the best results, use chilled tools and ingredients.
