What is the difference between Chantilly Cream and Whipped Cream?

What is Chantilly Cream? Is it different than Whipped Cream?

What is Chantilly Cream?

Chantilly cream is another name for sweetened whipped cream. A recipe for Chantilly cream often contains the same ingredients as a whipped cream recipe. But the distinguishing feature of the Chantilly cream recipe is that it is generally sweeter than whipped cream and may contain added flavors, such as vanilla. Still, Chantilly cream is a simple and easy recipe that can elevate the sweetness of desserts. I love to use it with my homemade pies, like this Chocolate Chess Pie.

Chantilly, also known as "Crème Chantilly," is sweetened whipped cream. Hence, some distinguish Chantilly from whipped cream because it is sweeter than whipped cream. That is why some treat Chantilly and Whipped Cream as synonymous and refer to both simply as whipped cream. Others, however, generally separate Chantilly from whipped cream on a defining characteristic: its sweetness.

Historically, Chantilly's interconnection with whipped cream can be traced back to 1700s France and is often mistakingly tied to François Vatel, who was the maître d'hôtel at the Château de Chantilly in the previous century. Only begging in the 1900s, did the words "crème Chantilly," "crème de Chantilly," "crème à la Chantilly," or "crème fouettée à la Chantilly," begin to appear in public vocabulary.

What is Whipped Cream?

Who doesn't love whipped cream? It's delicious on cheesecake, pie, coffee drinks, and just about everything. Whipped cream is made by whipping heavy whipping cream until it is fluffy and stiff peaks form. (When whipping you want to make sure not to over whip, however, because you will end up with butter.)

Generally, whipped cream contains a high butterfat content and is in its liquid form. The cream has been mixed or whipped until it has a lighter and fluffier appearance. Whipped cream is often sweetened with a small amount of sugar (usually granulated) and sometimes vanilla extract. While a Chantilly recipe has a greater quantity of sugar and often confectioners' sugar versus granulated. Generally speaking, Chantilly is twice as sweet.

How to make Chantilly Cream

You will need a handheld or standing mixer to make this recipe.

• 8oz heavy whipping cream, cold
• 3 tablespoon confectioners' sugar, sifted
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. In a cold and clean mixing bowl, beat heavy whipping cream until soft peaks form.
2. Add sugar and vanilla extract and beat until stiff peaks form, watching carefully to avoid over-whipping.

*Make sure your stainless bowl is clean and cold for a more stable whipped cream. The heavy whipping cream should be cold as well, not room temperature.

Other Recipes You'll Love

• Lime Cheesecake Fluff
• No-Churn Vanilla Ice Cream with Raspberry
• Mom's Simple Vanilla Buttercream

What is the bottom line?

The fact of the matter is Chantilly cream is a sweeter version of whipped cream. It is delicious in desserts or in between cake layers. A dollop of Chantilly is the perfect finishing touch!