Dairy-Free Homemade Coconut Milk Whipped Cream

Both Syfy and I have issues with dairy and try to avoid it as much as possible these days (with the exception of really good cheese and yogurt!). I use non-dairy options instead when making all of our classic favorites! One of the first things that I learned how to make was whipped cream. I grew up in a household that believes that no hot cocoa and no pumpkin pie should ever go without at least a dollop (or more) of whipped cream! This is law in our house and so the thought of getting rid of all of our dairy products had daunted me when I realized that also meant my beloved whipped cream. Don't be sad! There is a fantastic and super simple alternative that tastes just as great! Take it from this whipped-creamaholic that this coconut milk whipped cream is SUPER good and doesn't taste like coconut to me at all. 

All you need is a can of coconut milk

Did you know that making non-dairy whipped cream takes one simple ingredient? Full fat canned coconut milk! While I like to add vanilla extract and a dash of maple syrup to lightly sweeten it, all that it really takes is a can of coconut milk. This recipe won't work with any other kind of coconut milk, only cans! While you might be nervous that this will flavor your whipped cream in the tropical variety, I have found with both the Native Forest and the 365 canned coconut milk, it tastes just like the dairy version of whipped cream.

The Secret is to turn your can upside down!

Most recipes for coconut milk whipped cream, usually ask you to open the can and scoop the hardened coconut milk off the liquid stuff in the bottom, but I thought that this seemed like a lot of work, so I went ahead and simplified it for you! If you turn your can upside down and open it from the bottom, you can simply pour the liquid into another container for later use, and then easily scoop out the hardened coconut milk to whip up! It's as easy as that!

Making whipped cream in a Blendtec blender

I have made whipped cream before, but it was with my electric hand mixer, not a high-tech blender that can do just about anything. I recently received a Blendtec Designer 725 with  the Twister jar. This high-powered blender can do just about anything, including make whipped cream! It was such a breeze making whipped cream in my Blendtec blender! Using the Twister jar, I pulsed my whipped cream, twisting the lid to swipe all of the resulting fluff off the sides of the jar. In just a few pulses my homemade non-dairy whipped cream was finished and ready to top some delicious pumpkin pie (one of my absolute favorites) or a good mug of hot cocoa (a winter staple).

Homemade Coconut Milk Whipped Cream

Whipped cream is so easy to make and an absolute necessity on any pie or to top any cup of hot cocoa! You can spice up this whipped cream with a dash of cinnamon powder, peppermint extract instead of vanilla, or even strawberry flavor extract for a strawberry flavored dairy-free whipped cream! This can be stored in the fridge and re-whipped just before use!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 can full-fat coconut milk, refrigerated (I have used both Native Forest and 365 organic coconut milk to make this)
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. maple syrup (you can alternatively use honey or another sweetener of choice)

DIRECTIONS

1. Put your can of coconut milk in the fridge overnight to harden the fatty part of the coconut milk. You can not make this whipped cream without doing this step!
2. Many recipes tell you to open the can from the top and scoop out the solid coconut milk, but this method is a tad more time-consuming. Instead, open your can from the bottom and pour the liquid into another cup or jar (you can use this in smoothies, juice, or whatever else needs liquids! Don't throw it away!)
3. Scoop out the remaining hardened coconut milk into your blender or a mixing bowl.
4. Add vanilla extract and maple syrup (or another sweetener) to the blender (or mixing bowl) and cover to blend.
5. Using a Blendtec twister jar, twist the lid clockwise while pulsing mixture until thoroughly whipped. Alternatively, you could whip this using your electric hand mixer or Kitchenaide mixer with a whisk attachment!