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Fresh Whipped Cream That Lasts

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Summary

Areas of Science
Difficulty
 
Time Required
Very Short (≤ 1 day)
Prerequisites
None
Material Availability
Readily available
Cost
Very Low (under $20)
Safety
Adult supervision is required. Whipped cream that has been at room temperature for too long might spoil, so be cautious about eating it if too much time has passed.
*Note: For this science project you will need to develop your own experimental procedure. Use the information in the summary tab as a starting place. If you would like to discuss your ideas or need help troubleshooting, use the Ask An Expert forum. Our Experts won't do the work for you, but they will make suggestions and offer guidance if you come to them with specific questions.

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Abstract

Fresh whipped cream is the final touch for many delectable desserts. One issue with fresh whipped cream is that it has to be used soon after it is made, especially if it is at room temperature, or it starts to collapse into goo. This is a problem for its use in frostings or inside pastries as filler.

Whipped cream can be stabilized by adding unflavored gelatin. Stabilized whipped cream can be used at room temperature and it has a much longer life. But how much gelatin is just right? Try making some batches of whipped cream with different amounts of gelatin to see how much is best for making a whipped cream that holds up to heat and humidity. Make batches of whipped cream, using the recipe below, with different amounts of gelatin, as follows: 0 tsp., 1 tsp., 2 tsp., and 3 tsp. of gelatin. After you make them, record your observations about their consistency, appearance, etc. in your lab notebook. You'll have to figure out a way to test the stability of the whipped cream batches. You could try to use them to make an arch or a statue. Or, spread them on cupcakes and see which of the whipped creams tastes the best and holds up the longest. Consider testing them in the sunlight, at high humidity, and in other real-world situations.

Stabilized Whipped Cream Recipe

  1. Combine gelatin and cold water in a small saucepan. Let stand until thick. Place over low heat, stirring constantly just until gelatin dissolves.
  2. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
  3. Using an electric beater, whip cream and sugar until slightly thickened.
  4. While beating slowly, gradually add gelatin to the whipped cream mixture.
  5. Whip at high speed until stiff peaks form.

Yield: 2 cups

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Global Connections

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) are a blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.

This project explores topics key to Responsible Consumption and Production: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Careers

If you like this project, you might enjoy exploring these related careers:

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Growing, aging, digesting—all of these are examples of chemical processes performed by living organisms. Biochemists study how these types of chemical actions happen in cells and tissues, and monitor what effects new substances, like food additives and medicines, have on living organisms. Read more
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Good taste, texture, quality, and safety are all very important in the food industry. Food science technicians test and catalog the physical and chemical properties of food to help ensure these aspects. Read more

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General citation information is provided here. Be sure to check the formatting, including capitalization, for the method you are using and update your citation, as needed.

MLA Style

Science Buddies Staff. "Fresh Whipped Cream That Lasts." Science Buddies, 28 July 2017, https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/FoodSci_p022/cooking-food-science/fresh-whipped-cream-that-lasts?class=AQWF0mTI8F0ZEtg_CsPu36HOlcAh6HQ_tbzHxjjm5EyPUYflVZ2JPS5T_Ws3XD_oDMRDteS0Mt3MvMNXEVoBRLRJSoSEzCbYwWBc3KhLzgVIuw. Accessed 24 Apr. 2024.

APA Style

Science Buddies Staff. (2017, July 28). Fresh Whipped Cream That Lasts. Retrieved from https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/FoodSci_p022/cooking-food-science/fresh-whipped-cream-that-lasts?class=AQWF0mTI8F0ZEtg_CsPu36HOlcAh6HQ_tbzHxjjm5EyPUYflVZ2JPS5T_Ws3XD_oDMRDteS0Mt3MvMNXEVoBRLRJSoSEzCbYwWBc3KhLzgVIuw


Last edit date: 2017-07-28
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