Bourbon whipped cream takes desserts up a notch, and do I have the recipe for you!
Emeril Lagasse’s version gets the balance right—just enough bourbon for warmth without being overpowering.
The key is using cold heavy cream and a chilled mixing bowl, so it whips up faster.
I add the bourbon toward the end, once the cream has thickened, to keep it from affecting the texture.
A little powdered sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness while helping the peaks hold longer.
This pairs well with pecan pie, chocolate cake, or even fresh berries for something simple!
How to Make Emeril Lagasse Bourbon Whipped Cream
Ingredients
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 2 tablespoons Powdered Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Bourbon
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Start by placing your mixing bowl in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes so it becomes cold.
Step 2:
Once chilled, remove the bowl and pour in the heavy cream.
Add the powdered sugar, bourbon, and vanilla extract.
Step 3:
Using a hand or stand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the mixture on medium speed.
Keep mixing until soft peaks form, ensuring not to over-whip it.
Step 4:
Check the thickness of the cream and be ready to stop once it reaches a cloud-like consistency.
Taste it and adjust flavor with a bit more bourbon, if desired.
Step 5:
Serve immediately or slightly under-whip and store it in the refrigerator for up to four hours.
Remember, refrigeration will cause it to thicken slightly.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Keep Everything Cold
Make sure the heavy cream and mixing bowl are well-chilled before you start mixing.
This step is crucial as it helps the cream to whip better and maintain its consistency.
Adjust Bourbon to Taste
Feel free to tweak the amount of bourbon to suit your preference.
Adding a bit more might make it richer, while less bourbon results in a subtler flavor.
Prevent Over-Whipping
Stop mixing as soon as you see soft peaks.
Over-whipping can quickly turn your cream into butter. Keep an eye on it and pause regularly to check.
Enhance Sweetness with Sugar
If you prefer a sweeter taste, add a bit more powdered sugar. Taste as you go to achieve your ideal level of sweetness.
Adjusting sugar levels is simple, but it can make all the difference in the finished product.
Consider Pairing Suggestions
Consider serving this bourbon whipped cream with hot drinks like Irish coffee or on top of your favorite pie.
It complements desserts beautifully, especially those with rich, bold flavors.
What to Serve with Emeril Lagasse Bourbon Whipped Cream Recipe
Nothing’s better than matching bourbon whipped cream with warm, cozy desserts.
Pumpkin Pie Perfection
You won’t go wrong with adding this to classic pumpkin pie.
It levels up the spices in the pie, making each bite a bit more satisfying.
Your holiday table will thank you with such a pairing!
Pecan Pie
Bourbon whipped cream is also fantastic on pecan pie.
The nutty richness of the pecans and the velvet of the cream make for a marvelous match.
It’s a spin that just makes sense.
Who wouldn’t love this on their dessert plate?
Bread Pudding Bliss
You could serve it with bread pudding to amplify the flavor.
Bread pudding’s comforting taste pairs beautifully with the cream.
This warm combination makes every spoonful divine!
Brownie Sensation
Try topping a hot fudge brownie sundae with the cream.
Imagine warm brownie bites with a drizzle of hot fudge and a topping of bourbon-flavored goodness!
Take this decadent dessert to the next level.
Waffle Wonder
Even waffles for brunch can become a dessert when you add this on top.
The combination here is warm, comforting, and utterly satisfying.
Creative Twists
You can even add a dash of cinnamon to the cream for a twist!
Playing around with different pairings can open your eyes to the versatility of this delicious topping.
Irish Coffee Upgrade
Let’s not forget a nice cup of Irish coffee can be made even better.
The cream gives the coffee a smoother texture and subtly sweet finish.
Perfect for relaxing or sharing with friends after a meal!
Variations and Substitutions
Bourbon Variations
If bourbon isn’t your thing, you can try other spirits like rum or brandy.
Rum adds a nice warm flavor, while brandy brings in a rich, slightly sweet note.
Kahlúa is another fun option for coffee lovers. It introduces a unique, slightly bitter taste.
Non-Alcoholic Options
If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, vanilla extract is a classic choice.
You can also explore other extracts, such as almond or hazelnut, for a different twist.
These substitutes maintain the essence of the whipped cream without the alcohol.
Sweeteners
Instead of powdered sugar, consider using honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness.
Both alternatives add their own distinctive flavors to the whipped cream.
Just remember to adjust the quantity for your taste preference.
How to Store Leftover Bourbon Whipped Cream
Use an Airtight Container
Storing your leftover bourbon whipped cream in an airtight container is key to maintaining its freshness.
Choose a container that fits the amount of whipped cream you have, without too much excess space.
This will help prevent the cream from picking up any unwanted odors from the refrigerator.
Refrigeration Tips
Place the container in the coldest part of your refrigerator for the longest-lasting freshness.
This should be at the back, where the temperature is most consistent.
Whipped cream can typically stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored this way.
Prepping for Future Use
Before storing, if the whipped cream has been out for a bit, give it a gentle whisk to revive its texture.
This can help maintain its light and fluffy consistency for when you use it next.
When you’re ready to serve it again, another quick whisk right before serving will do wonders!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not Chilling Your Equipment
Chilling your mixing bowl and beaters is non-negotiable.
If you skip this step, the cream won’t whip well, and you’ll miss out on that perfect texture.
Using Warm Ingredients
Always use cold ingredients when making bourbon whipped cream.
Warm cream can trap less air, resulting in a dense and runny texture that can ruin consistency.
Overbeating the Cream
Pay attention to your cream as it whips, and stop once you have soft peaks.
If you overbeat, you’ll end up with butter instead of fluffy whipped cream.

Emeril Lagasse Bourbon Whipped Cream Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 2 tablespoons Powdered Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Bourbon
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Start by placing your mixing bowl in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes so it becomes cold.
- Once chilled, remove the bowl and pour in the heavy cream.
- Add the powdered sugar, bourbon, and vanilla extract.
- Using a hand or stand mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the mixture on medium speed.
- Keep mixing until soft peaks form, ensuring not to over-whip it.
- Check the thickness of the cream and be ready to stop once it reaches a cloud-like consistency.
- Taste it and adjust flavor with a bit more bourbon, if desired.
- Serve immediately or slightly under-whip and store it in the refrigerator for up to four hours.
- Remember, refrigeration will cause it to thicken slightly.