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Homemade Cool Whip – made with just 4 simple ingredients! It’s a delicious addition to so many recipes and the perfect topping for any of your favorite desserts!

Homemade Cool Whip in a blue bowl with a spoon

When it comes to desserts, Cool Whip is king. It has a light, creamy texture and a deliciously sweet flavor that adds the perfect finishing touch to any dessert.

Unlike homemade whipped cream, which melts easily, Cool Whip (or stabilized whipped cream) holds its shape and doesn’t melt at all… even in the heat of summer! Which makes it the perfect alternative, not only as a topping, but also as an ingredient in many no-bake desserts.

It’s a key ingredient in recipes like Watergate Salad, Pistachio Lush, and Banana Cream Pie… all of which are summertime favorites. And it’s also delicious on top of hot chocolate, chocolate cake or chocolate mousse!

So the big question: why make your own instead of just buying it? Well… simply put… store-bought whipped topping is loaded with hydrogenated vegetable oil, high fructose corn syrup, and artificial flavor. Whereas this easy Homemade Cool Whip recipe is made with just 4 simple, real ingredients! Also? If you ask me, homemade ALWAYS tastes better. And once you try it, I think you’ll agree.

Ingredients in Homemade Cool Whip

Heavy whipping cream – This recipe starts with 2 1/2 cups of heavy whipping cream. Do NOT substitute half & half, whole milk, or a lighter whipping cream.

Powdered sugar – I added 1/4 cup of powdered sugar (confectioner’s sugar) for sweetness. Feel free to add more or less according to tastes.

Vanilla extract – I also added 1 Tablespoon of vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor.

Gelatin – 2 Tablespoons of gelatin powder act as the thickening agent in this recipe. I used unflavored Knox Gelatin.

Cold water – I added 1/2 cup of cold water to the gelatin to activate it.

How to make Cool Whip from scratch

Prepare the gelatin – Sprinkle the gelatin over cold water; stir and let sit for 1-2 minutes. Once thickened, microwave for 5-10 seconds or until mixture has liquified. Set aside to cool.

Whip the heavy cream – In a large chilled mixing bowl, combine the cream, sugar, and vanilla. Mix on low speed using the whisk attachment until small bubbles cover the surface. Increase speed to medium and mix until visibly thicker.

Add the gelatin – While mixer is still going, slowly add the gelatin. Increase speed to high and mix until medium – stiff peaks form. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Homemade Cool Whip ingredients in a mixing bowl

Recipe Variations

Substitute almond extract, lemon extract, mint extract, or orange extract for vanilla
Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder to make Chocolate Cool Whip
Add a spoonful of peanut butter or Nutella
Add softened cream cheese
Add strawberry or raspberry jam
Stir in fresh berries for a delicious treat!

Storage tips

Homemade Cool Whip will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. It can also be frozen in a freezer-safe container for longer storage.

Homemade Cool Whip whipped in a glass mixing bowl

More Cool Whip Recipes to Try

Whether you love baking or prefer no-bake desserts, this easy Homemade Cool Whip is sure to become a new favorite addition to all your favorite recipes!