Quick Answer
A standard 8 ounce tub of Cool Whip contains approximately 2 cups of whipped cream. So 2 cups of homemade whipped cream is equivalent to an 8 ounce tub of Cool Whip. However, Cool Whip is sweeter and lighter than homemade whipped cream. To match the taste and texture of Cool Whip, you may need to add a bit more sugar and whip the cream a bit longer when making it from scratch.
Comparing Cool Whip and Homemade Whipped Cream
Cool Whip and homemade whipped cream have some key differences in terms of ingredients, taste, texture, and nutrition. Here is an overview of how they compare:
Ingredients
Cool Whip’s main ingredients are water, hydrogenated vegetable oil, high fructose corn syrup, and less than 2% of sodium caseinate, natural and artificial flavor, xanthan and guar gums, polysorbate 60, sorbitan monostearate, and beta carotene.
Homemade whipped cream only requires heavy whipping cream and sugar. You can also add vanilla extract or other flavorings.
So Cool Whip contains more additives, emulsifiers, and stabilizers to achieve the right consistency and shelf life.
Taste
Cool Whip has a sweeter taste than homemade whipped cream due to containing high fructose corn syrup. Homemade whipped cream tends to have a more subtle, creamy flavor.
Texture
Cool Whip has a lighter, fluffier texture than whipped cream. It whips up into a very airy foam. Homemade whipped cream is denser and richer.
Nutrition
Whipped cream is higher in calories and fat since it’s purely cream. Cool Whip has fewer calories per serving and zero fat because it contains added water and oil. However, Cool Whip has more added sugars.
So in summary, Cool Whip is sweeter, lighter, and more processed than homemade whipped cream. Keep these differences in mind when substituting one for the other.
How Much Whipped Cream Equals an 8 oz Tub of Cool Whip
The standard size tub of Cool Whip is 8 ounces. According to the nutrition label, this contains approximately 2 cups of Cool Whip.
So 2 cups of whipped cream is equivalent to an 8 ounce tub in terms of volume and serving size. However, as discussed above, the taste and texture will be different when making it homemade.
Here is a simple whipped cream recipe to equal an 8 oz tub of Cool Whip:
Homemade Whipped Cream
Ingredients:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1/4 cup confectioners sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions:
- Chill a mixing bowl and whisk or electric mixer beaters in the fridge for 30 minutes.
- Pour the cold whipping cream into the chilled bowl.
- Beat on medium-high speed until it starts to thicken, about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add the sugar and vanilla and continue beating until stiff peaks form, about 2-3 minutes more.
- Use immediately or refrigerate until ready to use. Whipped cream will last 2-3 days chilled.
The key steps are to use cold equipment, whip the cold cream to stiff peaks, and add sugar slowly to taste. This will produce a lightly sweetened whipped cream similar to Cool Whip.
You can adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if you want it sweeter like Cool Whip. You can also whip it a bit longer to get lighter and fluffier like Cool Whip’s airy texture.
How Much Other Whipping Creams Equals Cool Whip
You may see different varieties of whipping cream at the grocery store. Here’s how much of each type equals an 8 ounce tub of Cool Whip:
Heavy Whipping Cream
- 2 cups
Heavy whipping cream has a fat content of 36-40%. It whips up thick and sturdy.
Light Whipping Cream
- 2 1/4 cups
Light whipping cream has a fat content of 30-36%. It will whip up a bit lighter than heavy cream.
Half and Half
- 3 cups
Half and half contains 10-18% fat. It can be whipped into soft peaks and makes a good lighter substitute.
Heavy Cream
- 2 1/2 cups
Heavy cream typically contains 36% fat. It will whip up nearly the same as whipping cream.
The ingredient that matters most is the fat content. The higher the fat, the easier it is to whip the cream to stiff peaks. Light cream may need a bit more whipping and chilling time to equal heavy whipping cream.
How Long Does Homemade Whipped Cream Last Compared to Cool Whip
One advantage of Cool Whip is its long shelf life. An unopened tub of Cool Whip will last 2-3 months in the fridge. Once opened, it will last about 2 weeks.
Homemade whipped cream has a much shorter shelf life since it contains only cream and no preservatives. Properly stored whipped cream will last:
- 2-4 days in the refrigerator
- 2 months in the freezer
To maximize its shelf life:
- Use clean equipment
- Whip the cream fully to stiff peaks
- Store it in an airtight container, pressing plastic wrap directly on the surface
- Refrigerate immediately after making
So homemade whipped cream stays fresh for up to a few days while Cool Whip lasts weeks or months. But homemade can be frozen for longer term storage.
Can You Freeze Homemade Whipped Cream
Yes, it is possible to freeze whipped cream to extend its shelf life. Here are some tips:
- Whip the cream to stiff peaks before freezing for optimal texture.
- Fold in a bit of sugar and vanilla to help stabilize it.
- Spoon it into an airtight freezer container, leaving 1⁄2 inch headspace.
- Press plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing the lid.
- Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
- Whip briefly once thawed to restore texture.
The texture may break down a bit after freezing but re-whipping it will make it smooth again. Frozen whipped cream is ideal for use in desserts, fruit toppings, or hot cocoa.
How to Make Homemade Cool Whip
While you can’t exactly replicate Cool Whip at home, you can get pretty close by:
- Whipping the cream extra long to lighten it
- Adding more confectioners sugar for sweetness
- Using half heavy cream and half half-and-half for a lighter texture
- Folding in a small amount of lemon juice to help stabilize the whipped cream
Here is a recipe for homemade Cool Whip imposter:
Homemade Cool Whip
Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1/3 cup confectioners sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp lemon juice
Directions:
- Whip the heavy cream until it holds its shape, about 2 minutes on high speed.
- Add the half-and-half and whip for 1 minute more until blended.
- Add the sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice and whip on high until fluffy and doubled in volume, 3-5 minutes.
- Use immediately or store refrigerated.
This lighter, sweeter whipped cream mimics the taste and texture of Cool Whip. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Is It Cheaper to Make Your Own Whipped Cream vs Buying Cool Whip
Depending on cream costs in your area, it may be slightly cheaper to make your own whipped cream rather than buying tubs of Cool Whip.
Here is a cost comparison:
Homemade Whipped Cream
| 2 cups heavy cream (16 oz) | $2.50 |
| 1/4 cup sugar | $0.05 |
| 1 tsp vanilla | $0.30 |
| Total | $2.85 |
Cool Whip
| 1 tub (8 oz) | $2.50 |
As you can see, the homemade whipped cream costs slightly more per 8 ounce serving. But this doesn’t account for the cost of storing and freezing extra whipped cream. Being able to make only what you need could save money in the long run.
The convenience of ready-to-use Cool Whip may be worth the small premium in cost for many people. But if you use whipped cream frequently, making your own can be economical.
Conclusion
An 8 ounce tub of Cool Whip contains about 2 cups of whipped cream. However, homemade whipped cream may need some adjustments to match the sweetness, light texture, and long shelf life of Cool Whip. Add extra sugar and whip it well for a close match. Or try a stabilized whipped cream made with half-and-half and lemon juice to mimic the Cool Whip consistency. Storing whipped cream properly and freezing leftovers can help extend its freshness. Considering ingredients and labor, homemade can cost slightly less than Cool Whip. But the convenience factor of ready-to-use Cool Whip may be worth it for many consumers.