Those who know me know I am a big fan of cream, especially in desserts. Although, I am known for throwing it into sauces and soups from time to time. I love how soft and silky it can become when whipped! Homemade whipped cream is the easiest and tastiest dessert you can make at home. I don't know why anyone would consider buying store-bought whipping cream when all it takes to make is literally heavy whipping cream and sugar. That's it. Best part is, you can adjust your sugar ratio to however you see fit. I actually prefer less sugar, as the taste of fresh, quality whipping cream is delicious!
This being said, heavy whipping cream is not the healthiest choice on the menu... But it is a treat, right? I was at a yard sale down the street from me about a month ago and met a person who shares the same passions as me: cooking. This being said, Nik (of Nik K's Kitchen) shared with me a secret. Instead of using heavy whipping cream, you can whip up almond milk for the same effect, only this way, you are looking at a much healthier version of "whipped cream." My husband and I couldn't believe it! We had it in our minds to give it a try but we became distracted. Until today!
The almond milk didn't whip up like I thought it would. I placed it into the bowl of my stand mixer and let my Kitchen Aid get to work. But even with the constant whipping, I was not seeing a change. I decided to add in some xanthan gum to see if that would help aid in the whipping stage. No luck. I was becoming discouraged. For my last attempt I decided to add in cornstarch. This way, the mixture remained both vegan and gluten-free. But cornstarch needs some heat to help the mixture to thicken. So I popped it all onto a double boiler, heated the mixture, and whipped it. Results? Amazing! More like a pudding texture, but soft enough still to move (think jello.) I am going to play around with this Fruit Kabobs with Almond Milk Whipped Cream recipe more so I can create an ideal almond milk whipped cream that is both gluten-free and vegan.
📖 Recipe
Fruit Kabobs with Almond Milk Whipped Cream
A healthy vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free dessert that is easy to make and sure to please everyone!
Ingredients
- 1 grapefruit
- 2 kiwis
- Strawberries
- Half pint of raspberries
- Half pint of blueberries
- Grapes
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- ¼ tsp. xanthan gum
- ½ - 1 tbsp. granulated sugar
- ½ tbsp. cornstarch
- ½ tsp. vanilla extract
Instructions
- Slice your fruit according to the thickness/size you desire. I tried to keep everything uniform in size, except the strawberries at the base which were cut into fourths.
- Add the fruit randomly onto your skewers. Set aside in the fridge to cool as you prepare the whipped cream dip.
- Create a double boiler by adding water to a small saucepan and placing a heat-proof bowl on top. Bring the water to a simmer and add the almond milk, xanthan gum, cornstarch, and vanilla. Whisk constantly until warmed and thickened slightly. Remove from heat and, using a hand mixer, whip until thick and creamy. I did this in intervals, allowing the mixture to sit for 5 minutes and then mixing again. I found it congealed up nicely. Add the sugar once you see the mixture beginning to thicken into whipped cream and whip until smooth. Once you have a smooth "cream," place some plastic wrap onto the surface and pop into the refrigerator to cool.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 6Amount Per Serving: Calories: 82Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 2mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 4gSugar: 12gProtein: 1g
When I was becoming discouraged, I was thinking of other alternatives to this "whipped cream" idea. One trick that may work is mashing a ripe banana or two and mixing it into the almond milk. Whip up as usual and see how the texture changes.
If you are okay with turning this dip from vegan to vegetarian, add in some cream cheese. Whipped cream cheese and almond milk would work perfectly and still be less fat than your usual whipped cream topping. I figured though, while we were on the track of being healthy that I would include all dietary needs.
Delta Greer
The fruit kabobs. Look totally delishious. And has all my favorite fruit
Kacey
I feel people don't give grapefruit enough credit 🙂
yvonne
If you add cornstarch it is not gluten free....... corn has gluten and it is GMO for more info on gluten go here http://www.glutenfreesociety.org
Kacey
Hmm, this is something new to me. My mother-in-law has Celiac and uses cornstarch all the time (we make sure to check the packaging.) And from what I have seen online, checking labels is definitely necessary as even certain chocolate chip brands and vanilla extracts contain wheat. I will look into this for sure, thank you!
Danyel
I was intrigued about cornstarch being GF or not, so I did google search. http://celiacdisease.about.com/od/Gluten-Free-Grains/f/Is-Cornstarch-Gluten-Free.htm
Kacey
Thank you for looking into this. I spoke with another blogger who focuses specifically on gluten-free recipes, and she mentioned that cornstarch is indeed gluten-free and uses it all the time. My mother-in-law has had no issues with cornstarch in correlation with her Celiac. However, some may have other intolerance's, so one must do what is best for them.
ELlen
How about, for non-vegans but lactose intolerant, whipping almond cream using gelatin? Any idea how that would work?
Kacey
I see a lot of people use gelatin for their whipped creams but have never done it myself since I don't eat meat 🙂 However, my grocery stores now sell lactose free heavy whipping cream! My mother-in-law uses the lactose free stuff for her intolerance (and my husband really should.) If you happen to find that you can still enjoy regular whipping cream without the downfalls 🙂 I am here in Canada and this is the brand I recommend: Natrel Lactose Free.
Lee
Curious if I can leave the xanthan gum out I don't have any and I really don't like it can I just substitute more cornstarch?
Cathy
Hello
The recipe has “½ - 1 tbsp. granulated sugar” what is the 1/2 of? Is it supposed to be 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp or is it 1 1/2 tbsp or something else?
Thank you
Kacey
Its half or 1 tbsp.