Dream Whip® is a non-dairy dessert topping that a cook can make at home. In its dry form, it doesn't contain any dairy products, but it is typically whipped with a mixer together with cold milk and vanilla. Many people who don’t like the taste of non-dairy, refrigerated whipped topping, but who would rather avoid the fat in heavy whipping cream, use it to top desserts.
This topping was introduced by the General Foods Corp. in 1957 as one of the convenience products that flooded the market about that time. It caught on and is still a popular alternative to other kinds of whipped topping. Dream Whip® is shelf stable, which means the dry packets will last for years. It is also consistently soft and fluffy when prepared.
Many cooks use this product instead of refrigerated non-dairy whipped topping in recipes for icebox or other cream-style pies. Some claim that it gives a lighter, higher, fluffier result, whether in cakes or in cream pies. This topping can also be used with a cake mix or even as a dressing for a fruit salad.
Dream Whip® uses 1/2 cup (125 milliliters) cold milk and a teaspoon of vanilla flavoring per pouch. This is mixed together with the powder at low speed with an electric mixer for about two minutes, then at high speed for five to eight minutes, or until soft peaks form. It is always best to use a balloon whisk attachment for the mixer, if one is available, to ensure a fluffier result.
One pouch makes 16, 2-tablespoon (about 6 grams) servings, and it's relatively inexpensive. Since it can be stored in the dry form without refrigeration, it can be kept on hand for cooking emergencies when whipped cream is called for in a recipe, and the cook is out of options. It is a staple in the baking aisles of U.S. grocery stores.
