Is there a rule of thumb for how much whipped cream you get from cream?

I never know how much cream to whip—is there a rule of thumb for how much whipped cream you get from cream?

Cream doubles in volume when whipped to soft peaks. "Soft peaks" is the consistency you generally want when topping a dessert with whipped cream. You've got "soft peaks" when you pull the beater out of the whipped cream and the peak gently falls over just at the top.

When making whipped cream, put your bowl and beaters in the freezer about 15 minutes ahead of time. When you want sweetened whipped cream, add confectioners' sugar just after soft peaks have formed; added too soon, the sugar will decrease the volume of whipped cream.

For more tips, see our video How to Make Whipped Cream.

Recipe: Berries With Tequila Cream