Homemade whipped cream, used as a topping or frosting for a variety of desserts, unfortunately can grow thin or watery after it sits in the refrigerator. The easiest way to create a thicker whipped cream and to prevent this is to add unflavored gelatin powder. This thicker whipped cream, which slightly resembles a mousse, is also easier to use as a dessert topping and keeps the dessert from getting soggy as quickly.
Pour the heavy whipping cream in a chilled metal bowl, making sure to take note of how many cups of liquid cream are in the bowl. Add about 2 tablespoons of sugar to the cream.
Use an electric mixer to whip the cream to soft peaks. Taste the cream, and add up to another tablespoon of sugar, if desired.
Add about 1/4 teaspoon of powdered unflavored gelatin per cup of liquid cream to the whipped cream. Beat with the electric mixer until stiff peaks form.
Apply the thickened whipped cream to a dessert right away, or store it in a covered contained in the refrigerator until use.