Add 2 cups heavy whipping cream, ½ cup powdered sugar and 1 tsp vanilla extract to a large bowl. Use a hand mixer on low setting for a minute or two. First the liquid will be quite runny, but eventually it will begin to firm up.
Turn the hand mixer to a higher setting until stiff peaks begin to form. Now it’s ready to be used in your dessert!
Homemade whipping cream tastes amazing with fresh fruit. You can also add it to a piping bag for cupcakes, or as a light frosting for cakes.