How far in advance can I whip the cream?

[TheSkiingGardener]

I have DS's birthday party tomorrow and I'm doing a pavlova. Can I whip the whipping cream a few hours before assembly do you think?

I would do it as late as poss and assemble it just before. Though I made one last weekend and the leftovers kept in the fridge just fine. Until the DC spotted them

Yes you can, I regularly whip cream as much as a day before I need it (though I usually use double rather than whipping and couldn't swear whether that makes a difference) - if you are whipping to very-stiff consistency it will keep like this in a bowl covered with clingfilm in the fridge for quite a while, certainly a few hours no problem - however, DON'T assemble the pavlova till the last minute - contact with the fruit will affect the cream if it is left like that for too long before serving.

Ah, thank you. Very useful

I'll whip it just before everybody arrives and then assemble it last minute.

Thank you

Hi... As long as the cream is well whipped and in an airtight container so it doesn't taint you can whip it the day/evening before. I often do.