Steeped in Flavor

One way to add complexity to your whipped cream is by adding the flavor of tea. Bring two-thirds of the heavy cream to a simmer with three or four tea bags, then remove from heat and allow to steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Cool the steeped cream, combine with the remaining heavy cream and a pinch of salt, and whip with an electric mixer. Add confectioner's sugar to taste. Pair an Early Grey whipped cream with lavender- or vanilla-scented desserts. Try a green chai cream with spiced and molasses-laden treats.

Fruit Forward

Instead of adding powdered sugar, add fruit puree or curd to whipped cream just as the cream comes to loose peaks. Puree raspberries with a small amount of granulated sugar, strain through a sieve, and drizzle into the cream to pair with chocolate-based desserts. Add several tablespoons of lemon curd to the whipped cream and serve with gingerbread or butter cookies.

Extracted Flavor

Brighten up whipped cream by adding an extract during the final seconds of whipping. Rather than the typical teaspoon of vanilla, try almond extract. Add mint extract, along with one or two tablespoons of freshly chopped mint, for a complement to chocolate desserts. Citrus extracts, such as lemon or orange, work well with whipped cream and brighten heavy treats. Pair citrus with coconut extract or cream for a tropical flavor.

Savor the Sweet

For a surprising complement to desserts, add olive oil to whipped cream for a savory balance. During the final minute of whipping, drizzle in a few tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, to taste. Pair with rosemary shortbread cookies, chocolate cake or almond cake.

Chocolate Craving

Pump up the chocolate flavor of a cocoa-based dessert or add a bittersweet note to a vanilla or fruit-flavored treat with a chocolate whipped cream. Whip heavy cream to loose peaks, add confectioner's sugar sifted with unsweetened cocoa powder, to taste, and whip fully. Alternatively, drizzle melted and cooled bittersweet or semisweet chocolate into the cream in the final seconds of whipping.