Learn how to make a strawberries-and-whipped-cream candle with a fluffy, piped wax topping and strawberry-shaped wax embeds. In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through melting the wax, adding fragrance, whipping it to the right consistency, and piping it onto your candle for a frosting-inspired finish.
The secret to making a beautiful whipped cream candle is knowing when the wax is ready to pipe. If it’s too warm, the topping may not hold its shape. If it cools too much, it can become too firm to squeeze through your piping tip.
In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to recognize the right consistency, work quickly, and create a decorative candle that looks like a sweet strawberry dessert.
Prefer to Watch How to Pipe A Whipped Cream Candle?
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What Is a Whipped Cream Candle?
A whipped cream candle is a decorative candle topped with wax that has been whipped and piped to resemble frosting. Using a piping bag and a large piping tip, you can create swirls, peaks, and other decorative designs.
For this project, I’m making a strawberries-and-cream candle with a colored wax base, strawberry-shaped wax embeds, and a fluffy white topping.
The technique is similar to piping frosting onto a cake, but instead of working with cream, you’ll use candle wax that has been cooled and whipped until it holds its shape.
If you’re new to candle making, you may also enjoy exploring my other DIY candle-making projects or my beginner candle guide.
Supplies You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather all your supplies. Whipped wax can harden quickly once it reaches the correct consistency, so having everything ready makes the piping process much easier.
Ingredients
Equipment
- Digital scale
- Thermometer
- Pouring Pot
- Candle jars
- Strawberry embed mold
- Hand mixer
- Double Boiler
- Piping bag
- Large piping tip
- Wick adhesive
- Wick holders or centering tools
Choose a wax designed for your intended candle application. Not every container wax performs the same way when whipped, and some waxes may be better suited to decorative toppings than others. I like using soy wax.
Three Secrets to Making Whipped Cream Candles
Secret #1: Temperature
Temperature is one of the most important factors in making whipped cream candles. You need to melt the wax properly, incorporate the fragrance, and allow the mixture to cool enough to whip and pipe.
Step 1: Melt the wax
Place the soy wax in a pouring pot and heat it using a double boiler. For the original method used in this project, the target melting temperature is 180°F (82°C), provided this is within the temperature range recommended by your wax manufacturer.
Use a thermometer to monitor the wax temperature rather than relying on appearance alone.
Different waxes have different heating and pouring recommendations, so always check the instructions for your specific product.
Step 2: Add the fragrance oil
Remove the wax from the heat and add your Sugared Strawberry fragrance oil.
Stir thoroughly to distribute the fragrance throughout the wax, I like to stir for at least 2 minutes.
The amount of fragrance you can use depends on the wax, fragrance oil, and the manufacturer’s specifications. A higher fragrance load does not automatically produce a stronger-smelling candle. I like to be between 8-10% fragrance load.
Step 3: Prepare your candle jars
While the wax cools, secure a wick in the center of each candle jar using hot glue. I like to use a hot glue gun, it just works well.
Use a wick holder to keep the wick straight and centered while the wax sets. I like to use a sharpie, they are the BEST!
For the whipped topping, transfer the melted wax mixture into a deep mixing container. This gives you enough room to stir and whip the wax without making a mess.
Secret #2: Consistency
Once your wax is melted and mixed, the next challenge is getting it to the right consistency.
The wax needs to be cool enough to hold its shape but soft enough to pass through the piping tip. If you begin whipping too early, the mixture may be too runny. If you wait too long, the wax may become difficult to pipe.
Step 1: Allow the wax to cool
Let the wax mixture cool, stirring occasionally by hand. Scrape the sides and bottom of the container to incorporate wax that is cooling at a different rate.
The cooling time will vary depending on the type of wax, the amount of wax, the container, and the room temperature.
Step 2: Watch for thickening
As the wax cools, it will gradually become thicker and more opaque.
This is the stage to watch closely. You want the wax to begin holding its shape without becoming so firm that it is difficult to mix.
Step 3: Whip the wax
When the wax begins to thicken, use a hand mixer to blend it. Continue monitoring the consistency and scrape down the sides of the container as needed.
As the wax becomes aerated and more thoroughly mixed, it should develop a lighter, frosting-like appearance.
How do you know when the wax is ready to pipe?
Look for these three signs:
- The wax has become opaque and has a whipped appearance.
- It holds a peak when you lift the mixer or a spatula.
- It remains soft enough to squeeze through your piping tip.
If the wax immediately flattens, it may need more cooling. If it becomes stiff and difficult to move, it may have cooled too much.
The goal is a soft, workable mixture that holds its shape once piped.
Secret #3: Pipe Quickly
Once the wax reaches the right consistency, it’s time to pipe. Whipped wax continues to cool as you work, so having your equipment ready beforehand is essential.
Step 1: Prepare your piping bag
Fit your piping bag with a large piping tip before the wax is ready. Keep the bag open and ready to fill.
A large tip works well for creating rounded dollops and frosting-like swirls.
Step 2: Fill the piping bag
Transfer the whipped wax into the piping bag as soon as it reaches the desired consistency.
Avoid overfilling the bag. A smaller amount is easier to control and allows you to apply consistent pressure while piping. Plus, it will make a mess if you overfill it.
Step 3: Pipe the whipped topping
Pipe small swirls or dollops onto the candle base. Work around the surface to create a decorative topping that resembles whipped cream.
If you’re new to piping, remember that you can scrape it off and re-pipe it. Just move fast.
Keep your movements steady and try not to pause for too long in one spot. If the wax begins to firm up, it will become more difficult to create smooth designs.
Step 4: Add the strawberry embeds
While the topping is still soft enough to hold them, gently position your strawberry wax embeds in the whipped wax.
Arrange them so they complement the design without interfering with the wick or creating an unsafe burning arrangement.
For more candle-making inspiration, check out this heart embed candle!
Strawberries and Whipped Cream Candle Recipe
This strawberries-and-cream candle combines a colored soy wax base with a white whipped wax topping and strawberry-shaped embeds.
The recipe is divided into two mixtures: the base candle and the whipped topping. The strawberry embeds may require a separate small batch of wax, depending on your mold and how many pieces you want to make.
Recipe ingredients
Base candle
- 5.4 oz soy wax
- 0.60 oz Sugared Strawberry fragrance oil
- Red candle dye, as needed
- Two candle jars and appropriately sized wicks
Whipped cream topping
- 3.6 oz soy wax
- 0.40 oz Sugared Strawberry fragrance oil
- Piping bag and large piping tip
Strawberry embeds
- Soy wax for the embeds
- Red candle dye, as needed
- Strawberry silicone mold
Instructions
Part 1: Make the candle base
- Secure a wick in the center of each jar with hot glue.
- Weigh the wax for the base candle.
- Melt the wax using a double boiler and monitor the temperature.
- Add the fragrance oil at the recommended temperature and stir thoroughly.
- Add red candle dye gradually until you reach your desired color.
- Allow the mixture to cool to the recommended pouring temperature for your wax.
- Pour slowly into the jars, leaving enough room at the top for the whipped topping.
- Keep the wicks centered while the base cools and sets.
Part 2: Make the strawberry embeds
- Melt a small amount of candle wax.
- Add red candle dye and mix thoroughly.
- Pour the colored wax into the strawberry mold.
- Allow the embeds to cool and harden completely before removing them from the mold.
- Set the embeds aside until you’re ready to decorate the whipped topping.
Part 3: Make the whipped cream topping
- Weigh the wax for the topping and melt it using a double boiler.
- Add the fragrance oil at the recommended temperature and stir thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture to a deep mixing container.
- Allow the wax to cool, stirring occasionally and scraping the sides and bottom of the container.
- When the wax begins to thicken, use a hand mixer to whip it.
- Continue mixing until the wax becomes opaque, develops a frosting-like appearance, and holds peaks while remaining workable.
- Immediately transfer the wax to your prepared piping bag.
- Pipe the topping onto the cooled candle base.
- Gently position the strawberry embeds in the topping while the wax is still soft enough to hold them.
- Allow the candles to cool completely before handling or labeling them.
Troubleshooting Whipped Cream Candles
Even when you follow the instructions carefully, the wax may behave differently depending on your materials and workspace. Here are some common problems and how to approach them.
Why is my whipped wax too runny?
The wax may still be too warm to hold a piped shape. Allow it to cool further, stirring occasionally, and watch for the mixture to thicken before whipping.
Why is my whipped wax too hard to pipe?
The wax may have cooled too much. It can become difficult to squeeze through the piping tip or may break apart instead of forming smooth swirls.
If this happens, stop piping. Then you will want to reheat the wax and start over.
Why won’t my whipped wax hold peaks?
The mixture may need additional cooling and mixing. Check whether the wax is still too warm or has not thickened enough to support the design. This is why watching the consistency is so important.
Why does my topping look uneven?
Uneven cooling, inconsistent pressure, or changes in wax consistency during piping can affect the finished design.
Prepare the piping bag ahead of time and work in a steady, controlled manner. Practicing a few swirls before piping onto the candle can help you become more comfortable with the technique.
Candle Safety Tips
A decorative candle needs to be evaluated as a finished product, not just as a wax recipe.
The addition of a whipped topping and wax embeds changes the candle’s surface and may affect how it burns. Don’t assume that a wick suitable for a plain container candle will automatically work with this design.
- Use wax, fragrance oil, dye, and wicks intended for candle making.
- Follow the manufacturers’ temperature and fragrance-load recommendations.
- Keep the wick centered and trim it to approximately 1/4 inch before lighting, unless the wick manufacturer specifies otherwise.
- Burn-test the finished candle in its actual container with its final wick, fragrance load, and decorative design.
- Monitor the candle during testing and stop if it exhibits unsafe burning behavior.
- Never leave a burning candle unattended.
- Keep burning candles away from drafts, flammable materials, children, and pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use any soy wax to make whipped cream candles?
Not necessarily. Soy waxes are formulated for different applications, and their texture and performance can vary. Choose a wax that works for your intended container candle and decorative topping, and test the results before making a larger batch.
How do you know when whipped candle wax is ready to pipe?
The wax should be opaque, thick enough to hold a peak, and still soft enough to squeeze through a piping tip. If it immediately flattens, it may be too warm. If it is stiff and difficult to move, it may have cooled too much.
Can you make whipped cream candles without a hand mixer?
A hand mixer makes it easier to achieve a consistent whipped texture. You can experiment with other mixing methods, but the results may differ depending on the wax and the amount you’re making.
Can you add fragrance oil to whipped candle wax?
Yes, provided the fragrance oil is intended for candle making and is compatible with your wax. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended fragrance load and temperature instructions. Adding more fragrance does not guarantee a stronger scent.
Can you burn whipped cream candles?
Yes! Be sure to test the complete candle and discontinue use if it burns unsafely.
Final Thoughts
Making a whipped cream candle is all about timing. Melt and mix the wax correctly, allow it to cool until it holds a peak, and have your piping equipment ready before you begin.
Don’t worry if your first attempt isn’t perfect. With practice, you’ll become more familiar with the way your wax cools and how to recognize the consistency needed for smooth swirls and decorative peaks.
Experiment with your piping designs and wax embeds, and remember to test the finished candle before using it.
For more inspiration, explore my other [DIY candle-making projects — link to your candle-making category].
Strawberries and Whipped Cream Candle
Equipment
- Scale
Ingredients
Base Candle
- 2 Candle Jar
- 2 Candle Wick
- 1 Strawberry Embed Mold
- Red Candle Dye
- 5.4 ounce | 90% Soy Wax
- 0.60 ounce | 10% Sugared Strawberry Fragrance Oil
Whipped Cream Top
- 3.6 ounce | 90% Soy Wax
- 0.40 ounce | 10% Sugared Strawberry Fragrance Oil
- Piping Tip
- Piping Bag
Instructions
Candle Base & Strawberry Embed
- Place the candle wick in the center of the jar using hot glue.
- Heat the soy wax to 180 °F and remove it from the double boiler.
- Immediately add Sugared Strawberry fragrance oil and mix for at least 2 minutes.
- Add red candle colorant and mix well.
- When the wax has cooled down, pour it slowly and close to the candle jar until it is 3/4 filled with wax. Leave space for the whipped cream part on the top.
- Pour the strawberry embeds. If you want them darker, add a bit more colorant before pouring.
- Center the wick with a wick holder or pen while the wax cools.
Whipped Cream Frosting
- Heat the wax until it reaches 180°F.
- Add fragrance oil and mix well for at least 2 minutes.
- Pour the wax into a deep mixing container.
- Allow it to cool, periodically hand mixing. Be sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the container.
- When the mixture starts to thicken, mix with a hand mixer until fully combined. Repeat until the mixture is white and holds peaks.
- Immediately add the mixture to a piping bag.
- Pipe it onto candles and place embeds on top.
- Allow the candles to cool.
- Trim wick to 1/4 inch and place labels.