How long does fresh whipped cream last?

[Anonymous]

I want to make a pie with a whipped cream topping. The recipe says you can whip the cream a few hours before serving. If I whip the cream in the morning and finish the pie then and put it in the refridgerator, will the whipped cream keep its shape/consistency until after dinner, or do I really need to do it a few hours or less before I serve it?

[Anonymous]

It is really best to whip the cream immediately before serving, if possible. From personal experience, cream whipped after dinner is marginal consistency by the next morning (who says banana cream pie isn't a healthy breakfast??? It has fruit, egg and milk!).