Cool Whip or canned whipped cream make for super-easy dessert toppings. However, Dream Whip is an underrated alternative that has an even longer shelf life than other options.

Dream Whip, introduced in the 1950s, was wildly popular until Cool Whip debuted almost a decade later. Dream Whip is still sold in stores in convenient, shelf-stable packets.

To make Dream Whip, empty the powdered contents of a packet into a bowl, add milk and vanilla, and mix with a hand beater until soft peaks form. This takes a mere four minutes.

The final product is as versatile as any other whipped cream. To honor its retro roots, try Dream Whip on angel food cake, or go more modern with no-bake strawberry cheesecake.