Ichika Usami attends Ichigozaka Middle School as a second-year student. Her mother Satomi works overseas as a doctor, while her father Genichirou operates a local dojo. Though initially distant due to his teasing, she maintains a fundamentally close bond with him. Her mother's absence inspires her to bake strawberry shortcakes reflecting Satomi's recipes. Despite underdeveloped culinary skills, she demonstrates creativity through animal-themed decorations.

Her civilian look includes magenta eyes, long orange hair in strawberry-adorned twin tails, and seasonal outfits featuring strawberry motifs: a pink blouse with layered white skirt for summer, and a pink sweater, dark pink skirt, and strawberry-themed boots for winter.

Transformation into Cure Whip begins when Pekorin—a fairy sensing "Kirakiraru" (emotional energy in sweets)—crashes into her kitchen during baking failures for her mother's canceled homecoming. The unfinished cake radiates Kirakiraru, attracting thief fairy Gummy. Protecting it alongside Pekorin, Ichika decorates it with a rabbit design, triggering its metamorphosis into an Animal Sweet and Sweets Pact. This initiates her first transformation to purify Gummy's corruption. As Cure Whip, she gains bright pink thigh-length hair with curled forelocks, rabbit ears and tail, a strawberry-shortcake headband, and a pearl pink mini-dress with rabbit-detailed pink boots. Her attacks employ whipped cream constructs, later augmented by the Candy Rod for "Whip Decoration" techniques. Super and A La Mode forms add light pink accents, wings, elongated skirts, and ballgown elements.

She exhibits energetic optimism, often hopping rabbit-like when excited, and uses catchphrases like "Whip, Step, Jump!" and "I have a bright idea!". Academically and culinarily challenged, her imagination fuels animal-themed sweets and persistent problem-solving. While emotionally authentic in interactions, she occasionally masks distress, such as hiding disappointment from her mother.

Key relationships include Pekorin (immediate bond), classmates Himari Arisugawa (first friend) and Aoi Tategami, plus older students Yukari Kotozume (admired for elegance) and Akira Kenjou (initially mistaken for a boy, later a close neighbor). Her dynamic with Ciel Kirahoshi evolves from idolization to mutual respect, merging Ciel's technical precision with her heartfelt baking approach. She maintains compassion for Rio Kuroki (Julio), understanding his motives post-betrayal and encouraging his reconciliation with Ciel.

Significant arcs involve reconciling with Genichirou during a Sweets Festival after unintentionally hurting his feelings over a gifted shortcake. Julio later exploits her insecurities about her mother's absence, draining her Kirakiraru until Pekorin helps her recover through baking. She pivots Julio's redemption by appealing to his suppressed Pikario identity. Her 14th birthday coincides with the finale's climactic battle against despair.

The film "Kirakira☆Pretty Cure A La Mode: Crispy! The Mille-feuille of Memories!" shows her traveling to Paris for a baking contest. When Ciel struggles under pressure from mentor Jean-Pierre and monster Cook, Ichika proposes a "memory mille-feuille," persists in supporting Ciel despite Jean-Pierre's demands for solitary work, and battles Cook's sweets-monsters in non-rabbit transformed animal forms.

Future events reveal adult Ichika inheriting Kirakira Patisserie from Chourou and traveling worldwide to spread happiness through desserts. Others pursue independent paths, including Ciel and Rio co-owning a bakery.