This Crème Fraîche recipe is like a homemade sour cream but less tangy, and it’s easy to make, just heavy cream mixed with live cultures. Crème Fraîche is easy to make and can be 3-4 times cheaper than store-bought crème fraîche. It’s is a thickened cream, similar in consistency to sour cream, but without the sharp tanginess.
Homemade Crème Fraîche Recipe
All you need to make crème fraîche is
HEAVY CREAM also called Heavy Whipping Cream
YOGURT or BUTTERMILK with live cultures A crème fraîche made with buttermilk has more tang.
A Crème Fraîche recipe practically makes itself. All you have to do is introduce the two parties, put them together in a warm environment around 70F, and then let them hang out for 12-24 hours. How long it takes for the cream to thicken will mostly depend on the room temperature; if it’s a bit warmer or cooler in the room, it might take a bit shorter or longer time to make crème fraîche.
I generally make 16oz of crème fraîche at a time. This is a convenient size for heavy whipping cream. Heavy whipping cream and heavy cream are similarly used names for the exact same product, so whichever label you buy will work fine. Heavy cream is cream with a milkfat content greater than 35%, by contrast, half and half is ½ milk and ½ cream, with a milkfat content around 12%. This higher fat content allows crème fraîche be added to simmering dishes without curdling, adding creaminess to soups and sauces, eggs, etc..
In a jar, combine 16oz of heavy cream with 2 Tbsp of cultured buttermilk or yogurt. It is essential that the yogurt or buttermilk contain live cultures, since this is the agent that will allow the heavy cream to thicken.
Need a jar? Check current prices for Mason Jars on Amazon.
Stir the ingredients together, and then top the jar with a loose fitting lid or mesh, a coffee filter works great. Set jar aside and allow to rest at room temperature for 12-24 hours.
The cream will thicken over time, stir occasionally if desired. Once the cream thickens to the consistency of yogurt, place the crème fraîche in the refrigerator. It will continue to thicken and
will keep 8 to 10 days in the refrigerator.
What can you do with Crème Fraîche?
It makes an ideal topping for desserts; it is rich and velvety smooth and can transform whatever it tops into a dessert, especially fruit. Or it can add creaminess to savory dishes as well. Crème fraîche has a high fat content, so it can be added into dishes as they cook and the cream will resist curdling. Add crème fraîche to soups and sauces to create a smooth, creamy richness. Crème fraîche can be used in any way you might use a whipped topping or sour cream, but the simplicity and richness of this thickened cream can elevate a dish to something special.
Love Mexican food? You can use this recipe to make a fresh, delicious Mexican crema that is better than what you buy in the stores. Mexican crema is basically crème fraîche with a bit of lime juice and salt added after it has sat in the frig for a day. And for an extra tang, use cultured buttermilk instead of the yogurt. What you will get is thick, creamy goodness that is a great topping for chilaquiles, pozole, tacos …. the list is endless!
My Favorite Ways To Use Crème Fraîche
Use crème fraîche as a fruit topping. It turns fruit into dessert. An actual dessert if you top with powdered sugar as well.
Saute apples in butter and cinnamon and then top with crème fraîche. Holy cow it’s good.
Or just drop a dollop of crème fraîche on pie or cake.
Stir crème fraîche into pasta to add a decadent creaminess. Mac ‘n cheese!
Stir crème fraîche into soups and sauces, it will add creaminess without curdling.
Top oatmeal with crème fraîche to turn a bland breakfast into a better breakfast.
Add crème fraîche to scrambled eggs for the creamiest eggs ever.
If you’ve never tried crème fraîche then give it a go. And if you’ve only previously bought it from the store, definitely try this homemade crème fraîche recipe.
Here’s some desserts that would look nice under a dollop of crème fraîche!
Try a homemade Fruit Cobbler Recipe.
Or try crème fraîche on a fancy French Baked Pear Recipe.
Thanks for Trying Our Butter Pecan Cookie Recipe
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