What is the Best Creme Fraiche Substitute?

Name: Homemade Creme Fraiche Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1440 min
Total time: 1450 min
Ingredients: 2 Cups Heavy Cream (pasteurized); 2 Tbsp Buttermilk (cultured)

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There are several options for Creme Fraiche but what is the best creme fraiche substitute? If you’d like to find the best ones for any recipe, then read on!

It has a rich creamy flavor that is slightly nutty and a silky texture. And is perfect for stirring into sauces and soups to create a creamy, velvety sauce. Makes a simple creamy dip for veggies, a topping for soups, and a spoonful over fruit and desserts instead of cream.

Try it in place of sour cream on this Easy Ground Beef Chili

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Why not add a dollop to this easy Slow Cooker Pumpkin Soup

What is Creme Fraiche?

Creme Fraiche (pronounced krem fresh), is made with heavy cream. It is cultured to create a thick, tangy, and rich cream. Because it has a high-fat content it won’t curdle and separate when heated. It is perfect for rich and creamy dinners, savory soups, and even sweet desserts.

Creme Fraiche isn’t sweet, but it complements the sweetness of desserts and also fruits. It is a nice contrast of sweet and sour. Add a pinch of sugar to add a little sweetness.

Creme Fraiche Alternatives

But if you don’t have any to hand, don’t worry! as there are plenty of alternatives that can be used to produce your favorite dishes.

So, if you’ve found that perfect recipe that sounds delicious, and then you discovered that it calls for creme fraiche. Oh no! you can’t find any! well, don’t think that you have to find another recipe. Simply try one of these substitutes or try the homemade creme fraiche recipe.

Due to how many ways creme fraiche can be used in cooking, the creme fraiche substitute you choose to use will depend on the recipe. One substitute may work better than another depending on the use of the creme fraiche. Be sure to find the best option for your recipe!

Here are the best creme fraiche substitutes!

Sour Cream
Greek Yogurt
Cream Cheese
Heavy Cream
Coconut Cream
Mascarpone
Homemade Creme Fraiche

1. Sour Cream

Sour cream is very similar to creme fraiche, it is thick and tangy. But it is slightly less rich and creamy as it has a lower fat content and this can also cause it to separate and curdle.

Sour Cream in Soups and Sauces

Because sour cream has a tendency to separate or curdle it should be added at the end of cooking. So instead of stirring in during cooking, remove your pot of soup or sauce from the heat at the end of cooking and stir in the sour cream at this point.

Sour Cream in Baking Recipes

It can be used in baked goods and cakes in the same way as the recipe calls for the use of creme fraiche.

Sour Cream Conclusion

It makes a great substitute in all recipes and dishes, from soups and sauces to desserts and baked goods. It can also be used as a replacement for creme fraiche in dips or toppings for vegetables, chili or other spicy dishes.

2. Greek Yogurt

Full-fat Greek yogurt has a stronger tangy taste and it is thinner than creme fraiche. It will add less creaminess to a recipe but is a great option for a lower fat content. As it has a lower fat content and this can also cause it to separate and curdle.

Full Fat Greek Yogurt in Soups and Sauces

Because Full-fat Greek yogurt has a tendency to separate or curdle it should be added at the end of cooking. So instead of stirring in during cooking, remove your pot of soup or sauce from the heat at the end of cooking and stir in the sour cream at this point.

Full Fat Greek Yogurt in Baking Recipes

Full-fat Greek yogurt can be used in baking recipes, but the texture may be altered due to the lower fat content.

Full-fat Greek Yogurt Conclusion

A good substitute for a low-fat option, but will not add the same thick creaminess of creme fraiche.

3. Cream Cheese

Cream cheese is a lot thicker and denser than creme fraiche but not as tangy, but you can add a squeeze of lemon juice to remedy this. Because it has a high-fat content it won’t separate and curdle.

Cream Cheese in Soups and Sauces

Because Cream Cheese has a high-fat content it won’t curdle or separate. So it can be added to soups and sauces to thicken and add creaminess.

Cream Cheese in Baking Recipes

Cream cheese is great for baking, just think cheesecake. But it can be used in so much more, from cakes and pies to cookies, candies, and ice cream.

Cream Cheese Conclusion

A great substitute for creme fraiche, just add a squeeze of lemon if you want it tangier. Can be added to soups and casseroles without curdling, and is perfect in cakes and baked goods.

4. Heavy Cream

Heavy cream is great in soups and sauces for thickening and adding a creamy texture. The cream has a high-fat content and won’t curdle, use in soups and sauces and bakied products.

Heavy Cream in Soups and Sauces

Because heavy cream has a high-fat content it won’t curdle or separate. So it can be added to soups and sauces to thicken and add creaminess.

Heavy Cream in Baking Recipes

Heavy Cream is great for baking, just think cheesecake. But it can be used in so much more, from cakes and cookies to ice cream. Adding richness to any baked product

Heavy Cream Conclusion

A great substitute for creme fraiche. It can be added to soups and casseroles without curdling and is perfect for cakes and baked goods.

You can also whip your cream to use as a substitute for creme fraiche, which allows you to have the thickness and consistency you require. Add sugar for more sweetness if needed.

5. Coconut Cream

Coconut cream is a great substitute for creme fraiche and is perfect for a vegan-friendly option. It has a high-fat content so it will give you a similar consistency and won’t separate or curdle. It does have a strong flavor so will not suit all recipes.

Coconut Cream in Soups and Sauces

Coconut cream is great for soups and sauces and because it has a high-fat content it won’t curdle or separate. It will have a coconut taste so may not be ideal for all dishes.

Coconut Cream in Baking Recipes

It can be used in baked goods and cakes in the same way as the recipe calls for the use of creme fraiche.

Coconut Cream Conclusion

Coconut cream is different from coconut milk. It is a great substitute for creme fraiche. It can be added to soups and casseroles without curdling and is perfect for cakes and baked goods.

6. Mascarpone

Mascarpone is Italian-style cream cheese. It is milder and sweeter than creme fraiche and not as tangy, and often used in Italian desserts. It has a high fat content and a similar consistency to creme fraiche. You can add a squeeze of lemon or plain yogurt if you want it tangier.

Mascarpone in Soups and Sauces

Mascarpone can be used in soups and sauces as it has a high-fat content it won’t curdle or separate. So it can be added to soups and sauces to thicken and add creaminess. It is great in pasta sauces too.

Mascarpone in Baking Recipes

Mascarpone is perfect for baked goods and cakes. It is slightly sweeter than creme fraiche and can be used in baked goods and cakes in the same way as the recipe calls for the use of creme fraiche.

Mascarpone Conclusion

Mascarpone is a great substitute for creme fraiche. It can be added to soups and casseroles without curdling and is perfect for cakes and baked goods.

It is sweeter than creme fraiche so add a squeeze of lemon or plain yogurt if you want it tangier.

7. Homemade Creme Fraiche

Homemade Creme Fraiche is simple to make using only two ingredients. All that’s needed is heavy cream and buttermilk, simply heat together and allow to incubate for 24 hours. It is so easy, you won’t want to buy storebought again!

STORAGE: HOMEMADE CREME FRAICHE RECIPE

FRIDGE: Place in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

FREEZER: Place in an airtight container or an ice cube tray, and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.

REHEATING: HOMEMADE CREME FRAICHE RECIPE

Heat slowly to avoid the creme fraiche separating or curdling during the reheating process.

OVEN: Place in an ovenproof dish and cover, cook at 350F/180C for 15-20 minutes, stirring often.

MICROWAVE: Place in a microwave dish and cook on full power for 2-3 minutes, stirring often.

HOMEMADE CREME FRAICHE RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

2 Cups Heavy Cream (pasteurized)

2 Tbsp Buttermilk (cultured)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place the buttermilk and cream in a saucepan, and stir until fully combined. Heat to between 75/85F (do not heat higher than 85 degrees).

2. Pour into a clean and sterilized jar and cover loosely with a lid.

3. Allow to stand at room temperature (65/75F) for 24 hours until thickened.

4. Stir and cover tightly then refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

EQUIPMENT

LARGE SAUCEPAN

TIME

PREP TIME: 10 Minutes

TOTAL TIME: 24 Hours

NUTRITIONAL VALUE

Fat: 89.1g

Protein: 5.9g

Total Carbs: 8.2g

Calories: 840 Calories

Homemade Creme Fraiche Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 1

Total Time 1 10

Course Sauce

Calories 840 kcal

Equipment

LARGE SAUCEPAN
Mason Jar

Ingredients

2 Cups Heavy Cream pasteurized
2 Tbsp Buttermilk cultured

Instructions

Place the buttermilk and cream in a saucepan, and stir until fully combined. Heat to between 75/85F (do not heat higher than 85 degrees).
Pour into a clean and sterilized jar and cover loosely with a lid.
Allow to stand at room temperature (65/75F) for 24 hours until thickened.
Stir and cover tightly then refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Video

Notes

NUTRITIONAL VALUE
Fat: 89.1g