Crème Fraîche

Crème Fraîche Recipe

1 Quart Heavy Cream

4 TBSP Buttermilk (I use non-fat)

Mix ingredients together and pour into your mason jar. 

Put the lid on and let the mixture sit at room temperature for 12-24 hours. Depending on the temperature of your house this may take a little more time for your crème fraîche to thicken. 

Store in the refrigerator for approximately 2 weeks

What is Crème Fraîche?

Crème Fraîche is a luxuriously creamy and tangy French dairy product that elevates both sweet and savory dishes. With its rich texture and mild flavor, it’s perfect for enhancing sauces, soups, desserts, and dips. Whether you’re looking to substitute sour cream with a more sophisticated option or want to add depth to your cooking, crème fraîche is a versatile ingredient that works well in recipes like creamy sauces, desserts, or even as a topping for fresh fruit. Learn how to make homemade crème fraîche or discover new ways to incorporate this creamy delight into your kitchen routine.

What is Crème Fraîche?

• Ingredients: Crème fraîche is made by adding a bacterial culture to heavy cream. This culture ferments the cream, thickening it and giving it a tangy flavor.
• Texture and Flavor: It has a velvety, thick texture and a subtly tangy taste. The tanginess is milder than that of sour cream, and it’s not as sharp as buttermilk.
• Fat Content: Typically, crème fraîche contains around 30-40% fat, which is higher than sour cream (about 20% fat). This high fat content gives it a rich, smooth consistency.

Uses in Cooking

• Culinary Versatility: Crème Fraîche can be used in a variety of dishes, both savory and sweet. It’s great as a topping for soups, as a base for sauces, or mixed into dishes for added creaminess.
• Cooking: Unlike sour cream, crème Fraîche can be heated without curdling, making it ideal for cooking and baking. It’s often used in recipes where you want a creamy texture without the risk of separation.
• Desserts: It can also be used in desserts like mousses, cheesecakes, or simply served with fruit for a luxurious treat.

Substitutes

• Sour Cream: If you don’t have crème fraîche, sour cream can be used as a substitute. However, it has a tangier flavor and may not have the same creamy texture when heated.
• Greek Yogurt: For a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, Greek yogurt can be used, though it may not be as rich.