Homemade Clotted Cream (2024)

Pair this traditional homemade clotted cream with scones or crumpets for a perfectly British treat.

What Is Clotted Cream?

Clotted cream (a.k.a. clouted, scalded cream, or Devonshire cream) is a British topping made by heating cream or full-fat milk, then allowing it to cool slowly. As it cools, the cream rises to the top and "clots."

Learn more: What Is Clotted Cream?

What Does Clotted Cream Taste Like?

Clotted cream has a rich flavor that tastes similar to butter. When it's made properly, it's thick and creamy with a silky texture.

How to Make Clotted Cream

You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below – but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make clotted cream at home:

1. Pour the cream into a baking dish and bake for 12 hours.
2. Chill overnight.
3. Separate the liquid and cream.
4. Pack the clotted cream into a canning jar. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Notes from Chef John:

· This recipe works best with good quality cream, preferably from grass-fed cows with a fat content of 36% to 40%. Avoid anything that says "ultra-pasteurized" since it has been heat-treated, and you won't get the same results.
· Most modern ovens go down as low as 175 to 180 degrees F (80 degrees C), ideal for this technique. A temperature of 200 degrees F (95 degrees C) will work, but check after 10 hours and see how things look.

How to Use Clotted Cream

Clotted cream is most often served on scones with jam. You can also dollop it onto crumpets and toast or pair it with fresh berries.

How to Store Clotted Cream

Store the homemade clotted cream in a shallow, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"Reliable results once you source the appropriate cream," says birchroad. "We freeze it with great success. Nothing beats a cup of tea served with a scone coated with clotted cream and strawberry jam."

"Amazing flavor and texture," raves Kate Clifford. "Made Irish scones (my mother's recipe) and ate it with raspberry jam from my own garden. Again... amazing."

"If you use a quart of cream, you end up with at least a pint of clotted cream," according to Jeanne B. "But, if you have leftovers, it can be frozen in an airtight container for use later."

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Homemade Clotted Cream (2024)

FAQs

What is the American equivalent of clotted cream? ›

To be true clotted cream it has to have a minimum fat content of 55%, although most of the clotted cream made in England leans towards a rich 64%. As you can probably tell from these numbers it is not the healthiest thing in the world. In the U.S, clotted cream would be classed as butter due to its high fat content.

Why don t they sell clotted cream in the US? ›

While states are able to make some of their own rules regarding raw and unpasteurized dairy, the distribution of such products is banned by the FDA, so you'll have a hard time finding clotted cream in any U.S. grocery store.

Is clotted cream just whipped butter? ›

With its ultra-thick consistency, clotted cream can even be mistaken for butter. But butter is churned, rather than separated, and while clotted cream may be closer to butter in terms of fat content, its flavour is more milky than buttery.

Why is clotted cream illegal in the United States? ›

Following a 1987 ruling from the Food and Drug Administration, the interstate sale of raw milk was banned in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, raw milk can contain harmful bacteria and germs, which can be especially risky for certain individuals like those who are pregnant or elderly ...

What can I use instead of clotted cream? ›

Crème fraîche can be used as a clotted cream substitute as a topping for fruit and baked goods as it has a similar thickness and creaminess to that of clotted cream. But considering crème fraîche's more tangy, sour flavour, it will be a better fit for some recipes than others.

What is the point of clotted cream? ›

Clotted cream can be used as an accompaniment to hot or cold desserts. Clotted cream, especially clotted cream from Devon, where it is less yellow due to lower carotene levels in the grass, is regularly used in baking. It is used throughout southwest England in the production of ice cream and fudge.

What do British eat with clotted cream? ›

Most afternoon teas in southwest England wouldn't be complete without a helping of clotted cream. It's often served on scones with jam, but would be just as delicious spread onto crumpets or quick breads.

Is creme fraiche the same as clotted cream? ›

Créme frâiche is made by adding buttermilk, whereas clotted cream has nothing added to it. Créme frâiche develops by sitting at room temperature, while clotted cream needs to be baked. Créme frâiche is a “soured cream” that has a tang. Clotted cream is more like a cross between butter and whipped cream.

Is mascarpone like clotted cream? ›

Both creams were very similar, but we found that the folded mascarpone cream mixture tasted a bit more like clotted cream. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment or large bowl with a handheld electric whisk beat the heavy cream and confectioner sugar until medium to stiff peaks form.

Is clotted cream very unhealthy? ›

Nutritionally, there is nothing particularly “bad” about clotted cream. However, it is worth noting just how rich in calories the cream is. As always, the caloric content of a food has no bearing on how healthy (or not) it is.

What is another name for clotted cream? ›

It is also called Devonshire, Devon clotted cream, or Cornish clotted cream, depending on where it was made. The dish is traditionally made with full-fat unpasteurized cow's milk, although many recipes today feature heavy cream.

What is clotted cream in the USA? ›

Clotted creams are processed by sitting the cow's milk for 12 to 24 hours in shallow pans, then slowly heating them at low temperatures. This method enables the clots to rise and be skimmed off, making fresh clotted creams to serve on your table. This type of cream has a fat content of 55%.

What is the difference between clotted cream and Devonshire cream? ›

Clotted cream originated in Southwest England (either in Cornwall or Devon, depending on who you ask), and Cornish clotted cream has been awarded the EU's Protection Designation of Origin. It has a minimum of 55% butterfat. Devonshire cream: Clotted cream produced in the county of Devon, England.

What is the difference between Cornish and Devon clotted cream? ›

Differences Between Cornish and Devonshire Clotted Cream

Both Devonshire and Cornish clotted cream is produced using the same or similar methods, the main difference comes from the cows pastures (the better the cows diet the better the clotted cream).

What is the US equivalent of British heavy cream? ›

Double cream is a popular dairy product in Britain and Europe and it's as rich as it sounds. What Is Light Cream? The British use double cream in recipes the way we use heavy cream or whipping cream here in the US, but they also allow it to accompany dessert the way we might use ice cream.

Is clotted cream the same as heavy whipping cream? ›

Clotted cream is incredibly rich, requiring 55 percent butterfat to be properly classified as clotted cream. For comparison, heavy cream has a mere 36 percent butterfat.

Can I take clotted cream to the USA? ›

It is absolutely permissable to bring clotted cream into the US from the UK. I've done it multiple times, but not in carry-on, it must go in checked baggage. Wrap it tightly in cling film to prevent leaks, pack in a soft cooler with a freezer block, declare on customs form et voila, clotted cream in the US!

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