Creme Fraiche - How to make Easy Homemade Creme Fraiche - Recipe & Tips

Creme Fraiche - How to make Easy Homemade Creme Fraiche - Recipe & Tips is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 200 calories per serving. Recipe by Breakfast Recipies on YouTube.

Prep: 14 min | Cook: 48 hrs | Total: 48 hrs 29 min

Cost: $2.30 total, $0.57 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Heavy Cream (full‑fat, 36% milkfat)
  • 2-3 tablespoons Cultured Buttermilk (store‑bought cultured buttermilk, not regular buttermilk)

Instructions

  1. Measure Ingredients

    Measure 2 cups of heavy cream and 2–3 tablespoons of cultured buttermilk.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Combine Cream and Buttermilk

    Pour the heavy cream into the clean glass jar, add the cultured buttermilk, and stir gently until fully incorporated.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Cover the Jar

    Cover the jar tightly with cheesecloth or any breathable material and secure with a rubber band.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Room Temperature Fermentation

    Leave the jar at room temperature (70–75°F / 21–24°C) for 24 hours.

    Time: PT24H

    Temperature: 70-75°F

  5. Stir After Fermentation

    After 24 hours, stir the mixture to redistribute the cultures.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Refrigerate

    Screw the lid on tightly and refrigerate for another 24 hours before using.

    Time: PT24H

    Temperature: 4°C

  7. Ready to Use

    Your homemade cultured cream is now ready to use in coffee, on pancakes, or as a tangy topping.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
200
Protein
1g
Carbohydrates
2g
Fat
22g
Fiber
0g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Allergens: Dairy

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Creme Fraiche - How to make Easy Homemade Creme Fraiche - Recipe & Tips

Recipe by Breakfast Recipies

A simple, no‑cook method to turn heavy cream into tangy cultured cream using a small amount of cultured buttermilk. Perfect for coffee, pancakes, waffles, or as a creamy topping for breakfast dishes.

EasyAmericanServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
48h 14m
Prep
0m
Cook
5h 47m
Cleanup
54h 1m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$2.30
Total cost
$0.57
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Combine Cream and Buttermilk
  • Cover the Jar
  • Room Temperature Fermentation
  • Refrigerate

Safety Warnings

  • Do not leave the mixture at room temperature longer than 24 hours to avoid spoilage.
  • Ensure all utensils and the jar are thoroughly cleaned to prevent contamination.
  • If the cultured cream develops an off‑odor, discoloration, or mold, discard it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of cultured cream in American breakfast cuisine?

A

Cultured cream has roots in traditional dairy fermentation practices brought by European immigrants to the United States. It was historically used as a tangy, thick topping for biscuits, pancakes, and coffee, adding richness without the heaviness of plain heavy cream.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of cultured cream exist within the United States?

A

In the Southern U.S., cultured cream is often called "sour cream" and may be thicker, while in the Northeast it is sometimes used as a light substitute for clotted cream on scones. Some regions add a pinch of salt or herbs for savory applications.

cultural
Q

How is homemade cultured cream traditionally served in American breakfast settings?

A

It is typically dolloped over hot pancakes, waffles, or biscuits, and stirred into coffee for a creamy tang. It can also be used as a base for quick breakfast sauces or mixed with fresh fruit for a simple parfait.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is cultured cream traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Cultured cream appears at weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts, and family gatherings where pancakes or biscuits are served. Its tangy flavor complements sweet breakfast items and adds a touch of elegance to casual meals.

cultural
Q

What authentic traditional ingredients are required for cultured cream versus acceptable substitutes?

A

The authentic recipe uses heavy cream and a small amount of live‑culture buttermilk. Acceptable substitutes include plain yogurt thinned with milk, kefir, or diluted sour cream, though the flavor and thickness may vary slightly.

cultural
Q

What other American breakfast dishes pair well with homemade cultured cream?

A

Homemade cultured cream pairs beautifully with classic American pancakes, Belgian waffles, biscuits and gravy, and even oatmeal or granola for a creamy finish.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making homemade cultured cream?

A

Common mistakes include leaving the jar at room temperature for longer than 24 hours, using non‑sterile containers, and using regular buttermilk instead of cultured buttermilk, which can prevent proper fermentation.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use cultured buttermilk instead of plain yogurt as the starter culture?

A

Cultured buttermilk provides a specific blend of lactic acid bacteria that work well with the high fat content of heavy cream, creating a smooth, tangy texture. Yogurt can work but may introduce a different flavor profile and thicker consistency.

technical
Q

Can I make homemade cultured cream ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare it up to a week in advance. Keep it sealed in the refrigerator at 4°C. For longer storage, freeze it in an airtight container for up to two months and thaw in the fridge before use.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the cultured cream is finished?

A

The finished cream should be thickened, slightly glossy, and have a light tangy aroma. It will be pourable but hold its shape when spooned onto pancakes.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Breakfast Recipies specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Breakfast Recipies specializes in quick, easy-to‑follow breakfast‑focused recipes ranging from classic American dishes to international morning treats, often emphasizing simple techniques and minimal equipment.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Breakfast Recipies' approach to American breakfast cooking differ from other breakfast channels?

A

Breakfast Recipies focuses on step‑by‑step visual guides that highlight ingredient substitutions, budget‑friendly options, and time‑saving tips, whereas many other channels prioritize elaborate plating or gourmet twists.

channel

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