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
Measure Ingredients
Measure 2 cups of heavy cream and 2–3 tablespoons of cultured buttermilk.
Time: PT5M
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
Cover the Jar
Cover the jar tightly with cheesecloth or any breathable material and secure with a rubber band.
Time: PT2M
Room Temperature Fermentation
Leave the jar at room temperature (70–75°F / 21–24°C) for 24 hours.
Time: PT24H
Temperature: 70-75°F
Stir After Fermentation
After 24 hours, stir the mixture to redistribute the cultures.
Time: PT2M
Refrigerate
Screw the lid on tightly and refrigerate for another 24 hours before using.
Time: PT24H
Temperature: 4°C
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
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Heavy Cream: Half‑and‑half (less rich), Whole milk with melted butter (1 cup milk + 2 tbsp butter)
- Instead of Cultured Buttermilk: Plain yogurt thinned with milk, Kefir, Sour cream diluted with milk
Equipment Needed
- Glass Jar (1‑quart mason jar)
- Cheesecloth
- Spoon or Small Whisk
- Rubber Band
- Measuring Cup
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Combine Cream and Buttermilk
- Cover the Jar
- Room Temperature Fermentation
- Refrigerate
Chef Tips from the Video
- For a slightly tangier flavor, increase the cultured buttermilk to 4 tablespoons.
- Use a wide‑mouth mason jar for easier stirring and cleaning.
Troubleshooting
Cultured cream did not thicken after 24‑hour fermentation.
Ensure the room temperature stayed within 70‑75°F and that the buttermilk was active. Extend the fermentation another 12‑24 hours.
Off‑smell or visible mold.
Discard immediately; the batch is spoiled and should not be consumed.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in a sealed container for up to 1 week.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw in refrigerator before use.
Room temperature: Do not keep at room temperature beyond the initial 24‑hour fermentation.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The cultured cream can be made up to a week in advance and kept refrigerated.
- Label the jar with the preparation date for easy tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of cultured cream in American breakfast cuisine?
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.
What regional variations of cultured cream exist within the United States?
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.
How is homemade cultured cream traditionally served in American breakfast settings?
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.
What occasions or celebrations is cultured cream traditionally associated with in American culture?
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.
What authentic traditional ingredients are required for cultured cream versus acceptable substitutes?
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.
What other American breakfast dishes pair well with homemade cultured cream?
Homemade cultured cream pairs beautifully with classic American pancakes, Belgian waffles, biscuits and gravy, and even oatmeal or granola for a creamy finish.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making homemade cultured cream?
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.
Why does this recipe use cultured buttermilk instead of plain yogurt as the starter culture?
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.
Can I make homemade cultured cream ahead of time and how should I store it?
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.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the cultured cream is finished?
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.
What does the YouTube channel Breakfast Recipies specialize in?
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.
How does the YouTube channel Breakfast Recipies' approach to American breakfast cooking differ from other breakfast channels?
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.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
