How To Make Homemade Creme Fraiche
Homemade Crème Fraîche (creme fresh) is a rich, velvety cream that has a slightly sour tang. It sounds fancy but is actually very simple to make at home.
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Table of Contents
Creme Fresh Made At Home
I am new to the whole crème fraîche thing. What can I say, I don’t frequent french restaurants. I don’t think my town even has a french restaurant. So it never occurred to me to go out of my way to try it.
So I made some at home and also bought some from Trader Joe’s so that I could taste-test and compare. I actually preferred the homemade version, it is milder than the store bought crème fraîche and I can control the consistency. The longer you let the cream sit out, the thicker it will become. Also, the length of time that it takes the cream to become crème fraîche is determined by the temperature. I’ve been making this during summertime in Northern California . . . so it is HOT in my house! If you live in a cooler climate or are blasting your air conditioner, go ahead and add several more hours to the process.
So far my favorite way to eat this is over fresh berries and adding a drizzle of honey. Perfection.
But, this is great in soups as well. Anyway you try it, I hope you enjoy . . . and feel a little fancy too!
More Homemade Goodies:
How To Make Ricotta
Blackberry Honey Syrup
How To Roast Garlic
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Homemade Creme Fraiche
Ingredients
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 3 Tb Buttermilk
Instructions
- Mix the cream and buttermilk in a glass jar.
- Cover with a piece of cheesecloth or paper towel.
- Let sit until thickened to desired consistency.
- I begin to check after 10 hours.
- Mine is ready after 10-12 hours.*
- Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
Cooler temperatures may require 16 hours or more.
I have also made a half-batch and it worked just the same. Adapted from Heather's French Press
Nutrition
“Every white will have its black, And every sweet its sour.”
– Thomas Percy
Welcome!
Nicole Harris is the recipe creator behind WonkyWonderful, sharing fast, budget-friendly meals for busy families. Since 2012 she’s been developing 30-minute dinners, kid-approved favorites, and holiday dishes with flair - all with real ingredients and no fuss. She grew up stretching simple pantry staples into something delicious, and that shows up in every recipe: easy, affordable, and full of flavor. Read more...
Hi Nicole – I haven’t made creme fraiche before but I have made buttermilk and yogurt. I guess this is pretty much like buttermilk but with heavy cream. I do have a question – what is the ambient temperature where you let the mixture sit for 10-12 hours? I’m am in a fairly warm home in Atlanta so I think it would be a shorter time for me or I could keep it in a cooler with some cold water in a jug.
Thanks!
Hi William. It is very hot here during the summer. So with the air conditioner on, my house is at about 80°. Most creme fraiche recipes advise to leave the cream for 16+ hours, I’m thinking they live in a mild climate. Good Luck and stay cool this summer 🙂
Oh this just looks amazing!!
Thanks Alicia! It tastes amazing too 🙂
Wow, I had no idea how easy it is to make creme fraiche! I’m totally going to do this immediately.
Yum, looks good. Would never have thought to put it in soup though! The first time I made creme fraiche, I didn’t really get the whole concept and it was super runny because I didn’t whip is long enough! 🙂
Hi Laura! Yes, creme fraiche is awesome in tomato soup! Add just a bit to make a creamy soup. Have a great weekend 🙂
I don’t think I’ve ever had creme fraiche. In fact, I didn’t even know exactly what it was until I read your post. I know, shame on me, food blogger who didn’t now what creme fraiche is!
No shame at all! I don’t think most people have tasted creme fraiche, I didn’t until I decided to make it. That is what I love about food blogging … it gets me to try a lot of different stuff that I wouldn’t try otherwise. Have a great week 🙂
Thank you for this amazing recipe Nicole. I am going to have some guests over this weekend and i am planning to impress them with my culinary skills, and this homemade creme fraiche will be one of my secret dishes. Hoping for the best, thanks for the recipe..
Thanks Steven! I hope you love it … have a great dinner party!