Out of Clotted cream, one case
Substitute for clotted cream
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Mascarpone cheese
Same amount as the clotted cream
The best substitutes for clotted cream are mascarpone cheese, crème fraîche, and heavy cream with butter. Mascarpone is the closest in texture and richness, while crème fraîche provides excellent tang and thickness.
- Best for —
- scones
One casethe full clotted cream card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of clotted cream |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mascarpone cheesescones | Same amount |
| 2 | Crème fraîchescones | Same amount |
| 3 | Heavy cream + butterscones | ¾ cup heavy cream + ¼ cup softened butter per 1 cup clotted cream |
| 4 | Double creamscones | Same amount |
| 5 | Whipped cream + cream cheesedesserts | ½ cup whipped cream + ½ cup softened cream cheese per 1 cup clotted cream |
Mascarpone cheese
rich, slightly tangy
Mascarpone is widely considered the best substitute for clotted cream. It has similar richness, thickness, and texture, making it good for most applications.
- Best for
- scones, desserts, baking, spreading, sauces
- Texture
- thick, creamy
The closest substitute in terms of texture and richness. Use directly as a 1:1 replacement.
Crème fraîche
rich, slightly tangy
Crème fraîche is another top choice for clotted cream substitution. It provides excellent thickness and a subtle tang that works well in both sweet and savory applications.
- Best for
- scones, desserts, baking, spreading, sauces
- Texture
- thick, creamy
Excellent alternative with similar thickness and slight tang. Use directly as a 1:1 replacement.
Heavy cream + butter
rich, creamy
This homemade combination provides excellent texture and richness. It's a great option when you want to control the ingredients and achieve the closest possible substitute.
- Best for
- scones, desserts, baking, spreading
- Texture
- thick, smooth
Homemade alternative that provides excellent texture and richness when properly prepared.
Double cream
rich, creamy
Double cream is the closest to clotted cream in terms of richness and texture. It provides excellent flavor and works well in most applications.
- Best for
- scones, desserts, baking, spreading, sauces
- Texture
- thick, smooth
Closest to clotted cream in terms of richness and texture. Use directly or whip slightly to achieve desired thickness.
Whipped cream + cream cheese
rich, slightly tangy
This combination provides both lightness and richness, making it a versatile substitute. It works well in most applications and provides good texture.
- Best for
- desserts, scones, baking, spreading
- Texture
- thick, airy
Combination that provides both lightness and richness. Beat cream cheese first, then fold in whipped cream.
How it behaves in this recipe
Choosing the best clotted cream substitute depends on your specific needs and preferences. The key is finding an option that provides the right balance of texture, flavor, and convenience for your particular use case.
Tips for substituting clotted cream
10 tips- For the best results, choose mascarpone or crème fraîche as they require no preparation
- Let any substitute come to room temperature before using for best texture
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of any substitute
- For sweet applications, add 1-2 tsp sugar per cup of substitute
- Store any substitute in the refrigerator and use within 3-5 days
- If a substitute is too thick, add a little milk or cream to thin it out
- For the most authentic experience, try making your own clotted cream at home
- Experiment with different combinations to find your preferred taste and texture
- Choose your substitute based on the specific use and your preference for tanginess
- Keep it simple - the best substitutes often require the least preparation
Notes on clotted cream
- Try different brands of mascarpone to find your preferred taste and texture
- Experiment with different combinations to create your good substitute
- Consider using plant-based alternatives like coconut cream for vegan options
- For a more authentic experience, try making your own clotted cream at home
- Use different substitutes for different applications to get the best results
Questions
6 questionsWhat's the best substitute for clotted cream?
Mascarpone cheese is widely considered the best substitute for clotted cream. It has similar richness, thickness, and texture, making it good for most applications.
Is mascarpone better than crème fraîche as a clotted cream substitute?
Both are excellent substitutes, but mascarpone is slightly closer to clotted cream in texture and richness. Crème fraîche has a subtle tang that some people prefer.
What's the easiest clotted cream substitute to use?
Mascarpone cheese or crème fraîche are the easiest to use as they require no preparation. Just use them directly as a 1:1 replacement.
Can I make the best clotted cream substitute at home?
Yes! The heavy cream + butter combination is an excellent homemade substitute. Beat ¼ cup softened butter until smooth, then gradually beat in ¾ cup heavy cream until thick and creamy.
What's the best clotted cream substitute for scones?
Mascarpone cheese or crème fraîche work best on scones as they have the right thickness and spreadability. Mascarpone is slightly sweeter, while crème fraîche has a subtle tang.
How do I choose the best clotted cream substitute for my needs?
Consider your specific use: mascarpone for general use, crème fraîche for tangy applications, heavy cream + butter for homemade control, or double cream for authenticity.