Best Substitute for Clotted Cream

Clotted Cream substitute

Mascarpone Cheese

Use the same amount as the clotted cream you are replacing

Best for scones

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.

Compare all 6 clotted cream substitutes

Discover the best substitutes for clotted cream including mascarpone, crème fraîche, and homemade alternatives. Learn which options work best for different uses and get expert recommendations.

Other clotted cream substitutes

Ranked, with the exact amount to use

2Crème Fraîche
Use the same amount
Crème fraîche is another top choice for clotted cream substitution.
What changes
It provides excellent thickness and a subtle tang that works well in both sweet and savory applications.
Best for
scones, desserts, baking, spreading, sauces
Taste
rich, slightly tangy
Texture
thick, creamy
Excellent alternative with similar thickness and slight tang. Use directly as a 1:1 replacement
3Heavy Cream + Butter
Use ¾ cup heavy cream + ¼ cup softened butter for every 1 cup clotted cream
This homemade combination provides excellent texture and richness.
What changes
It's a great option when you want to control the ingredients and achieve the closest possible substitute.
Best for
scones, desserts, baking, spreading
Taste
rich, creamy
Texture
thick, smooth
Homemade alternative that provides excellent texture and richness when properly prepared
4Double Cream
Use the same amount
Double cream is the closest to clotted cream in terms of richness and texture.
What changes
It provides excellent flavor and works well in most applications.
Best for
scones, desserts, baking, spreading, sauces
Taste
rich, creamy
Texture
thick, smooth
Closest to clotted cream in terms of richness and texture. Use directly or whip slightly to achieve desired thickness
5Whipped Cream + Cream Cheese
Use ½ cup whipped cream + ½ cup softened cream cheese for every 1 cup clotted cream
This combination provides both lightness and richness, making it a versatile substitute.
What changes
It works well in most applications and provides good texture.
Best for
desserts, scones, baking, spreading
Taste
rich, slightly tangy
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.

Cooking 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 perfect 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

Frequently asked questions

What'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 perfect 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 1/4 cup softened butter until smooth, then gradually beat in 3/4 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.

Best Substitute for Clotted Cream

Other clotted cream substitutes

2Crème Fraîche

3Heavy Cream + Butter

4Double Cream

5Whipped Cream + Cream Cheese