Out of Clotted cream, one case
Clotted cream substitute for scones
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Mascarpone cheese
Same amount as the clotted cream
The best clotted cream substitutes for scones are mascarpone cheese, crème fraîche, or a combination of heavy cream and butter. These provide the right thickness and spreadability for the good scone experience.
- 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 | Whipped cream + cream cheesescones | ½ cup whipped cream + ½ cup softened cream cheese per 1 cup clotted cream |
| 5 | Double creamscones | Same amount |
Mascarpone cheese
rich, slightly tangy
Mascarpone spreads beautifully on scones and has the good thickness. It's slightly tangier than clotted cream but provides excellent richness and texture.
- Best for
- scones, spreading, desserts
- Texture
- thick, creamy
Let come to room temperature, add a pinch of salt and 1-2 tsp sugar for sweetness.
Crème fraîche
rich, slightly tangy
Crème fraîche has the good consistency for spreading on scones. It's slightly tangy but provides excellent richness and holds its shape well.
- Best for
- scones, spreading, desserts
- Texture
- thick, creamy
Use directly or add a pinch of sugar for sweet scones. Let come to room temperature first.
Heavy cream + butter
rich, creamy
This homemade combination provides the closest texture to clotted cream. It spreads well and has the good richness for scones.
- Best for
- scones, spreading, desserts
- Texture
- thick, smooth
Beat butter until smooth, then gradually beat in heavy cream until thick and creamy.
Whipped cream + cream cheese
rich, slightly tangy
This combination provides both lightness and richness, good for scones. The whipped cream adds airiness while cream cheese provides thickness.
- Best for
- scones, spreading, desserts
- Texture
- thick, airy
Beat cream cheese first, then fold in whipped cream. Add sugar for sweet scones.
Double cream
rich, creamy
Double cream is the closest to clotted cream in terms of richness and texture. It spreads beautifully on scones and provides excellent flavor.
- Best for
- scones, spreading, desserts
- Texture
- thick, smooth
Use directly or whip slightly to achieve desired thickness. Add a pinch of salt if desired.
How it behaves in this recipe
When choosing a clotted cream substitute for scones, focus on finding something that spreads easily, holds its shape, and provides the right balance of richness and flavor. The key is proper preparation and seasoning to achieve the best scone experience.
Tips for substituting clotted cream
10 tips- Always let your chosen substitute come to room temperature before spreading on scones
- For sweet scones, add 1-2 tsp sugar per cup of substitute to enhance the sweetness
- For savory scones, add a pinch of salt and herbs to complement the flavors
- Spread the substitute generously on warm scones for the best experience
- If using mascarpone, add a pinch of salt to balance the flavor and enhance richness
- For crème fraîche, it works well as-is but can be sweetened slightly for sweet scones
- The heavy cream + butter combination works best when both ingredients are at room temperature
- Store any leftover substitute in the refrigerator and use within 3-5 days
- For the most authentic experience, try making your own clotted cream at home
- Experiment with different combinations to find your preferred taste and texture
Notes on clotted cream
- Try mixing different substitutes together for a more complex flavor profile
- Add jam or preserves to your substitute for a more traditional scone experience
- Experiment with flavored substitutes by adding vanilla, lemon zest, or other extracts
- For a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt mixed with a little heavy cream
- Consider using plant-based alternatives like coconut cream for vegan scones
Questions
6 questionsWhat's the best substitute for clotted cream on 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.
Can I use mascarpone instead of clotted cream on scones?
Yes! Mascarpone is an excellent substitute for clotted cream on scones. It has similar richness and thickness, and spreads beautifully. Add a pinch of salt and 1-2 tsp sugar for best results.
How do I make clotted cream at home for scones?
To make clotted cream at home, heat heavy cream (not ultra-pasteurized) in a shallow dish at 180°F for 12 hours, then refrigerate overnight. The thick cream that forms on top is your clotted cream.
What's the difference between clotted cream and double cream for scones?
Clotted cream is made by slowly heating cream to form a thick, crusty layer, while double cream is simply cream with high fat content. Both work well on scones, but clotted cream has a more complex, slightly cooked flavor.
Can I use crème fraîche instead of clotted cream on scones?
Yes, crème fraîche is an excellent substitute for clotted cream on scones. It has a similar thick texture and slight tang, making it good for both sweet and savory scones.
How do I store clotted cream substitutes for scones?
Store any clotted cream substitute in the refrigerator and use within 3-5 days. Let it come to room temperature before spreading on scones for best texture and flavor.