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Clotted Cream Substitute for Scones: Perfect Spreads and Toppings

Find the best clotted cream substitutes specifically for scones. Learn about mascarpone, crème fraîche, and homemade alternatives that spread perfectly and enhance your scone experience.

Quick Answer

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 perfect scone experience.

Best Substitutes

Mascarpone Cheese

1:1

Mascarpone spreads beautifully on scones and has the perfect thickness. It's slightly tangier than clotted cream but provides excellent richness and texture.

Best for:

sconesspreadingdesserts

Let come to room temperature, add a pinch of salt and 1-2 tsp sugar for sweetness

Crème Fraîche

1:1

Crème fraîche has the perfect consistency for spreading on scones. It's slightly tangy but provides excellent richness and holds its shape well.

Best for:

sconesspreadingdesserts

Use directly or add a pinch of sugar for sweet scones. Let come to room temperature first

Heavy Cream + Butter

1 cup clotted cream = 3/4 cup heavy cream + 1/4 cup softened butter

This homemade combination provides the closest texture to clotted cream. It spreads well and has the perfect richness for scones.

Best for:

sconesspreadingdesserts

Beat butter until smooth, then gradually beat in heavy cream until thick and creamy

Whipped Cream + Cream Cheese

1 cup clotted cream = 1/2 cup whipped cream + 1/2 cup softened cream cheese

This combination provides both lightness and richness, perfect for scones. The whipped cream adds airiness while cream cheese provides thickness.

Best for:

sconesspreadingdesserts

Beat cream cheese first, then fold in whipped cream. Add sugar for sweet scones

Double Cream

1:1

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:

sconesspreadingdesserts

Use directly or whip slightly to achieve desired thickness. Add a pinch of salt if desired

Cooking 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What'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 perfect 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.

Summary

Find the best clotted cream substitutes specifically for scones. Learn about mascarpone, crème fraîche, and homemade alternatives that spread perfectly and enhance your scone experience.