🥛 Dairy

Clotted Cream Substitute UK: British Alternatives and Traditional Methods

Find the best clotted cream substitutes available in the UK. Learn about British alternatives, where to buy them, and traditional methods for making clotted cream at home with UK ingredients.

Quick Answer

The best clotted cream substitutes available in the UK are double cream, mascarpone cheese, crème fraîche, or homemade clotted cream. These are readily available in British grocery stores and provide authentic taste and texture.

Best Substitutes

Double Cream

1:1

Double cream is the closest substitute to clotted cream available in the UK. It has high fat content and provides excellent richness and texture.

Best for:

sconesdessertsbakingspreadingsauces

Available at all UK grocery stores. Use directly or whip slightly to achieve desired thickness

Mascarpone Cheese

1:1

Mascarpone is widely available in the UK and provides excellent texture and richness. It's found in the dairy section near cream cheese and specialty cheeses.

Best for:

sconesdessertsbakingspreadingsauces

Available at most UK grocery stores. Look for brands like Galbani, BelGioioso, or store brands

Crème Fraîche

1:1

Crème fraîche is readily available in UK grocery stores and provides similar thickness and slight tang to clotted cream.

Best for:

sconesdessertsbakingspreadingsauces

Available at most UK grocery stores. Look for brands like Total, Yeo Valley, or store brands

Heavy Cream + Butter

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

This homemade combination uses ingredients that are easily found in any UK grocery store. It provides excellent texture and richness when properly prepared.

Best for:

sconesdessertsbakingspreading

Both ingredients are readily available in all UK grocery stores. Use high-quality heavy cream for best results

Authentic Clotted Cream

1:1

Authentic clotted cream is available in the UK at specialty stores and online. It provides the most authentic taste and texture for traditional British dishes.

Best for:

sconesdessertsbakingspreading

Available at specialty food stores, British import shops, or online. Look for brands like Rodda's or Trewithen

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Look for double cream in the dairy section of your local grocery store
  • 💡Mascarpone and crème fraîche are often found near the specialty cheeses
  • 💡Use high-quality heavy cream for best results when making homemade clotted cream
  • 💡For the most authentic experience, try making your own clotted cream at home
  • 💡Store any substitute in the refrigerator and use within 3-5 days
  • 💡Let substitutes 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
  • 💡Experiment with different brands to find your preferred taste and texture
  • 💡Check the expiration dates on dairy products to ensure freshness

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy clotted cream in the UK?

Clotted cream is available at most UK grocery stores, specialty food stores, and online. Look for brands like Rodda's or Trewithen for authentic clotted cream.

What's the best clotted cream substitute available in UK grocery stores?

Double cream is the best clotted cream substitute available in UK grocery stores. It has high fat content and provides excellent richness and texture.

Can I make clotted cream at home with UK ingredients?

Yes! You can make clotted cream at home using heavy cream from UK grocery stores. Heat it in a shallow dish at 180°F for 12 hours, then refrigerate overnight.

Is crème fraîche available in UK grocery stores?

Yes, crème fraîche is readily available in UK grocery stores. Look for brands like Total, Yeo Valley, or store brands in the dairy section.

What's the difference between clotted cream and double cream?

Clotted cream is made by slowly heating cream to form a thick, crusty layer, while double cream is simply cream with high fat content. Clotted cream has a more complex, slightly cooked flavor.

Can I use UK heavy cream to make clotted cream?

Yes, UK heavy cream works well for making clotted cream at home. Look for cream with high fat content and avoid ultra-pasteurized varieties for best results.

Summary

Find the best clotted cream substitutes available in the UK. Learn about British alternatives, where to buy them, and traditional methods for making clotted cream at home with UK ingredients.