Out of Clotted cream, one case
Clotted cream substitute USA
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Mascarpone cheese
Same amount as the clotted cream
The best clotted cream substitutes available in the USA are mascarpone cheese, crème fraîche, heavy cream with butter, or homemade clotted cream. These are readily available in most American grocery stores.
- 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 cheesedesserts | ½ cup whipped cream + ½ cup softened cream cheese per 1 cup clotted cream |
| 5 | Sour cream + heavy creamscones | ½ cup sour cream + ½ cup heavy cream per 1 cup clotted cream |
Mascarpone cheese
rich, slightly tangy
Mascarpone is widely available in the US and provides the closest texture to clotted cream. It's found in the dairy section near cream cheese and specialty cheeses.
- Best for
- scones, desserts, baking, spreading, sauces
- Texture
- thick, creamy
Available at most US grocery stores. Look for brands like BelGioioso, Galbani, or store brands.
Crème fraîche
rich, slightly tangy
Crème fraîche is increasingly available in US grocery stores, especially in the specialty cheese section. It has a similar thick texture and slight tang to clotted cream.
- Best for
- scones, desserts, baking, spreading, sauces
- Texture
- thick, creamy
Available at most US grocery stores. Look for brands like Vermont Creamery, Organic Valley, or store brands.
Heavy cream + butter
rich, creamy
This homemade combination uses ingredients that are easily found in any US grocery store. It provides excellent texture and richness when properly prepared.
- Best for
- scones, desserts, baking, spreading
- Texture
- thick, smooth
Both ingredients are readily available in all US grocery stores. Use high-quality heavy cream for best results.
Whipped cream + cream cheese
rich, slightly tangy
This combination uses common US ingredients to create a rich, creamy substitute. It's easy to make and provides good texture for most applications.
- Best for
- desserts, scones, baking, spreading
- Texture
- thick, airy
Both ingredients are available at all US grocery stores. Use full-fat cream cheese for best results.
Sour cream + heavy cream
rich, tangy
This combination uses readily available US ingredients to create a tangy, rich substitute. It works well in both sweet and savory applications.
- Best for
- scones, savory dishes, sauces, baking
- Texture
- thick, creamy
Both ingredients are available at all US grocery stores. Use full-fat sour cream for best results.
How it behaves in this recipe
Finding clotted cream substitutes in the USA requires knowing where to look and what alternatives work best with American ingredients. The key is choosing substitutes that are readily available and provide similar texture and flavor to traditional clotted cream.
Tips for substituting clotted cream
9 tips- Look for mascarpone in the specialty cheese section of your grocery store
- Crème fraîche is often found near the organic dairy products or specialty cheeses
- Use high-quality heavy cream (not ultra-pasteurized) for best results when making homemade clotted cream
- For the most authentic experience, try making your own clotted cream at home with US ingredients
- 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
- Check the expiration dates on dairy products to ensure freshness
Notes on clotted cream
- Check specialty food stores or British import shops for authentic clotted cream
- Look for European-style dairy products in the specialty cheese section
- Try different brands of mascarpone to find your preferred taste and texture
- Consider ordering clotted cream online from specialty retailers
- Experiment with making your own clotted cream using high-quality US heavy cream
Questions
6 questionsWhere can I buy clotted cream in the USA?
Clotted cream is not commonly available in US grocery stores, but you can find it at specialty food stores, British import shops, or online. Mascarpone and crème fraîche are more readily available alternatives.
What's the best clotted cream substitute available in US grocery stores?
Mascarpone cheese is the best clotted cream substitute available in most US grocery stores. It's found in the dairy section near cream cheese and specialty cheeses.
Can I make clotted cream at home with US ingredients?
Yes! You can make clotted cream at home using heavy cream (not ultra-pasteurized) from US grocery stores. Heat it in a shallow dish at 180°F for 12 hours, then refrigerate overnight.
Is crème fraîche available in US grocery stores?
Yes, crème fraîche is increasingly available in US grocery stores, especially in the specialty cheese section or near organic dairy products. Look for brands like Vermont Creamery or Organic Valley.
What's the difference between clotted cream and mascarpone?
Clotted cream is made by slowly heating cream to form a thick, crusty layer, while mascarpone is made by curdling cream with acid. Mascarpone is slightly tangier but has similar richness and texture.
Can I use American heavy cream to make clotted cream?
Yes, but avoid ultra-pasteurized heavy cream as it won't form the characteristic crust. Look for regular pasteurized heavy cream with high fat content for best results.