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Clotted Cream Substitute USA: American Alternatives and Where to Buy

Find the best clotted cream substitutes available in the USA. Learn about American alternatives, where to buy them, and how to make clotted cream at home with ingredients found in US grocery stores.

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Quick Answer

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 Substitutes

Mascarpone Cheese

1:1

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:

sconesdessertsbakingspreadingsauces

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

Crème Fraîche

1:1

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:

sconesdessertsbakingspreadingsauces

Available at most US grocery stores. Look for brands like Vermont Creamery, Organic 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 US grocery store. It provides excellent texture and richness when properly prepared.

Best for:

sconesdessertsbakingspreading

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

Whipped Cream + Cream Cheese

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

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:

dessertssconesbakingspreading

Both ingredients are available at all US grocery stores. Use full-fat cream cheese for best results

Sour Cream + Heavy Cream

1 cup clotted cream = 1/2 cup sour cream + 1/2 cup heavy cream

This combination uses readily available US ingredients to create a tangy, rich substitute. It works well in both sweet and savory applications.

Best for:

sconessavory dishessaucesbaking

Both ingredients are available at all US grocery stores. Use full-fat sour cream for best results

Cooking 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
  • 💡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 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.

Summary

Find the best clotted cream substitutes available in the USA. Learn about American alternatives, where to buy them, and how to make clotted cream at home with ingredients found in US grocery stores.