🥛 Dairy

Vegan Substitute for Clotted Cream: Plant-Based Cream Alternatives

Discover the best vegan substitutes for clotted cream including coconut cream, cashew cream, and commercial plant-based alternatives. Perfect for scones, desserts, and baking without any dairy.

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Quick Answer

The best vegan substitutes for clotted cream are coconut cream, cashew cream, vegan cream cheese, or commercial plant-based cream alternatives. These provide similar richness and texture without any dairy products.

Best Substitutes

Coconut Cream

1:1

Coconut cream provides the closest texture to clotted cream when properly prepared. Refrigerate full-fat coconut milk overnight, then use only the thick cream that separates to the top.

Best for:

sconesdessertsbakingspreadingsauces

Refrigerate coconut milk overnight, use the thick cream on top. Add a pinch of salt and sugar to taste

Cashew Cream

1 cup clotted cream = 1 cup soaked cashews + 1/4 cup water + 1 tbsp lemon juice + 1/2 tsp salt

Cashew cream creates a rich, velvety texture similar to clotted cream. The key is proper soaking and blending to achieve the right consistency.

Best for:

sconesdessertsbakingspreadingsauces

Soak raw cashews for 2-4 hours, then blend until smooth and creamy

Vegan Cream Cheese

1:1

Commercial vegan cream cheese provides a convenient alternative with good texture. Look for brands made with coconut or cashew for best results.

Best for:

sconesdessertsbakingspreading

Choose a high-quality brand for best texture. May need to be slightly thinned with plant milk

Almond Cream

1 cup clotted cream = 1 cup soaked almonds + 1/3 cup water + 1 tbsp lemon juice + 1/2 tsp salt

Almond cream provides a rich, nutty alternative to clotted cream. Soak almonds overnight for best texture and flavor.

Best for:

dessertsbakingspreadingsauces

Soak almonds overnight, then blend until smooth. Strain if needed for smoother texture

Oat Cream

1 cup clotted cream = 1 cup rolled oats + 1/2 cup water + 1 tbsp lemon juice + 1/2 tsp salt

Oat cream provides a neutral-flavored alternative that works well in both sweet and savory applications. The key is proper soaking and straining.

Best for:

dessertsbakingspreading

Soak oats for 30 minutes, then blend and strain for smooth texture

Commercial Vegan Cream

1:1

Commercial vegan cream alternatives are designed to mimic the taste and texture of clotted cream. Brands like Oatly and Alpro offer good options.

Best for:

conveniencebeginnersquick mealssconesdesserts

Look for brands specifically designed as clotted cream alternatives. Quality varies by brand

Cooking Tips

  • 💡Always refrigerate coconut milk overnight to separate the cream from the liquid
  • 💡Soak nuts for at least 2-4 hours for best texture when making nut-based creams
  • 💡Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of any vegan cream substitute
  • 💡For sweeter applications, add 1-2 tbsp of maple syrup or agave nectar
  • 💡If a substitute is too thick, add a little plant milk to thin it out
  • 💡For a more authentic clotted cream experience, try making your own with coconut cream
  • 💡Store vegan substitutes in the refrigerator and use within 3-5 days
  • 💡Let substitutes come to room temperature before using for best texture
  • 💡For scones, choose a substitute that spreads easily and holds its shape
  • 💡Experiment with different combinations to find your preferred taste and texture

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best vegan substitute for clotted cream on scones?

Coconut cream or cashew cream work best on scones as they have the right thickness and spreadability. Coconut cream is more convenient, while cashew cream has a more neutral flavor.

Can I use coconut cream as a clotted cream substitute?

Yes! Coconut cream is one of the best vegan substitutes for clotted cream. Refrigerate full-fat coconut milk overnight, then use only the thick cream that separates to the top.

How do I make cashew cream for clotted cream substitution?

Soak raw cashews for 2-4 hours, then blend with water, lemon juice, and salt until smooth and creamy. The key is proper soaking and blending to achieve the right consistency.

Are there commercial vegan clotted cream alternatives?

Yes! Brands like Oatly, Alpro, and others offer vegan cream alternatives. Look for products specifically designed as clotted cream substitutes for best results.

Can I use vegan cream cheese as a clotted cream substitute?

Yes, vegan cream cheese can work as a clotted cream substitute, especially for spreading on scones. Choose a high-quality brand and thin it slightly with plant milk if needed.

What's the difference between coconut cream and coconut milk?

Coconut cream is the thick, rich part that separates to the top when coconut milk is refrigerated. Coconut milk is the thinner liquid that remains. For clotted cream substitution, you want the cream part.

Summary

Find the best vegan substitutes for clotted cream including coconut cream, cashew cream, and commercial plant-based alternatives. Learn how to recreate clotted cream's texture and flavor without any dairy products.