Out of Clotted cream, one case
Vegan substitute for clotted cream
6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Coconut cream
Same amount as the clotted cream
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 for —
- scones
One casethe full clotted cream card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of clotted cream |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Coconut creamscones | Same amount |
| 2 | Cashew creamscones | 1 cup soaked cashews + ¼ cup water + 1 tbsp lemon juice + ½ tsp salt per 1 cup clotted cream |
| 3 | Vegan cream cheesescones | Same amount |
| 4 | Almond creamdesserts | 1 cup soaked almonds + 1/3 cup water + 1 tbsp lemon juice + ½ tsp salt per 1 cup clotted cream |
| 5 | Oat creamdesserts | 1 cup rolled oats + ½ cup water + 1 tbsp lemon juice + ½ tsp salt per 1 cup clotted cream |
| 6 | Commercial vegan creamconvenience | Same amount |
Coconut cream
slightly coconut
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
- scones, desserts, baking, spreading, sauces
- Texture
- thick, creamy
Refrigerate coconut milk overnight, use the thick cream on top. Add a pinch of salt and sugar to taste.
Cashew cream
neutral, slightly nutty
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
- scones, desserts, baking, spreading, sauces
- Texture
- thick, smooth
Soak raw cashews for 2-4 hours, then blend until smooth and creamy.
Vegan cream cheese
neutral to slightly tangy
Commercial vegan cream cheese provides a convenient alternative with good texture. Look for brands made with coconut or cashew for best results.
- Best for
- scones, desserts, baking, spreading
- Texture
- thick, creamy
Choose a high-quality brand for best texture. May need to be slightly thinned with plant milk.
Almond cream
nutty, slightly sweet
Almond cream provides a rich, nutty alternative to clotted cream. Soak almonds overnight for best texture and flavor.
- Best for
- desserts, baking, spreading, sauces
- Texture
- thick, smooth
Soak almonds overnight, then blend until smooth. Strain if needed for smoother texture.
Oat cream
neutral taste · thick, smooth
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
- desserts, baking, spreading
Soak oats for 30 minutes, then blend and strain for smooth texture.
Commercial vegan cream
varies by brand
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
- convenience, beginners, quick meals, scones, desserts
- Texture
- thick, creamy
Look for brands specifically designed as clotted cream alternatives. Quality varies by brand.
How it behaves in this recipe
Vegan clotted cream substitutes work best when you focus on recreating both the rich texture and neutral flavor profile of clotted cream using only plant-based ingredients. The key is choosing the right base ingredient and properly preparing it to achieve the desired thickness and creaminess.
Tips for substituting clotted cream
10 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
Notes on clotted cream
- Try combining coconut cream with cashew cream for a more complex flavor profile
- Use aquafaba (chickpea water) as a binder in baking applications
- Experiment with different nut varieties like macadamia or brazil nuts for varied flavors
- Add nutritional yeast for a more savory, umami flavor
- Use arrowroot powder to thicken thinner plant-based creams if needed
Questions
6 questionsWhat'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.