What Is Clotted Cream? (2024)

This is an English specialty you should get to know.

Updated on March 21, 2022

Clotted cream originated in southwest England and has become a traditional British topping for baked goods at afternoon teas. Depending on which county the product was made in, it's also sometimes called Devonshire/Devon cream or Cornish cream.

To make clotted cream, full-fat milk is indirectly heated in a shallow pan for several hours until the cream rises to the top. It's then allowed to cool in the pan for 12 to 24 hours. During this period, the cream will thicken and clot. Once the watery whey is poured off, the result is a thick and creamy spread that's smooth in texture and lightly yellow in color.

Clotted cream is incredibly rich, requiring 55 percent butterfat to be properly classified as clotted cream. For comparison, heavy cream has a mere 36 percent butterfat.

What Is Clotted Cream? (1)

What Does Clotted Cream Taste Like?

Clotted cream has a unique taste, often described as being similar to a high-quality unsalted butter. It can also have nutty notes from the milk's long cooking time.

When it comes to texture, clotted cream could be compared to softened cream cheese, with the richness falling somewhere between butter and whipped cream.

How to Use Clotted Cream

Most afternoon teas in southwest England wouldn't be complete without a helping of clotted cream. It's often served on scones with jam, but would be just as delicious spread onto crumpets or quick breads.

When berries are in season, it's also popular to serve a bowl of fresh fruit with a dollop of clotted cream. Once opened, a jar of the cream will keep refrigerated for about three days.

Where to Buy Clotted Cream

Your average grocery store outside of the United Kingdom probably won't sell clotted cream. It must remain refrigerated, so shipping isn't always practical. While some online outlets sell a shelf-stable version or ship the cream in insulated boxes with cool packs, for the tastiest clotted cream experience it's best to make it yourself. All you need is some heavy cream, an oven, and patience.

Related Content:

Thanks for your feedback!

Tell us why!

What Is Clotted Cream? (2024)

FAQs

What is clotted cream called in America? ›

Butter is classified in America as clotted cream for its high fat content. It has the same thickness and creamy taste to that as the clotted cream. Buy 3 or more & receive a 5% discount or 6 for a 10% discount!

Why is clotted cream illegal in the US? ›

Its exclusivity extends beyond England, however, as clotted cream is technically illegal in America. Why? True clotted cream is made with unpasteurized milk, and the FDA officially banned the distribution of any milk or milk products that haven't been pasteurized in America in 1987.

What does clotted cream taste like? ›

Clotted cream has a unique taste, often described as being similar to a high-quality unsalted butter. It can also have nutty notes from the milk's long cooking time. When it comes to texture, clotted cream could be compared to softened cream cheese, with the richness falling somewhere between butter and whipped cream.

What is a substitute for clotted cream? ›

Mock Clotted Cream Substitute
  • 3 ounces cream cheese.
  • 14 cup powdered sugar.
  • 14 cup sour cream.
  • 18 teaspoon almond extract.
  • 1 tablespoon milk.

How do the British eat clotted cream? ›

Depending on where you're having cream tea, the clotted cream is either spread on the scone and then topped with jam (Devon), or jam is spread on the scone first then topped with clotted cream (Cornwall). You can also use clotted cream as a topping as you would whipped cream.

Does Aldi have clotted cream? ›

from Aldi. * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Do you refrigerate clotted cream? ›

An average rule of thumb is Clotted cream can be kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Once opened it lasts for approximately 4 days, depending on how you refrigerate it. Unopened clotted cream will keep for longer, up to 14 days.

Can you put clotted cream in coffee? ›

Unopened, our Clotted Cream has a very long shelf life, once opened it must be refrigerated and eaten within a few days. Can you put clotted cream in coffee? Clotted cream is too heavy for coffee, but single and double cream can be used.

Is mascarpone the same as clotted cream? ›

Its fat content is approximately half that of clotted cream, however, at around 30%, so it lacks that rich, dense texture, and is best if you're looking for a lighter option. Mascarpone, with a fat content of between 45-55%, is the only dairy product that comes close to the luxurious texture of clotted cream.

Why is clotted cream so good? ›

While whipped cream is as light as a cloud, and bright white, clotted cream is thick enough to spread, cream-hued, and milk-tasting (its flavor is that of cream—only intensified).

Is extra thick cream like clotted cream? ›

Clotted cream has a much higer fat content than double and extra thick cream. Extra thick cream is usually served spooned over desserts. It can also be used for cooking but it is not suitable for whipping.

Can I use double cream instead of clotted cream for scones? ›

Definitely clotted (if to spread on scones). Double is a pouring cream with a higher fat content than single.

Is clotted cream just whipped cream? ›

Clotted cream and whipped cream are both made with heavy cream, but while whipped cream is whipped into airy peaks, clotted cream is heated and separated, for a far denser texture. With its ultra-thick consistency, clotted cream can even be mistaken for butter.

What is the difference between clotted cream and extra thick cream? ›

Clotted cream has a much higer fat content than double and extra thick cream. Extra thick cream is usually served spooned over desserts. It can also be used for cooking but it is not suitable for whipping.

Can I take clotted cream to the USA? ›

It is absolutely permissable to bring clotted cream into the US from the UK. I've done it multiple times, but not in carry-on, it must go in checked baggage. Wrap it tightly in cling film to prevent leaks, pack in a soft cooler with a freezer block, declare on customs form et voila, clotted cream in the US!

Is mascarpone like clotted cream? ›

Both creams were very similar, but we found that the folded mascarpone cream mixture tasted a bit more like clotted cream. In the bowl of an electric stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment or large bowl with a handheld electric whisk beat the heavy cream and confectioner sugar until medium to stiff peaks form.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Carmelo Roob

Last Updated:

Views: 6240

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (65 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Carmelo Roob

Birthday: 1995-01-09

Address: Apt. 915 481 Sipes Cliff, New Gonzalobury, CO 80176

Phone: +6773780339780

Job: Sales Executive

Hobby: Gaming, Jogging, Rugby, Video gaming, Handball, Ice skating, Web surfing

Introduction: My name is Carmelo Roob, I am a modern, handsome, delightful, comfortable, attractive, vast, good person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.