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.

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What Is Clotted Cream? (2024)

FAQs

What is clotted cream called in America? ›

Also known as Devonshire cream, clotted cream is a thick cream that originated in the Southwest of England.

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? ›

Across the United Kingdom, clotted cream is typically served with scones, especially as part of traditional afternoon tea. In Devonshire and Cornwall, clotted cream gives afternoon tea its namesake of cream tea, where it's served with scones, light sandwiches and miniature desserts.

Does clotted cream taste like sour cream? ›

Crème fraîche has a sour flavour, giving it a distinctive taste that is very different from that of clotted cream, which has a nutty flavour from being heated and a buttery richness.

Why is clotted cream so unhealthy? ›

Nutritionally, there is nothing particularly “bad” about clotted cream. However, it is worth noting just how rich in calories the cream is. As always, the caloric content of a food has no bearing on how healthy (or not) it is.

Does clotted cream need to be refrigerated? ›

Yes and No - what is unique about this product is that it is shelf stable and does not require refrigeration until it has been opened. As you may remember the Clotted and Double Cream we carried previously had to be refrigerated at all times.

Why is clotted cream so good? ›

If you haven't had it, it's kind of like a mix between whipped cream and whipped butter, but with a deeper flavor. It's thick, it's creamy, and it's absolutely dreamy on scones warm from the oven. Clotted cream and scones have always been my favorite part of afternoon tea. I'm obsessed with it.

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.

Does the Queen like clotted cream? ›

3. Authentic Clotted Cream: The Queen was known for her appreciation of locally sourced ingredients. Her cream teas featured authentic Cornish clotted cream, rich and luxurious, adding an unmistakable touch of quality and tradition.

Is mascarpone similar to clotted cream? ›

Both creams were very similar, but we found that the folded mascarpone cream mixture tasted a bit more like clotted cream.

Is clotted cream just whipped butter? ›

With its ultra-thick consistency, clotted cream can even be mistaken for butter. But butter is churned, rather than separated, and while clotted cream may be closer to butter in terms of fat content, its flavour is more milky than buttery.

Should you whip clotted cream? ›

No. If done right, the consistency will already be thick and creamy with no extra whipping required.

Is extra thick cream like clotted cream? ›

Clotted cream has a much higer fat content than double and extra thick cream.

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.

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