We've all been there. You're browsing your favorite cooking magazine and stumble across a recipe that calls for something you've never even heard of—in this case, crème fraîche. So, what is crème fraîche and—if you don't have it—what is a good substitute for crème fraîche? Can you make it at home? How long can you store it? Don't worry—we've compiled all the answers for you down below. Read on to learn more about this European dairy staple.
5 Sour Cream Substitutes for Baking or Cooking with the Same Tang
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What Is Crème Fraîche?
Crème fraîche is essentially the European equivalent of sour cream. It’s used widely throughout Europe but less commonly in the United States and Canada. Crème fraîche is a dairy product much like sour cream but it has a higher fat content. This makes it great for cooking because it's less likely to curdle!
Crème Fraîche vs. Sour Cream
Crème fraîche and sour cream have a lot in common, but crème fraîche tends to taste less tangy. This is because crème fraîche is less acidic and higher in fat—attributes which make it more versatile than sour cream in many dishes. Crème fraîche also tends to be creamier and richer than sour cream, with a texture comparable to softened cream cheese.
Zoe's Creme Fraiche Pancakes
How to Make Crème Fraîche
If a recipe calls for it, you can easily make crème fraîche at home. All you need is heavy cream and cultured buttermilk. Add 1 tablespoon of cultured buttermilk (do not use lemon juice and milk) to 1 cup of heavy cream on the stovetop. Gently mix it until warm, then transfer it to a glass bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let it stand for 24 hours at room temperature. Then give it a stir and refrigerate until chilled. Your crème fraîche is now ready to use!
Substitutes for Crème Fraîche
You can find crème fraîche in European specialty grocery stores as well as the dairy or cheese aisle of gourmet food stores. If you can’t find it and don’t want to make your own at home, don’t worry. You can substitute sour cream for crème fraîche—just know your finished dish will have more tang. You can also substitute Mexican crema (crema Mexicana) if you have that on hand.
If your recipe involves boiling, avoid substituting sour cream for crème fraîche. The sour cream will curdle because of its lower fat content.
How to Use Crème Fraîche
Much like sour cream, crème fraîche is used in cooking or as a topping or garnish (such as on soups or a baked potato). In Europe, it's also used to top fruit or fruity baked goods, like cakes, tarts, and scones. With some desserts, it may be whipped with sugar, honey, or vanilla to give it a sweeter taste. It can also be used as a substitute for mayonnaise in a salad for a fresh, rich flavor.
Crème fraîche works just as well with sweet dishes as it does with savory dishes. You can blend it with herbs and citrus as a meat topping. You can also pair it with eggs and use it as a topping on an omelet with veggies for a fancy breakfast or brunch. We love blending it into pancake batter for light, fluffy cakes or as a topping for our Blueberry Ice Cream Pie.
Cider-Poached Pears in the Slow Cooker or Pressure Cooker
How to Store Crème Fraîche
Homemade crème fraîche can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks in an air-tight container. Store-bought will keep well as long as it’s refrigerated. Pay attention to the use-by date and ensure you finish your crème fraîche by then. Once opened, it will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Despite its similarities to sour cream, crème fraîche does not keep well in the freezer, so plan to use it before it goes bad!
Can You Freeze Sour Cream?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between crème fraîche and crema?
Crème fraîche and crema are both less tangy than sour cream, but crema (also known as Mexican crema) has a thinner consistency than both sour cream and crème fraîche. Crema also has a slightly sweeter flavor and works well to balance smokey, spicy flavors.
Can I substitute Greek yogurt for crème fraîche?
In a pinch, yes. You can substitute full-fat Greek yogurt 1:1 for crème fraîche in most savory and sweet recipes. That said, the fat content in Greek yogurt is much lower than in crème fraîche, so the texture and overall flavor of your dish may be different. Low-fat Greek yogurt is not recommended as an equal substitute unless it is only being used as a garnish.
Why did my homemade crème fraîche turn out runny?
First, double-check that you used heavy cream (as opposed to whipping cream, half-and-half, or regular milk) and cultured full or low-fat buttermilk (as opposed to a buttermilk substitute). If you used the right ingredients, your crème fraîche may just need more time. The process can take as long as 24 to 48 hours depending on the temperature of your home.
