Meet sour cream’s thicker, sweeter cousin.
Here’s a complete guide to buying, storing, making, and using creme fraiche.
We’ve all been there.
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So, what is creme fraiche andif you don’t have itwhat is a good substitute for creme fraiche?
Can you make it at home?
How long can you store it?
Don’t worrywe’ve compiled all the answers for you down below.
Read on to learn more about this European dairy staple.
Maximilian Stock Ltd./Getty Images
What Is Creme Fraiche?
Creme fraiche is essentially the European equivalent ofsour cream.
Its used widely throughout Europe but less commonly in the United States and Canada.
Creme fraiche 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!
Creme Fraiche vs. All you need is heavy cream and cultured buttermilk.
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 creme fraiche is now ready to use!
If you cant find it and dont want to make your own at home, dont worry.
you could substitute sour cream for creme fraichejust know your finished dish will have more tang.
you’re free to also substitute Mexican crema (crema Mexicana) if you have that on hand.
If your recipe involves boiling, avoid substituting sour cream for creme fraiche.
The sour cream will curdle because of its lower fat content.
It can also be used as a substitute for mayonnaisein a saladfor a fresh, rich flavor.
Creme fraiche works just as well with sweet dishes as it does with savory dishes.
you could blend it with herbs and citrus as a meat topping.
We love blending it intopancake batterfor light, fluffy cakes or as a topping for ourBlueberry Ice Cream Pie.
Store-bought will keep well as long as its refrigerated.
Pay attention to the use-by date and ensure you finish your creme fraiche by then.
Once opened, it will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Crema also has a slightly sweeter flavor and works well to balance smokey, spicy flavors.
In a pinch, yes.
you could substitutefull-fat Greek yogurt1:1 for creme fraiche in most savory and sweet recipes.
Low-fat Greek yogurt is not recommended as an equal substitute unless it is only being used as a garnish.
If you used the right ingredients, your creme fraiche may just need more time.
The process can take as long as 24 to 48 hours depending on the temperature of your home.
