HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE CRÈME FRAÎCHE

In this tutorial, we'll cover:

• Crème Fraîche vs. Sour Cream
• Benefits of Crème Fraîche
• Choosing a Cream & Starter Culture
• Instructions
• Step by Step Photo Tutorial
• Using Creme Fraiche in Recipes

CRÈME FRAÎCHE VS. SOUR CREAM

Both crème fraîche  and sour cream are cultured cream products, While they are often used interchangeably in recipes, sour cream contains about 20% butterfat and has a sour flavor whereas crème fraîche has more butterfat and a milder flavor.

BENEFITS OF CRÈME FRAÎCHE

Here are some reasons to consider adding crème fraîche to your culturing repertoire:

1. Crème fraîche has a delicious slight sour tang in flavor that is creamy, with a mild nuttiness that is less tart than sour cream.
2. It can be made into whipped cream or cultured butter with ease since it is based in heavy cream.
3. It doesn't separate or curdle when heated, which is ideal when you place a dollop on top of hot cobblers or stews.
4. The bacteria in the cream actually aids in preservation so it tends to keep fresh in the refrigerator longer than milk or cream.
5. Crème fraîche can be made easily at home, using a couple of different starter cultures.

CHOOSING A CREAM

The first step to making crème fraîche is choosing an appropriate cream for the project.

• Whipping cream (whole cream) will yield the thickest crème fraîche.
• Half-and-half can be used, but the crème fraîche will have a thinner consistency. Dry milk powder can be added as thickener, if desired.
• Raw cream can be used but will yield a thinner consistency than if pasteurized whipping cream is used.
• Avoid ultra-pasteurized (UP) or ultra-high temperature (UHT) cream, as it yields inconsistent results when used for culturing.

CHOOSING A STARTER CULTURE

For making creme fraiche, you have 2 options for a starter.

1. Crème Fraîche Starter Culture

Our Crème Fraîche Starter Culture is a direct-set culture. This means that is a single-use culture. Each packet will culture up to one quart of cream, one time. Each box contains 4 packets so you can store any extras in the freezer until you are ready to make crème fraîche again.

2. Cheese Starter Cultures

Cheesemakers may have direct-set aromatic cheese starter culture such as flora danica or mesophilic aromatic type B on hand already. Use ⅛ teaspoon powdered starter culture per quart of cream.

HOW TO MAKE CRÈME FRAÎCHE

1. Warm cream slightly to 86ºF.
2. Add starter culture and stir until thoroughly mixed. Do not stir longer than 15 seconds.
3. Cover the container with a coffee filter or cloth, secured with a rubber band.
4. Place the mixture in a warm spot, 72°-77°F, for 12-18 hours or until thickened.
5. If a thicker consistency is desired, strain the crème fraîche through a tea towel or tight-weave cloth such as butter muslin.
6. Once the mixture has set, cover the jar with a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours to halt the culturing process and cool the crème fraîche.
7. Store the finished product in the refrigerator for up to a week.

STEP BY STEP PHOTO TUTORIAL

1. Warm 1 quart of fresh cream or half-and-half to 86°F.

2. Add the starter culture.

3. Mix thoroughly. Do not stir longer than 15 seconds.

4. Cover the pot and culture in a warm spot, 72°-77°F.

5. After 12 hours the crème fraîche should be set.

6. Transfer it to a container, cover with a lid, and refrigerate for up to one week.

Tada! You can now enjoy your homemade crème fraîche as a topping for desserts, or try it one of our recipes!

USING CRÈME FRAÎCHE IN RECIPES

Crème fraîche is great with just about everything. Consider serving it with smoked salmon or using it to thicken pan sauces. Try replacing some butter in mashed potatoes with a bit of  crême fraîche. Add a dollop to soup, stew, or stir-fried vegetables.

Any place you use heavy cream, sour cream, cream cheese, or even butter, use crême fraîche as a partial or full replacement. You can't go wrong!

• Crème Fraîche Vinaigrette
• Crème Fraîche Vanilla Ice Cream
• Herbed Potatoes with Crème Fraîche
  
  

Ready to Learn More?

• The Benefits of Crème Fraîche
• Crème Fraîche FAQ