Clotted Cream is deliciously creamy and the essential companion to a batch of British scones. You don’t have to go to England to enjoy your tea-time treats though, because clotted cream is so easy to make at home!
What Is Clotted Cream?
Clotted cream is a staple on British tea-time tables. You’ll find it served in a little dish right along side of your scones.
It is a thick, creamy, white spread, the consistency of softened cream cheese. It is ever so slightly sweet, but mostly just incredibly creamy. Like a good, unsalted butter.
But so much more.
Devonshire Cream vs Clotted Cream
Sometimes you may hear “clotted cream” called “Devonshire cream” or “Cornish cream”. It really all depends on region you are in.
The making of clotted cream started in Devon as a way to separate the fat from milk to make butter. Centuries later in Cornwall, it became popular to use the cream on its own. At that time, clotted cream and butter were the most popular ways to preserve milk.
Of course, those in Devon and Cornwall each claim that their cream is superior.
We’ll have to take a trip to decide for ourselves!
Clotted cream is the perfect accompaniment to our British scones!
What’s The Difference Between Clotted Cream And Whipped Cream?
While at first a bowl of clotted cream might look similar to whipped cream, once you take a taste, you’ll know the difference.
Both start with the same basic ingredient: heavy cream. But, for whipped cream you whip that cream into light and fluffy pillows. Often you’ll add sweetener and possibly a flavoring, like vanilla, to whipped cream as well.
Clotted cream, on the other hand, is heated and separated, as we’ll go into more detail on below. This process produces a thicker, creamy substance.
Another difference is that clotted cream is typically not sweetened. It’s loved for the creamy texture it adds, similar to butter, rather than a particular sweetness or flavor.
What’s The Difference Between Clotted Cream And Butter?
So, if it has a thicker consistency and is more savory, how is clotted cream different from butter?
Again, it comes down to the process.
Butter is made by churning (or whipping) cream. So, if you over whip your whipped cream, you’ll end up with a nice, whipped butter.
Clotted cream, again, has to do with the separation of the fat in your cream. So let’s get into the process of how to make clotted cream.
How To Make Clotted Cream
Clotted describes the look of the cream when it is heated ever so gently so that the fat separates to the top and clings together.
Buying jars of imported clotted cream can get quite pricey. But you don’t have to worry about that any more, because making it at home is incredibly easy.
Actually, the hardest part about making clotted cream is finding the cream. You see, you have to start with heavy cream that has not been ultra-pasteurized for a longer shelf life. Simply look for a carton of heavy cream that does not say “ultra-pasteurized”, and you’re good to go!
After you find your cream, the second hardest part to making clotted cream is the wait.
It is not a quick process.
The cream has to be heated slowly for 12 hours, which we find easiest to do overnight. Then it is cooled for another 8 hours (or over the next night).
Finally, you separate the cream from the liquid, and you have the spread that you have been waiting for.
It might take a long time, but it’s mostly hands off.
And it’s SO worth the wait!
Homemade Clotted Cream
Ingredients
- 2 c heavy cream (not ultra-pasteurized)
Instructions
Day 1
- Preheat your oven to 170-180F.
- Pour the cream into a shallow casserole dish or glass baking dish. (The cream should only come up the sides about 1-2 inches. The key here is to have a lot of surface area.)
- Place the cream in the oven for 12 hours, uncovered. (This works great overnight.**)
Day 2
- After heating for 12 hours, the cream will develop a skin. Carefully remove the dish from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. Once cool, cover the dish and refrigerate it for 8 hours (or overnight again).
Day 3
- After chilled, gently skim the thick layer of clotted cream from the surface, leaving the thinner liquid behind. (It will feel like you’re pulling a layer of slightly softened ice cream from the top of a layer of milk*. The skin in fine, it will soften as it is mixed into the cream.)
- Gently stir the skimmed clotted cream to create a smooth texture. (If your cream is too thick for your liking, you can always stir a little bit of the thin liquid back into your cream, until it reaches your desired consistency.)
- Store the cream in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Notes
I’ve been making clotted cream using this method for about two years. It is fool proof. My oven is electric and runs a bit below the set temperature, which I set at 170 F. Sometimes it takes a little longer but so far it hasn’t failed. I love having fresh clotted cream, a novelty here in California. I’m looking for more ways to eat it than just on scones since I try to avoid sweetened foods. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Hi Peggy. Thanks for your comment and glad you enjoy the recipe! I will say that our recipe for British style scones is not very sweet, closer to a biscuit. Clotted cream is often used in sweeter applications and desserts, like ice cream and fudge. But, you could use it like you would use butter, on toast, muffins, or cornbread. You could also use it in place of milk or cream in savory dishes, like in mashed potatoes. Enjoy!
Hi!
I left it cooking over night but when I woke up my oven was off. This may have been a safety feature. I’m not sure if it’s totally ruined, or if I can still keep trying? What is it supposed to look like after being cooked? I have no idea how long it would’ve sat in the oven with it off. 🙁
Hi Gina. The cream should have a dry skin on top that is lightly golden. If you oven (or the dish) were still warm when you woke up, then it is likely fine. If it has the skin, it is also likely fine. Always use your best judgement and if is smells off at all, then don’t consume it. But, likely, if there is a skin it should be fine.