Deliciously thick and creamy real Clotted Cream is surprisingly easy to make. Heavy Whipped Cream that is not ultra-pasteurized and patience are all you need. This recipe for clotted cream takes a minimum of 24 hours to make so make sure you plan ahead.
What is clotted cream
It is heavy cream that has been cooked slowly in a shallow dish and then chilled for a long period of time to allow the thickened cream to "clot" on top. If you are in a rush you could try making my mock clotted cream recipe.
Often people make "clotted cream" by whipping heavy whipping cream with mascarpone, while this is absolutely gorgeous it's not truly clotted cream.
I wanted real clotted cream for an afternoon tea I was hosting. We also enjoyed Curried Chicken Salad Sandwiches, Classic Egg Salad, and Mini English Sherry Trifles.
When cooking and cooling the clotted cream does not look pretty. In fact, you will probably think you have done something wrong. Which you probably haven't. This is not really a recipe more of a how to. I made this for an afternoon tea I hosted for my girlfriends so I wanted a fair bit but feel free to only use one pint of cream instead of two. Make sure your heavy whipping cream is NOT ultra-pasteurized. The cream I used was found at Whole Foods.
How do you make clotted cream?
Turn your oven on to 170F or 76C. I used a heavy ceramic dish a 9X13 but if you are using only one pint of cream I would use an 8X8 or 9X9 dish. Pour your cream into the dish- the main point is you want your cream to be shallow and only come up about 1.5-2 inches high. Place the dish in the oven and let it cook for 12 hours. Usually, I do this overnight. Then take the dish out of the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about an hour. Then wrap it in plastic wrap, place it in the fridge, it needs to chill for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours.
When you take the dish out of the fridge use a spoon to scrape the top bits of clotted cream off, there will be a milky liquid underneath you don't need that part. Don't discard it though you can use it to bake with. Even to make your scones which is what I did.
Place the clotted cream back in the fridge and when ready to serve I mix it all together I find it can separate a little bit, kind of like Greek yogurt.
What do you use the clotted cream for?
Clotted cream is normally used to serve on top of a warm scone with a dollop of strawberry preserves. Clotted cream truly is the most perfect topping for scones. Or serve it on a Victoria Sandwich. Or just a spoonful- who doesn't love cream!
Store the clotted cream in the fridge and I would use the cream within a few days.
Does the jam or clotted cream go first?
An age-old debacle. Depending on which part of the English country you are in depends on whether you should put the clotted cream or jam first. In Devon, the cream is served first, while in Cornwall the jam is first.
I say spread whichever first, they are all going to the same place!
How do you make clotted cream for scones?
I would prepare your clotted cream 36 hours in advance so there is plenty of time for cooking and chilling. For example, start the cooking process on a Thursday night, take it out of the oven Friday morning and let it chill until Friday night or Saturday morning. And Saturday morning make your scones.
Try some of my other British Recipes:
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How to make Real Clotted Cream
Deliciously thick and creamy English Clotted Cream is surprisingly easy to make. Heavy Whipped Cream that is not ultra-pasteurized and patience are all you need. This recipe for clotted cream takes a minimum of 24 hours to make so make sure you plan ahead.
- Total Time: 24 Hours 5 Minutes
- Yield: 16oz 1x
Ingredients
- 2 pints Heavy Whipping Cream (not ultra-pasteurized, I found mine at Whole Foods)
Instructions
- Turn your oven on to 170F or 76C. Pour your cream into a 9X13 ceramic dish- you can use a different size dish- the main point is you want your cream to be shallow and only come up about 1.5-2 inches high.
- Place the dish in the oven and let it cook for 12 hours. Usually, I do this overnight. Then take the dish out of the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about an hour. Then wrap it in plastic wrap and it needs to chill in the fridge for at least 12 hours or up to 24 hours.
- Once cooled use a spoon to scoop the clots of cream on top into a container. Do not throw away the liquid milk you can save it and use for another recipe, like scones. Store the clotted cream in the fridge, I find sometimes it separates like Greek Yogurt does- just mix it back together. Use within a few days.
Equipment
Buy Now → - Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 12 Hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Cook
- Cuisine: British
Alice Teter says
I have read some descriptions that say you can’t make clotted cream with pasteurized cream. Obviously that is not the case – you’ve done it. Why would ultra pasteurization be a problem?
Elizabeth Waterson says
Hi Alice, thanks for reaching out. Ultra pasteurization means the cream has been treated with the heat process of pasteurization for longer. This effects the cream's ability to "clot" properly. Let me know if you have any further questions or if you make the recipe, I would love to know what you think. XX Liz
Sarah Ritchie says
Is the leftover liquid similar to buttermilk? Just wondering where to use it in a recipe!
Elizabeth Waterson says
Hi Sarah, it's similar to buttermilk yes but still different. I personally use it in scones but using it in something like a quickbread or a chocolate cake should be good too! Please let me know if you have any further questions or if you try the recipe I would love to know what you think! xX Liz
Melissa Waldner says
Hi Sarah, Aside from scones, biscuits, pancakes, truffles, etc. You can also use it in your mash potatoes, soups and even eggs. Just google all the recipes you can use with clotted cream. Makes excellent ice cream!
Elizabeth Waterson says
Yes, those are all excellent uses Melissa, thanks for sharing!! XX Liz
Juanita k TAYLOR says
I followed exactly and it did not thicken enough. What can I do to save 24 oz of this cream
Elizabeth Waterson says
Hi Juanita, I am so sorry you did not have success with the recipe. I have made it multiple times and always had success. Did you use the non pasteurized cream as that will make a big difference and did you wait the whole time of cooling and chilling? I use the remaining liquid that is leftover for scones but you could use it for most any other baking recipe that calls for milk in it. Again, I am so sorry. There is a reel on my instagram of me making the clotted cream if you want to check it out. Please let me know if I can help with anything else! XX Liz
Chloe Meyer says
Brilliant thank you! I have not tried it yet!! I’ve heard all good things in really looking forward to putting it on a scone when they are ready thank you!! I’m from the US and ahh I want to gather people together for a tea party !!
Elizabeth Waterson says
Hi Chloe, I am eager to hear how you like the cream! It's really truly one of a kind! XX Liz
Amber says
Good morning, I made the clotted cream but my left over liquid has a pink tinge to it, is it still OK to use?
Elizabeth Waterson says
Hi Amber, hmm I have never had that happen before so I am not totally sure. I would smell it and see if it smells off or maybe taste a tiny bit. As heartbreaking as it is to write this, with any food that I think is not safe I don't risk it. It's just not worth it. 🙁
Heidi says
By far the best clotted cream recipe out there! The flavor is delicious and the consistency is smooth and rich. Pairing this with homemade scones and jam is a little taste of heaven 🙂
I have tried several similar recipes in an attempt to recreate my tea time experiences in England, Wales, and Ireland at my home in the United States. The slightly lower temperature (170F instead of 180F as suggested in other recipes) made a big difference, resulting in a lovely color on the top instead of slightly burned spots. As the author indicates, using VAT pasteurized heavy cream and not ultra-pasteurized is a must.
Elizabeth Waterson says
Hi Heidi, thank you so much for the glowing review! So happy you enjoyed the cream! XX Liz