If you’ve ever had a traditional English afternoon tea, you’ve likely encountered clotted cream as a quintessential spread for scones. But what exactly is clotted cream? And how else can you use it? Here’s everything you need to know about clotted cream, plus a step-by-step guide on how to make it at home.
What Is Clotted Cream?
Clotted cream is a smooth, thick English spread or topping with a mild, slightly sweet flavour and butter-meets-whipped cream texture. Clotted cream is said to have originated in Devon and Cornwall, so, depending on where it’s made, it’s also known as Devonshire clotted cream, Devon clotted cream or Cornish clotted cream. Clotted cream is made by heating milk or cream in a shallow pan for several hours. Once the cream rises to the surface and starts to thicken, or clot, it’s skimmed from the top and served as a spread or dessert topping.
How to Use Clotted Cream
Across the United Kingdom, clotted cream is typically served with scones, especially as part of traditional afternoon tea. In Devonshire and Cornwall, clotted cream gives afternoon tea its namesake of cream tea, where it's served with scones, light sandwiches and miniature desserts. Depending on where you’re having cream tea, the clotted cream is either spread on the scone and then topped with jam (Devon), or jam is spread on the scone first then topped with clotted cream (Cornwall).
You can also use clotted cream as a topping as you would whipped cream. In the UK, it’s common to serve a dollop of clotted cream with fresh strawberries or other summer berries.
You can use clotted cream in place of butter to accompany baked goods such as muffins and quick breads.
Additionally, In the UK, it's used to make confections such as fudge, ice cream and truffles.
How to Make Clotted Cream
Homemade clotted cream is easy to make, and it's an elegant accompaniment to all kinds of quick breads, scones and muffins.
1. Set Up a Strainer
Line a coffee filter basket with a filter and set it in a strainer mounted over a bowl.
2. Add the Cream
Pour the cream almost to the top of the filter. Refrigerate for two hours.
3. Scrape Down the Basket
After two hours, the whey will sink to the bottom and pass through the filter, leaving a ring of clotted cream. Scrape this down with a rubber spatula and repeat every couple of hours until the mass reaches the consistency of soft cream cheese.
How to Store Clotted Cream
Clotted cream, whether store-bought or homemade, is highly perishable and should be stored in the fridge. Clotted cream will last up to three days in the fridge, but homemade clotted cream can be frozen for up to a year.
