How to Make Crème Fraîche Like a Pro in Minutes

Learn howto make crème fraîche at home with this easy, step-by-step recipe. Enjoy rich,creamy perfection for your favorite dishes in minutes!

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Prep Time 5

Servings: 10 servings

Course: Condiment

Cuisine: French

Calories: 70

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making homemade crème fraîche requires just two simple ingredients yet the result is a rich, tangy, and velvety cream that can transform your dishes. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Ingredients

1 cup heavy cream preferably pasteurized, not ultra-pasteurized for the best fermentation
2 tablespoons buttermilk contains the live cultures needed to thicken and ferment the cream

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

✔ Choosing the Right Cream: Look for high-quality heavy cream with at least 36% fat. Avoid ultra-pasteurized versions as they may not ferment properly.
✔ Alternative Starters: If you don’t have buttermilk you can substitute plain yogurt with live cultures or use a store-bought crème fraîche as a starter.
✔ Enhancing the Flavor: Want a slight twist? Add a touch of lemon zest for brightness or a teaspoon of honey for a subtle sweetness depending on how you plan to use your crème fraîche.
With just these two key ingredients you’re minutes away from preparing your own creamy, homemade crème fraîche. Now, let’s move on to the simple step-by-step process!

How to Make Crème Fraîche

Making homemade crème fraîche is incredibly simple—just mix, rest, and enjoy! With minimal effort and a little patience, you'll have a thick, creamy, and tangy addition to elevate your dishes. Follow these easy steps:

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

Pour 1 cup of heavy cream into a clean glass jar or bowl.

Stir in 2 tablespoons of buttermilk, ensuring it's evenly mixed.
Cover the jar loosely with a cheesecloth, coffee filter, or lid slightly ajar—this allows air circulation for the fermentation process.

Step 2: Let It Ferment

Place the jar in a warm, draft-free spot at room temperature (around 70°F to 75°F).
Let it sit undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours. The longer it rests, the thicker and tangier it will become.

💡 Pro Tip: If your kitchen is cool, wrap the jar in a kitchen towel or place it in the oven with just the light on to maintain warmth.

Step 3: Check for Consistency

After 12 hours, check the texture. It should have thickened to a silky, spoonable consistency, similar to Greek yogurt.
If it’s still too thin, let it sit for a few more hours until it reaches the perfect creamy thickness.

Step 4: Refrigerate & Enjoy

Once thickened, give it a gentle stir, then cover it with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate for at least 6 hours to enhance the flavor.
Your homemade crème fraîche is now ready to use! It will continue to develop flavor over time and can be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks.

Nutrition Information (per serving):