The Golden Secret: British Clotted Cream Recipe for Tea Lovers

Dreamy british clotted cream emerges as a luxurious dairy treasure that whispers elegance from every silky spoonful.

Crafting this delectable spread requires minimal ingredients and simple techniques.

Rich Devon traditions inspire its creamy magic, promising pure indulgence with each delightful bite.

Thick, velvety textures melt across scones and pastries like gentle clouds.

Gentle patience transforms ordinary cream into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Homemade versions surpass store-bought options, delivering authentic flavor and unmatched freshness.

You can master this classic recipe and impress everyone at your next gathering.

Why British Clotted Cream Is A Rich Homemade Treat

• Master Slow-Cooking Technique: Discover an ultra-gentle method that transforms ordinary cream into a luxurious, velvety spread through patient, low-temperature heating.
• Create Versatile Gourmet Delight: Craft a traditional British delicacy that elevates everything from scones to desserts with its rich, decadent texture and subtle golden surface.
• Enjoy Simple Homemade Luxury: Prepare a sophisticated cream using minimal ingredients and basic kitchen tools, turning an everyday ingredient into an impressive culinary experience.
• Customize Your Flavor Profile: Experiment with optional additions like sea salt or vanilla extract to personalize the cream's taste, making each batch uniquely delightful.

What You’ll Need To Make British Clotted Cream

• Heavy Cream: The primary base that transforms into a luxurious, rich dairy product through slow, gentle heating.
• Whole Milk: Provides additional depth and contributes to the smooth texture of the clotted cream.

• Sea Salt, Vanilla Extract: These ingredients add subtle depth and complexity to the traditional British cream.

• Powdered Sugar, Fresh Strawberry: Provides a sweet garnish and elegant presentation for the final clotted cream dish.

How To Make Clotted Cream The Easy Way

Step 1: Prepare Perfect Pan

Select a wide, heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan that allows cream to spread in a shallow layer. This ensures even heat distribution and optimal cream transformation.

Step 2: Combine Dairy Goodness

Pour your cream and milk into the pan, creating a smooth, bubble-free surface. Gentle handling is key to achieving that luxurious clotted cream texture.

Step 3: Set Oven Temperature

Preheat your oven to an ultra-low 180°F, creating the perfect environment for slow cream development. This low temperature is crucial for creating that signature golden skin.

Step 4: Create a Protective Barrier

Cover the pan with a clean kitchen towel, then seal tightly with aluminum foil. This prevents moisture from escaping and protects the delicate cream during its transformation.

Step 5: Slow Bake Magic

Place the covered pan in the preheated oven. Let the cream develop slowly for 10-12 hours, typically overnight. Resist the temptation to peek or disturb the cream during this process.

Step 6: Gentle Cooling

Carefully remove the pan from the oven. You’ll notice a beautiful golden skin has formed across the cream’s surface. Allow the cream to cool at room temperature for 1-2 hours.

Step 7: Harvest the Cream

Using a slotted spoon, gently transfer the thick, rich clotted cream layer. Separate the luxurious top portion from the remaining liquid with care.

Step 8: Enhance Flavor (Optional)

• Sea salt
• Vanilla extract

Step 9: Store with Care

Transfer the clotted cream to a clean storage container. Smooth the surface with a spatula for a polished finish.

Step 10: Final Chill

Refrigerate for 2-3 hours to set the cream and develop a firmer consistency.

Step 11: Serve in Style

When ready to serve, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with a fresh strawberry for an elegant touch.

Step 12: Enjoy Promptly

Savor your homemade clotted cream within 3-4 days for the most delightful taste and texture.

Pro Tips For Smooth And Creamy Clotted Cream

• Choose High-Fat Cream: Select cream with at least 35-40% butterfat for the richest, most luxurious clotted cream texture and flavor.
• Maintain Ultra-Low Oven Temperature: Keep oven precisely at 180°F (82°C) to prevent burning or uneven cream development during slow cooking process.
• Handle with Gentle Care: Use a clean, soft slotted spoon when transferring cream to avoid breaking the delicate golden skin and preserve its smooth consistency.
• Flavor Enhancement Options: Experiment with subtle additions like lavender, honey, or orange zest to create unique variations while respecting traditional clotted cream profile.
• Store Strategically: Keep clotted cream in an airtight container in the coldest part of refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

Tasty Ways To Flavor Clotted Cream

• Lavender Infusion: Steep dried lavender buds in cream before heating to create a subtle, aromatic floral variation that enhances the traditional clotted cream experience.
• Honey Maple Blend: Incorporate a small amount of pure honey and maple syrup during the cooling process, adding depth and natural sweetness to the classic recipe.
• Citrus Zest Upgrade: Mix in finely grated orange or lemon zest after cooling, introducing a bright, refreshing note that complements the rich, creamy texture.
• Spiced Chai Version: Blend ground cardamom, cinnamon, and ginger into the cream before heating, transforming the traditional recipe into a warmly spiced delicacy.

Best Pairings For British Clotted Cream

• Pair with Scones: Crumble warm, buttery scones alongside clotted cream for the quintessential British tea experience, creating a delightful contrast between soft pastry and rich, velvety cream.
• Complement with Fresh Berries: Scatter ripe strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries around the clotted cream to introduce a bright, tangy freshness that cuts through the cream's dense richness.
• Match with Earl Grey Tea: Brew a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea, its bergamot notes perfectly balancing the smooth, luxurious texture of the clotted cream, embodying a classic English afternoon tradition.
• Elevate with Honey Drizzle: Gently pour golden honey over the clotted cream, adding a delicate sweetness that enhances the cream's natural buttery flavor and creates a sophisticated, layered taste profile.

How To Store British Clotted Cream Correctly

• Transfer clotted cream to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid, ensuring zero exposure to air to prevent flavor degradation and maintain freshness.
• Wrap the storage container in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for additional protection against moisture and potential odor absorption from other refrigerator items.
• Keep clotted cream consistently stored at 40°F or below, placing it in the coldest part of the refrigerator away from the door to prevent temperature fluctuations.
• Consume within 3-4 days of preparation for peak flavor and texture, discarding immediately if any signs of spoilage or unusual odor develop.

Top FAQs On British Clotted Cream

• What exactly is clotted cream?

A traditional, rich dairy spread originating in Southwest England, particularly Cornwall and Devon, made by slowly heating cream to develop a thick, buttery top layer with a velvety, luxurious texture.

• Why use whole milk in this recipe?

Whole milk helps create a more stable base for the cream, providing additional proteins and fat that contribute to the distinctive dense, spreadable consistency of authentic clotted cream.

• Can I use different types of cream?

Heavy cream with at least 35% butterfat is essential; lower-fat creams won’t develop the signature thick, golden skin characteristic of traditional clotted cream.

• Is homemade clotted cream healthier than store-bought?

Homemade versions allow complete control over ingredients, avoiding preservatives and ensuring pure, fresh cream with no additional stabilizers or unnecessary additives.

British Clotted Cream Recipe

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• Total Time: 12-13 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy British clotted cream elevates simple scones with its luxurious, rich texture straight from Cornwall’s dairy tradition. Rich dairy lovers will savor this classic spread that turns ordinary moments into delightful culinary experiences you can easily craft at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dairy Base:

• 2 liters / 8 cups heavy cream (48% fat content)
• 1/2 liter / 2 cups whole milk

Flavoring:

• 1 pinch sea salt
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Optional Serving Accompaniments:

• 2 tbsp powdered sugar (optional)
• 1 fresh strawberry (optional garnish)

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Instructions

1. Select a heavy-bottomed, wide stainless steel pan that allows cream to spread in a shallow layer, ensuring optimal heat distribution.
2. Pour heavy cream and whole milk into the pan, maintaining a gentle, even surface without creating bubbles or agitation.
3. Preheat oven to an ultra-low 180°F (82°C), which provides consistent, gentle heating for cream transformation.
4. Cover the pan tightly with a clean, non-terry cloth kitchen towel, then seal with aluminum foil to prevent moisture escape.
5. Place the covered pan in the preheated oven and allow cream to slowly develop for 10-12 hours, preferably overnight, without disturbing.
6. Remove pan from oven carefully, observing a thick, golden skin that has formed across the cream’s surface.
7. Allow cream to cool at room temperature for approximately 1-2 hours until it reaches a comfortable handling temperature.
8. Gently transfer the clotted cream layer using a slotted spoon, separating the rich, thick upper portion from the remaining liquid.
9. Optional: Fold in sea salt and vanilla extract for enhanced flavor complexity.
10. Transfer clotted cream to a clean storage container, smoothing the surface with a spatula.
11. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours to further set and develop a firmer consistency.
12. When serving, dust with powdered sugar and garnish with a fresh strawberry for an elegant presentation.
13. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Cream Selection Matters: Choose the highest fat content cream (at least 36%) for the richest, most luxurious clotted cream texture.
• Low and Slow Technique: Never rush the cooking process; gentle, consistent heat is crucial for developing the signature golden skin and creamy consistency.
• Temperature Precision: Use an oven thermometer to ensure exact 180°F, as even slight temperature variations can dramatically impact the final result.
• Storage Wisdom: Always use a clean, airtight container and store in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maximize freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 306
• Sugar: 1.5 g
• Sodium: 0.1 g
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3.5 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2.5 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg