How to Make the Perfect Clotted Cream Recipe at Home

If you’ve ever indulged in a traditional English tea, you’ve likely encountered clotted cream — that luxuriously thick, rich cream that is often paired with scones, jam, and tea. This iconic British treat has become a favorite around the world, and the good news is, making clotted cream at home is simpler than you might think. Whether you’re looking to recreate the authentic flavor of Devonshire cream or just want to experience homemade clotted cream, this easy and traditional recipe will show you exactly how.

What Is Clotted Cream?

Clotted cream is a thick, decadent cream made by gently heating unpasteurized cream to a point where the fat rises to the surface and forms “clots.” This process gives clotted cream its signature texture — rich, creamy, and spreadable, with a subtle golden hue. It’s traditionally made in the UK, particularly in Devon and Cornwall, where it is often served with scones during afternoon tea.

Clotted cream vs whipped cream: Unlike whipped cream, which is light and airy, clotted cream has a dense, buttery texture with a much higher fat content (around 55-60%). This makes it ideal for spreading on warm scones or dolloping over fruit and desserts.

Clotted Cream vs Whipped Cream: What’s the Difference?

If you’re wondering how clotted cream differs from whipped cream, the answer lies in their texture and fat content.

Clotted Cream

Clotted cream is incredibly thick and rich, with a smooth, dense consistency that’s perfect for spreading. Made with heavy cream, it’s cooked slowly to allow the fats to separate. Clotted cream has a fat content of at least 55%, making it much richer than whipped cream.

Whipped Cream

On the other hand, whipped cream is made by whipping heavy cream until it becomes light and airy, with a fluffy texture. While whipped cream can be sweetened or flavored, it remains much lighter and lower in fat (typically around 30%).

So, while both are delicious in their own right, clotted cream is the ultimate indulgence for those looking for something rich and substantial, especially when paired with scones and tea.

Why Make Homemade Clotted Cream?

You might be asking yourself: Why bother making clotted cream at home when you can buy it? Here are a few great reasons to roll up your sleeves and try making it from scratch:

Freshness: Homemade clotted cream is far fresher than store-bought versions. You get to control the quality of the ingredients and the process, ensuring that every batch is made to perfection.
Cost-effective: If you enjoy clotted cream regularly, making it at home is more affordable in the long run than buying it pre-made.
Customization: By making it yourself, you can experiment with variations, such as adding a hint of vanilla or adjusting the richness to your liking.
Satisfaction: There’s something deeply satisfying about creating this indulgent treat from scratch. Imagine the joy of spreading homemade clotted cream on freshly baked scones — it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!

So, whether you’re craving an authentic traditional clotted cream experience or just want to treat yourself, homemade clotted cream is definitely worth the effort. Keep reading to learn how to make it step-by-step!

What You Need to Make Clotted Cream at Home

Before diving into the methods, let’s go over the basic ingredients you’ll need:

Heavy cream (at least 35% fat content is ideal)
Optional: Mascarpone cheese for added richness (sometimes used in quick recipes)

The key here is to use heavy cream with a high fat content to achieve the thick, creamy texture that makes clotted cream so special. You can also experiment with different types of cream, but the best results come from the purest, freshest ingredients.

Ingredients for Clotted Cream

Now that you know what clotted cream is and why it’s worth making at home, let’s talk about the ingredients you’ll need to create the perfect batch of homemade clotted cream. The best clotted cream starts with simple, high-quality ingredients.

Ingredients Table for Clotted Cream Recipe

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Heavy cream	4 cups (1 liter)	Must have a fat content of at least 35% for best results.
Mascarpone (optional)	1/4 cup	Adds extra richness to the cream, optional but recommended for creamier texture.
Vanilla extract (optional)	1 tsp	Adds a subtle flavor to the cream, if desired.

You’ll need heavy cream with a fat content of at least 35%. This ensures that your clotted cream will have the right texture — thick and spreadable, perfect for pairing with scones. Some recipes use mascarpone for added richness, but this is optional. If you want a slightly sweetened version, you can add a touch of vanilla extract.

How to Make Clotted Cream at Home: Step-by-Step Methods

Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start making clotted cream. There are a few methods for making clotted cream, but all involve a slow heating process to allow the cream to thicken and form those characteristic clots.

Method 1: The Traditional Oven Method

The oven method is the most traditional way to make authentic British clotted cream. This process uses slow, low heat to gently cook the cream, allowing the fat to rise and form clots.

Instructions for Oven Method

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 180°F (82°C). Make sure your oven is set to the lowest temperature possible for slow cooking.
Prepare the cream: Pour your heavy cream into a shallow baking dish. A glass or ceramic dish works best for even heat distribution.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 12 hours. You’ll want to check the cream halfway through to ensure it is heating slowly and evenly.
Cool and refrigerate: After baking, let the cream cool to room temperature. Then cover the dish and refrigerate it overnight. The cream will solidify and form the signature golden clots on top.
Separate and serve: The next day, carefully scoop the thick clotted cream from the top and store the liquid in a separate container. The thick clotted cream is now ready to be served!

Method 2: The Slow Cooker Method

If you prefer a more hands-off approach, the slow cooker method is another great option for making clotted cream at home. It allows you to prepare the cream without having to monitor the oven for hours.

Instructions for Slow Cooker Method

Set up the slow cooker: Pour your heavy cream into the slow cooker, setting it to the low heat setting.
Cook: Let the cream cook for 10-12 hours. During this time, the slow cooker will gently heat the cream, creating the clots.
Cool and refrigerate: Once the cooking time is complete, turn off the slow cooker and let the cream cool down. Refrigerate overnight to allow it to solidify.
Separate and serve: The next morning, you’ll see the cream has thickened into clotted cream. Scoop off the top layer and enjoy!

Method 3: The Stovetop Method (Quick Version)

If you’re short on time, the stovetop method is the quickest way to make clotted cream, though it may not produce the exact same texture as the traditional methods.

Instructions for Stovetop Method

Heat the cream: Pour your heavy cream into a saucepan and heat it over low heat, stirring occasionally. Be sure to keep the temperature low to avoid burning the cream.
Simmer: Allow the cream to simmer gently for about 1.5-2 hours. You’ll notice the cream thickening, but it will not form clots as in the other methods.
Cool and refrigerate: Once the cream has thickened to your liking, remove it from the heat. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate overnight.
Serve: The next day, you’ll have a slightly different texture, but still rich and creamy. It’s ready to spread!

How to Serve Clotted Cream

Once you’ve made your homemade clotted cream, the real fun begins: serving it! Clotted cream is a treat often enjoyed as part of an afternoon tea, especially with scones. Here are some ideas for how to serve it:

Classic Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam

The quintessential way to enjoy clotted cream is with scones and jam. Spread the clotted cream generously on your scone, then top with your favorite jam — strawberry, raspberry, or even lemon curd. It’s the ultimate indulgence!

Clotted Cream on Desserts

Clotted cream isn’t just for scones. You can use it as a topping for fruit tarts, pies, or cakes. It pairs especially well with shortbread or other delicate baked goods.

Tea Time Treats

Of course, clotted cream is an essential part of English tea time. Pair it with a steaming cup of tea and a selection of finger sandwiches for the perfect afternoon experience.

How to Store Clotted Cream

Proper storage is key to ensuring that your homemade clotted cream stays fresh and delicious. Here’s how to store it:

Refrigeration: Store your clotted cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep for up to 5 days.
Freezing (optional): If you’ve made a large batch and want to keep it for longer, clotted cream can be frozen. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container, and allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

How to Use Leftover Clotted Cream

Leftover clotted cream can be used in a variety of ways:

Spread on toast or crumpets
Swirled into oatmeal or porridge for a creamy twist
Mixed into desserts like parfaits or ice cream

By now, you’ve learned the basic techniques for making authentic clotted cream, whether you choose the traditional oven method, the slow cooker method, or the stovetop method. Whichever route you take, the result will be a rich, indulgent treat that elevates your tea-time experience. Get creative with how you serve it, and don’t forget to store any leftovers for later enjoyment!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In this section, we address some of the most commonly asked questions about making and using clotted cream at home. These FAQs will help you troubleshoot any issues, clarify doubts, and provide additional tips for making the perfect batch every time.

1. How Long Does It Take to Make Clotted Cream?

Making clotted cream is a slow and patient process. Depending on the method you choose, it can take anywhere from 10 to 12 hours. The traditional oven method takes the longest, about 12 hours, followed by cooling and refrigerating overnight. In total, the entire process may span 24 hours, but the active preparation time is minimal.

Oven Method: 12 hours of slow cooking, plus cooling and refrigeration overnight.
Slow Cooker Method: 10-12 hours of slow cooking, followed by overnight refrigeration.
Stovetop Method: 1.5-2 hours of cooking, plus cooling and refrigeration.

Despite the time commitment, the results are well worth it!

2. Can I Use Pasteurized Cream to Make Clotted Cream?

The ideal cream for clotted cream is unpasteurized because it gives the best texture and results. However, pasteurized heavy cream (with at least 35% fat content) can also be used. While it won’t produce exactly the same texture as unpasteurized cream, it will still work.

Tip: Avoid using ultra-pasteurized cream, as it has been processed at higher temperatures and may not form clots as effectively.

If you’re making clotted cream at home for the first time, opt for the highest-fat pasteurized cream you can find for the best results.

3. How Do I Know When Clotted Cream Is Ready?

You’ll know that your clotted cream is ready when it has formed thick, golden clots on the surface of the cream. The texture should be smooth, thick, and spreadable. It may appear slightly yellow or golden, with a liquid layer of milk beneath it.

Tip: After the cooling process, the clotted cream will solidify further in the fridge. It’s important to leave it overnight to reach the perfect consistency.

4. Can I Make Clotted Cream Without an Oven?

Yes! If you don’t want to use the oven, you can make clotted cream in a slow cooker or on the stovetop. Both methods produce great results:

Slow Cooker Method: A fantastic hands-off approach, requiring little monitoring but still producing wonderful Devonshire cream.
Stovetop Method: While quicker, it does not yield exactly the same texture as the slow methods but is still delicious and a perfect substitute for a quick treat.

Choose the method that best suits your time and equipment availability.

5. How Long Can Homemade Clotted Cream Be Stored?

Homemade clotted cream can last for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The best way to store it is in a clean glass jar or container with a lid.

Tip: If you’ve made a large batch, you can freeze clotted cream for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before using it.

6. What Is the Best Cream for Making Clotted Cream?

The best cream for making clotted cream is heavy cream with at least 35% fat content. This high-fat cream ensures that the cream thickens properly, forming clots that are rich and smooth. Look for pasteurized heavy cream, not ultra-pasteurized, to achieve the best results.

Tip: If you can find unpasteurized cream, it is even better, as it produces the richest and most authentic clotted cream.

7. Can I Use Clotted Cream as a Substitute for Whipped Cream?

Yes! Clotted cream can be used as a rich alternative to whipped cream in various recipes. It’s especially great when paired with desserts or served as a topping for fruit tarts or pies.

Difference: Clotted cream has a much thicker and denser texture than whipped cream, making it perfect for spreading on baked goods or adding a luxurious touch to your favorite treats.

If you’re craving something more decadent than regular whipped cream, clotted cream is a fantastic substitute that will elevate your desserts.

How to Serve Clotted Cream: Additional Tips

Now that you’ve made your homemade clotted cream, here are a few more tips on how to enjoy it:

1. Spread It on Scones

The most popular way to serve clotted cream is with freshly baked scones. To prepare a traditional English afternoon tea, split a warm scone in half, spread with clotted cream, and top with your favorite jam or fruit preserves. It’s a delightful combination!

2. Add It to Desserts

Clotted cream isn’t just for scones! You can use it as a topping for a variety of desserts, including pies, fruit tarts, and cakes. It adds a rich, velvety texture that takes your treats to the next level.

3. Mix It Into Oatmeal

For a more indulgent breakfast, add a dollop of clotted cream to your morning oatmeal or porridge. It will give your breakfast a creamy richness that is simply irresistible.

4. Use It for Tea Time

Pair your clotted cream with a nice pot of tea. The creaminess of clotted cream complements the delicate flavors of black tea, green tea, or herbal blends. It’s the perfect treat for a relaxing tea-time experience.

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Homemade Clotted Cream

Making homemade clotted cream is a fun and rewarding process that results in a rich and decadent treat. Whether you use the oven method, slow cooker method, or stovetop method, the end result is sure to elevate your tea-time or dessert experience.

With the information and tips provided in this post, you now have everything you need to make the best clotted cream at home. Don’t forget to serve it with scones, jam, and your favorite tea for a truly authentic British experience. Enjoy every bite of your homemade creation!