Homemade Crème Fraîche: Quick and Natural Recipe with Butter and Milk

Ever found yourself halfway through a recipe only to realize you’re out of crème fraîche? No worries! With this quick and natural method, you can make a delicious homemade substitute using just two ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen: butter and milk. This easy recipe mimics the texture and richness of store-bought crème fraîche without the need for additives or fermentation.

1. Why Make Homemade Crème Fraîche?

1.1 A Smart Backup or a Healthy Habit

Whether you’re aiming to avoid processed foods or simply ran out of crème fraîche, this homemade version is an excellent go-to. It delivers a rich, creamy consistency that enhances both sweet and savory dishes, with full control over what goes into your food.

“I was making peppercorn sauce when I noticed I had no crème fraîche. This trick saved the meal!” – Sophie, home cook

2. What You’ll Need

• 200g of unsalted butter (preferably high quality)
• 200ml of whole milk (semi-skimmed works too for a lighter version)

This combination yields a creamy substitute with approximately 30-35% fat content—similar to full-fat crème fraîche.

3. How to Make It in 4 Simple Steps

3.1 Step 1 – Melt the Butter

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Do not let it brown or bubble.

3.2 Step 2 – Add the Milk

Pour the milk into a tall container or blender jug.

3.3 Step 3 – Blend

Add the lukewarm melted butter to the milk and blend for 1–2 minutes until smooth and homogeneous.

3.4 Step 4 – Chill

Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for a few hours. The mixture will thicken into a creamier texture.

4. How to Use Your Homemade Crème Fraîche

4.1 For Savory Dishes

• Perfect for creamy sauces (mushroom, mustard, curry)
• Great in gratins, quiches, and soups

4.2 For Sweet Recipes

• Add to cakes, muffins, and pancakes for extra moisture
• Use as a base for panna cotta or creamy desserts

4.3 Can It Be Whipped?

Yes, if fully chilled, it can be whipped. However, it won’t hold peaks like traditional heavy cream.

5. FAQ – Quick Answers

5.1 Can I use this instead of fermented crème fraîche?

It has a similar texture but lacks the tangy flavor of fermented versions.

5.2 How long does it last?

Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container.

5.3 Can I make a plant-based version?

This exact method won’t work with non-dairy ingredients, but you can explore alternatives using cashew cream or soy milk and oil blends.

Simple, natural, and incredibly useful, this quick crème fraîche recipe is a game-changer for busy kitchens or last-minute fixes. Try it once, and you might never go back to the store-bought version!

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