How to Make Perfect Clotted Cream at Home

Clotted cream is a deliciously creamy, rich and indulgent spread that is a popular accompaniment to scones, jam and tea. This traditional British delicacy is easy to make at home with a few simple ingredients and a little patience. If you’re a fan of clotted cream, why not try making your own to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills?

To make clotted cream, all you need is heavy cream and a low, slow heat. The cream is left to cook slowly until it thickens and a golden crust forms on the surface. This process can take anywhere from 8-12 hours, but the end result is well worth the wait. Homemade clotted cream is richer and creamier than store-bought versions, and the satisfaction of creating something so delicious from scratch is unbeatable. So, why not give it a go and add some homemade clotted cream to your next afternoon tea?

Introduction:
Clotted cream, also known as Devonshire or Cornish cream, is a popular dairy product that is commonly used as a spread over scones or as an ingredient in desserts. The rich and creamy texture of clotted cream makes it a delicious addition to any dish. In this article, we will be exploring the different methods of making clotted cream at home.

Subheading 1: What is clotted cream?
Clotted cream is a type of dairy product that is made by gently heating and slowly cooling heavy cream. The result is a rich and thick cream with a distinctive layer of crust on top. Clotted cream has a high-fat content and is commonly used in British cuisine.

Subheading 2: Ingredients needed
Making clotted cream at home is a simple process that requires only one ingredient: heavy cream (also known as double cream). For a pint of clotted cream, you will need approximately 2 pints of double cream.

Subheading 3: Choosing the right heavy cream
When choosing your heavy cream, it’s important to look for high-quality cream with a minimum fat content of 48%. This will ensure that your clotted cream has the right texture and flavour. Avoid using ultra-pasteurized cream, as it may not work as well for clotted cream-making.

Subheading 4: Method 1 – Oven method
One of the most popular methods for making clotted cream involves using the oven. First, pour your double cream into a large, shallow dish. Preheat your oven to 180 Celsius (350 Fahrenheit). Place the dish in the oven and let it bake for 8-12 hours or until a thick yellow crust has formed on the surface. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool. Once it’s cooled, you can skim off the clotted cream from the top of the dish with a spoon or spatula.

Subheading 5: Method 2 – Slow cooker method
This method involves placing the double cream in a slow cooker and cooking it on low for 8-10 hours. After this time, remove the lid and let the cream cool for several hours until a thick crust has formed on top. You can then remove the clotted cream from the surface.

Subheading 6: Method 3 – Stovetop method
To make clotted cream using the stovetop method, pour your double cream into a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat the cream over low heat for several hours until a thick crust has formed on the surface. You should stir the cream occasionally to ensure it doesn’t scorch. Once the cream has cooled, skim off the clotted cream from the top of the pan.

Subheading 7: How to store clotted cream
Clotted cream can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days in a sealed container. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. When defrosting frozen clotted cream, it’s important to do so slowly in the fridge to avoid a change in texture.

Subheading 8: Ways to use clotted cream
Clotted cream is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. It’s commonly served on scones or used as a topping for desserts. It can also be added to pancakes or waffles for a creamy texture.

Subheading 9: What to do with the leftover cream
When making clotted cream, you may end up with leftover liquid cream. This can be used in a variety of recipes, such as sauces or soups, or added to coffee or tea for a rich flavour.

Subheading 10: Summary
In conclusion, making clotted cream at home is a simple process that can be done using a variety of methods. The key ingredient is high-quality double cream with a high-fat content. Once made, clotted cream can be stored and used in a variety of dishes or frozen for future use. Try making your own clotted cream at home and enjoy the rich and creamy flavour on your favourite foods.

The Ingredients You’ll Need

Before diving into the clotted cream-making process, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Heavy (double) cream – Look for a high-quality heavy cream that has a high-fat content. The heavier the cream, the better the results.
2. A baking dish – A wide, shallow baking dish is ideal for making clotted cream.
3. A fine cheesecloth or muslin cloth – You’ll need a cheesecloth or muslin cloth to strain the cream.
4. A baking tray with water – This will be used to create a gentle, indirect heat to make the cream.
5. An oven – You’ll need access to an oven for this recipe.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Clotted Cream

Now that you have all the ingredients on hand, let’s start making clotted cream.

1. Preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius/350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Pour the heavy cream into the shallow baking dish and spread it out evenly.
3. Place the dish in the oven on the middle rack.
4. In the baking tray, add water up to two-thirds full. This will create a gentle, indirect heat.
5. Let the cream bake for 8-12 hours without stirring it. As the cream cooks, a golden crust should form on top.
6. Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours. Do not disturb it during this time.
7. Using a spoon, remove the golden crust from the top of the cream and discard it.
8. Carefully pour the remaining liquid into a fine cheesecloth or muslin cloth to strain and remove any excess liquid.
9. Tie up the cheesecloth at the top and hang it over a bowl or container in the fridge for at least 6-12 hours or overnight. This will allow any remaining liquid to drain out, leaving you with a thick and creamy clotted cream.
10. Once fully strained, transfer the clotted cream to a jar or container and store it in the fridge until ready to use.

By following these easy steps, you can make delicious clotted cream from the comfort of your own home. Use it as a topping for scones, puddings or fresh fruit, or enjoy it on its own for a creamy and indulgent treat.

Traditional Methods of Making Clotted Cream

Clotted cream, which is also known as Devonshire cream and Cornish cream, is a staple of British cuisine and is enjoyed worldwide. It is a luxurious, thick, creamy product that is used as a topping for scones, desserts, and sometimes even tea. Although it may seem daunting to make at first, it is actually quite simple and can be made with everyday kitchen equipment. In this section, we will explore the traditional methods of preparing clotted cream.

The Oven Method

The oven method is the most popular way of making clotted cream. Here is how you can do it:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).
2. Pour the cream into a shallow baking dish, making sure it is not more than 2.5cm (1 inch) deep.
3. Place the dish in the oven and bake it for 8-12 hours, or until a thick, yellow crust forms on top of the cream.
4. Once cooled, gently scrape the crust and place the remaining cream in the refrigerator to set.

The Stove Method

The Stove Method is another way to make clotted cream. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Pour the cream into a heavy-bottomed pan and heat it over low heat until it reaches a temperature of around 82°C (180°F).
2. Keep stirring the cream occasionally to prevent it from scorching and sticking to the bottom of the pan.
3. Once it has reached the right temperature, turn off the heat and let it cool down.
4. Transfer the cooled cream to a clean jar and refrigerate it for at least 12 hours.
5. Once chilled, skim the thick cream off the top and dispose of the watery liquid at the bottom.

The Slow Cooker Method

Using a slow cooker to make clotted cream has become increasingly popular in recent years. Here’s how you do it:

1. Pour the cream into the slow cooker and set the temperature to low.
2. Leave the cream to cook for 8-12 hours, or until it thickens and a crust forms on top.
3. Turn off the heat and let the cream cool down to room temperature.
4. Pour the mixture through a cheesecloth-lined sieve into a jar or container and refrigerate it for at least 12 hours.
5. When ready, carefully remove the thick cream that has formed on the surface.

The Double Boiling Method

Another traditional method of making clotted cream is by using the double boiling technique. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Find a large pot and put a smaller pot or a heat-proof glass bowl inside it.
2. Fill the larger pot with water, being careful not to let the smaller pot touch the bottom.
3. Pour the cream into the smaller pot and heat it over medium to low heat.
4. Allow the cream to cook for a few hours, checking occasionally to ensure the water is still simmering and has not dried up.
5. Once the cream has thickened, remove the smaller pot from the double boiler and let it cool down.
6. After cooling, transfer the cream to a container and refrigerate it for at least 12 hours to set.

A Comparison of the Traditional Methods

Here is a table that outlines the differences between the traditional methods of making clotted cream:

All of these traditional methods are capable of producing excellent clotted cream. The method you choose will ultimately depend on the time and equipment you have available. However, regardless of the method you use, one thing is certain – the end result will be a delicious, velvety and luxurious treat that everyone can enjoy.

Cheers to Homemade Clotted Cream!

And there you have it folks, step-by-step instructions on how to make clotted cream from the comfort of your own home. It’s a simple and rewarding process that yields a creamy and indulgent treat perfect for any occasion. Thanks for reading and be sure to visit us again for more fun and easy cooking guides! Happy clotted cream making!