Looking for a substitute for crème fraîche in a recipe? We’re covering 12 substitutions options (including some dairy-free options), ranked in order of best creme fraiche substitution possibility!!
What is Crème Fraîche?
Crème fraîche is a type of cultured cream that originated in France. The name “crème fraîche” translates to “fresh cream” in English, but it is not the same as regular cream. It has a richer and tangier flavor due to the fermentation process it undergoes.
Crème fraîche is made by adding bacterial cultures to heavy cream and allowing it to ferment. The bacteria commonly used are lactic acid bacteria, similar to those found in yogurt. The fermentation process thickens the cream and imparts a distinct flavor. After the cream has reached the desired consistency and taste, the fermentation is halted by refrigeration.
What Does Crème Fraîche Taste Like?
Crème fraîche has a rich, velvety texture and a slightly tangy taste. It is thicker than regular cream and even sour cream, but the tanginess is milder than that of sour cream, so it can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
Common Uses of Crème Fraîche
Cooking and Baking: Crème fraîche is often used in cooking and baking due to its ability to withstand high temperatures without curdling. It adds richness to sauces, soups, and stews to make them thick and creamy.
Desserts: Crème fraîche can be used in desserts like tarts, pies, and cakes. Its tangy flavor complements sweet dishes well. It is often whipped together with sugar to use as a dessert topping.
Toppings: It can be used as a topping for fruit, pancakes, waffles, scones, biscuits, or desserts. Its smooth texture adds a luxurious touch. It is wonderful with sliced strawberries.
Dips and Dressings: Crème fraîche can be thinned with a bit of water or milk to create a creamy dressing for salads or a dip for vegetables.
Substitute for Sour Cream: While crème fraîche is milder, it can often be used as a substitute for sour cream in most recipes.
Creme fraiche substitutions
We’ve ranked our top creme fraiche replacements from best to worst based on final outcomes of the dish and ability to use it one for one. We’ve also included nutrition comparisons for each substitution to help you find the perfect replacement!
Sour Cream (Grade A)
Why is Sour Cream a Good Substitute for Crème Fraîche? We think that sour cream is the best substitute for creme fraiche. They share a rich and creamy texture, and reasonably similar taste, as both are made from cream.
Sour cream has a tangier flavor due to the presence of lactic acid, which is a result of fermentation. Crème fraîche, on the other hand, is milder and has a slightly nutty or buttery flavor. Crème fraîche is also a bit creamier as it contains less water than sour cream, and about 30% fat vs 18-20% in sour cream.
The higher fat content in crème fraîche contributes to its smoother and richer consistency. Crème fraîche’s higher fat content also allows it to better withstand high-temperature cooking without curdling.
How to Substitute: Use sour cream as a 1:1 replacement for crème fraîche. It can work in many recipes where the tangy flavor of sour cream won’t significantly alter the final dish.
However, due to the differences in fat content and flavor, the substitution might not be perfect. In some cases, you might consider diluting sour cream with a bit of heavy cream to get a closer approximation to crème fraîche.
Nutritional Differences: Crème fraîche and sour cream are similar in nutritional content, but they are, after all, very similar dairy products. The following table highlights the nutritional content of 1 cup of sour cream vs creme fraiche.
Crème Fraîche | Sour Cream | |
Calories | 459 | 442 |
Protein (g) | 2 | 4 |
Fat (g) | 47 | 45 |
Carbs (g) | 8 | 6 |
Sugar (g) | 2 | 2 |
Calcium (% RDA) | 7 | 16 |
Vitamin A (% RDA) | 47 | 39 |
Vitamin B12 (% RDA) | 15 | 11 |
Greek Yogurt (Grade B+)
Why it is a Good Substitute: We think Greek yogurt is the second best substitute for crème fraîche due to its similar texture and tangy flavor. The staining process that removes most of the yogurt’s whey gives Greek yogurt a creamy consistency that reasonably resembles crème fraîche, making it an effective replacement in many recipes.
How to Substitute: You definitely want to use full-fat Greek yogurt as it will give you the closest approximation of crème fraîche’s texture and flavor. Even full-fat yogurt only has a fraction of the fat contained in crème fraîche, so there will be texture differences.
Use Greek yogurt in a 1:1 replacement. If a recipe calls for one cup of crème fraîche, use one cup of Greek yogurt. If the recipe requires a denser thickness, you may need to adjust the consistency of the Greek yogurt. This can be done by straining it further to get closer to the desired thickness, or just make your own homemade Greek yogurt. It is really pretty simple.
Greek yogurt is a great substitute for cold dishes like dips, dressings, and desserts. You can use it as a substitute in baked goods, but be cautious with recipes requiring high temperatures, as excessive heat can cause it to curdle.
Nutritional Differences: Greek yogurt offers several health benefits over crème fraîche. It is higher in protein, probiotics, and calcium. It is also much lower in calories than crème fraîche. The following table highlights the nutritional content of 1 cup of Greek yogurt vs creme fraiche.
Greek Yogurt | Crème Fraîche | |
Calories | 238 | 459 |
Protein (g) | 10 | 2 |
Fat (g) | 10 | 47 |
Carbs (g) | 7 | 8 |
Sugar (g) | 7 | 2 |
Calcium (% RDA) | 24 | 7 |
Vit. A (% RDA) | 4 | 47 |
Vit. B12 (% RDA) | 21 | 15 |
Mascarpone (Grade B+, B if nutrition is considered)
Why is it a Good Substitute: Like crème fraîche, mascarpone is rich and creamy. It has a high-fat content, similar to that of crème fraîche, which contributes to a smooth and luscious texture in recipes.
While it is sweeter than crème fraîche, it can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, much like crème fraîche. It also works well in both cold and hot preparations. With its high-fat content, it will not curdle in high-temperature cooking.
Crème fraîche has a tangy and cultured flavor due to its fermentation process, while mascarpone is milder and sweeter. If the tangy aspect is crucial to your recipe, mascarpone may not be the ideal substitute. Additionally, crème fraîche is generally thinner than mascarpone. If a specific thickness or consistency is required for your dish, this difference might be a consideration.
How to Substitute: Use it in a 1:1 ratio. Keep in mind the flavor and thickness differences, and adjust accordingly based on your taste preferences and the requirements of the recipe. If a recipe calls for the tanginess of crème fraîche, you might want to add a small amount of lemon juice or vinegar to the mascarpone to mimic that acidity.
Nutritional Differences: Mascarpone is off the charts in calories and fat. What’s more, almost half the fat it contains is saturated fat. While it is a great decadent replacement for crème fraîche, it is not a weight-watcher’s alternative. The following table highlights the nutritional content of 1 cup of mascarpone vs creme fraiche.
Mascarpone | Crème Fraîche | |
Calories | 1044 | 459 |
Protein (g) | 16 | 2 |
Fat (g) | 106 | 47 |
Carbs (g) | 8 | 8 |
Sugar (g) | 8 | 2 |
Calcium (% RDA) | 39 | 7 |
Vitamin A (% RDA) | 120 | 47 |
Vitamin B12 (% RDA) | 60 | 15 |
Plain Yogurt (Grade B)
Why is it a Good Substitute: While we prefer Greek yogurt, plain yogurt is an acceptable substitute for crème fraîche due to its similar texture and tangy flavor. The tangy taste of plain yogurt can complement a variety of dishes, adding a refreshing and slightly acidic flavor.
How to Substitute: Plain yogurt has not been strained like Greek yogurt, so we recommend straining plain yogurt through a coffee filter, cheesecloth, or just a paper towel placed into a colander. This should reduce the volume of yogurt by about 25%, so if you need one cup of crème fraîche, start with 1⅓ cups of yogurt before straining.
Plain yogurt has a tangier flavor and won’t be as rich as crème fraîche. If a richer flavor is desired, you can add a small amount of butter or a drizzle of olive oil to the yogurt. Avoid adding yogurt directly to hot dishes. Instead, let the dish cool slightly before incorporating the yogurt to prevent curdling.
If a recipe calls for high-temperature baking, this probably isn’t a good substitute. Use plain yogurt in recipes where the thickness of crème fraîche is not crucial, such as in marinades, sauces, and some desserts.
Nutritional Differences: Plain yogurt is a healthier alternative to crème fraîche as it contains fewer calories and saturated fat while offering beneficial probiotics that support digestive health. The following table highlights the nutritional content of 1 cup of strained plain yogurt (1 1/3 cup pre-strained) vs creme fraiche.
Plain Yogurt | Crème Fraîche | |
Calories | 200 | 459 |
Protein (g) | 10 | 2 |
Fat (g) | 10 | 47 |
Carbs (g) | 14 | 8 |
Sugar (g) | 14 | 2 |
Calcium (% RDA) | 40 | 7 |
Vitamin A (% RDA) | 2 | 47 |
Vitamin B12 (% RDA) | 28 | 15 |
Cottage Cheese (Grade B)
Why is it a Good Substitute: It has a creamy texture that can sort of mimic the smooth and velvety consistency of crème fraîche. Your final recipe texture is apt to be a bit more “curdish” (that probably isn’t a word). It will work best as a substitute for dips and spreads though we think it’s workable in many desserts as well.
How to Substitute: To achieve a texture closer to sour cream you can strain it to remove excess liquid then blend cottage cheese in a food processor or blender until it becomes smooth. Using a small curd variety will give you the best texture match. Unlike yogurt substitutes, cottage cheese will not curdle if used in high-temperature cooking.
Nutritional Differences: Cottage cheese is lower in calories than crème fraîche, and much higher in protein. It is definitely a healthy alternative to crème fraîche. The following table highlights the nutritional content of 1 cup of cottage cheese vs creme fraiche.
Cottage Cheese | Crème Fraîche | |
Calories | 206 | 459 |
Protein (g) | 28 | 2 |
Fat (g) | 9 | 47 |
Carbs (g) | 6 | 8 |
Sugar (g) | 5 | 2 |
Calcium (% RDA) | 12 | 7 |
Vitamin A (% RDA) | 4 | 47 |
Vitamin B12 (% RDA) | 9 | 15 |
Cream Cheese (Grade B)
Why is it a Good Substitute: Cream cheese shares a similar creamy and rich texture with crème fraîche, and is actually a bit thicker. It has a light tanginess due to the lactic acid bacteria used in its production, making it a decent match for the flavor of crème fraîche.
It can replace crème fraîche in recipes like dips, casseroles, frostings, and baked goods. It works well in both hot and cold dishes, making it a flexible choice when you don’t have crème fraîche on hand, or just want to change up a recipe.
How to Substitute: Replace one cup of crème fraîche with 6 ounces of cream cheese. Cream cheese is a bit thicker than crème fraîche, so we recommend adding a little milk or yogurt to it. Add 1-2 Tablespoons of milk for each 6 ounces of cream cheese.
You should let the cream cheese warm to room temperature before mixing. The milk addition is by no means a hard rule. For dips, you will probably want to use 2 tablespoons, but for baking perhaps none.
The tanginess of cream cheese is also generally milder than crème fraîche, so you might need to adjust other flavorings in your recipe to compensate. You can always add a splash of lemon juice for this purpose.
An advantage of using cream cheese vs yogurt as a substitute is that the cream cheese does not curdle easily like yogurt does. It will stand up to baking better than a yogurt substitute.
Nutritional Differences: Cream cheese and crème fraîche are really a pretty close match in nutritional content. The following table highlights the nutritional content of 6 ounces of cream cheese vs creme fraiche.
Cream Cheese | Crème Fraîche | |
Calories | 552 | 459 |
Protein (g) | 8 | 2 |
Fat (g) | 56 | 47 |
Carbs (g) | 8 | 8 |
Sugar (g) | 5 | 2 |
Calcium (% RDA) | 30 | 7 |
Vitamin A (% RDA) | 32 | 47 |
Vitamin B12 (% RDA) | 6 | 15 |
Mexican Crema (Grade B)
Why is it a Good Substitute: Often just called “crema,” it is a dairy product widely used in Mexican cuisine. Crema is a creamy, tangy, and slightly thick condiment with a consistency somewhere between that of sour cream and heavy cream because it is made from heavy cream.
How to Substitute: You can use it as a one-to-one replacement in most cases. We suggest you taste-test your crema as there tends to be a fair bit of variation between brands. Keep in mind that Mexican crema has a milder taste, and can be pretty sweet. It is also thinner than crème fraîche, so you may have to adjust the liquidity in your recipe by adjusting other ingredients.
Nutritional Differences: While we like crema as a substitute, it brings a lot of extra calories to your cooking. The following table highlights the nutritional content of 1 cup of Mexican crema vs creme fraiche.
Mexican Crema | Crème Fraîche | |
Calories | 818 | 459 |
Protein (g) | 12 | 2 |
Fat (g) | 88 | 47 |
Carbs (g) | 6 | 8 |
Sugar (g) | 4 | 2 |
Calcium (% RDA) | 65 | 7 |
Vitamin A (% RDA) | 40 | 47 |
Vitamin B12 (% RDA) | 30 | 15 |
Silken Tofu (Grade B)
Why it is a Good Substitute: Silken tofu has a relatively neutral flavor, making it versatile for both sweet and savory uses. This neutrality allows it to take on the flavors of other ingredients in the recipe.
Silken tofu also has a smooth and creamy texture, which can provide a similar mouthfeel to crème fraîche. This can be particularly useful in recipes where the creaminess of crème fraîche is essential. Tofu is a good dairy-free creme fraiche option, as well as a vegan creme fraiche alternative.
How to Substitute: We strongly recommend that you buy silken tofu in order to get close to the consistency of crème fraîche. You should drain and press the tofu to remove excess moisture then put it in your blender. Replace crème fraîche with an equal amount of blended tofu.
Nutritional Differences: Tofu is low in saturated fat, making it a healthier choice than crème fraîche. It is also high in protein and relatively low in calories. The following table highlights the nutritional content of 1 cup of silken tofu vs creme fraiche.
Silken Tofu | Crème Fraîche | |
Calories | 144 | 459 |
Protein (g) | 16 | 2 |
Fat (g) | 8 | 47 |
Carbs (g) | 3 | 8 |
Sugar (g) | 1 | 2 |
Calcium (% RDA) | 10 | 7 |
Vitamin A (% RDA) | 0 | 47 |
Vitamin B12 (% RDA) | 0 | 15 |
Ricotta Cheese (Grade B)
Why is it a Good Substitute: Ricotta has a creamy texture that is somewhat similar to crème fraîche, but ricotta’s lower fat content will likely produce a different mouthfeel in our recipes. Ricotta has a mild and slightly sweet flavor, which can work well in dishes where the tangy taste of crème fraîche is not crucial to the outcome. All in all, it isn’t a bad substitute. Oh, and did we say that despite the lower fat content ricotta will not curdle during high-temperature cooking?
How to Substitute: Use a 1:1 substitution ratio, and puree the ricotta until smooth to achieve a creamier texture similar to crème fraîche. If the tanginess of crème fraîche is important in your recipe, you can add a small amount of lemon juice or vinegar to the ricotta to enhance its tartness.
Nutritional Differences: Ricotta cheese is fairly similar to crème fraîche nutritionally though it is clearly a better source of protein. The following table highlights the nutritional content of 1 cup of ricotta cheese vs creme fraiche.
Ricotta Cheese | Crème Fraîche | |
Calories | 428 | 459 |
Protein (g) | 28 | 2 |
Fat (g) | 32 | 47 |
Carbs (g) | 7 | 8 |
Sugar (g) | 1 | 2 |
Calcium (% RDA) | 42 | 7 |
Vitamin A (% RDA) | 37 | 47 |
Vitamin B12 (% RDA) | 42 | 15 |
Coconut Cream (Grade B-)
Why is it a Good Substitute: Coconut cream is a good option if you are looking for a vegan or dairy-free option. It has a very high-fat content, so it has a similar creamy consistency and won’t curdle in high-temperature cooking. It does, however, have a unique coconut flavor which will affect the taste of your recipes,
How to Substitute: Use it as a 1:1 replacement for creme fraiche. It is best used in desserts where the coconut flavor will enhance the taste you are after. Oh, and be sure you use coconut cream, not coconut milk or coconut drink. You won’t be happy with the results from either of these.
Nutritional Differences: Coconut cream is a high-calorie substitute with a lot more fat than creme fraiche, and much of this is saturated fat. It is certainly not a healthy alternative to creme fraiche. The following table highlights the nutritional content of 1 cup of coconut cream vs creme fraiche.
Coconut Cream | Crème Fraîche | |
Calories | 792 | 459 |
Protein (g) | 9 | 2 |
Fat (g) | 83 | 47 |
Carbs (g) | 16 | 8 |
Sugar (g) | 12 | 2 |
Calcium (% RDA) | 2 | 7 |
Vitamin A (% RDA) | 0 | 47 |
Vitamin B12 (% RDA) | 10 | 15 |
Buttermilk (Grade B-)
Why is it an acceptable Substitute: Traditional buttermilk is the liquid that remains after churning butter from cream. This process yields a liquid that has a slightly tangy flavor due to the presence of lactic acid.
However, in modern times, the buttermilk you typically find in stores is usually cultured buttermilk, which is made by adding lactic acid bacteria to low-fat or skim milk. This bacterial fermentation gives it its characteristic tanginess. Buttermilk shares a reasonably similar tangy flavor with crème fraîche but is much thinner which can be in some baking recipes.
How to Substitute: You can often substitute buttermilk at a 1:1 ratio for sauces, but if your recipe is relying on the thickness of crème fraîche only use ¾ cup of buttermilk for each 1 cup of crème fraîche called for.
There are some uses that buttermilk just doesn’t work well in such as in thick dips and recipes that need the extra fat. It is just too thin. You might, however, try powdered buttermilk. You can mix it to the consistency you need. It also has a shelf life of about two years, so it can be handy to keep in the pantry.
Nutritional Differences: Buttermilk contains only a fraction of the calories and saturated fat in crème fraîche, but more sugar. The following table highlights the nutritional content of 1 cup of buttermilk vs creme fraiche.
Buttermilk | Crème Fraîche | |
Calories | 98 | 459 |
Protein (g) | 8 | 2 |
Fat (g) | 2 | 47 |
Carbs (g) | 12 | 8 |
Sugar (g) | 12 | 2 |
Calcium (% RDA) | 28 | 7 |
Vitamin A (% RDA) | 4 | 47 |
Vitamin B12 (% RDA) | 14 | 15 |
Homemade Crème Fraîche (Ungraded)
You can always make your own Crème Fraîche at home. It is really pretty easy.
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream (preferably not ultra-pasteurized)
- 1 tablespoon cultured buttermilk (store bought will almost certainly be cultured)
Instructions
Use high-quality heavy cream for the best results. Avoid ultra-pasteurized cream if possible, as it may take longer to thicken.
Step 1: In a clean glass or plastic container, mix the heavy cream and buttermilk together. Cover the container loosely with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Place it in a warm spot, around room temperature. Let the mixture sit undisturbed for about 24 hours.
The exact time may vary depending on the temperature of your kitchen. You’ll know it’s ready when it has thickened to your liking and has a slightly tangy flavor.
Step 2: After the initial culturing period, check the consistency. If it’s not thick enough, you can let it sit for a few more hours until it reaches the desired thickness.
Step 3: Once the creme fraiche has thickened to your liking, refrigerate it for at least 4 hours before using. This will help it set further and develop its flavor. Before using, give the creme fraiche a good stir to ensure a smooth and consistent texture.
Nutritional Differences: Our homemade Creme Fraiche is a lot more caloric because heavy cream contains a lot of fat. You could reduce this by using a lighter cream. The following table highlights the nutritional content of 1 cup of homemade crème fraîche vs creme fraiche.
Homemade Crème Fraîche | Crème Fraîche | |
Calories | 816 | 459 |
Protein (g) | 6 | 2 |
Fat (g) | 86 | 47 |
Carbs (g) | 6 | 8 |
Sugar (g) | 2 | 2 |
Calcium (% RDA) | 12 | 7 |
Vitamin A (% RDA) | 110 | 47 |
Vitamin B12 (% RDA) | 36 | 15 |
Best Dairy-Free and Vegan Crème Fraîche Substitutes
To wrap up our post, we wanted to summarize our favorite non-dairy substitutes for crème fraîche.
- Silken Tofu: Offers the same creamy texture as crème fraîche with the versatility of a neutral flavor.
- Coconut Cream: While coconut cream has more calories and a strong coconut flavor, the texture makes it a good substitution option for crème fraîche.
This wraps up our look at crème fraîche substitutes. We think sour cream is the best of our 12 crème fraîche substitutions unless you are looking for a vegan or dairy-free option. As always happy cooking from your friends at Live Eat Learn!
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