FAQs
Crème fraîche is essentially the European equivalent of sour cream. It's used widely throughout Europe but less commonly in the United States and Canada. Crème fraîche is a dairy product much like sour cream but it has a higher fat content.
Can you buy crème fraîche in the grocery store? ›
Though crème fraiche is a staple in Europe, it's not so common in the United States. You can find it in some grocery stores and specialty shops, but many American home cooks choose to make their own (more on that later) or use sour cream as an easy-to-find substitute.
What is the closest thing to crème fraîche? ›
Sour cream (which has less fat) is the best and easiest substitute, but it's not as rich or tangy as crème fraîche. Full-fat plain Greek yogurt is another substitute, but it doesn't have the same smooth texture or mild flavor.
How long can crème fraîche stay in the fridge? ›
Typically, crème fraîche will keep for up to eight weeks if refrigerated. If separation occurs, gently stir the liquid back into the crème fraîche. If any mold forms on the surface of the crème fraîche, discard it immediately.
Is crème fraîche just sour cream? ›
Sour cream may contain thickening agents like gelatin or polysaccharides to create a smooth texture, while creme fraiche's fermentation process naturally produces a thicker texture than sour cream. Plus, sour cream has a tangier taste than creme fraiche, which has a rich and creamy taste.
Is crème fraîche just yogurt? ›
The most important difference you should know between yogurt and crème fraîche is that yogurt is made from milk while crème fraîche is made from heavy cream; and this initial difference of starting ingredients affects the culturing process and ultimately the flavor and texture of the final product.
Does Trader Joe's carry crème fraîche? ›
Trader Joe's Crème Fraîche Review, $3.99 - Trader Joe's List.
Is crème fraîche hard to find? ›
Crème fraîche is harder to find and more expensive than sour cream. So it's natural to wonder if you can just sub in sour cream when a recipe calls for it.
What's the difference between mascarpone and crème fraîche? ›
How Do Mascarpone and Crème Fraîche Differ? Mascarpone and crème fraîche, a French cultured cream, share a rich, creamy consistency. However, crème fraîche is more acidic and has a 30-percent fat content (compared to 50 to 85 percent fat content in mascarpone), which results in a lighter, thinner cream.
What do the French call crème fraîche? ›
Crème fraîche (English pronunciation: /ˌkrɛmˈfrɛʃ/, French pronunciation: [kʁɛm fʁɛʃ], lit. "fresh cream") is a dairy product, a soured cream containing 10–45% butterfat, with a pH of approximately 4.5.
Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta cheese and creme fraiche both have a tangy taste, but creme fraiche wins out on smoothness and richness. Because of its lumpy and slightly grainy texture, ricotta works better as a substitute for creme fraiche in pasta dishes rather than in a silky and creamy sauce.
Can you freeze crème fraîche? ›
Crème fraiche can be frozen as it is or used as a base in frozen desserts like mousse or parfait. When defrosted, crème fraiche loses its original texture. Use it in soups, sauces and stews that are blended before serving.
Is crème fraîche healthier than cream? ›
Double cream has a higher fat content – around 48-50 per cent, and it's not commonly available here. Crème fraîche, on the other hand, is cream that's had a culture added, making it slightly sour in flavour. It's around 40 per cent fat. If you're trying to cook healthily, however, cream is not an everyday ingredient.
Can you eat crème fraîche cold? ›
Then just give the mixture a stir and use it, or refrigerate for up to a week. It's best to use room temperature crème fraîche when adding it to sauces and soups, while chilled crème fraîche is ideal for toppings and dips.
What to use crème fraîche for? ›
How to Use Crème Fraiche
- Mix into mashed potatoes for awesome flavor.
- Dollop onto potato pancakes or hash browns.
- Sweeten with a little powdered sugar and serve with desserts such as unfrosted cakes or on top of a slice of apple pie.
- Tastes terrific with scones, sweet or savory! ...
- Heavenly in scrambled eggs!
Does crème fraîche have another name? ›
Terminology. A literal translation of crème fraîche is "fresh cream." However, in French-speaking countries, crème fraîche may refer to either: (A) the thick fermented product, crème fraîche épaisse or fermentée, or (B) a liquid cream, crème fraîche liquide or fleurette.
Is mascarpone the same as crème fraîche? ›
How Do Mascarpone and Crème Fraîche Differ? Mascarpone and crème fraîche, a French cultured cream, share a rich, creamy consistency. However, crème fraîche is more acidic and has a 30-percent fat content (compared to 50 to 85 percent fat content in mascarpone), which results in a lighter, thinner cream.
Is crème fraîche same as double cream? ›
Double cream has a higher fat content – around 48-50 per cent, and it's not commonly available here. Crème fraîche, on the other hand, is cream that's had a culture added, making it slightly sour in flavour. It's around 40 per cent fat.