Easy Homemade Crème Fraiche with only 2 ingredients

Crème fraiche can be difficult to find in certain countries, but the good news is that making your own is incredibly simple and cost-effective. You only need two ingredients: heavy cream (the same type used for whipped cream) and Greek yogurt.

The homemade Crème fraiche offers a fresh and slightly sour flavor. It can be conveniently stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, during which time the fermentation process continues at a slower rate. In the beginning, it serves as a delicious natural dip. As the weeks pass, it further matures, enabling you to create flavorful cold sauces that enhance your cooking.

Exploring Crème Fraîche

Crème fraîche, originating from France, translates to “fresh cream” in French. It can be described as soured cream, but it goes beyond that. Crème fraîche is a richer, thicker, and smoother version of sour cream. It has a luxurious texture and a higher fat content, making it perfect for various culinary applications such as baking, cooking, making sauces, and even preparing homemade ice cream.

Fermentation – A Natural Transformation Process

During fermentation, beneficial bacteria are introduced to the cream from yogurt. This process leads to a drop in pH within the cream, creating an inhospitable environment for harmful bacteria while fostering the growth of beneficial bacteria. As the fermentation period extends, the Crème fraiche gradually thickens. The duration of this process is influenced by the temperature of your home environment. In colder conditions, fermentation may exceed 48 hours, while in warmer settings, it occurs more rapidly.

To achieve a delightfully thick consistency for my Crème fraiche, I allowed it to ferment for 24 hours at an ambient temperature of approximately 27°C, taking advantage of the summer season. Rest assured, there is no need for concern about the cream spoiling at room temperature. In fact, that’s precisely what we desire—the proliferation of beneficial bacteria from the yogurt prevents the growth of harmful bacteria.

Clean and Reliable Tools

During the fermentation process, it is crucial to maintain proper cleanliness of your equipment and utensils. For this purpose, I recommend using a 1-litre glass jar with a metal cap. This combination provides an ideal environment for fermentation while ensuring hygienic conditions.

Signs of Spoilage and Success

You’ll be able to tell if something went wrong with the fermentation process. If it smells really bad, if you see any changes in color, or if there’s clear liquid on top of the cream, it’s a sign that things didn’t go well. In that case, it’s best to throw it away and start over. It could be that the equipment wasn’t clean enough, allowing harmful bacteria to grow.

On the other hand, if the smell is tangy, fresh, slightly acidic, and the texture is creamy, congratulations! You’ve successfully made your own Crème fraiche.

The Perfect Ratio and Alternative

To make a wonderfully creamy homemade Crème fraiche, all you need is 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt for every 250 ml of heavy cream. Mix them together, and you’ll have a rich and smooth result. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can use cultured buttermilk instead. It will give you the same creamy outcome.

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Βon appétit