Unlike sour cream, crème fraîche will not split when you boil it, which is why it belongs in pan sauces. The only thing that goes wrong is temperature — below about 70°F the culture stalls and you get cream that's been sitting out, so a warm corner matters more than the clock.
The ratio1 cup heavy cream + 2 tbsp buttermilk, covered, 70–75°F, 24 hours.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep2 min
Cook24 hours
Makes1 cup
CuisineFrench
Cost$$
VegetarianGluten-free
Contains dairy
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for1cup
Heavy cream
One cup. Not ultra-pasteurised if you can avoid it — it cultures reluctantly.
A reasonable little indulgence. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortA project
Cook it with
Stovetop
The Method
Stir togetherCream and buttermilk in a clean jar, stirred. That's the entire preparation.
Cover loosely and waitCloth or loose lid — it needs air. Warm spot, 70–75°F, twelve to twenty-four hours. A cold kitchen may take thirty-six.
Check the thicknessDone when it coats a spoon thickly and smells pleasantly tangy rather than sour. It won't be as firm as sour cream at this stage.
Chill to finishInto the fridge, where it thickens considerably over a few hours. Keeps two weeks.
Make it yoursWhip it lightly with a little sugar for a dessert cream that doesn't collapse. Whisked into pan sauces at the end it won't split. With chives and finishing salt it's better than sour cream on a potato.
Can you make How to Make Crème Fraîche in an air fryer? — Sometimes
Sometimes — if the pieces are small and cooked dry, an air fryer can handle it in a single layer; anything saucy or liquid needs a pan. When in doubt, the stovetop or oven is the safe call.
Can you freeze How to Make Crème Fraîche? — Yes
Yes — cool it, portion into airtight containers, and freeze; thaw in the fridge and reheat.
Can you make How to Make Crème Fraîche ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it needs the chill time to set, so making it ahead is the whole point.
Is How to Make Crème Fraîche gluten-free? — Yes
Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.
Is How to Make Crème Fraîche vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Community Notes
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