Small Batch Clotted Cream Recipe (2024)

Home Cooking For One Recipes Breakfast Recipes For One Small Batch Clotted Cream Recipe

By Joanie Zisk

on Jun 28, 2021, Updated Mar 12, 2024

4.80 from 5 votes

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Transform ordinary heavy cream into a thick, rich spread with this simple small batch Clotted Cream recipe. Perfect for topping scones or enhancing pastries, it’s a delightful addition to any morning tea or brunch. This recipe relies on the simplicity of its single ingredient and the magic of time, turning heavy cream into something truly special. With minimal effort and a touch of patience, you’ll create an indulgent treat that surpasses store-bought varieties.

this Recipe

Enjoy the rich, creamy texture of homemade clotted cream paired with a variety of our small batch scone recipes. Whether you prefer the classic simplicity of Cream Scones, the fruity sweetness of Strawberry Scones or Peach Scones, the zesty tang of Lemon Poppy Seed Scones, the vibrant flavor of Cranberry Orange Scones, or the savory goodness of Ham and Cheese Scones, this clotted cream is the perfect accompaniment.

Table of Contents

  • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
  • What Is Clotted Cream?
  • Ingredient Notes: Choosing The Right Cream For Clotted Cream
  • Choose Your Baking Dish: Size Matters
  • How To Make Clotted Cream
  • Expert Tips
  • What To Serve With Clotted Cream
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
  • Small Batch Clotted Cream Recipe Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Easy To Make:This recipe is incredibly simple, requiring minimal effort. Just pour the cream into a dish and let your oven do the rest.
  • Small Batch Perfection:Designed for one or two people, it avoids waste.
  • Save Money:Skip the expensive store-bought clotted cream and make your own for a fraction of the price.
  • No Special Equipment Needed: All you need is an oven and a shallow baking dish.
  • Versatility: Perfect with scones, pastries, or as a luxurious addition to desserts.

What Is Clotted Cream?

Clotted cream is a rich and incredibly delicious spreadable form of cream that is often served with scones and jam. It is made by putting high-fat cream into a shallow tray and heating and then cooling the cream. As the cream cools, the fats in the cream rise and form thick lumps, “clots” which are skimmed off and become the clotted cream.

This incredible cream spread originated in the counties of Devon and Cornwall, located in southwest England. Clotted cream is often referred to as Devonshire cream or Cornish cream.

Small Batch Clotted Cream Recipe (3)

Ingredient Notes: Choosing The Right Cream For Clotted Cream

  • Heavy Cream: This is the star of the show! Here’s a breakdown of pasteurization and how it affects clotted cream:
    • Regular Pasteurized Cream (Preferred):This is your best bet. This type of cream undergoes a less intense heating process than ultra-pasteurized cream, leading to better curd formation.
    • Ultra-Pasteurized Cream (Works in a Pinch):While this cream is heated to a higher temperature for a longer shelf life, it can still be used to make clotted cream. The curds may not separate as prominently, but you’ll achieve a satisfactory result.

Don’t worry if you can’t find regular pasteurized cream! Finding regular pasteurized cream can be challenging. I’ve tested both ultra-pasteurized and regular pasteurized creams, and both work effectively. You can see the results in our recipe photos (made with ultra-pasteurized cream).

Here’s a quick summary of the creams we tested:

  • Ultra-pasteurized heavy cream (grocery store brand like Harris Teeter)
  • Ultra-pasteurized heavy whipping cream (local co-op brand like Organic Valley)
  • Pasteurized heavy whipping cream (local creamery brand)
Small Batch Clotted Cream Recipe (4)

Choose Your Baking Dish: Size Matters

For this small batch recipe, you’ll need a shallow baking dish. Here are some options that work well:

  • 8-inch x 6-inch Oval Baking Dish:This is my go-to size, offering a base area of around 38 square inches. It allows for even heating and perfect clotted cream results.
  • 8-inch x 8-inch Square Baking Pan:Another good option! This pan provides a similar amount of surface area and will work just fine for making your clotted cream.

Remember: The key is to use a shallow dish. This ensures the cream heats evenly throughout, leading to a successful batch of clotted cream.

Small Batch Clotted Cream Recipe (5)

How To Make Clotted Cream

  1. Start by preheating your oven to 175°F (80°C). Pour the cream into an 8×6 inch oval oven-safe dish and place it in the oven. Let it bake for 12 hours, which works well overnight. Be aware that some ovens may turn off automatically after a certain period, so check your oven’s manual and set an alarm to restart it if needed.
Small Batch Clotted Cream Recipe (6)
  1. After the 12-hour baking period, take the dish out of the oven. You’ll notice a yellowish layer on top – that’s your clotted cream.
Small Batch Clotted Cream Recipe (7)
  1. Let the dish cool at room temperature, then cover it and place it in the refrigerator for another 12 hours to set.
  2. Following this refrigeration period, take the dish out and gently spoon the thick, buttery clotted cream into a jar, leaving the liquid (whey) behind. This leftover liquid is great for baking scones. The clotted cream you spoon out should have a rich, creamy texture, similar to crème fraîche but even creamier and slightly sweeter.

You can enjoy the clotted cream as it is, directly from the dish, or stir it for a lighter, smoother texture.

Small Batch Clotted Cream Recipe (8)

From the photos provided below, it’s evident that the clotted cream made from both ultra-pasteurized and pasteurized cream appears very similar in appearance.

Small Batch Clotted Cream Recipe (9)
Small Batch Clotted Cream Recipe (10)

Expert Tips

  • Ensure that your oven remains on for the entire cooking process. Some ovens automatically shut off after a set time, so it’s important to check your oven’s manual to see if this applies. If your oven does have an auto shut-off feature, set an alarm to turn it back on as needed.
  • If you’re interested in a larger quantity of clotted cream, this recipe can easily be doubled. Just remember to switch to a bigger baking dish, such as a 9×13-inch, to accommodate the increased amount of cream.
  • Don’t discard the liquid left at the bottom of the dish post-clotted cream preparation. It’s a great substitute for milk in recipes, particularly in making scones.

What To Serve With Clotted Cream

Enjoying homemade clotted cream is an experience in itself. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy it:

  • Classic Cream Tea:Spread clotted cream on warm scones alongside jam for a traditional English afternoon tea experience.
  • Top Your Pancakes or Waffles:Add a dollop of clotted cream to your favorite pancakes or waffles for a decadent breakfast or brunch treat.
  • Fresh Fruit Delight:Drizzle some honey or maple syrup over fresh berries and top them off with a spoonful of clotted cream for a light and refreshing dessert.
  • Coffee Break Companion:Add a touch of luxury to your coffee break by stirring a spoonful of clotted cream into your hot coffee.
  • Baked Apple Perfection:Elevate your baked apples by adding a scoop of clotted cream before baking for a warm and comforting dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does clotted cream last?

Homemade clotted cream will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
While this recipe is designed for enjoying fresh clotted cream, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months if needed. Be aware that freezing may cause a slight change in texture. If you do freeze your clotted cream, let it cool completely first. Transfer it to an airtight container suitable for freezing, label it with the date, and store it in the back of your freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the clotted cream overnight in the refrigerator. Remember, it’s best not to refreeze thawed clotted cream. So, for the ultimate taste and texture, enjoy your clotted cream fresh whenever possible!

Can I speed up the process?

Unfortunately, no. The low and slow approach is key.

Why is my cream not clotting?

It could be due to the type of cream or variations in oven temperature.

Which should be spread first on scones: jam or clotted cream?

Traditionally, people in Devon spread clotted cream on the scones first and follow up with jam while the Cornish tradition is to spread jam first followed by the cream.

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

Small Batch Chocolate Scones

Small Batch Whipped Cream

Vanilla Ice Cream For One

Panna Cotta For One

If you’ve tried this small batch clotted cream or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see!

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Small Batch Clotted Cream Recipe

4.80 from 5 votes

By: Joanie Zisk

Cook: 12 hours hrs

Chilling: 12 hours hrs

Total: 1 day d

Servings: 16 tablespoons (1 cup)

Small Batch Clotted Cream Recipe (15)

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Create luxurious homemade Clotted Cream with this easy small batch recipe! Perfect for pastries, scones, and a touch of elegance to your morning tea.

Equipment

  • 8×6 inch oval baking dish or an 8×8 inch baking dish

Ingredients

  • 1 pint heavy cream (2 cups) –See notes below

Instructions

  • Start by preheating your oven to 175°F (80°C). Pour the cream into an 8×6 inch oval oven-safe dish and place it in the oven. Let it bake for 12 hours, which works well overnight. Be aware that some ovens may turn off automatically after a certain period, so check your oven's manual and set an alarm to restart it if needed.

  • After the 12-hour baking period, take the dish out of the oven. You'll notice a yellowish layer on top – that's your clotted cream.

  • Let the dish cool at room temperature, then cover it and place it in the refrigerator for another 12 hours to set.

  • Following this refrigeration period, take the dish out and gently spoon the thick, buttery clotted cream into a jar, leaving the liquid (whey) behind.

    Pro Tip: This leftover liquid is a great substitute for milk in recipes, particularly in making scones.

  • You can enjoy the clotted cream as it is, directly from the dish, or stir it for a lighter, smoother texture.

Notes

    • Heavy Cream: This is the star of the show! Here’s a breakdown of pasteurization and how it affects clotted cream:
        • Regular Pasteurized Cream (Preferred):This is your best bet. This type of cream undergoes a less intense heating process than ultra-pasteurized cream, leading to better curd formation.
        • Ultra-Pasteurized Cream (Works in a Pinch):While this cream is heated to a higher temperature for a longer shelf life, it can still be used to make clotted cream. The curds may not separate as prominently, but you’ll achieve a satisfactory result.

Don’t worry if you can’t find regular pasteurized cream! Finding regular pasteurized cream can be challenging. I’ve tested both ultra-pasteurized and regular pasteurized creams, and both work effectively. You can see the results in our recipe photos (made with ultra-pasteurized cream).

Expert Tips

  • Ensure that your oven remains on for the entire cooking process. Some ovens automatically shut off after a set time, so it’s important to check your oven’s manual to see if this applies. If your oven does have an auto shut-off feature, set an alarm to turn it back on as needed.
  • If you’re interested in a larger quantity of clotted cream, this recipe can easily be doubled. Just remember to switch to a bigger baking dish, such as a 9×13-inch, to accommodate the increased amount of cream.
  • Don’t discard the liquid left at the bottom of the dish post-clotted cream preparation. It’s a great substitute for milk in recipes, particularly in making scones.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoon, Calories: 74kcal, Carbohydrates: 0.2g, Protein: 0.3g, Fat: 8g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 24mg, Sodium: 3mg, Potassium: 9mg, Sugar: 0.2g, Vitamin A: 435IU, Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 20mg, Iron: 0.03mg

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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21 Comments

  1. I really appreciate that you addressed the UHT (ultra pasteurized issue). I live in a part of the world where that is the only option for all dairy products. For years I was told you couldn’t make clotted cream as a result. But thanks to you, I now know I can. I made the recipe once and it was fantastic. Even got a thumbs up from my British neighbor who knows the real thing! And, again, this is using UHT (ultra pasteurized) heavy cream. So it’s a hit and I’m currently making some more as I write this. I have one question. Can you let it refrigerate for more than 12 hours before you take the clotted cream off the top? In other words, is it more a 12 hours minimum or dies it have to be taken off at 12 hours? (Hoping my question makes sense.) The reason I’m asking is because on this batch the 12 hours will be up in the middle of the night. And I would rather get a good night’s sleep and wait til morning to scrape the clotted cream off the top (of the liquid). Will waiting 18 hours to do this step be a problem, do you think? Please let me know as I’ve tried Googling it and can’t find the answer. And thank you again for an amazing recipe!!!

    Reply

    1. It’s great to hear that you and your neighbor enjoyed the clotted cream! In my own experience, leaving the clotted cream in the refrigerator for more than 12 hours, like waiting until morning, hasn’t caused any issues. It should work out just fine for you too.

      Reply

  2. Used ultra pasteurized as that was all I could find. The top layer seems more like separated milkfat, is that right?

    Reply

    1. I find that there is a greater separation of curds from liquid when I use regular pasteurized cream but as shown in the photos, we used ultra-pasteurized cream successfully. The top layer is the part you want, it is the thick layer that looks almost like a “crust” and this is your clotted cream. The liquid below is the leftover whey and it can be used in any baked goods that call for using milk.

      Reply

  3. Could you make this in an instant on tge yogurt setting?

    Reply

    1. Hi Lisa, although I haven’t tested this recipe in the Instant Pot other readers have told me they have made clotted cream on the yogurt setting with success.

      Reply

Small Batch Clotted Cream Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Why is my homemade clotted cream runny? ›

Did you transfer more whey than you realized when scooping the clots of cream into a bowl? I find that my clotted cream is too runny when I use ultra pasteurized cream, don't let it chill long enough or transfer too much whey when scooping out the clots of cream.

What happens if you whip clotted cream? ›

So to answer your question, you probably won't get exactly what you want. The fresh cream you add will likely whip, and the clotted cream is thick enough that you might not have the stability issues I had, but it definitely won't be a regular whipped cream. I would be careful whipping it at all, however.

What is the liquid left after making clotted cream? ›

Making clotted cream leaves behind a thin liquid called whey, which can be used in baking, in much the same way as buttermilk. You can even use the whey to make some scones for your next cream tea.

How long does homemade clotted cream last in the fridge? ›

Whether clotted cream is made at home or bought in a supermarket, the process is the same. Clotted cream was used historically as a way to preserve milk. An average rule of thumb is Clotted cream can be kept in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

How do you know if clotted cream is bad? ›

If you're unsure, give it a sniff: if it smells sour, it has likely expired and it's best to throw it out.

Why does my clotted cream taste like butter? ›

Clotted cream has a unique taste, often described as being similar to a high-quality unsalted butter. It can also have nutty notes from the milk's long cooking time. When it comes to texture, clotted cream could be compared to softened cream cheese, with the richness falling somewhere between butter and whipped cream.

Why is clotted cream illegal? ›

Its exclusivity extends beyond England, however, as clotted cream is technically illegal in America. Why? True clotted cream is made with unpasteurized milk, and the FDA officially banned the distribution of any milk or milk products that haven't been pasteurized in America in 1987.

What is the American equivalent of clotted cream? ›

The next best thing would be any other thick cream. Get some double cream (heavy cream to Americans) and whip it until stiff, and you'll have about the right consistency.

What is a good substitute for clotted cream in scones? ›

Crème fraîche can be used as a clotted cream substitute as a topping for fruit and baked goods as it has a similar thickness and creaminess to that of clotted cream. But considering crème fraîche's more tangy, sour flavour, it will be a better fit for some recipes than others.

What is the difference between Devonshire cream and clotted cream? ›

It may seem confusing but in actuality, clotted cream and Devon cream (or Devonshire cream or Cornish cream) are the same thing. Thought to have been first introduced to England by Phoenicians around 2000 years ago, clotted cream is a thick (and high fat) spreadable compound.

Can you get clotted cream in the US? ›

That doesn't mean that you're totally out of luck when it comes to clotted cream here in the U.S. It might not be authentic, but versions of the cream are for sale on Amazon and at stores like Whole Foods.

Why is clotted cream yellow? ›

Cornish clotted cream must be made from milk produced in Cornwall and have a minimum butterfat content of 55 percent. The unique, slightly yellow Cornish clotted cream colour is due to the high carotene levels in the grass.

How do the British eat clotted cream? ›

Depending on where you're having cream tea, the clotted cream is either spread on the scone and then topped with jam (Devon), or jam is spread on the scone first then topped with clotted cream (Cornwall). You can also use clotted cream as a topping as you would whipped cream.

How healthy is clotted cream? ›

Health Benefits of Clotted Cream

With a minimum butterfat content of 55%, clotted cream is high in fat with a rich mouthfeel. While not advisable to enjoy copious quantities of clotted cream daily, it does possess a good amount of vitamins A, B12, and D, calcium, magnesium, protein, zinc and phosphorus.

Can you put clotted cream in coffee? ›

Clotted cream is too heavy for coffee, but single and double cream can be used. To float double cream on top add some sugar to the coffee and lightly whip the cream first.

How do you thicken runny clotted cream? ›

If it seems a little runny still, don't give up. Put it back in the fridge for another day or so and it should be just fine. Here is the top of my clotted cream after 48 hours of refrigeration using ultra-pasteurized heavy cream and following the same dehydrating instructions listed in the recipe card below.

Is clotted cream supposed to be runny? ›

Re: question about clotted cream

I would say that the consistency should be about the same as room temperature butter in a cool room, but with a granular crust on top. Or, something like the consistency of Italian ice cream (but again, with the granular crust on top).

What if my scone mixture is too runny? ›

If the mixture is too wet, sprinkle a little flour onto the surface so that the dough can be moved around more easily. Using your hands, pat the dough out into a rough square and then fold it over once on itself. This fold gives the traditional mark in the middle of the scone.

How do you thicken runny cream? ›

Try adding a cornstarch slurry.

Mix together equal parts cold water and cornstarch, whisking the mixture to create a slurry. Make sure the slurry is completely combined to prevent lumps in your cream sauce.

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