Substitutes for Crème Fraîche

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Thick, tangy French cultured cream used in sauces, soups, and as a topping for savory and sweet dishes.

Can't find Crème Fraîche in your kitchen? No problem! Below are 4 tested substitutes with exact ratios, perfect for baking, cooking, and everything in between.

Substitute Ratio Best For Dietary
Sour Cream 1:1 replacement sauces, soups, toppings, dressings
Vegetarian
Greek Yogurt 1:1 replacement toppings, dressings, dips, soups
Vegetarian
DIY Crème Fraîche 1 cup heavy cream + 2 tbsp buttermilk, let sit 12-24 hours at room temp all crème fraîche applications
Vegetarian
Cashew Cream + Lemon 1 cup cashew cream + 1 tbsp lemon juice sauces, soups, toppings
Vegan Dairy-Free

How to Use

Tangier and slightly thinner. Works in all crème fraîche applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best substitute for Crème Fraîche?
The best substitute depends on your recipe, but Sour Cream is a reliable choice for most applications. Use 1:1 replacement.
What's a vegan substitute for Crème Fraîche?
Cashew Cream + Lemon is an excellent vegan option. Use 1 cup cashew cream + 1 tbsp lemon juice.
Can I use any of these substitutes interchangeably?
Most substitutes work well in their recommended use cases, but they may produce slightly different results. The notes above explain the differences and best practices.
Will the taste be affected?
Some substitutes may subtly change the flavor profile of your dish, but they'll work great in the recommended use cases. Start with the suggested ratio and adjust to your taste.

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