What Is Clotted Cream And What Does It Taste Like?

Clotted cream is a variety that's thick, spreadable, and almost custardy in texture. Unlike heavy cream, that's white in color and pourable, clotted cream is pale yellow, dense, and velvety because of its high level of butterfat.

Stiffer even than whipped cream, clotted cream retains its shape well, so it's easily scooped or formed into pretty quenelles to place on desserts and puddings. It isn't, however, sweetened and is made using only double (or heavy) cream — picture it as a concentrated version of heavy cream with a texture akin to cream cheese.

The taste of clotted cream is not unlike regular cream, but it has a slightly nutty, buttery note and a similar rich mouthfeel. When prepared, it also develops a thin crust on the surface that you can gently break through with a spoon. Commonly found in British supermarkets, clotted cream is traditionally dolloped onto split scones with a thick spreading of jam. Served with a pot of tea, this combination makes for the perfect afternoon tea-time treat.

Why not embrace the versatility of clotted cream by adding it to shortbread to make the crumbliest biscuits ever, or whip it into frostings to amp up their flavor? Beat into pumpkin pie mix to lend it a richer texture, or combine with sugar and syrup to make some irresistible luxury fudge.

Aside from spooning clotted cream onto scones and sweetened baked goods, it's also perfect for lending lots of body to savory dishes like pasta sauces, casseroles, and pies. Try stirring clotted cream through a warm potato salad or risotto for an extra boost of richness or dolloping it into the center of a signature soup just before serving. Clotted cream can also be mixed into the filling for cannelloni or quiche to make a decadent dinner or incorporated into chicken sandwiches and tuna wraps to transform them into extravagant lunches with little extra leg work.

The key thing to remember with clotted cream is that it's very rich in both flavor and texture so use it sparingly — a little goes a long way.