Devonshire Cream (Clotted Cream Recipe) (2024)

December 3, 2022March 1, 2024 Updated onMarch 1, 2024

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Devonshire Cream is a thick, rich cream traditionally used in England to top scones. Also known as clotted cream or cornish cream, this heavy cream is so easy to make at home you’ll wonder why you never made it before.

Living in the United States, you might not have ever heard of Devonshire Cream. My first experience with it was when a Mom of another boy in my oldest son’s preschool used to host these elaborate afternoon tea parties. She served it with her Chocolate Bliss Cake and it was perfect because it’s not super sweet and goes well with a rich chocolate dessert, instead of the sweet taste of ice cream or sweetened whipped cream.

Devonshire Cream

This recipe for Devonshire cream comes from Andi, the hostess of those tea parties. Now we can have a taste of England in our house. This easy homemade clotted cream recipe comes together quickly and with just a few ingredients. Once you try it atop your favorite desserts you’ll be wanting to keep a supply in the fridge at all times.

Made with just whipping cream, sour cream, and a touch of sugar and vanilla, it really can’t be any simpler to whip up this dessert topping. You’ll find this thick cream will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge in an airtight container, though I don’t recommend freezing it.

You will want to top all of your desserts with Devonshire Cream and they taste so good that now we pull the clotted cream out of the fridge to top all our desserts.

Speaking of dessert toppings – you’ll want to check out this Honey Bourbon Sauce and my Homemade Raspberry Sauce while you’re here today.

Ingredients Needed

For complete measurements and instructions please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Heavy whipping cream – I used 8 ounces of heavy whipping cream. Do not substitute a lower-fat-content cream.
• Sour cream – I used full-fat sour cream, low fat sour cream won’t give you the same taste and texture so make sure to choose full-fat.
• Powdered Sugar – or confectioners’ sugar as it is also called – I added a few tablespoons of powdered sugar to sweeten up the cream just a bit.
• Vanilla – I used pure vanilla extract. I much prefer real vanilla to imitation so if you can try not to use imitation vanilla.

How to make Devonshire Cream

First: Whip whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

Second: Fold in the sour cream and mix until combined.

Third: Keep cold until ready to serve.

Love it? Pin it!

If you love this Devonshire Cream recipe make sure that you don’t lose it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go!

FAQs

What is clotted cream? Clotted cream is a thick cream that is prepared in a way that it develops ‘clots.’ It is thought to have originated in southwest England. Clotted cream is traditionally served on top of scones in England.

How to make clotted cream? Clotted cream is a cream made by heating full-fat dairy milk, usually from Jersey cows, over a water bath or steam. The cream is then left to cool in the pan where it, in turn, forms clots that rise to the surface.

What is Devonshire cream used for? Devonshire cream like clotted cream is used as a topping for desserts, much like we, in the US, use whipping cream. Most people use Devonshire cream or clotted cream for scones. I suppose British tea and scones just wouldn’t be the same without it.

What is the difference between clotted cream and Devonshire cream? Clotted cream and Devonshire cream are the same thing however Devonshire cream is cream that is made in Devon, England.

What does Devonshire cream taste like? Devonshire cream tastes similar to traditional cream but does not have as much of a sour taste.

What is the difference between Devonshire cream and double cream? Turns out there are lots of variations of ‘cream’ out there! While Devonshire and clotted cream are the same, double cream is more similar to what we in the US call whipping cream. Double cream is much thicker, more decadent, and higher in fat content. Most often double cream is sweetened while Devonshire cream may not be.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

When I was developing this recipe I came across so many variations of Devonshire cream and clotted cream it was quite surprising. You can also use a combination of the following:

• Mascarpone or full-fat cream cheese can be substituted for whipping cream.
• Full-fat yogurt or Greek yogurt can be used instead of sour cream

Tips & Tricks

• To facilitate the whipping of the cream, place the bowl you’ll be using in the fridge a few hours before you start to prepare the cream.
• Make sure the whipped cream is cold, use it straight from the fridge.

What to serve with Devonshire Cream

A Clotted Cream Cookie Served with fresh fruit, strawberry jam, or lemon curd for a special treat!

Homemade Scones – Fresh warm scones are the most common way to serve Devonshire cream.

This thick, rich homemade version of Devonshire cream will take any dessert to the next level. I guarantee it will completely change the way you top your favorite treats. Now get your tea on and give it a try!