CRÈME FRAÎCHE VS SOUR CREAM.

Written By Talula Dempsey

Crème Fraîche and Sour Cream are both thick and creamy dairy products that can be added into different dishes to create a more rich flavor as well as thicker consistency. While both of these products CAN be used interchangeably at a 1 to 1 ratio, they have distinct differences that should be notes.

Sour Cream:

  • Thickening agents, like rennet, are added to create this product

  • Has a higher amount of protein than crème fraîche

  • Will curdle in high heat due to the low fat count 

  • Tangy Flavor that is more sour, hence the name

Crème Fraîche:

  • No thickening agents are added to create this product 

  • Has a higher fat count than sour cream

  • Has less of a risk of curdling when heat is added due to its fat count

    • Because of this, you should always add crème fraîche instead of sour cream to hot ingredients 

  • Mild flavor that has a bit of a sour tang, but has a more subtle taste profile than sour cream 

Examples of when to incorporate sour cream and crème fraîche to enhance flavors:

  • As the perfect topping for pies / galettes

    • Similar to the making of whipped cream, combine the crème fraîche with sugar and vanilla

  • As an addition to frostings for cakes and cupcakes

    • add a small amount of crème fraîche to the mixture to increase the thickness and deepen the flavors 

  • Ganache

    • Use crème fraîche as a thickening agent by adding to the ganache mixture after the heavy cream has completely melted the chocolate

  • Cakes (specifically ones with chocolate)

    • Both sour cream and crème fraîche can be added into the batter to create moist cakes

      • Other flavors that work well with this addition include vanilla, coconut, and blueberry lemon 

  • Cheesecakes

    • If you are running low on cream cheese, you can substitute either crème fraîche or sour cream to create your dessert 

  • Coffee Cake

    • Add sour cream to combat the dry nature of this batter 

  • Muffins

    • I love adding in sour cream to my blueberry or coffee cake muffins 

  • Zucchini Bread

    • Sour cream enhances the texture of this bread 

I hope this post enhances your baking and knowledge of all things dairy! 

Talula Dempsey
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