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How to Make Crème Fraîche with Yogurt (Easy 2-Ingredient Substitute)

How to Make Crème Fraîche with Yogurt (Easy 2-Ingredient Substitute)

By Mona - Far From The Farm
July 24, 2026
Need a crème fraîche substitute? Learn how to make it at home using heavy cream and plain yogurt in 2 easy steps!
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Makes: 2 cups approx.
Approximate cost $4.50
Prep Time 5 minutes
Culture time 1 day
Total Time 1 day 5 minutes
Servings: 2 cups approx.
Course: Condiment, Dip, Ingredient, Pantry Staples
Cuisine: French
Calories: 821

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp plain full-fat yogurt with live active cultures

Equipment

  • Clean glass jar, mixing bowl, or food storage container
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spoon or small whisk
  • Plate, lid, clean tea towel, paper towel, or plastic wrap
  • Airtight container or lid for refrigerating

Method
 

  1. Pour the heavy cream into a clean bowl, jug, food storage container, or glass jar.
    Add the plain yogurt and stir until completely combined with no visible lumps.
  2. Loosely cover with a lid, plate, clean tea towel, paper towel, or plastic wrap.
  3. Leave at room temperature (approximately 70°F to 75°F) for 18 to 24 hours until noticeably thicker.
  4. The crème fraîche should look noticeably thicker than when you started and have a gentle wobble and telltale 'cracks' similar to thick yogurt. It should smell pleasantly creamy with a slight tang.
    If your kitchen is cool, leave it for another 6 to 12 hours if needed.
  5. Cover with an airtight lid and refrigerate for at least 24 hours before using.

Notes

  • Use plain yogurt that contains live active cultures.
  • Full-fat yogurt produces the richest results.
  • Cooler kitchens may require a longer culturing time.
  • If you prefer a tangier flavor, leave it at room temperature for a few extra hours before refrigerating.
  • Always use clean utensils when serving.
 

Storage

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  • Always use a clean spoon when serving.
  • Freezing is not recommended as it can affect the texture.
 

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Nutrition

Calories: 821kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 7gFat: 87gSaturated Fat: 55gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 22gCholesterol: 272mgSodium: 73mgPotassium: 257mgSugar: 8gVitamin A: 3518IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 181mgIron: 0.3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.