I’ve been making crème fraîche the same way for years: heavy cream and a little bit of buttermilk shaken in a jar, then left on the counter for 24 hours. I’ve changed my method, however, after coming across Renee Erickson’s version in her book A Boat, A Whale, & A Walrus. Here larger amounts of cream and buttermilk are whisked together, then covered in cheesecloth and left on the counter for 2-3 days. It may seem like a subtle difference, but 72 hours later I was greeted with the creamiest, dreamiest crème fraîche that I had ever made. It was rich and slightly tangy, and I was ready to dollop and smear it on everything within reaching distance.
Ms. Erickson’s book is quite beautiful, and I respected it even more after reading the introduction. “I’m…not a classically trained chef – actually, I’m not trained at all – so there aren’t a lot of rules about cooking in my kitchens. It’s more important to me that people are happy and comfortable than that they can crack an egg with one hand or slice a case of shallots in a minute flat. If I don’t want to do something, I don’t want to make someone else do it. I want my staff to have healthy lives and dynamic, interesting jobs that don’t entail someone hovering over them.” After working 15+ years in retail, coffeeshops, and kitchens I may have uttered a ‘thank you!’ upon reading those words.
Leave a comment below for a chance to win a copy of A Boat, A Whale, & A Walrus!
Crème Fraîche
From A Boat, A Whale, & A Walrus by Renee Erickson
(the video above shows a half recipe being made)
3 cups heavy cream
1 cup buttermilk
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream and buttermilk. Cover the top of the bowl with 3 individual layers of cheesecloth (you can attach it to the bowl with a rubber band) and let the crème fraîche sit for 2-3 days, until thick. Gently stir it, then transfer the crème fraîche to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use, up to 1 week.
110 Comments
Ellie
Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at 1:41 pmHi! Thanks so much for posting the recipe, I’m 15 and really into baking and until now I’ve never been able to try anything with creme fraiche as it’s never in the house! Will definitely try this next time I find a nice looking recipe for it- any suggestions?
Carol
Tuesday, December 9, 2014 at 2:11 pmone word: AMAZING!
Bridget
Monday, December 8, 2014 at 10:26 pmI’ve been making crème fraîche for 7 years with heavy cream and sour cream 1:1.
Now I’ve tried this version 48 hours ago and YES – just perfect. Light and creamy and much, much better than my version. It’s now in my cookbook. Thank you!
By the way: I didn’t know how calming it can be to watch a 58- seconds-video about making crème fraîche 🙂 The music, the movements, it was just relaxing.
Katie
Wednesday, December 3, 2014 at 4:13 amWhat a wonderful video–thank you!
Lilia
Tuesday, December 2, 2014 at 8:38 pmI’ve been wanting to make my own for so long!!!! This post is a sign that I have to make it happen!
Adrienne
Monday, December 1, 2014 at 6:33 pmI’m hearing a lot of buzz about thus book, looks like a great read. I finally got around to reading An Everlasting Meal this Fall. The cookbook meats memoir meets food philosophy format is very interesting!
Renee Kemps
Monday, December 1, 2014 at 3:48 amOh wauw. So easy to make! Can’t wait to try it out!
Najee
Saturday, November 29, 2014 at 10:36 amThat almost looked too easy! 🙂 Nomnomnomnom.
(also, what an adorable title for a cookbook!)
Lindsay
Thursday, November 27, 2014 at 11:04 pmI work at a small business and the girls and I are getting together to make my boss and his wife a basket of home-made goods for Christmas. This sounds like a good option for my part. How fun!
Toni McCann
Thursday, November 27, 2014 at 12:24 pmso simple. so yummy. definitely going to be giving this a try.
MFree
Wednesday, November 26, 2014 at 1:46 pmThank you for sharing this cute video. Dying to get my hands on the cookbook!
Emily
Monday, November 24, 2014 at 1:30 pmThanks for sharing the video! I’m currently living in Santiago, Chile and miss my Trader Joe’s creme fraiche… This looks like an even better substitute 🙂
Lyndsey
Monday, November 24, 2014 at 10:19 amI’ve never made creme fraiche, but I do love it. This book looks wonderful, too.
Brian @ A Thought For Food
Monday, November 24, 2014 at 7:30 amI haven’t made creme fraiche in quite a long time. I think I followed the recipe you mentioned at the beginning. Thought that was the only way! I need to try this version… it looks and sounds perfect!
Alycia@foodblogit
Sunday, November 23, 2014 at 5:53 pmThis is so informative!! I will 100% be making this. Can’t thank you enough for this post!!!
Gina Guthrie
Sunday, November 23, 2014 at 11:39 amThanks for this recipe. It’s so hard to find creme fraiche in most stores.
Katie
Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 4:47 pmLooks like a beautiful book.
Jennifer P.
Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 3:41 pmAt Whale Wins (one of Renee Erickson’s restaurants), they put this creme fraiche on a piece of butter-roasted zucchini bread and sprinkle it all with a little salt. And it’s magical. Yes, magical. Sweet, tangy, salty and a little crunchy. Love at first bite for me. Now, with this recipe in hand, I’m feeling inspired to try making a version her zucchini bread dessert at home. Thanks for the sharing!
Rebecca
Saturday, November 22, 2014 at 1:05 pmI never realized it was so easy to make! Yum 🙂
Caitlin
Friday, November 21, 2014 at 9:47 pmcreme fraiche is hard to find, so this may come in handy
Carol at Wild Goose Tea
Friday, November 21, 2014 at 8:47 pmI’ve always wondered how to make this—but I guess not wondered enough to check it out. Ha. Thanx for the chance to win such a beautiful book.
Nickie Gorsky
Friday, November 21, 2014 at 8:41 pmhmmm…creme fraiche…lovely stuff…thanks for the giveaway chance for this beautiful worthy book…
Terra
Friday, November 21, 2014 at 5:54 pmCan’t wait to try this!
La Cuisine d'Helene
Friday, November 21, 2014 at 4:27 pmI should try this recipe because it’s hard to find crème fraiche around here.
cori
Friday, November 21, 2014 at 8:45 amWow that’s creme fraiche? Dannng!
Sini | My Blue&White Kitchen
Friday, November 21, 2014 at 5:30 amLove this; the video, the recipe, and the book! I’ve been wanting to make crème fraîche for so long now but somehow I still haven’t. You know those want-to-make projects that you have only to realize a couple of months (or years!) later that you still haven’t made them happen. Not even when they’re so very effortless to make like crème fraîche or ricotta? I *really* need to make homemade crème fraîche.
christiana
Friday, November 21, 2014 at 3:24 amI am SO going to try this as creame fraiche is very expensive in Australia!
Thanks for sharing x
Elisa Wolff
Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 8:40 pmI very much appreciate Ms. Erickson’s approach to cooking. Cooking is something everyone can do, and demystifying it and making it okay to do what works for you is a huge step in getting everyone preparing their own food!
Stephanie
Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 7:53 pmI love this! Creamiest and dreamiest? YES PLEASE! And that cookbook would make a perfect gift.
Deloras
Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 1:21 pmThe book sounds like it might be the dreamiest, also. Thank you for the crème fraiche recipe.
Miriam
Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 12:33 pmI finally might just give this a shot…thanks bunches 🙂
Madeline
Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 11:52 amI’ve heard some great things about this book, would love the chance to cook from it!!
Khadija M.
Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 9:37 amHeyyyy hello ok hi 😛 What do you think the shelf life is for the creme fraiche? xxx K.
Sarah
Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 10:21 amIt should last about a week in the fridge.
Khadija M.
Friday, November 21, 2014 at 6:13 amOh okay thank you so much 😀
Lisa A
Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 8:46 amI’m going to have to try this! I’ve always bought it in the past, but I love making things myself when I can.
Britney Loren
Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 8:46 amI am now inspired to make my own creme fraiche! I was going to make my favoite lemon poundcake this weekend, too, which calls for creme fraiche. I am sure the addition of this home-made deliciousness will make it even more fabulous. Thank you!
Michelle
Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 8:10 amAwesome!!! Thanks for the info. Definetly on the to do list!
bernice
Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 7:23 amGreat thanksgiving idea!
Sandra
Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 5:48 amNever made creme fraiche before. I’m going to try it.
The video is so amazing! Thanks for sharing it! I really like the book, such a great title!
Meghan
Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 2:00 amNever did I think a 58 second video of hands preparing creme fraiche would be so beautiful & serene. But you have a way of doing that; making this beautiful where least expected. I’ve lusted after this cookbook ever since I read the title, and after reading that excerpt, I’m convinced I have to have it one way or another. Thank you, Sarah!
sabrina
Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 1:53 amWow! I’ve got to give this a go. Love creme fraiche.
Allison from Baking: a Love Story
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 9:41 pmSmart! It never even occurred to me to make my own creme fraiche. Love this idea and will be doing it this weekend. Thank you!
Katie
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 9:29 pmIt had never crossed my mind that I could make my own crème fraîche. Now I have to try it!
Sara {The Messy Mrs}
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 9:11 pmSTOP IT! You have NO IDEA how excited I am to make this! I make my own ricotta, and it is exponentially better than anything I’ll ever get from a store. I can only imagine what homemade creme fraîche tastes like!
Constance
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 9:09 pmI’ll have to give this a whirl, sounds delicious.
Miri
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 8:43 pmAs I need creme fraiche for a dinner party soon and only had sour cream – there is no creme fraiche in Oz – it must have been destiny that I opened your blog and stumbled upon this simple recipe. Just followed the instructions of your video and can’t wait till it’s done 🙂
Hannah @ Taste Neapolitan
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 4:44 pmI had no idea Crème Fraîche was so easy to make! I found your blog on Steller and I am loving it!
Kinga champion
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 3:49 pmThanks for the recipe. I love recipes like these. Can you freeze it?
cynthia
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 2:20 pmThis is so lovely, Sarah!! That video is beautifully serene (and you have such graceful hands!) And love your words on Renee’s book — her philosophy and her creme fraiche sound equally wonderful.
amanda
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 1:42 pmI love all the recipes you post so I’m sure I will love this one too!!
Lauren
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 1:32 pmWhat a beautiful book! We’re contemplating a move up to Seattle in the near future. I would love to eat at her restaurants and try my hand at some of her recipes.
Kelly
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 12:57 pmI’ve never made my won crème fraiche, but I love it! Thanks!
Danielle
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 12:41 pmSo simple! I will have to try this, for sure.
Rachel
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 12:31 pmWhat a beautiful post. I’m inspired to try the recipe now!
Mandi Flake
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 12:26 pmOoohhh! Now I can skip the hour’s drive to trader joe’s & just make my own, HOORAY!
Stardancer
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 12:21 pmI have never made creme fraiche at all, but I expect that it will happen someday as I expand my cooking horizons!
Dana
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 12:18 pmI used to make crème fraiche but never used it up before it went bad. Maybe I’ll give it another go. Thanks for the giveaway.
Kelli
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 12:03 pmWhat a lovely simple yet Glorious concoction. Love the video. Make more 🙂
sabine
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 11:24 amC.f. is a constant inhabitant of my fridge, yet I never ever made it myself. What a shame, it seems. Thank you for this wonderful idea!
Jane Downes
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 11:07 amBeautiful, encouraging video. Now I’ll definitely be making crème fresche for Thanksgiving! Thanks. I’m completely intrigued by the title of the giveaway cookbook. Sounds like a winner!
Maneesha Pradhan
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 10:56 amNice to know can do this at home when I don’t have any on hand.
Lauren
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 10:10 amAlways good to have a way to make creme fraiche at home!
Cindy
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 10:05 amLove the cover of this book…..such whimsy! What would it be like to work with someone that leaves headed and grounded…….hmmmmm. The creme fraiche looks amazing. Tanks so much for sharing this book.
Vittoria
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 9:51 amI can’t wait to read this book!
Erin
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 9:44 amThanks for sharing the recipe!
Chloé
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 9:28 amWow. The book looks awesome. + Thank you for this yummy recipe 🙂
Suzanne Gordon
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 9:25 amI could do this!
Thea @ Baking Magique
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 9:06 amI’m so glad you’ve started making videos! It makes it so much easier to follow along 🙂
Beverly Elaine
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 9:05 amPerfect timing! We have recently moved out of the U.S. and I’m missing some of the food items I’ve grown accustomed to using in the States.
Demi-Brooke
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 9:03 amOh how delightful! This looks so yummy, and the sweetest book. Thanks for the recipe/chance to win. xx
Meghan @ Cake 'n' Knife
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 8:58 amI’ve never even thought to try to make my own creme fraiche, it looks so fun! I totally geeked out over your video – thanks for inspiring me to try this!
Maryna
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 8:53 amthank you so much for sharing! i’ve been looking for this recipe for s long, because I’ve never seen creme fraiche in Ukrainian stores.
CarolP
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 8:44 amI came across an online recipe for zucchini bread from the same book. It was amazing, and called for creme fraiche to serve alongside. This version looks wonderful – thanks for posting. The book looks great!
Laura Biscaro
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 8:15 amI’ve always wanted to make my own crème fraiche, but I would also have to make my buttermilk from scratch (there’s no buttermilk in my country) and I’m a very lazy cook hahaha but that video made me excited to try it, though…
Katie McCleery
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 8:04 amI would love to win a copy of that beautiful book!
Janice
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 8:03 amI cannot wait to try this creme fraiche recipe. This will be the perfect something extra to dollop on those Thanksgiving pies. Thank you for including the quotes from Renee Erikson’s intro.
Carol
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 7:54 amI love your marble! I’m starting to ferment things now so leaving it out longer sounds good to me 🙂
Katherine
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 7:44 amI’m never sure what to do with crème fraîche! Sounds like an easy recipe though, I might try it anyway.
Austenne
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 7:41 amI’m super sensitive to dairy (silly digestive system). However, there exist recipes that aren’t the same with substitutions. I will definitely be making creme fraiche soon.
Thanks for sharing and have a happy day 🙂
<3 Austenne
Tjaša
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 7:39 amThis creme fraiche looks absolutely perfect! I had home made creme fraiche on my to-do list for a while now and I guess this weekend I will finally scratch it off. Can’t wait to taste this creamy perfection! And the book is just amazing, I’ve also been eying it for some time.
Mimi
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 7:34 amYummy recipe for Crete fraiche. I collect cook books and have not seen this one. Seems like my kind of cookbook.
Christina
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 7:16 amWhat a beautiful book! I’ve always meant to try to make creme fraiche – it’s so good with everything, sweet and savory. It’s hard to find in grocery stores here, and I love the idea of making it myself.
Barbara Langlois
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 7:03 amGreat video. Perfect timing for the tutorial…creme fraiche for the holidays. Thank you. Love cookbooks…would be a lovely addition to my collection. Thank you.
Patricia Scarpin
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 6:42 amIt is impossible to find store bought crème fraîche here in Brazil, that is a life savior! Thank you for sharing!
Magda
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 6:24 amWhat a great video, Sarah. I loved the music apart from the recipe instructions 🙂
I find great creme fraiche where I live (the Netherlands) so I haven’t tried to make my own, but I am intrigued. Will give this a try, soon.
Deborah
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 6:12 amSo lovely…..blessings for the giving of thanks next week.
Suné Moolman
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 3:29 amI just love the cover of the book! And the title. 🙂
Definitely making my own crème fraiche from now on!
Judy Grubbs
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 2:43 amGreat video. I will try this soon.
theresa krier
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 2:30 amhi, i have never had nor made creme fraiche, i had no idea it was so easy. i can’t wait to make it for thanksgiving, yum. thanks so much
Lidya
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 2:22 amI’ve never tried creme fraiche, would love to try it!
Emma-leigh
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 2:14 amYUM 🙂
Katie V
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 2:07 amI also love the old English word clabbering – for leaving milk out on the side to begin to ferment.
Linda L.
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 2:01 amWow! Who knew it was that easy? I’ll definitely be trying this. Only question – do I have to tell the folks who’ll be very impressed I made my own creme fraiche just how simple it was??
Thalia @ butter and brioche
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 1:47 amNever would have thought to make my own creme fraiche before. Thanks for the idea and inspiration Sarah, this is definitely something I need to try!
Uschi
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 1:16 amnever thought that it is so easy. Thanks for the wonderful pictures.
Marisa
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 1:05 amI’ve been using Dorie Greenspan’s recipe for some time now which calls for just a Tb of buttermilk to one cup cream. But I absolutely must try this version – you totally caught my interest at “creamiest and dreamiest”!! I spent about an hour yesterday pouring over this cookbook at the local bookstore – it’s absolutely gorgeous 🙂
Tiffany
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 1:03 amI’ve always wanted to make my own creme fraiche but never thought it was this easy. Especially since I can’t buy it locally without driving at least 25 miles away.
Katrina @ Warm Vanilla Sugar
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 12:19 amI’ve always wanted to make my own – your video is great!! Can’t wait to make this at home 🙂
Emily | the flown scissortail
Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at 12:05 amI’ve used this technique to make cultured butter before, but I’ve never just left it as is. I’ll definitely have to try it!
Emily
Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at 11:44 pmThese photos are lovely, and I wish everyone had her approach to managing other people!
Isabella
Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at 11:26 pmThe video is beautiful! I have never made my own creme fraiche before… seems like a great project!
Mahee Ferlini
Wednesday, December 17, 2014 at 6:29 pmThis looks great! Can’t wait to try it