Ingredient substitution guide
Best substitutes for creme fraiche
Best swap for creme fraiche: Sour cream, 1:1; tangier and less rich; curdles if boiled, so stir in off the heat.
How we checked this: these swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes, and their ratios follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than one published chart. For exact amounts on many common swaps, see the NDSU and Colorado State University extension tables listed below. Editorial policy
What can I use instead of Creme Fraiche?
The best swap for Creme Fraiche is Sour Cream, 1:1; tangier and less rich; curdles if boiled, so stir in off the heat. Another option is Full-Fat Plain Greek Yogurt, 1:1; tangier; avoid high-heat cooking. The table below also lists Mascarpone, Sour Cream and Heavy Cream and Heavy Cream plus Buttermilk, 5 swaps in all.
| Swap | Ratio and notes |
|---|---|
| Sour cream | 1:1; tangier and less rich; curdles if boiled, so stir in off the heat |
| Full-fat plain Greek yogurt | 1:1; tangier; avoid high-heat cooking How to use it: For a hot dish, stir 1 tablespoon cornstarch into each cup first so it does not separate. |
| Mascarpone | 1:1; richer and sweeter, and it holds up to heat |
| Sour cream and heavy cream | 3:1 blend; closer fat content, stable in warm sauces |
| Heavy cream plus buttermilk | 1 cup cream plus 1 tbsp buttermilk, covered at room temperature for 12 to 24 hours, makes crème fraîche |
Source and limits
These swaps come from the substitution list Well Stockd uses to match recipes to your kitchen, last updated . We remove swaps known to be unsafe, but not every swap has been tested in a kitchen, and a swap is cooking guidance, not an allergen or nutrition equivalent. Check labels and what the recipe needs before substituting.
The ratios and usage notes follow ordinary kitchen practice rather than a single published chart. These two university extension tables list exact amounts for many common swaps:
- Ingredient Substitutions (FN198), NDSU Extension (opens in a new tab)
- Ingredient Substitutions (9.329), Colorado State University Extension (opens in a new tab)
Browse every ingredient and read how these swaps are sourced.
Buying more? Storage times for creme fraiche