Crème fraîche is a go-to ingredient for adding richness and a subtle tang to all kinds of recipes.
Whether you’re whipping up a silky pasta sauce, dolloping it on fresh fruit, or using it as a creamy topper for soups, it adds that touch of elegance and flavor that elevates any dish.
But, let’s face it—crème fraîche isn’t always hanging out in your fridge when you need it. The good news? There are plenty of substitutes that can step in without skipping a beat.
Some substitutes lean more toward tanginess, others toward creaminess, and some offer a mix of both. With just a few simple ingredients, you can easily find the right match for your specific recipe. Here’s a roundup of the best crème fraîche substitutions to keep your cooking on track!
7 Versatile Crème Fraîche Substitutes
These swaps play well in sweet or savory recipes, so you’ll always have a backup, no matter what’s on the menu. Adjust ratios and ingredients as needed to nail the texture and flavor you’re aiming for.
1. Greek Yogurt – A Tangy and Light Option
Greek yogurt is an easy-to-find and healthier alternative to crème fraîche. Its tangy flavor is similar, and with its thick, creamy texture, it works well in both sweet and savory dishes. For a closer match, use full-fat Greek yogurt straight from the tub or mix it with a splash of heavy cream to add richness.
Use Greek yogurt as a 1-to-1 substitute in recipes like soups, dips, or fruit-based desserts. Keep in mind that it’s slightly more tangy, so taste your dish as you go to see if any adjustments are needed.
Looking for other uses for yogurt? Check out Greek yogurt substitutes for even more swaps!
2. Sour Cream – The Pantry Staple
Sour cream is a super convenient replacement for crème fraîche. It’s similarly tangy and creamy, making it an easy swap in dips, sauces, and even baked goods. However, sour cream has a slightly thinner consistency and a sharper tang, which might stand out in more delicate recipes.
To make it closer to crème fraîche, mix ¾ cup of sour cream with ¼ cup of heavy cream for every cup of crème fraîche needed. This blend balances the flavors and the texture for a near-perfect substitute.
Dive deeper into all the ways to use it with sour cream substitutes!
3. Heavy Cream and Yogurt – A Balanced Blend
For a homemade substitute, a combination of heavy cream and yogurt is an excellent choice. The heavy cream adds the richness, while yogurt provides the tang you’d get from crème fraîche.
Simply mix equal parts heavy cream and plain, unsweetened yogurt. If you’re making it for a dip, allow the mixture to sit at room temperature for a few hours so it thickens up slightly. This substitute works well in both sweet and savory recipes.
Want more creamy options? Explore heavy cream substitutes to keep your dishes rich and flavorful.
4. Mascarpone – Smooth and Luxurious
Mascarpone is a great pick if you’re making desserts or creamy pasta sauces. It lacks the tang of crème fraîche but brings unparalleled richness and a velvety texture. For a closer flavor match, mix 1 cup of mascarpone with 1–2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar.
Mascarpone works as a 1-to-1 substitute for crème fraîche, particularly in dishes like cheesecakes, frostings, or risottos. The mild flavor makes it extremely versatile in the kitchen.
Check out mascarpone substitutes for more ideas on how to swap this ingredient.
5. Coconut Cream – A Vegan Favorite
For dairy-free or vegan recipes, coconut cream is a fantastic alternative to crème fraîche. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and works well in everything from soups to desserts. To make it tangier and closer to the original, stir in a pinch of salt and a splash of lemon or lime juice.
Substitute coconut cream in equal amounts, keeping in mind that it’ll have a subtle coconut flavor. This is especially great for curries, vegan cheesecakes, or whipped toppings.
Looking for more plant-based swaps? Browse coconut cream substitutes for creative alternatives!
6. Buttermilk and Heavy Cream – Homemade Crème Fraîche
Buttermilk and heavy cream create an almost identical version of crème fraîche if you want to DIY it. Combine 1 cup of heavy cream with 2 tablespoons of buttermilk, stir, and allow the mixture to rest covered at room temperature for 12–24 hours. It’ll thicken and develop that signature tang.
This is perfect if you’ve got time to spare and want an authentic substitute for sauces or desserts. Once made, it can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
For more backup ingredients, explore buttermilk substitutes for great ideas.
7. Softened Cream Cheese – Easy and Convenient
If you’re out of crème fraîche but have cream cheese, you’re in luck. While it’s thicker and denser, cream cheese can be thinned out with a bit of milk or cream to replicate crème fraîche’s consistency.
Blend 8 ounces of softened cream cheese with 3–4 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream until smooth. Use it as a substitute in desserts, dips, or even pasta sauces.
Want more ways to use cream cheese? Check out cream cheese substitutes for creative ideas!
Whatever your recipe calls for, these substitutions ensure you’re never stuck without that creamy tang. With a little experimenting, you’ll quickly discover which alternatives work best for your favorite savory and sweet dishes.
