Clotted cream is the quintessential taste of Cornwall. It’s renowned across the nation and beyond for its velvety texture and rich flavour that transforms humble scones and desserts into decadent treats. But what if you find yourself with a little too much of this golden indulgence? Can you freeze clotted cream without compromising its signature quality?
At Trewithen Dairy, nestled in the heart of Cornwall, we know just how special clotted cream is. Generally, we advise against freezing clotted cream on our product descriptions, as it impacts its quality. Instead, we recommend savouring it fresh and using any leftovers in other delicious recipes.
However, we know that we all over-cater sometimes, and in our busy lives, sometimes freezing may be the most convenient way to avoid food waste. In this guide, we’ll explore whether freezing is an option, how to do it properly, and tips to make the most of your frozen (and thawed) cream.
What is Clotted Cream?
The Cornish Tradition
Clotted cream is a rich, buttery spread with a thick, golden crust made by gently heating and cooling whole milk. Clotted cream has deep roots in Cornwall and Devon and traditionally people used the clotting process to preserve milk.
The decadent texture of clotted cream makes it ideal for afternoon tea treats such as scones, giving rise to the renowned Cornish Cream Tea. Always remember to spread jam first in the typically Cornish way to stop the warm scone from melting the delicious clotted cream.
How Trewithen Makes Clotted Cream
Trewithen’s award-winning clotted cream is made with pure Cornish milk sourced within 25 miles of our dairy. We expertly craft our clotted cream by gently heating whole cow’s milk in water baths and then allowing it to cool slowly in shallow pans. As it cools, the cream rises to the surface, forming the characteristic “clots” that give this luxurious treat its name.
Can You Freeze Clotted Cream?
The Simple Answer
The simple answer to whether you can freeze clotted cream is, yes, but freezing can change the characteristics we know and love. At Trewithen Dairy, we suggest eating our clotted cream when it’s freshest for the most delicious experience. However, preventing waste is important, so if you want to freeze clotted cream to save it from the bin, then it is possible. Ideally, freeze the clotted cream before opening or shortly after opening to preserve freshness as much as possible.
What to Expect When Freezing
When freezing clotted cream, expect changes in texture. It may become grainy or dry, it can form ice crystals, or it can even separate slightly when thawed. However, with proper freezing and defrosting, its rich flavour can remain intact.
How to Freeze Clotted Cream Properly
So, let’s dive into how to freeze our beloved clotted cream and preserve as much of its delicious taste and texture as you can.
Can You Freeze Clotted Cream in a Jar?
Yes, you can freeze clotted cream in a jar, but you need to make sure the jar has enough space for expansion. Seal it tightly to prevent freezer burn in your clotted cream, and thaw it slowly in the fridge for the best results.
Best Containers for Freezing
Ideally, you should freeze clotted cream in its original packaging shortly after purchase. However, if you find yourself with leftovers you don’t want to waste, the best containers for freezing clotted cream are freezer-safe options like plastic tubs or silicone containers. Whichever container you choose, ensure it’s airtight to preserve freshness and prevent freezer burn or drying out. Also, make sure there’s enough space for expansion.
Step-by-Step Clotted Cream Freezing Guide
To sum up, here’s a quick step-by-step guide on how to freeze clotted cream:
- Choose a Container: Select a freezer-safe, airtight container, leaving space for expansion.
- Portion the Cream: If you have a lot of clotted cream, you may want to divide it into smaller servings for easier use later.
- Seal Securely: Be sure to close your container tightly to prevent freezer burn and keep your clotted cream fresh.
- Label and Date: As with freezing any produce, it’s always a good idea to write the date of freezing on the container for reference.
- Freeze: Place your container of clotted cream in the coldest part of the freezer. It should be just fine here for up to 6 months.
Thawing and Using Frozen Clotted Cream
How to Thaw Safely
It’s not recommended to thaw any frozen produce at room temperature, so when defrosting clotted cream, the best practice is to pop it in the fridge and let it thaw for at least 24 hours.
Can You Freeze Clotted Cream for Scones?
Yes, you can freeze clotted cream for scones. In fact, you could portion out your clotted cream and freeze it along with pre-baked scones and jam so you have ready-made cream teas in the freezer when the craving strikes.
Best Uses for Thawed Cream
You can use thawed cream for everything from scones to dinner dishes. Some of the best uses involve warming or heating the cream, as this will reverse any crystallisation and mask any drying that may have happened during freezing. There are so many ways to use thawed leftover clotted cream – try stirring it into coffee for indulgent depth or add it to curries for rich creaminess.
Expert Clotted Cream Freezing Tips from Trewithen
At Trewithen, we’ve been in the dairy industry for over 20 years. Here are our expert tips on how to freeze clotted cream well.
Signs of Spoilage
It’s always good to check for signs of spoilage before and after you freeze clotted cream. Drying out, a darker colour and a sour smell indicate the clotted cream is starting to spoil.
Quality Preservation Tips
To preserve the luxurious deliciousness of your clotted cream:
- Always store cream in an airtight, freezer-safe container.
- Freeze as soon as possible after purchase, before the use-by date.
- Use a fast-freeze compartment if possible to preserve freshness.
- Always thaw frozen clotted cream in the fridge.
- Check for signs of spoilage when defrosted.
- Store thawed cream in the fridge and eat within three days.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The two most common mistakes when freezing clotted cream are using cream that’s past its prime, and freezing cream twice. If the cream has already started to dry out, freezing it could make things worse – definitely not the result you want! And we don’t recommend refreezing thawed clotted cream, as it can seriously affect both the taste and texture.
Delicious Cornish Clotted Cream for Trewithan Dairy
With its iconic golden crust and luxuriously rich flavour, our award-winning Cornish Clotted Cream is simply irresistible. Made traditionally with milk from local herds, our premium clotted cream has a unique Cornish taste and texture, perfect for spreading on jammy scones or adding creamy richness to your favourite dishes.
You’ll find our decadent clotted cream on sale in select Tesco, Asda and Spar stores, as well as online retailer Ocado.
FAQs
How Long Can You Freeze Clotted Cream For?
You can freeze clotted cream for up to six months, but it’s best consumed as soon as possible.
How Long Does Clotted Cream Last In The Fridge?
Unopened clotted cream stored in the fridge below 5C will be fine until the use-by date.
How Long Does Clotted Cream Last When Opened?
Once clotted cream is opened, we recommend you eat it within 3 days.
How Long Does Clotted Cream Last Out Of The Fridge?
Clotted cream will only last an hour or two at room temperature. To preserve freshness and avoid spoiling, keep clotted cream in the fridge.
Can I Put Frozen Clotted Cream Straight On Hot Scones?
We don’t recommend putting frozen clotted cream straight onto scones. It should be thawed safely in the fridge.
Can I Freeze Clotted Cream Twice?
You shouldn’t freeze clotted cream twice as it spoils the delicious taste and texture.
How Can I Tell If Frozen Clotted Cream Has Gone Bad?
You can usually tell if frozen clotted cream has gone bad by its smell and texture. Spoiled cream will have a sour smell and/or a crumbly, dry texture.
Does Freezing Affect The Crust On Top Of Clotted Cream?
The crust on clotted cream may become dryer when frozen.
Can I Freeze Clotted Cream In Its Original Packaging?
Yes, you can freeze unopened clotted cream in its original packaging. If the cream has been opened, transfer it to an airtight, freezer-safe container before freezing.