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How to make Sour Cream recipe - All you need is 3 ingredients and a jar, that's it!
How To Make Sour Cream
Prep Time
10 mins
Stand for
12 hrs
 

Learn How to Make Sour Cream at home and then use it to make your baking even better or enjoy it on its own.

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 2 cups
Author: DIY Natural
Ingredients
  • 1 cup (8 fl oz / 240 ml) heavy whipping cream (36% fat content works best)
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice (or white vinegar)
  • ¼ cup (2 fl oz / 60 ml) whole milk
Instructions
  1. In a jar, mix the cream and lemon juice (or vinegar) together, then pour in the milk. Screw a lid on tightly and shake well.

  2. Remove the lid and put a clean piece of kitchen paper over the jar and secure it with a rubber band.

  3. Leave it on the counter overnight (up to 24 hours) for it to set up.

  4. After 24 hours it should be quite firm. Give it a stir and cover it with a jar lid. It will keep in the refrigerator for 2 weeks or so if it lasts that long!

Watch the Recipe Video!

Recipe Notes
  • Because there are no thickeners or gelling agents, your homemade sour cream may be thinner than commercial brands you may be used to. Have no fear, it’s fine. I’ve gotten used to the consistency and like it better since it blends in recipes so well.
  • Quick sour cream: add 2 tablespoons of good quality (live/organic if possible) yogurt to 8oz of softly whipped fresh cream - allow to stand at room temperature for about 30 minutes - depending on the room. This can be refrigerated then where it will further culture for a lovely sour cream!
  • Vegan sour cream: strain plant-based yogurt through a fine sterile muslin type cloth, in a sieve, over a bowl in the fridge to get a thick Greek Style yogurt. Enrich this with coconut cream if you wish. This takes about 4 hours, or overnight.