Description

Homemade Mexican Crema is a simple and creamy dairy condiment that adds a tangy, rich flavor to a variety of dishes. Made with just a few ingredients and minimal effort, this recipe yields a smooth, pourable crema that is perfect for drizzling over tacos, soups, enchiladas, and more. The process involves fermenting heavy cream with buttermilk or a milk-lemon juice mixture at room temperature until it thickens to a yogurt-like consistency, resulting in an authentic, luscious crema fresca.

Ingredients

1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
1 tablespoon (15ml) buttermilk (or 1 tbsp whole milk + 1/2 tsp fresh lemon juice or white vinegar)
1/4 teaspoon (1.25g) fine sea salt

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a clean bowl or glass jar, whisk together the heavy cream, buttermilk (or milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar), and fine sea salt until the mixture is thoroughly combined and smooth.
Cover and Rest: Loosely cover the bowl or jar with a cloth or lid and let it sit undisturbed at room temperature between 70-75°F (21-24°C) for 12 to 24 hours. During this time, the mixture will thicken to a pourable, thin yogurt-like consistency and develop a mild tangy flavor, indicating that the fermentation is complete.
Stir and Refrigerate: Once thickened, stir the crema well and taste to adjust the salt if desired. Transfer the crema to an airtight container and refrigerate. The crema will continue to thicken slightly and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks.

Notes

Using fresh and high-quality heavy cream and buttermilk ensures the best texture and flavor.
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substitute by mixing whole milk with lemon juice or white vinegar and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Maintain the room temperature within the specified range for proper fermentation; cooler temperatures may slow down thickening.
The crema will thicken further after refrigeration, so adjust thickness by stirring before serving.
Use an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent contamination during storage.
Perfect as a topping or sauce for Mexican dishes such as tacos, enchiladas, soups, and grilled vegetables.