Devonshire Cream

1 quart heavy cream, NOT ultra pasteurized
(yes, really, there's just ONE ingredient!)

Preheat the oven to 175 degrees F. Pour cream into a shallow glass baking dish (7x11 in. or 8-9 in. round or square). Bake in preheated oven for 12 hours. Yes, TWELVE HOURS. Don't stir it, poke at it or touch it. After 12 hours, carefully remove from oven and let cool to room temp, 20 or so minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 10 hours.

After it is fully cooled, remove from fridge and lift up a corner of the cream with a butter knife or spoon. Carefully pour the whey (liquid) into a jar for another use (such as scones!).

 

 

Scrape the solid cream into a container with an airtight lid, or immediately spread on scones and enjoy. The little golden bits are like browned butter and apparently they are prized in Britain. This makes about 2 cups of spreadable cream. If you can't use it within a week, freeze the rest in an airtight container for another time. It freezes very well!

Click here for a printable version.

I know it's the same photo as yesterday. It's all I currently have!
Further, I know TRUE British people put on jam first,
cream second. I like jam second. You do you.

Tips--Bake this the day before you need it. If possible, choose a day where you can be home all day and start baking it when you get up. I personally also don't feel comfortable leaving the oven on, even at low temperature, while I am away or asleep. I baked mine 8am-8pm and then I had it in the fridge before bed. When I woke up the next day, it was ready to go! Also, it spreads MUCH better at room temperature!! You can also add back in a little of the whey to make it more spreadable.
 
Now for the BS. I avoided trying this recipe for a while because of the crazy long baking time. For that reason, it is not something I make often. It is a commitment! But it really is worth it. If you like butter, you will LOVE Devonshire cream. The other name for it is clotted cream, which doesn't sound very appealing to us non-Brits. But whatever you choose to call it, it is a revelation. It will take your tea and scones to a whole new level. If you've ever wondered what is meant by cream tea, Devonshire cream is an integral part!