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Traditional Mexican Cream Sauce

Featured in Flavorful Sauces & Marinades.

This traditional Mexican condiment combines heavy cream and buttermilk, left to culture before adding lime juice and salt. Creates a thin, tangy cream perfect for Mexican dishes.
Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:12:34 GMT
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A wooden spoon drips creamy sauce over a bowl garnished with fresh cilantro, with an avocado and herbs in the background. Pin it
A wooden spoon drips creamy sauce over a bowl garnished with fresh cilantro, with an avocado and herbs in the background. | recipesbyclare.com

Mexican Crema is one of my kitchen essentials - I started making it at home after realizing how versatile and transformative it could be. That smooth tangy flavor elevates everything from tacos to soups and it's surprisingly simple to create from scratch.

Better Than Store-Bought

The difference between homemade and store-bought crema is remarkable. This version has just the right balance of tang and richness plus you can adjust it to your taste. It's become my secret weapon for taming spicy dishes while adding incredible flavor.

What You'll Need

  • Heavy Cream: 1 cup, the base of the crema, providing a smooth and rich texture.
  • Buttermilk: 2 tablespoons, for tanginess and slight fermentation.
  • Lime Juice: 1 tablespoon, freshly squeezed, to add a signature zesty flavor.
  • Fine Salt: 1/4 teaspoon, to enhance and balance the flavors.

Let's Make Crema

Start the Base
Mix your cream and buttermilk in a clean jar.
Let It Develop
Give it time to thicken and develop that signature tang.
Final Touches
Add lime and salt to create that perfect balance.
Ready to Serve
Use right away or let the flavors develop even more in the fridge.
A brown bowl of creamy sauce or dip is shown with a wooden spoon, alongside a halved avocado and some oats in the background. Pin it
A brown bowl of creamy sauce or dip is shown with a wooden spoon, alongside a halved avocado and some oats in the background. | recipesbyclare.com

Make It Perfect

The resting time is key for developing that authentic flavor. I love adding a pinch of chipotle powder when I want some smoky heat. If it gets too thick a splash of lime juice brings it right back to the perfect consistency.

Ways to Use It

This crema makes everything better from simple tacos to complex enchiladas. A drizzle over soup adds beautiful richness and it's perfect for taming spicy dishes.

Keep It Fresh

Your crema will stay good for a week in the fridge getting more flavorful each day. Just give it a quick stir before using and thin it out if needed.

A jar of creamy sauce sits on a wooden surface with a lime and a container of seasoning blurred in the background. Pin it
A jar of creamy sauce sits on a wooden surface with a lime and a container of seasoning blurred in the background. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why does it need to rest?
Resting allows the cream to culture and thicken naturally. This creates the signature tangy flavor and proper texture.
→ Is it safe to leave cream at room temperature?
Yes, the culturing process is safe due to the active cultures in buttermilk. You can also culture in the fridge for 24 hours if preferred.
→ How do I adjust thickness?
Add splash of lime juice or buttermilk to thin if needed. The crema will continue to thicken in the fridge over time.
→ How long does it keep?
Keeps for up to 2 weeks when stored covered in the refrigerator.
→ Can I make it spicy?
Add chili powder for mild heat or chipotle/cayenne powder for spicier versions. Add when mixing in lime juice.

Mexican Crema

A thin, tangy Mexican-style cream sauce made by fermenting heavy cream with buttermilk and lime juice. Perfect for all Mexican dishes.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
1440 Minutes
Total Time
1445 Minutes

Category: Sauces & Marinades

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 8 Servings (1 cup)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 1 cup heavy cream.
02 2 tablespoons buttermilk.
03 2 tablespoons lime juice.
04 ⅛ teaspoon fine salt.

Instructions

Step 01

Combine heavy cream and buttermilk in bowl or jar.

Step 02

Cover and let sit in warm spot 12-24 hours.

Step 03

Add lime juice and salt, mix well.

Notes

  1. Can culture in fridge 24 hours.
  2. Keeps 2 weeks refrigerated.
  3. Add chili powder for spice.

Tools You'll Need

  • Bowl or glass jar.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream, buttermilk).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 105
  • Total Fat: 11 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g