Can You Freeze Creme Fraiche? (Explained)

Can You Freeze Creme Fraiche? (Explained)

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Creme fraiche goes well with various foods: soups, eggs, toppings, baked goods, and more, and it is one primary reason many people buy or prepare it in bulk. It is possible to add this delicious creme fraiche into various dishes.

It comes with a creamy texture, fluffy look, and tangy flavor. It is also made with low-fat and no-fat versions to match the taste of everyone.

Overall, it gives a fluttering taste every time you eat, right? Therefore, some of you might be wondering if it is possible to freeze the creme fraiche for later use. 

Can You Freeze Creme Fraiche?

You can freeze creme fraiche. The best way is to store it in a jar or bag after leaving 30% of the space empty and putting it in the freezer. It will last you a good time. However, there is more to the technique. Want to find the best creme fraiche freezing methods? Then, continue to scroll down.

Freeze Creme Fraiche – 2 Popular Methods

However, you have to consider the consistency and follow specific step-by-step methods with maintenance instructions in order to freeze it safely without making it go bad. 

1. Freezing Creme Fraiche Using Bags Or Containers 

Here is the first method to freeze creme fraiche, and you will need to use bags or containers. Keep in mind not to pick the creme fraiche near its expiry date because freezing the dairy product, which will eventually go bad in a few days, is not recommended. 

Step 1: You can choose bags or tiny containers based on your priorities. However, make sure to select an air-tight one. 

Step 2: Pour the creme fraiche into various bags or containers. As per your requirement, you can select the desired amount of cream. Make sure that about 30% area is vacant in the bag so that it can expand. 

Step 3: If you are using a container, remember to push out the maximum amount of air and seal it firmly. In case if you are utilizing a bag, seal the bag tightly after making sure that no one is left inside it. 

Step 4: Lastly, mark the dates on the containers or bags and put them deep in the freezer. You can use it for about four months if the creme fraiche is frozen in the freezer. 

2. Freezing Creme Fraiche Using Ice Cube Tray 

If you only need one or two spoons of creme fraiche to add to various recipes, it can be a hassle to store it in containers or bags. For tiny quantities of creme fraiche, it is best to use this method which requires an ice cube tray. It lets you select the desired amount of creme fraiche you might want, so there is no need to thaw the whole creme fraiche:

Step 1: Take a clean ice cube tray (you can choose any size). If possible, it is best to go with a large one to have enough space for creme fraiche to expand when it is frozen. 

Step 2: Pour the creme fraiche into the ice cube boxes. Make sure to set aside 30% of space for its expansion. 

Step 3: Put the tray/s inside the freezer for about a few days without removing any. 

Step 4: Now, take the frozen creme fraiche cubes from the tray and switch them to air-tight bags or containers. 

Step 5: Label the use-by dates on the bags or containers, and you can store them inside the freezer. 

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Tips For Freezing Creme Fraiche 

Here are some effective and beneficial tips you can follow while freezing creme fraiche: 

1. It is never recommended to preserve the creme fraiche for longer periods. If you are freezing a fresh creme fraiche, it will be in good condition for up to four months.  

2. It is best to store the creme fraiche in tiny quantities, so it will be easy and quick to use. If not, you might have to deal with the hassle of squeezing small amounts from the large portion of frozen creme fraiche. 

3. Make sure to never refreeze the creme fraiche after thawing it. If you did, creme fraiche is likely to become a runny liquid and make a mess. 

4. Freeze the creme fraiche quickly after buying it to keep its original flavor and consistency. 

How To Thaw Creme Fraiche? 

Though thawing the frozen creme fraiche is possible, it is a little difficult as there is a high chance of not bringing back its initial texture. Due to that, it could become too liquidy as the fat and water are separated. Make sure to follow this step by step procedure to thaw the creme fraiche:

Step 1: In order to utilize the frozen creme fraiche, remove the required quantity of the cream from the freezer. Leave it inside the refrigerator so it can defrost but not outside the refrigerator.

Step 2: After the creme fraiche has defrosted totally, you can see that the water and the fat content are separated.

Step 3: Later, spill the creme fraiche into a tiny cup. You can either whisk or stir it actively till you notice that the creme fraiche is back to its initial texture.

Step 4: Now, check if it is good or gone bad. If it is good, you can use it. Preserve the leftover creme fraiche in the refrigerator and finish it in the next two days. Make sure not to refreeze it.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long can you freeze creme fraiche? 

If you made or bought a fresh creme fraiche, you can freeze it to make it last longer than usual. Though it would not last long for a longer period, it is worth freezing creme fraiche if you want to use it in the upcoming days. You can freeze creme fraiche for about four months. 

Does freezing affect creme fraiche? 

Yes, freezing will impact creme fraiche as it is a dairy product with plenty of fat content. After freezing it, the high-fat content in creme fraiche would sometimes separate from the whey (pale yellow fluid). In addition, you can observe the color change of the creme fraiche a few times. 

How long will creme fraiche be in good condition if kept in the refrigerator? 

A: In general, creme fraiche is good to use for about eight weeks if it is refrigerated. In case of separation, make sure to mix the fluid back into the creme fraiche. However, if you can see the growth of any mold or discoloration, it is best to throw it out as soon as possible.

Does creme fraiche freeze well? 

Though creme fraiche does freeze, but not relatively well. Every dairy product with excessive fat content will have some problems with freezing properly. High fat leads to additional separation, so the texture of creme fraiche will go bad. 

Can you refreeze creme fraiche?

No food expert will recommend refreezing creme fraiche, and it is because creme fraiche is a dairy product, and sometimes it may not freeze well, which is why you have to be cautious about freezing and refreezing creme fraiche. In order to put it simply, only a single freeze has the potential to damage the composition of creme fraiche. Hence, trying to refreeze it will make the creme fraiche worse. 

How long is creme fraiche good after it is opened?

Remember that creme fraiche is a delicate product. If once it is opened, it will not have a long shelf life, which is why you will see an indication that the product must be eaten within three or four days after. However, creme fraiche will be in good condition if it is frozen.    

How to use creme fraiche after freezing? 

After thawing the frozen creme fraiche, it is totally safe to use it. You can use it like before when it was in a frozen state after whisking it for some time to get back its original texture. However, you have to understand that there could be slight changes in the creme fraiche after it is frozen: a change in texture and structure. 

Is it possible to freeze creme fraiche in a sauce?

Yes, it is possible to freeze creme fraiche in a sauce. However, you have to keep in mind that the composition of the sauce will not be that good if frozen with creme fraiche. Due to that, it is better to freeze sauce and creme fraiche separately than together. 

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Conclusion

We have listed some of the best and safe ways you can use to freeze creme fraiche. In order to freeze creme fraiche without contaminating its flavor, it is better to follow the above-listed methods. Make sure not to use it if you assume that it has gone bad. 

We would like to highlight that all types of creme fraiche, whether homemade or store-bought, might not have the same density and texture. Due to that, the effectiveness and the total lifespan of the creme fraiche may vary.