Learn How to Make Sour Cream at Home! It’s super easy to make. You only need 3 ingredients to create the most delicious and creamy sour cream ever. Perfect for eating, cooking, or baking. The recipe includes step-by-step photos and lots of tips.

homemade sour cream in a bowl with a spoon.

Homemade Sour Cream Recipe Highlights

Sour cream is a fantastic ingredient to bake with, and I use it all the time because it adds a very distinct richness and moist texture to my baked goods, like in this Eggless Chocolate Bundt Cake and my favorite Easy Eggless Coffee Cake.

However, many of you have mentioned that this ingredient is unavailable in your region. And I totally get it! In fact, when I go to Europe, it has been challenging to find it, so I decided to share a little kitchen hack to make it at home.

The final homemade sour cream is rich and tangy.  It’s so easy to make, and you only need 3 simple ingredients. After my testing, I found no difference between this sour cream and the store-bought one.

So let’s get started!

What is Sour Cream?

Sour cream is preserved soured cream. It can be eaten or used as an ingredient without cooking or baking. It has a tangy, tart taste backed by a rich, thick creaminess.

homemade sour cream in a bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to gather to make sour cream at home. For the full recipe and specific amounts for the ingredients, keep scrolling! 

ingredients you need to make homemade sour cream

Ingredients Notes & Substitutions

  • Heavy whipping cream: Make sure it has at least 35% fat content.
  • Lemon juice or white vinegar
  • Whole milk: Don’t be tempted to use low-fat cream and milk, or the sour cream will be too thin. We need the fat for the sour cream to set properly.

Heavy Whipping Cream or Heavy Cream vs Whipping Cream

Heavy whipping cream and heavy cream are essentially the same; both must contain at least 35% or more milk fat. However, whipping cream, or light whipping cream, is slightly different since it is lighter – it contains 30% to 35% milk fat. Heavy cream and heavy whipping cream are best for this recipe.

Step By Step Recipe Photo Tutorial

Detailed instructions are included in the printable recipe below (scroll down).

Step 1 – Mix Cream and Lemon

In a medium bowl, mix together cream and lemon.

How to Make Sour Cream at Home step 1

Step 2 – Add Milk

Then, stir and mix in the milk.

How to Make Sour Cream at Home step 2

Step 3 – Rest

Cover with a cheesecloth or paper towel and leave on the counter for 24 hrs.

How to Make Sour Cream at Home step 3

Step 4 – Uncover and Stir

After 24 hours, it should be pretty firm. Stir and transfer it to an airtight container, cover it, and refrigerate it.

Recipe Tips

Make sure to cover the cream mixture with a breathable cloth, no lids or plastic wrap. 

Don’t rush the process! The mixture needs 24 hours to get the right consistency. 

Don’t be tempted to use low-fat cream and milk, or the sour cream will be too thin. We need the fat for the sour cream to set properly. Plus, whole milk will make richer sour cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use heavy cream instead of heavy whipping cream to make sour cream?

Yes, heavy cream and heavy whipping cream are essentially the same; both must contain at least 35% or more milk fat. The name may vary depending on the brand.

Can I freeze sour cream?

I don’t recommend freezing sour cream because it separates when frozen, leaving you with an unpleasant texture. 

Can I add flavor to my sour cream?

Yes, you can! After it’s set, you can add fresh herbs and/or spices, such as garlic, onion powder, and chives, to make a delicious creamy dip.

creamy homemade sour cream closeup

Storing Instructions

Homemade sour cream can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

a red spatula with homemade sour cream

Uses For Homemade Sour Cream

Sweets:

Savory

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Recipe Card

homemade sour cream in a bowl with a spoon

How to Make Sour Cream at Home

Oriana Romero
Learn How to Make Sour Cream at Home! It’s super easy to make. You only need 3 ingredients to create the most delicious and creamy sour cream ever. Perfect for eating, cooking, or baking.
4.43 from 7 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Fermenting Time 1 day
Total Time 1 day 5 minutes
Servings 2 cups

Equipment

Ingredients
 

  • 2 cups (480 ml) heavy whipping cream (at least 35% fat)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice or white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup (120) ml whole milk

Important

Don’t forget to check out the step-by-step photos above in the post—they’ll guide you through the process and make everything super clear!

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, mix together cream and lemon. Then stir and mix in the milk.
  • Cover with a cheesecloth or paper towel and leave on the counter for 24 hrs.
  • After 24 hours, it should be pretty firm. Stir it. And then, transfer it to an airtight container, cover, and refrigerate.
Oriana’s Notes
 
Store: store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Extra Tips:
  • Make sure to cover the cream mixture with a breathable cloth, no lids or plastic wrap.
  • Don’t rush the process! The mixture needs 24 hours to get the right consistency.
  • Don’t be tempted to use low-fat cream and milk, or the sour cream will be too thin. We need the fat for the sour cream to set properly. Plus, whole milk will make richer sour cream.
 
If you’re making this recipe, please read the whole post content to get lots of tips, tricks, variations, frequently asked questions, and step-by-step photos.
 
 Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
 
Please note that nutritional information is a rough estimate and it can vary depending on the products used.
I appreciate your feedback, and it helps others, too!Recipe reviews on the website are extremely valuable to other readers online. So, please don’t forget to give it a 5-star rating below.

Nutrition

Calories: 860kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 7gFat: 90gSaturated Fat: 56gSodium: 116mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4g

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

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Course Condiments
Cuisine American
Calories 860
Keyword condiment eggfree Eggless recipe sour cream

Eggless Baking Frequently Asked Questions

You’ve asked, and I’ve answered! Read on for a handful of answers to the most frequently asked questions about eggless baking.

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8 Comments

    1. Hello Kellie! I honestly haven’t tried that yet to advise, but I think it could work fine. Just ensure that the consistency of the substitute you choose is similar to that of heavy cream. Thanks for your interest in my recipe. Please come back and let me know how it turned out =)

    1. Hello SophieMae! A kitchen scale provides precision, accuracy, and consistency in your cooking and baking endeavors. It can help you achieve better results, whether you’re a professional chef, avid home cook, of just a beginner.

      1. I’m attempting to make your homemade sour cream recipe and nowhere in the recipe did it say to use chilled heavy whipping cream/whole milk or room temp, will it make a difference if I use cold to room temperature??????

        1. Hello Royal! Thanks for giving the recipe a try. I found that it really doesn’t make a difference since you have to leave the mixture for 24 hours over the counter at room temperature. Room-temperature ingredients for homemade sour cream might help with the fermentation process. But don’t worry if your cream and milk are cold. It should still turn out great! Let me know how it goes! 😊