Homemade Scones and Clotted Cream
Is there anything nicer than a proper Cornish Cream Tea? I can’t wait to share how we made our homemade scones and clotted cream recipes.
My mother in law, Jane, is visiting from Cornwall and I thought it would be fun to welcome her with a delicious cream tea. We did the jam and clotted cream the classic Cornish way (I’ll share more on that later).
Luke made the clotted cream from delicious heavy cream from Hornstra Farms. It was the very first time I ever had homemade clotted cream and it was worth the time and effort – so rich and creamy. Luke’s clotted cream had sooooooo much flavor.
Conor baked the scones from scratch and he based it on the King Arthur Baking Recipe with some modifications.
What is a Cream Tea?
For those of you who don’t know, a cream tea is usually an afternoon tea consisting of scones, jam, and clotted cream with tea. They are also known as Devon Cream Tea or a Cornish Cream Tea. It is thought that cream teas date back to the 11th century. Devon and Cornish cream teas vary by the placement of the cream, see below, and what the cream is made of. Devon clotted cream is thinner.
I first had a cream tea in St. Ives over looking the harbor. I LOVE them and prefer a cream tea to high tea.
The Cornish Cream Tea
Since my husband is from Cornwall, we believe in the “Cornish Cream Tea Method”. In Cornwall the scone is split in half.
Then the jam is spread across it. Usually, strawberry jam is used for scones, but we used our homemade gooseberry jam for this cream tea.
Then you top with clotted cream!
The Devon Cream Tea – reverses the clotted cream and jam so that the cream is under the jam. My husband and his whole family believes this is incorrect because you can get more clotted cream on if it’s on top. It’s really funny how this such a contested thing between the two counties.
What You Need To Make Clotted Cream
- NOT Ultra-pasteurized heavy cream
- LOTS of time
What You Need to Make Scones
- Flour
- Milk
- Vanilla
- Eggs
- Baking Powder
Both of these are very easy to make but the clotted cream takes a lot of time in the oven and the fridge. It’s also essential to use not ultra-pasteurized heavy cream. This can be hard to find in regular super markets but we found that Hornstra Farms carries it.
Scones are pretty easy and you’ll probably have everything you need to make them already in your pantry.
FAQ – Answering Your Questions
Two weeks.
Traditionally it’s in the afternoon, but we actually enjoyed these one morning before relaxing by the pool 😉
It doesn’t usually cook properly. Some people have had some luck with it.
Homemade Clotted Cream
Ingredients
- 1 pint heavy cream NOT ultra-pasteurized
Instructions
- Step 1 – Preheat over to 170℉ and pour heavy cream into a 9×9 pyrex dish.
- Step 2 – Place in middle rack of the oven for 10-12 hours until it has a thick skin but it hasn't gone brown.
- Step 3 – Cool to room temperature.
- Step 4 – Place in fridge for 8 hours.
- Step 5 – With a spoon remove the clotted cream from the milk at the bottom. The clotted cream will be floating on top of the milk.
- Step 6 – Mix cream and serve with scones!
Notes
Homemade Scones
Ingredients
- 2⅔ Cups All Purpose Flour Unbleached
- ⅓ Cup Sugar Granulated
- ¾ Teaspoon Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Baking Powder
- 8 Tablespoons Butter Cold, Unsalted
- 2 Large Eggs
- 3 Teaspoons Vanilla
- ¾ Cup Milk or left over heavy cream from scones
Instructions
- Step 1 – preheat oven to 375℉. Grease baking sheet and line with parchment
- Step 2 – In large mixing bowl, mix together all dry ingredients. Cut the butter and mix with hands until the mixture is just crumbly.
- Step 3 – In another bowl mix whisk the eggs, vanilla, and milk or cream. Add liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until moistened and it holds together.
- Step 4 – Place the dough mound onto baking sheet, brush with milk.
- Step 5 – Bake scones for 30 minutes until lightly browned. Remove from oven and let sit for 4-5 minutes to set. Slice into wedges. Serve with jam and homemade clotted cream.
Notes
I often get asked about sources and I’m including them below for your convenience.
Shop This Post
- Anchor plates – vintage – see post here
- Cornishware Mugs and Pitcher – see more of my collection here
- Napkins
- Napkin Holder
- Table – get the build plans here
- Ramakin
- Canning Jar
- Pyrex Dish
- Baking Tray
- Parchment
- Scone Pan
Let’s Stay In Touch
Did you make this recipe? If so, let me know!
Be sure to pin this for later.
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I just discovered your blog about two (2) weeks ago – really enjoy it!! Coincidentally, I was thinking this morning the I wanted to make scones this weekend – here you have answered my thoughts!!! Will definitely try this receipe.
These look and sound so yummy!!! How sweet to make your mother-in-law feel right at home. Have a good visit time.
Hi Josette, we’re having a wonderful time with her and enjoying scones and clotted cream on the back patio together was so lovely. Happy Summer! xx