This Crema Mexicana recipe is perfect for topping all your favorite savory Mexican dishes and is made with a creamy blend of heavy cream and tangy buttermilk; it adds just the right touch of flavor to tacos, enchiladas, and more! ✨


How to Make Crema Mexicana
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
- Combine cream and buttermilk in a small container.
- Cover and place in a warm area (75°F to 80°F). Let sit for 12-24 hours until thick but pourable.
- Stir in dissolved salt and lime juice.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 months.


Camila's Tips & Variations
- Avoid ultra-pasteurized cream, as its high-heat treatment kills enzymes and bacteria, making it hard to achieve the right texture.
- For Quick Mexican Crema, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup sour cream, 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, and 2 tablespoons milk. Whisk everything together until it's smooth and creamy. Cover and refrigerate for up to two days.
- For Quick Lime Mexican Crema, combine ¾ cup of sour cream, ¼ cup of milk, the zest and juice of a lime, and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Whisk everything together until it's smooth and creamy. Cover and refrigerate for up to two days.
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Recipe
Crema Mexicana

This Crema Mexicana recipe is perfect for topping all your favorite savory Mexican dishes and is made with a creamy blend of heavy cream and tangy sour cream; it adds just the right touch of flavor to tacos, enchiladas, and more!
Ingredients
- 1 cup cream
- 2 tablespoons cultured whole buttermilk
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons lime juice
Instructions
- In a small container, combine the cream and buttermilk. Cover the container and place it in a warm area ( 75°F to 80°F is ideal; the lower temperature will lengthen fermentation time).
- Let the mixture sit until it thickens but is still pourable approximately 12 to 24 hours.
- Dissolve the salt in the lime juice and add it to the mixture. Stir to combine.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
Nutrition Facts
Crema Mexicana
Amount per Serving
Calories
52
% Daily Value*
Fat
5
g
8
%
Saturated Fat
3
g
19
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
0.2
g
Monounsaturated Fat
1
g
Cholesterol
17
mg
6
%
Sodium
79
mg
3
%
Potassium
17
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
1
g
0
%
Fiber
0.003
g
0
%
Sugar
1
g
1
%
Protein
0.5
g
1
%
Vitamin A
222
IU
4
%
Vitamin C
0.3
mg
0
%
Calcium
12
mg
1
%
Iron
0.02
mg
0
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate, calculated using standard data sources. Actual values may vary based on ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes. This information is for general reference only and should not be considered a substitute for professional dietary advice.











