How to Make Crema di Latte - Traditional Italian Milk Cream
This old-fashioned Italian milk cream is made with just one ingredient—whole milk—slowly simmered and stirred until it transforms into a luscious, spoonable delight. A sweet or savory treasure from the past.
Servings: 1.5 cups
Instructions
- Pour the whole milk into a heavy-bottomed saucepan.
- Place over low to medium-low heat. You want a very gentle simmer—never a boil.
- Stir often with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula to keep the milk from scorching or sticking.
- Continue cooking, uncovered, for approximately 30 minutes or more, depending on how much milk you use and how thick you’d like your cream.
- As the milk reduces, it will slowly thicken and deepen in flavor.
- Once it reaches a soft, spoonable consistency, remove from heat.
- You can test this buy coating the back of the spoon with the milk cream and running your finger through it. If the milk cream stays separated, it's ready.
- Let cool slightly, then spoon into a jar or serving bowl. Store covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Notes
Find this recipe and video at https://marysnest.com/how-to-make-crema-di-latte-traditional-italian-milk-cream/
If you’re building a traditional foods kitchen or stocking a real foods pantry, be sure to get the books in Mary’s Modern Pioneer cookbook series, published by Penguin Random House: https://marysnest.com/modern-pioneer-cookbook-series/
For free and comprehensive lesson plans to teach traditional food recipes and kitchen techniques to students K-12, download The Modern Pioneer Cookbook Curriculum at https://marysnest.com/cookbook-curriculum/
Copyright © 2025 Mary's Nest, LLC, All Rights Reserved
QR code
Scan this QR code with your phone's camera to view this recipe on your mobile device.
