Nan Mac's Mock Cream

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Looking for the best Mock Cream recipe? I thought I was a little biased, but the many five-star ratings this recipe has attracted tell me that my Nan Mac's recipe is indeed a good one.

What is Mock Cream?

Mock Cream is a popular frosting and filling that works well with a variety of tarts, cakes and desserts. Think Butterfly Cakes, Cream Horns, Sponge Cakes and the like.

It's a great alternative to fresh cream since it holds its shape so well and can stay out of the fridge for a while without spoiling.

It's easy to work with when decorating.

It can also be stored for up to a few days in the fridge, which makes it perfect for those cakes you need to make in advance.

Last, but definitely not least, it's such a light, sweet and delicious cream.

The Recipe for Mock Cream

My Nan Mac, Nana Ling's daughter, was a brilliant home cook, and we all loved her sponge cakes decorated with this lovely cream.

The recipe you'll find in the recipe card at the end of this post is based on Nan Mac's handwritten old-fashioned Mock Cream recipe, pictured below.

TIP: Keep in mind that I have tweaked the handwritten recipe slightly, so please keep scrolling for the updated version of Nan Mac's Mock Cream recipe.

Ingredient notes

The ingredients you'll need are:

caster sugar
water
unsalted butter
vanilla essence.
icing sugar.

The ingredient measurements can be found in the recipe card at the end of this post.

How to make Mock Cream

This recipe is easy to whip up. However, remember that you will need to leave enough time for the sugar syrup to cool.

Start by combining the sugar and water in a saucepan. Stir to dissolve the sugar and then bring to the boil.

Simmer gently for 3 minutes.

Remove from heat and allow to cool.

TIP: Prepare this sugar mixture the day before to ensure it is completely cooled OR place saucepan in a cold water bath to speed up the cooling process.

Next, whip the butter in a stand mixer until a pale colour. Add vanilla extract and mix well.

TIP: Make sure butter has softened a little (to about room temperature) before beating to ensure the best results.

Gradually add the cooled sugar syrup mixture while continuing to whip the butter mixture.

making mock cream by adding sugar syrup while using stand mixer.

Add icing sugar gradually while mixing on low speed.

Beat again on high speed for a couple of minutes or until pale and creamy.

Variation ideas

This recipe is for simple vanilla cream. You can also flavour or colour it by adding your preferred colours or flavours. Add 1 tablespoon of cocoa (and 1 tablespoon less of the icing sugar) for chocolate cream.

Recipe FAQs

Q. Do I need to store mock cream in the fridge?

It is best stored in the fridge, however it shouldn't spoil if you leave out a cake decorated with mock cream for many hours (depending on the weather).

Q. Can I use white granulated sugar instead of caster sugar?

Yes, you can. It's a little harder to dissolve so just be sure to dissolve the sugar first over low heat before bringing the sugar mixture to a boil.

Q. How long does mock cream last?

It should last at least a few days in the fridge. Take out of the fridge and allow to soften before using to decorate.

Q. What can I use it for?

Mock Cream is perfect to make ice, fill or decorate a variety of sweets, from Butterfly Cakes to Cream Horns, Sponge Cakes, Honey Rolls, Cream Buns, Cupcakes, Birthday Butter Cakes and so many other favourites.

More creams and icings

Made this recipe and love it? Please take a moment to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It’s such a help to others who want to try the recipe. (And it really makes my day to hear how Nana Ling's recipes are being made, shared and loved all around the world! - Libby x)

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