Why You’ll Love these Light Scones
When you’re craving something indulgent but don’t want the guilt that follows, these light scones with their accompanying low-fat cream are absolute perfection.
I’m telling you, there’s something magical about biting into a warm scone topped with creamy goodness that somehow isn’t workout-sabotaging.
What makes them special? The secret’s in the yogurt-based cream. By straining nonfat yogurt overnight and adding just a touch of whipping cream, you get all that silky richness with a fraction of the calories.
Best part? Your guests won’t even notice the difference. Who says healthy can’t taste decadent?
What Ingredients are in Light Scones?
The light scone cream is what makes this recipe truly special—it’s the perfect complement to freshly baked scones without all the calories and fat you’d typically expect. This creamy topping has the luxurious texture of traditional clotted cream but uses strained yogurt as its base, creating that perfect balance of tanginess and sweetness.
I’m constantly amazed at how such simple ingredients can transform into something that tastes so indulgent when spread on a warm scone.
- 2 cups nonfat plain yogurt
- 1/4 cup whipping cream
- 3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
- Cheesecloth or coffee filters (for straining)
When selecting yogurt for this recipe, try to find one without added stabilizers or thickeners—they can sometimes affect the straining process.
The quality of your whipping cream matters too; even though you’re using just a small amount, a higher-fat content cream (at least 30%) will whip better and give you that silky texture we’re looking for.
And if you prefer a sweeter cream, feel free to adjust the confectioners’ sugar to your taste.
The beauty of this recipe is in its versatility—it works wonderfully not just on scones but also on muffins, pancakes, or even as a lighter alternative to frosting.
How to Make these Light Scones
Making this light scone cream is surprisingly simple, though it does require a bit of patience. Start by setting up your straining station—line a colander with a double layer of cheesecloth or coffee filters, and place it over a deep bowl. Pour the 2 cups of nonfat plain yogurt into your lined colander, cover the whole setup, and refrigerate overnight.
This slow straining process creates what’s fundamentally a homemade yogurt cheese by removing excess liquid, resulting in a thicker, creamier consistency. Don’t be surprised by how much liquid drains away—that’s completely normal and exactly what we want to happen.
The next day, you’ll find your yogurt has transformed into a thick, spreadable cheese-like consistency. Discard all that drained liquid (or use it in smoothies if you’re feeling resourceful). For an outdoor twist, you could enjoy these scones during a backyard gathering where a smoker grill adds wonderful ambiance to your tea party.
Now for the magic touch that elevates this from simple yogurt cheese to a luxurious cream: in a small bowl, whip the 1/4 cup of whipping cream until it forms soft peaks. For professional-quality results, a premium stand mixer makes whipping cream faster and more consistent than doing it by hand. This small amount of cream is what gives our light version that authentic richness without all the calories.
Gently fold this whipped cream into your yogurt cheese along with 3 tablespoons of confectioners’ sugar until everything is well combined but still light and airy. The folding technique is essential here—we want to incorporate air, not deflate all that wonderful volume we’ve created.
And voilà! Your light scone cream is ready to be slathered on warm scones, where it will slowly melt into all those nooks and crannies.
Light Scones Substitutions and Variations
Although this light scone cream recipe is delightful as written, you’ve got plenty of room to play with substitutions and variations to match your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Consider swapping the plain yogurt with Greek yogurt for a tangier, thicker cream, or try vanilla yogurt if you crave extra sweetness.
Don’t have confectioners’ sugar? Regular sugar works in a pinch, though the texture might be slightly different.
And why limit yourself to scones? This versatile cream pairs beautifully with muffins, pancakes, or even as a fruit dip.
For a dairy-free version, I’d recommend coconut cream instead of whipping cream.
The possibilities are endless, really.
What to Serve with Light Scones
Now that we’ve explored how to customize your cream, let’s talk about what to pair with those fluffy light scones.
I love serving my scones with a selection of fruit preserves—strawberry, raspberry, and apricot make a lovely trio. A dollop of lemon curd adds a tangy brightness that cuts through the richness.
Can’t forget about honey, either, especially if you’ve made a savory scone variation.
For a complete afternoon tea, add fresh berries on the side, cucumber sandwiches, and a pot of Earl Grey.
The contrast between the warm scones and cool cream creates that perfect bite that’ll make your guests swoon.
Final Thoughts
When you’ve mastered this light scone cream recipe, you’ll wonder why you ever reached for the heavy stuff. It’s a game-changer for anyone who wants to enjoy creamy indulgence without all the calories.
I’m all about balance in my kitchen—treating yourself shouldn’t mean abandoning your health goals.
This versatile cream works beautifully on muffins too, giving you more reasons to whip up a batch. The overnight draining might require planning, but trust me, the result is worth every minute.
For those who enjoy comfort foods, this cream offers a lighter alternative to the rich sauces found in classic mac and cheese recipes.
