Dreamy Lemon Syllabub Recipe: A Zesty Dessert Delight

Creamy and light, this classic lemon syllabub dances with zesty charm on your taste buds.

Whispers of citrus and sweet cream blend into a delightful British dessert that feels both elegant and comforting.

Delicate textures mingle with bright, refreshing flavors that transport you to sunny afternoons.

Ancient recipes inspire this simple yet sophisticated treat, originally enjoyed by aristocratic households across England.

Silky mascarpone and whipped cream create a luxurious base that melts effortlessly.

Rich egg yolks and tangy lemon juice provide a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.

Each spoonful promises a moment of pure culinary bliss that you won’t want to miss.

How To Make Delia Smith Lemon Syllabub At Home

Step 1: Whip Cream to Soft Peaks

Grab a chilled mixing bowl and pour in the heavy cream. Using an electric mixer or whisk, beat the cream until soft, billowy peaks start to form. The texture should look light and airy, almost like a fluffy cloud.

Step 2: Incorporate Citrusy Flavor

• White wine
• Fresh lemon juice
• Bright lemon zest

Continue beating the mixture until it becomes smooth and develops a luxurious, thick consistency. The cream will transform into a silky, fragrant dessert base.

Step 3: Perfect the Taste

Take a small taste of your syllabub and adjust the flavors. If you want it sweeter, add a touch more sugar. For extra zinginess, squeeze in a bit more lemon juice. Trust your taste buds to create the perfect balance.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Carefully spoon the creamy mixture into elegant serving glasses. Cover each glass with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator. Let the syllabub cool and set for about 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Add Beautiful Finishing Touches

• Thin lemon slice
• Delicate mint leaf
• Tiny sprinkle of nutmeg

These final touches will make your dessert look absolutely stunning and add an extra layer of flavor and aroma.

Tips To Get Delia Smith Lemon Syllabub Just Right

• Chill Your Bowl: Use a cold, metal mixing bowl to help cream whip faster and achieve better volume.
• Control Sweetness: Taste the mixture and gradually add more sugar or lemon juice to balance flavors perfectly.
• Zest Matters: Use fresh lemon zest for maximum citrusy aroma and intense flavor in the dessert.
• Serve Chilled: Let the syllabub rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to develop a richer, smoother texture.
• Garnish Creatively: Top with fresh mint leaves, lemon slices, or a light sprinkle of nutmeg for an elegant presentation.

Try These Variations Of Delia Smith Lemon Syllabub

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and use maple syrup instead of sugar for a vegan-friendly version.
• Prosecco Perfection: Swap white wine with chilled Prosecco for a bubbly, lighter syllabub with extra festive flair.
• Citrus Celebration: Mix in orange or lime zest alongside lemon for a more complex, bright citrus profile that brings new depth to the dessert.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener to reduce sugar content while maintaining the creamy texture and tangy flavor.

Great Pairings For Delia Smith Lemon Syllabub

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Choose a light, zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the lemon syllabub's bright citrus notes and enhances its refreshing character.
• Serve with Shortbread Cookies: Delicate, buttery shortbread provides a perfect crisp texture contrast to the creamy dessert, while its subtle sweetness balances the syllabub's tangy profile.
• Match with Fresh Berries: Scatter fresh raspberries or strawberries alongside the syllabub to add a vibrant color pop and provide a natural fruity counterpoint to the creamy, lemony dessert.
• Create a Light Dessert Platter: Arrange the syllabub with almond biscuits, a few mint leaves, and a small selection of fresh berries to transform it into an elegant, easy-to-enjoy dessert experience.

Best Way To Store Delia Smith Lemon Syllabub

• Store covered in an airtight container for up to 2 days, keeping the syllabub chilled and fresh in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
• Not recommended, as the cream's texture will separate and become grainy when thawed, losing its delicate, smooth consistency.
• Remove from refrigerator 10 minutes before serving to slightly soften and enhance the creamy texture.
• Best enjoyed fresh on the day of preparation, as the dessert's delicate structure can break down after 48 hours.

FAQs About Delia Smith Lemon Syllabub

• What is syllabub?

A traditional English dessert made with whipped cream, sugar, wine, and citrus, dating back to the 16th century as a light, airy sweet treat.

• Can I use a different alcohol instead of wine?

Yes, you can substitute white wine with sherry, brandy, or even rum, which will slightly change the flavor profile of the dessert.

• How do I know when the cream is whipped correctly?

Stop whipping when soft peaks form – when you lift the beater, the cream should create a gentle, soft curl that slightly falls over.

• Is this dessert considered vegetarian?

Yes, the basic ingredients of cream, sugar, wine, and lemon are vegetarian-friendly, making it suitable for most vegetarian diets.

Why Delia Smith Lemon Syllabub Is Light And Zesty

• Quick Dessert Creation: Craft this delightful lemon syllabub with minimal steps and basic kitchen tools, perfect for spontaneous sweet cravings.
• Versatile Flavor Profile: Balance tangy lemon with sweet cream, allowing easy customization to suit individual taste preferences without complicated adjustments.
• Elegant Entertaining Option: Impress guests with a sophisticated dessert that looks professionally prepared but requires surprisingly simple techniques and ingredients.
• No-Bake Convenience: Skip complicated baking processes and enjoy a chilled, refreshing treat that comes together faster than traditional desserts, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings.

What You’ll Need For Delia Smith Lemon Syllabub

• Heavy Cream: A rich and smooth foundation that creates the luxurious texture of the syllabub.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps stabilize the whipped cream.

• White Wine, Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: These ingredients work together to add a bright, tangy flavor and subtle complexity to the dessert.

• Lemon Slices, Fresh Mint, Nutmeg: These elements add visual appeal and a final touch of fresh and aromatic notes to the dessert.

Lemon Syllabub Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy lemon syllabub whispers British dessert elegance with zesty citrus and whipped indulgence. Smooth mascarpone and tangy lemon create a luxurious finale you’ll savor with delightful British charm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy whipping cream, cold
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) white sugar

Liquids:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) white wine (or elderflower cordial)
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) fresh lemon juice

Aromatics and Garnish:

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• Lemon slices
• Fresh mint

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Instructions

1. Chill a mixing bowl in the refrigerator for optimal cream whipping results.
2. Whip cream and sugar together using an electric mixer until soft, billowy peaks develop, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Gently fold in white wine, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and delicate lemon zest, continuing to blend until the mixture transforms into a smooth, luxurious texture.
4. Sample the syllabub and delicately adjust the sweetness by incorporating additional sugar or tartness with extra lemon juice, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
5. Carefully transfer the creamy mixture into elegant serving glasses, creating graceful swirls with each spoonful.
6. Refrigerate the dessert for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to set and become perfectly chilled.
7. Before serving, artfully garnish with thin lemon slices, sprigs of fresh mint, and a whisper of grated nutmeg to elevate the visual and aromatic appeal of the dessert.

Notes

• Chill all utensils before whipping cream to help achieve optimal volume and texture.
• For a non-alcoholic version, replace wine with extra lemon juice or white grape juice.
• Use fresh, high-quality lemons to maximize bright, zesty flavor profile.
• Serve in clear glasses to showcase the elegant, billowy texture of the syllabub.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 211 kcal
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 14 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 0.1 g
• Protein: 1.4 g
• Cholesterol: 66 mg