• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

The Family Food Kitchen logo

  • Recipe Index
    • Breakfast
    • Appetizers
    • Dinner
    • Sweet Stuff
      • Cakes
      • Dessert
      • Snacks
    • Holidays
  • Easy Dinners
    • 30 Minute Meals
    • Sheet Pan Dinners
    • One Pot Meals
    • Slow Cooked Dinners
    • Soup
    • Salads
    • Sides
  • 30 Minute Meals
  • About
    • Work With Me
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Breakfast
  • Appetizers
  • Dinner
  • - 30 Minute Meals
  • - Sheet Pan Dinners
  • - One Pot Meals
  • - Slow Cooked Dinners
  • - Soup
  • - Salads
  • - Sides
  • Sweet Stuff
  • Holidays
  • About
  • Work With Me
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Sweet Stuff

    Lemon Syllabub

    Published: Feb 5, 2021 · Modified: Apr 8, 2025 by Jo Keohane · This post may contain affiliate links · 8 Comments

    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Yummly
    JUMP TO RECIPE

    This elegant and light-as-air Lemon Syllabub has just 4 ingredients! Cream and booze form the perfect combination in this classic British recipe. It's naturally gluten free too. If you like a homemade dessert which can be made in 10 minutes or less, read on.


    Want to Save This Recipe?

    Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

    By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from The Family Food Kitchen

    I love desserts in pots like this Chocolate Orange recipe. You can't beat them for ease and downright deliciousness.

    This recipe is definitely a welcome throwback from the 80s when this dessert was made popular by superstar British cooks like Delia Smith and Mary Berry.

    What is Lemon Syllabub?

    A forgotten classic English dessert, syllabub dates from the 16th Century! Its made by simply whipping cream and adding sugar, lemon, and wine. Spooned into glasses - the result is a tangy, light and luscious pot of boozy lemony goodness.

    Why You Should Try these lemon pots

    • They're so easy yet still really impressive! My kind of dessert.
    • They can be made in advance and chilled in the fridge. Perfect for easy entertaining.
    • They're a great way to use up any leftover white wine you might have lurking in the fridge.
    • Lemon syllabub is very versatile. And if you're making it for kids or someone that doesn't drink alcohol it's fine to leave the booze out and replace with fruit juice.
    • It's also a naturally gluten free dessert.
    • Love lemon? Try these other lemon forward recipes: Lemon Ricotta Pasta, Garlic Lemon Shrimp , Charred Broccolini with Lemon and Chili and White Bean Salad with Creamy Lemon Dressing

    How to make Lemon Syllabub

    A full printable recipe card with measurements is below

    These pots are super simple to make. All you need is cream, sugar, lemon juice and zest and some white wine.

    Start by mixing the cream and sugar together. I used a stand mixer but you can use a handheld electric whisk or even whip it by hand (and give those arms a workout 😉

    Whip the cream and sugar together until you start to see soft peaks.

    Next slowly add the lemon juice and most of the zest and the wine, whisking all the time. Then all you have to do is carefully spoon the syllabub into glasses and top with the remaining zest.

    Tips and Tricks

    Make sure you don't over whip the cream!

    Keep a close eye on it as you whisk, especially if you’re using a stand mixer. It can over whip quickly.

    Start on a low speed and never leave the mixer whilst you're whipping. The perfect time to stop is when the cream thickens and starts to form little peaks.

    You will know if it is over whipped as the texture turns very clumpy and almost curd like.

    It's also great to make this dessert 24 hours in advance to let it set in the fridge before serving.

    How to rescue over whipped cream

    If the worst happens all is not lost. Add a few tablespoons of fresh cream to the grainy whipped cream. Gently whisk it in by hand and it should smooth back out.

    Can you make Lemon Syllabub without an electric whisk?

    Yes you can! Whisk the cream in a large roomy mixing bowl wedged on a damp tea towel, until you get the soft peaks needed. It's a great arm work out.

    But it will definitely take a lot longer than whisking it with an electric appliance.

    Variations

    If you'd like an extra boozy kick to your dessert, add a shot of brandy when you mix in the liquid.

    You can also play around with flavors - we love lime juice syllabub, and orange works well too.

    What Kind of Wine Should I use for Lemon Syllabub?

    You can use whatever wine you like to drink - both dry white wine and sweet are delicious.

    Do you have to use alcohol when making Lemon Syllabub?

    No you absolutely don't! If you don't want to use booze you can add orange juice and give it a clementine vibe. Lime juice is also delicious.

    Another great alternative is to add a spoon or two of lemon curd with the lemon juice.

    How can I make Lemon Syllabub healthier?

    If you're looking for a lighter dessert try making it with half cream and half 0% Greek yoghurt. All the flavor but less fat!

    It's also delicious served with berries, to increase the fruit and fiber content.

    Can you make Vegan Lemon Syllabub?

    It is easy to make Vegan Lemon Syllabub! You can substitute the cream for either coconut cream (from the solids) or you can use vegan double cream. It tastes delicious and has a lovely soft and airy texture.

    Can I make lemon syllabub with ready squeezed lemon?

    Technically you could make this dessert with ready squeezed lemon but since you're only using a handful of ingredients I would always recommend using fresh lemon juice. It will give a much better taste and really adds to the finished result.

    How long in advance can I make Lemon Syllabub

    It can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and store in the refrigerator until needed.

    How To Serve this dessert

    Lemon Syllabub is traditionally served in a wine glass - which makes it look pretty and unique.

    It's delicious served alone or with berries.

    Since it's quite rich it also goes well with crunchy cookies - almond thins, biscotti and shortbread are all delcious to serve alongside.

    If you're looking for other easy desserts to serve alongside have you tried my Easy Apricot Pie This recipe for Raspberry Brownies is super easy and goes so nicely with lemony flavors.

    Pin This Lemon Syllabub Recipe For Later

    Pinnable image with recipe title and glass dessert bowl filled with lemon syllabub garnished with shredded lemon zest.

    What Do You Think?!

    I'd love to know what you think about this recipe! I'd be so grateful if you scroll down to the bottom of the page and leave a star rating and comment.

    Don't forget to go over to Facebook and Instagram and make sure you're following me so you can join in the chat. And remember to save this recipe to your Pinterest too!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

    More Sweet & Snack Recipe Ideas

    • Easy Apple & Blueberry Crumble (with Frozen or Fresh Berries)
    • Dark Chocolate Covered Blueberries with Quinoa
    • Easy Cherry Crumble (with Frozen or Fresh Cherries)
    • Raspberry Galette

    Printable Recipe

    Lemon Syllabub Recipe

    This elegant and light-as-air Lemon Syllabub has just 4 ingredients! Cream and booze form the perfect combination in this classic British recipe. It's naturally gluten free too. If you like a homemade dessert which can be made in 10 minutes or less, read on.
    4.79 from 14 votes
    Print Recipe Share Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine British
    Servings 4
    Calories 274 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 cup Heavy Cream
    • ¼ cup Sugar
    • ½ Lemon - zest and juice
    • ¼ cup White Wine

    Instructions
     

    • Using a stand mixer with the whisk attachment, or an electric hand held whisk, whip the cream and sugar together until you start to see soft peaks.
    • Mix the wine, the lemon juice and most of the lemon zest together in a small bowl. Reserve some zest for the topping.
    • Add the liquid to the cream slowly, whisking all the time. It's important to add the liquid gradually to make sure the mixture doesn't split.
    • When everything is incororated, carefully spoon into glasses or ramekins. Try to keep the rim of the glass clean and wipe away any excess with a clean damp dish towel.
    • Sprinkle with the remaining lemon zest.
    • Serve alone or with berries, biscotti, shortbread or almond thins if desired.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 274kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 2gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 82mgSodium: 24mgPotassium: 93mgFiber: 1gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 881IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 47mgIron: 1mg
    Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy only and should be taken as an estimate rather than a guarantee. Ingredients can vary and the Family Food Kitchen can't guarantee the accuracy of this information.
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    SHARE RECIPE BY EMAIL

    This recipe has been shared with the #CookBlogShare community https://www.lavenderandlovage.com/2021/02/flipping-great-pancakes-cookblogshare-week-6.html

    « Chickpea and Spinach Curry
    Peanut Butter & Jelly Overnight Oats »
    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Yummly

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lesley says

      February 11, 2021 at 12:47 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe is right up my street, I love any dessert flavoured with lemon, particularly one that is simple to make. Great recipe.

      Reply
    2. Chloe Edges says

      February 14, 2021 at 11:07 pm

      5 stars
      I love how delicious and simple this is. Can't wait to try it at my next dinner party.... oh wait...lockdown! Maybe I'll just eat 4 to myself instead!

      Reply
    3. Karen Booth says

      February 15, 2021 at 3:58 pm

      5 stars
      I love lemon syllabub and often make it for an after Sunday dinner dessert! Thanks so much for linking up to #CookBlogShare week 6 - Karen

      Reply
    4. Cat says

      February 15, 2021 at 4:53 pm

      5 stars
      This looks beautifully soft and fresh. I bet this is perfect in the summer!

      Reply
    5. Carol says

      November 12, 2023 at 5:51 pm

      5 stars
      Love this, quick & easy loved by all. Such a good light desert for a dinner/supper party or a special end to a family meal

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        November 17, 2023 at 12:28 pm

        Thank you so much - so happy you liked it

        Reply
    6. Liz says

      January 07, 2024 at 3:08 pm

      I want to try this for my book club. Syllabub was mentioned in the book Horse. I had never heard of it. What type of white wine …. Dry or sweet?

      Reply
      • Jo Keohane says

        January 08, 2024 at 2:28 pm

        Hi! You can actually use either depending on how sweet you like it. I personally use dry - and find that gives a nice balance. Hope you enjoy!! It's a great dessert and sooooo easy.

        Reply
    4.79 from 14 votes (9 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Jo Family Portrait

    I'm Jo. As a recipe developer and busy mum of 3, I can help you eat well when time is short! This blog contains loads of delicious, fast and easy-to-achieve recipes. Follow along and feed your family with less stress.

    Browse by Category

    Latest Recipes

    Creamy Cauliflower & Blue Cheese Soup Recipe

    Easy Roast Tenderstem Broccoli with Lemon & Garlic

    Easy Pork Curry with Mushrooms (Tomato Base)

    Easy Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip - High Protein

    Easy Chicken Alexander Recipe with Mushrooms & Bell Peppers

    Hot Baked Feta Cheese Dip with Honey - Simple Recipe

    Footer

    About

    • About The Family Food Kitchen
    • Privacy Policy & Disclaimers

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up!

    Contact

    • Contact Me
    • Work With Me

    Copyright © 2024 The Family Food Kitchen

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.