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.
I love desserts in pots like this Chocolate Orange recipe. You can't beat them for ease and downright deliciousness. This zesty lemon dessert takes minutes to prepare, perfect for lazy summer days.
This creamy dessert recipe is definitely a welcome throwback from the 80s when this dessert was a favorite at dinner parties, made popular by superstar British cooks like Delia Smith and Mary Berry.
If you're planning a party and looking for other easy desserts to serve alongside have you tried my Easy Apricot Pie? This recipe for Raspberry Brownies is super easy and also goes so nicely with lemony flavors.
Jump to:
- What is Lemon Syllabub?
- Why You Should Try these lemon pots
- Lemon Syllabub Ingredients
- How to make Lemon Syllabub
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Variations & Substitutions
- Tips & Tricks
- How To Serve
- How to Store
- Pin This Lemon Syllabub Recipe For Later
- What Do You Think?!
- More Sweet & Snack Recipe Ideas
- Printable Recipe
- Lemon Syllabub Recipe
- Reader Comments & Ratings
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 Syllabub Ingredients
Find the full list and quantities in the recipe card below.
Cream - I use a cup of heavy cream (double cream) in this recipe which will give you 4 servings of dessert. You need to use heavy cream as it will hold it's shape when the other ingredients are added.
Sugar - I use white sugar in this easy dessert.
Lemon - I use both fresh lemon juice and lemon zest in this recipe.
Wine - Use a good quality dry white wine in this easy dessert, something you would be happy to drink yourself as it will make a difference to the flavor of the finished dessert. You can also use sweeter wine, it will just give you a sweeter dessert.
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 cream mixture into glasses and top with the remaining zest.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 mixer?
Yes you can! Using a balloon whisk, whisk the cream in a large 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.
Do you have to use alcohol when making Lemon Syllabub?
No you absolutely don't! If you don't want a healthier dessert without the booze you can add orange juice and give it a clementine vibe. Lime juice is also delicious.
Another great alternative is to make a lemon curd syllabub, 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 a healthier option is making it with half cream and half 0% Greek yoghurt. All the flavor but less fat!
You can also adjust the quantity of white wine, cutting it back a little so that you have a little less taste, but also less calories.
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.
Variations & Substitutions
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 other flavors. Swap the lemon juice for other fruit juice flavors like lime juice or orange juice.
Tips & 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. Heavy cream can over whip really 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.
How To Serve
Lemon Syllabub is traditionally served in a wine glass - which makes it look pretty and unique. It's delicious served as it is, or topped with berries or other sliced fresh fruit.
Since it's quite rich it also goes well with dessert biscuit or crunchy cookies - almond thins, ginger biscuit, amaretti biscuits, biscotti and shortbread are all delicious to serve alongside.
How to Store
Lemon syllabub is a great make ahead dessert and can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Cover the bowls in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until needed. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for a day, after that time the dessert will start to break down and become watery.
Do not freeze lemon syllabub as it contains heavy cream which is likely to split during the freezing and defrosting process.
Pin This Lemon Syllabub Recipe For Later
What Do You Think?!
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More Sweet & Snack Recipe Ideas
Printable Recipe
Lemon Syllabub Recipe
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.
Lesley says
This recipe is right up my street, I love any dessert flavoured with lemon, particularly one that is simple to make. Great recipe.
Chloe Edges says
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!
Karen Booth says
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
Cat says
This looks beautifully soft and fresh. I bet this is perfect in the summer!
Carol says
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
Jo Keohane says
Thank you so much - so happy you liked it
Liz says
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?
Jo Keohane says
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.
Carol says
I love this easy & quick to assemble desert. Everyone loves it, I get lots of favourable comments about it. I will certainly be making it this Christmas for my family. 😊