Quick answer: stir ¼ cup of sugar into ¼ cup of sweet white wine or sherry with the zest and juice of half a lemon until dissolved, add 1 cup of cold heavy cream, and whip to soft peaks. Spoon into glasses and chill. Contains alcohol; for adults.
What is syllabub?
Syllabub is one of the oldest English desserts, made for centuries from cream, wine and citrus. The modern version is an “everlasting” syllabub: cream whipped with sweetened wine and lemon until it holds soft peaks.
Ingredients (4 servings)
- ¼ cup (60 ml) sweet white wine, dessert wine or cream sherry
- ¼ cup (50 g) sugar
- Zest and juice of ½ lemon
- 1 cup (240 ml) cold heavy cream
How to make it
- Stir the wine, sugar, lemon zest and juice together until the sugar dissolves. If you have time, let it stand for an hour so the zest infuses.
- Add the cold cream.
- Whip to soft peaks that just hold their shape; see soft peaks vs stiff peaks. The acid thickens the cream quickly, so watch it.
- Spoon into small glasses and chill for an hour.
Non-alcoholic syllabub
Use white grape juice or apple juice in place of the wine, and reduce the sugar slightly, because juice is sweeter.
Serving ideas
- With shortbread or ladyfingers for dipping.
- Over fresh berries or poached fruit.
- As a topping for trifle in place of plain whipped cream.
Tips
- Use heavy cream; lower-fat cream can curdle with the wine and lemon.
- Stop at soft peaks. Overwhipped syllabub turns grainy.
- Serve it the same day.
Related: lemon posset, Eton mess and Chantilly cream.
Frequently asked questions
What is syllabub?
A traditional English dessert made by whipping cream with sweet wine or sherry, lemon and sugar into a soft, spoonable cloud.
Can I make syllabub without alcohol?
Yes. Replace the wine with white grape juice or apple juice and keep the lemon juice for sharpness.
How far ahead can I make syllabub?
A few hours. It holds in the fridge but slowly separates, so it is best made the day you serve it.
What does syllabub taste like?
Light, creamy and lemony, with a gentle wine flavor, like a soft mousse.
