Lemon Fool (Printable)

A classic British dessert featuring silky-smooth lemon cream folded with whipped cream, creating a light, refreshing treat.

# What You'll Need:

→ Lemon Cream

01 - 2 large eggs
02 - 1/2 cup granulated sugar
03 - 2 lemons, zested and juiced
04 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed

→ Whipped Cream

05 - 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon heavy cream, chilled
06 - 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
07 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

→ Garnish (optional)

08 - Lemon zest
09 - Fresh berries
10 - Shortbread biscuits

# How to Make It:

01 - In a small saucepan, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until combined.
02 - Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, approximately 4–5 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in butter until smooth and melted.
03 - Transfer lemon cream to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until completely cooled, about 20 minutes. For faster cooling, place in freezer for 10 minutes.
04 - In a chilled mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract using an electric mixer or hand whisk until soft peaks form.
05 - Gently fold the cooled lemon cream into the whipped cream using a spatula, leaving some visible streaks for a marbled effect if desired.
06 - Spoon into individual serving glasses or bowls. Garnish with fresh lemon zest, berries, or shortbread biscuits. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The texture is somewhere between mousse and pudding but lighter than either
  • It comes together in under 20 minutes yet tastes like something you fussed over
  • People think you're terribly elegant for serving it
02 -
  • The lemon cream will continue thickening as it cools, so don't overcook it on the stove
  • If your lemon cream develops tiny cooked egg bits, press it through a fine mesh sieve before chilling
  • Over-folding will deflate the mixture and you'll lose that lovely cloud-like texture
03 -
  • A splash of limoncello in the lemon cream adds another layer of flavor
  • Try folding in crushed meringue pieces for a Eton Mess variation
  • Aim for barely soft peaks when whipping the cream for the best folding consistency
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