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Homemade Italian Lemon Spread Delight in mason jar with lemon and spoon

Italian Lemon Spread Delight


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  • Author: Harry
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 68 jars 1x

Description

A no-bake Italian dessert inspired by the Amalfi Coast, featuring layers of lemon-infused cream, Limoncello syrup, and whipped custard, all built in elegant jars. It’s zesty, creamy, and irresistibly refreshing—perfect for summer or any special occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

Lemon Cream:

  • 40g (2 egg yolks)

  • 40g sugar (1½ oz.)

  • 1 or 2 lemons (zest and juice)

  • 40g butter (1½ oz.)

Lemon Crema Pasticcera:

  • 180g milk (¾ cup)

  • 80g + 30g cream (3 oz. + 1 oz.)

  • 80g (4 egg yolks)

  • 60g sugar (⅓ cup)

  • 15g cornstarch (5 tsp)

  • 1 pinch salt

  • 1 lemon (zest)

  • vanilla pod

Limoncello Syrup:

  • 30g water (1 oz.)

  • 30g sugar (1 oz.)

  • 50g Limoncello (1¾ oz.)

  • ½ lemon (zest)

Glaze:

  • Lemon Cream (prepared above)

  • Lemon Crema Pasticcera (prepared above)

  • 60g milk (⅓ cup)

  • 125g sweetened whipped cream (½ cup)

  • 30g Limoncello (1 oz.)

Assembly:

  • Limoncello Syrup + equal water (for dipping)

  • Lemon Glaze

  • Savoiardi (ladyfingers)

  • Whipped cream + lemon zest (for garnish)


Instructions

  • Make Lemon Cream:
    Infuse lemon zest in juice for 20 min. Beat egg yolks and sugar. Add lemon juice. Cook to 80°C (176°F). Cool, then blend with butter. Chill.

  • Prepare Crema Pasticcera:
    Heat milk, cream, lemon zest, and vanilla pod. Infuse 1 hour, strain. Beat yolks, sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Combine with strained milk. Cook to 82°C (180°F). Chill.

  • Make Syrup:
    Boil water, sugar, lemon zest for 1 minute. Cool. Add Limoncello. Strain.

  • Create Glaze:
    Mix chilled lemon cream, crema pasticcera, whipped cream, milk, and Limoncello until smooth.

  • Assemble:
    Spoon glaze into jar. Dip Savoiardi quickly into Limoncello syrup + water. Layer into jars. Add glaze and repeat layers. Chill 2–3 hours.

 

  • Serve:
    Garnish with whipped cream and lemon zest curls.

Notes

  • Swap Limoncello with lemon simple syrup for alcohol-free version.

  • Use gluten-free Savoiardi or sponge cake for GF option.

 

  • Store in refrigerator for up to 4 days. Do not freeze.

  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-bake, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 jar (200g)
  • Calories: 360 kcal
  • Sugar: 25g
  • Sodium: 60mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg