- Prepare Your Ingredients: Begin by zesting and juicing your lemons. It’s essential to use fresh lemons for the brightest flavor. Have all your ingredients measured and ready to go, as the cooking process moves quickly once started.
- Mix Eggs and Sugar: In a medium saucepan, off the heat, whisk together the egg yolks, whole egg, and sugar until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This ensures that the sugar begins to dissolve into the eggs, making for a smoother cream.
- Add Lemon to the Mixture: Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt into the egg and sugar mixture. This is where the cream begins to take on its signature lemon flavor, so ensure it’s well mixed.
- Cook the Lemon Cream: Place the saucepan over low to medium heat. Cook the mixture, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or a heatproof spatula, until it thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon, which typically takes about 5-7 minutes. The key here is patience; a gentle heat will cook the eggs without scrambling them, resulting in a smooth, velvety cream.
- Strain and Add Butter: Once the mixture has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat. Strain the lemon cream through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl to remove any bits of cooked egg or zest for a perfectly smooth texture. Stir in the butter pieces until they’re completely melted and incorporated into the cream. The butter not only enriches the cream but also gives it a glossy finish.
- Chill the Lemon Cream: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the surface of the cream to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until the lemon cream is thoroughly chilled and set, which will take about 2 hours.
- Serve: Once chilled, the lemon cream can be served as is or used as a filling for tart shells, layered in parfaits, or spooned over fresh berries for a delightful dessert. Its rich, tart, and creamy flavor profile makes it versatile for various presentations.
Serving Suggestions and Variations:
- For an Elegant Dessert: Fill pre-baked tart shells with the lemon cream and garnish with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream and a mint leaf for an elegant presentation.
- Create Parfaits: Layer the lemon cream with crushed graham crackers and whipped cream in clear glasses for a visually appealing and delicious parfait.
- As a Cake Filling: This lemon cream makes an excellent filling for sponge cakes or cupcakes, offering a burst of lemon flavor that complements the sweetness of the cake.
Conclusion:
Lemon cream is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly extraordinary. Its vibrant flavor and silky texture make it a versatile component in various desserts, elevating them with its fresh, tangy essence. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a more complex dessert, lemon cream promises a delightful taste experience that’s sure to impress.