This Crema di Limoncello recipe brings the zest and brightness of Italy right to your kitchen. With its creamy, citrusy flavor, it’s the perfect after-dinner treat that offers a smooth and refreshing twist on the classic Limoncello liqueur.
Whether you enjoy it chilled, over ice, or in cocktails, this homemade version will have you dreaming of sunny Italian coastlines.
Pair it with light, delicate Soft Almond Sugar Cookies or a scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream for a dreamy dessert experience that combines the best of both worlds. The creamy Limoncello balances beautifully with the crunch of almond sugar cookies or the smooth texture of vanilla ice cream, creating a perfect end to any meal.
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too):
- Creamy Delight: The smooth, velvety texture of the Crema di Limoncello makes every sip an indulgence.
- Zesty Citrus: The lemon’s tangy brightness is the perfect complement to any dessert.
- Homemade Touch: Making this at home means you can enjoy the freshest flavors with the added satisfaction of creating something truly special.
- Perfect for Holidays: Whether it’s a festive celebration or a casual dinner, this Crema di Limoncello is an excellent addition to any gathering.
Crema di Limoncello Recipe
This homemade creamy limoncello offers a smooth, citrusy kick, perfect for sipping or gifting. Lemon zest infuses Everclear, blending with a rich milk and sugar base for a refreshing Italian-inspired treat.
Equipment
- Vegetable peeler or sharp knife
- Large glass jar with tight-fitting lid
- Fine sieve or cheesecloth
- Large heavy-bottomed pan
- Stirring spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Decorative bottles with tight-fitting lids
- Container with a pour spout (optional)
Ingredients
- 12 lemons zested
- 1 750 mL bottle Everclear 190 proof
- 1 1/2 quarts whole milk
- 7 1/2 cups white sugar
- 1 3g packet powdered pure vanilla extract, such as Paneangeli® Vanillina, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 750 mL decorative bottles with tight-fitting lids, or more if bottles are smaller
Instructions
- Prepare the lemons: Scrub lemons, peel off the yellow zest (no white pith), and place zest in a large glass jar.
- Infuse the zest: Pour Everclear over the zest, cover, and store in a dark place for at least 2 weeks.
- Make the milk mixture: Heat milk and sugar in a pan until the sugar dissolves and mixture is hot (but not boiling). Stir in vanilla.
- Cool the milk mixture: Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Strain the lemon zest: Strain the lemon-infused Everclear into the milk mixture.
- Combine and store: Mix well, then decant into decorative bottles.
- Freeze: Store in the freezer for best results.
Nutrition Facts:
| Nutrition | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 96 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fibre | 0 g |
| Fat | 17 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Sugar | 17 g |
Tips for Making Homemade Limoncello!
- Choose the Right Lemons: Use fresh, organic lemons to ensure the zest is clean and flavorful, avoiding any pesticides or waxes.
- Zesting the Lemons: Be sure to zest the lemons lightly, avoiding the white pith, which can add bitterness to the limoncello.
- Infuse for Full Flavor: For the best flavor, infuse the lemon zest in Everclear for at least two weeks, but longer (up to a month) will result in a stronger, more vibrant lemon flavor.
- Store in a Dark Place: Store the jar of lemon zest and Everclear in a dark, cool place, away from direct sunlight, to help with the infusion process.
- Use Whole Milk for Creaminess: Whole milk provides the richness and creaminess needed for a smooth limoncello cream. Avoid using low-fat or skim milk.
- Dissolve Sugar Slowly: Heat the milk and sugar mixture over low to medium heat and stir frequently to prevent scorching. Ensure the sugar dissolves completely.
- Cool the Milk Mixture Completely: Allow the milk mixture to cool fully before combining it with the lemon-infused Everclear. This prevents curdling and ensures a smooth final product.
- Strain Thoroughly: Strain the lemon zest-infused Everclear through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove all zest pieces, leaving only the clear, flavorful liquid.
- Mix Well: After adding the strained Everclear to the milk mixture, stir the combined ingredients well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Decorative Bottles: Use tightly fitting bottles to store the limoncello cream, as this helps maintain its flavor and freshness.
- Freezing for Best Texture: Store the limoncello in the freezer, as this helps achieve the proper creamy consistency and makes it more enjoyable when served chilled.
- Serve Chilled: Serve limoncello cream ice-cold for the best experience. Keep it stored in the freezer and pour straight from the freezer into glasses for serving.
