Homemade Crema di Limoncello Recipe

Introduction

Homemade Crema di Limoncello is a luscious, creamy Italian lemon liqueur that perfectly balances refreshing citrus with sweet richness. It’s easy to make and delightful to serve chilled as a dessert treat or after-dinner digestif.

Ingredients

• 10 lemons
• 1 (750-ml) bottle vodka
• 8 cups half and half
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 cups sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: Using a vegetable peeler, remove the peel from the lemons in long strips. Place the lemon peels in a 2-quart pitcher.
2. Step 2: Pour the vodka over the lemon peels and cover with plastic wrap. Steep at room temperature for 3 to 4 days to infuse the lemon flavor.
3. Step 3: In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, stir together the half and half, vanilla extract, and sugar. Stir frequently until the sugar completely dissolves, about 5 minutes. Do not let it boil.
4. Step 4: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the syrup to cool completely to room temperature.
5. Step 5: Strain out and discard the lemon peels from the vodka mixture. Stir the cooled syrup into the infused vodka.
6. Step 6: Transfer the limoncello cream to airtight bottles. Seal and refrigerate until cold before serving. You may also freeze bottles for up to 3 months.

Tips & Variations

• Try substituting vodka with a citrus-infused gin for an extra layer of flavor.
• Adjust sweetness by reducing sugar or adding a splash of limoncello for a tangier kick.

Storage

Store Crema di Limoncello in airtight bottles in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks to maintain freshness. For longer storage, freeze bottles for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving and give a gentle shake.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular lemon zest instead of strips for infusion?

Using long strips of lemon peel helps with easy removal and avoids bitterness. Finely grated zest could make the liqueur bitter and cloudy, so strips are preferred.

Is homemade crema di limoncello alcoholic?

Yes, this recipe uses vodka as the base, so the finished crema di limoncello contains alcohol. The half and half and sugar balance the alcohol for a smooth, creamy liqueur.

Homemade Crema di Limoncello Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 77 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 3 days 5 minutes
• Yield: 16 ounces 1x

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Description

Homemade Crema di Limoncello is a luscious Italian lemon cream liqueur that combines the bright zestiness of fresh lemons with the smooth richness of half and half and vodka. Perfectly sweet and refreshingly creamy, this delightful dessert drink is easy to prepare and ideal for serving chilled on its own or as a flavorful addition to cocktails and desserts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Limoncello Base

• 10 lemons, peeled with long strips of zest
• 1 (750-ml) bottle vodka

For the Cream Syrup

• 8 cups half and half
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 4 cups sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Lemon Peels: Using a vegetable peeler, carefully remove the lemon peels in long strips, avoiding the white pith as much as possible. Place these lemon peels in a 2-quart pitcher.
2. Steep the Peels in Vodka: Pour the entire bottle of vodka over the lemon peels in the pitcher, cover with plastic wrap, and let the mixture steep at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. This allows the vodka to absorb the lemon oils and develop its vibrant flavor.
3. Make the Cream Syrup: In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the half and half, vanilla extract, and sugar. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely, which should take about 5 minutes. Make sure the mixture does not boil to prevent curdling.
4. Cool the Syrup: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the syrup cool completely to room temperature before mixing with the limoncello base.
5. Combine Limoncello and Syrup: Discard the lemon peels from the vodka, then stir the cooled cream syrup into the infused vodka to create the creamy liqueur mixture.
6. Bottle and Chill: Transfer the crema di limoncello into airtight bottles or containers. Seal tightly and refrigerate until cold. Serve chilled. For longer storage, bottles can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Notes

• You can substitute vodka with a citrus-infused gin to add a different flavor profile.
• Adjust sweetness to taste by reducing sugar or adding an additional splash of limoncello for a stronger lemon punch.
• Ensure the cream syrup does not boil to keep it from curdling and maintain a smooth texture.
• Always use airtight bottles for storage to preserve freshness and flavor.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Crema di Limoncello, Homemade Limoncello, Italian Lemon Liqueur, Creamy Limoncello, Dessert Liqueur, Lemon Cream Drink