There’s something wonderfully refreshing about the taste of lemon in dessert. As the weather warms up, I find myself craving light, zesty treats that awaken the senses and brighten the day. That’s where my delightful Lemon Curd Ambrosia comes in—a creamy, dreamy dessert that can be whipped up in just 15 minutes!
Imagine the soft peaks of freshly whipped cream, mixed with luscious lemon yogurt and swirled with rich lemon curd, creating a picturesque marbled effect. The sweetness of marshmallows adds a playful touch, while each bite brings a happy balance of tartness and creaminess. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply treating yourself after a long day, this gluten-free ambrosia is an instant crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive in and create a dessert that brings sunshine to your table!
Why is Lemon Curd Ambrosia the Ultimate Dessert?
Quick and Easy: This delightful dessert comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute gatherings or sweet cravings.
Refreshing Zest: The combination of vibrant lemon curd and creamy yogurt delivers a lightness that’s ideal for warm days.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a dessert with marshmallows, ensuring smiles at your table!
Versatile Options: Substitutions are simple—try pairing with fresh fruits or even different flavors of yogurt for a unique twist.
Visually Appealing: With its beautiful marbled effect, this ambrosia not only tastes amazing but looks stunning, making it a showstopper for any occasion.
For more delightful dessert ideas, explore my other recipes now!
Lemon Curd Ambrosia Ingredients
For the Cream Base
• 300ml Cream – Use heavy whipping cream for the best creamy texture.
• 500g Lemon Yoghurt – This adds a tangy creaminess; Greek yoghurt gives a thicker consistency.
For the Sweetness
• 200g White Marshmallows – These bring a chewy sweetness; swap for pink marshmallows for color or mini ones for ease!
• 30g White Chocolate – Ideal for garnishing, adding a luscious finish; dark chocolate works for a richer taste.
For the Citrus Flavor
• 200g Lemon Curd – This is the star ingredient that imparts a delightful tartness; use homemade or store-bought lemon curd based on your preference.
With these simple ingredients, you’re all set to create a heavenly Lemon Curd Ambrosia that everyone will love!
How to Make Lemon Curd Ambrosia
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Whip the Cream: Start by pouring 300ml of heavy whipping cream into a large bowl. Whip it until soft peaks form, which should take about 3-5 minutes. This creates the creamy base for your ambrosia.
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Prepare Marshmallows: Take 200g of white marshmallows and cut them in half. Gently fold the marshmallow pieces into the whipped cream, ensuring not to deflate the mixture for that airy texture.
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Combine Ingredients: Next, add 500g of lemon yoghurt and half of your 200g lemon curd to the bowl. Softly fold these ingredients together until just combined, being careful to keep that lightness.
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Assemble Dessert: Pour the mixture into a serving dish or individual glasses. Swirl in the remaining lemon curd on top to create a beautiful marbled effect, enhancing both flavor and visual appeal.
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Garnish and Chill: Shave 30g of white chocolate over the top of your ambrosia. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together and the dessert to set perfectly.
Optional: Garnish with fresh berries and mint for an extra touch of flavor and color.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Lemon Curd Ambrosia Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your dessert for any occasion with these delightful variations!
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Vanilla Twist: Substitute lemon yoghurt with creamy vanilla yoghurt for a sweeter flavor. It adds a cozy touch to your ambrosia.
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Berry Bliss: Fold in fresh fruits like blueberries or strawberries for a vibrant splash of color and a juicy burst of flavor.
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Cookie Crumble: Layer with crushed cookies or meringue for added crunch and texture. The contrast of textures makes each bite more exciting!
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Chocolate Delight: Swap white chocolate for dark chocolate shavings to deepen the flavor profile and satisfy any chocolate cravings.
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Mint Infusion: Add fresh mint leaves into your ambrosia for a refreshing herbal twist that complements the zesty lemon beautifully.
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Honey Sweetener: Drizzle in liquid honey if you prefer a gentler sweetness instead of marshmallows; it blends beautifully with the lemon curd.
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Citrus Medley: Incorporate a mix of citrus zests, like orange or lime, to amplify that bright fruitiness for a refreshing summer treat.
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Nutty Crunch: Toss in chopped nuts, such as pistachios or almonds, for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that enhances the overall experience.
How to Store and Freeze Lemon Curd Ambrosia
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For optimal flavor, enjoy your Lemon Curd Ambrosia within 1 day if made ahead.
Make-Ahead: Prepare this delightful dessert up to a day in advance. Just ensure to chill for at least 2 hours before serving for the best results.
Freezer: While freezing is not recommended for this creamy dessert, if necessary, it can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge and enjoy immediately, though texture may change.
Reheating: There’s no need to reheat this dessert; it’s best enjoyed chilled, allowing those refreshing flavors to shine!
Expert Tips for Lemon Curd Ambrosia
• Chill Your Tools: A cold bowl and beaters will help whip the cream faster and achieve those delightful soft peaks needed for a luscious texture.
• Watch the Mixing: Gently fold the marshmallows and lemon curd into the cream. Overmixing can result in a dense texture, so keep it airy to enjoy the lightness of your ambrosia.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare your Lemon Curd Ambrosia a day in advance. It gets even better as it chills, allowing those flavors to blend perfectly!
• Customize Your Garnish: Experiment with toppings like fresh fruit or edible flowers to elevate your dessert presentation and add an extra burst of flavor.
• Store Wisely: If you have leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy them within two days for the best taste, although it’s best fresh!
Make Ahead Options
These Lemon Curd Ambrosia are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the whipped cream and mix it with the marshmallows, lemon yoghurt, and half of the lemon curd up to 24 hours in advance. Just store the mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its delightful texture. When you’re ready to serve, simply swirl in the remaining lemon curd, garnish with white chocolate, and allow it to chill for at least 2 hours to set. This not only means less hassle on the day of your gathering but also ensures that your ambrosia is just as delicious, with flavors that meld beautifully while you enjoy peace of mind.
What to Serve with Lemon Curd Ambrosia?
The perfect way to round out your delightful dessert experience with refreshing and complementary flavors.
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Fresh Berries: Their natural sweetness and bright flavors enhance the tangy notes of the ambrosia. Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add a beautiful pop of color and are refreshing bites against the creamy texture.
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Zesty Lemonade: A glass of homemade lemonade brings a citrusy freshness that echoes the lemon curd’s flavor. Serve it chilled to keep your palate refreshed and uplifted during warm gatherings.
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Minty Fruit Salad: Combine a mix of seasonal fruits like kiwi, watermelon, and pineapple with fresh mint. This light, vibrant salad balances the richness of the ambrosia, making it a perfect side dish.
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Almond Biscotti: Crusty yet light, these cookies provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, making a lovely contrast to the soft creaminess of the ambrosia. Dip them in your tea or coffee for a cozy touch!
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Chocolate Drizzle Brownies: For those craving something decadent, fudgy brownies drizzled with chocolate perfectly complement the sweet and tangy notes of the ambrosia. A bite of brownie followed by ambrosia is a match made in dessert heaven.
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Chilled White Wine: A crisp, fruity white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is a delightful pairing. Its acidity resonates with the citrusy notes, ensuring an elegant finish to your meal.
Lemon Curd Ambrosia Recipe FAQs
What kind of lemons should I use for the lemon curd?
Absolutely! Use fresh, ripe lemons that feel heavy for their size. Look for bright yellow skin without dark spots—these indicate juiciness. Avoid any lemons that are overly soft or have blemishes; they could be past their prime.
How long can I store Lemon Curd Ambrosia in the fridge?
You can store your Lemon Curd Ambrosia in an airtight container for up to 2 days. However, for the best taste and texture, I recommend enjoying it within 1 day if you’ve prepared it ahead of time. As it sits, the marshmallows might become softer, affecting that delightful chewiness.
Can I freeze Lemon Curd Ambrosia?
While it’s not typically recommended to freeze this creamy dessert, you can do so if needed. Place the ambrosia in an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the fridge before serving, but keep in mind the texture may be slightly altered. It’s best enjoyed fresh and chilled!
What if my marshmallows are stale or hard?
If your marshmallows have become stale, don’t worry! Just soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes to revive their softness, then drain them thoroughly. This will help them regain that desirable chewy texture, making them perfect for your Lemon Curd Ambrosia.
Is this dessert safe for those with allergies?
Good question! The Lemon Curd Ambrosia contains cream, marshmallows, and yogurt, so it may not be suitable for individuals with dairy allergies. You can substitute with non-dairy alternatives, such as coconut cream and plant-based yogurt, to fit dietary restrictions. Always check the labels of your ingredients for allergens.
Lemon Curd Ambrosia: A Refreshing, Easy Dessert to Savor
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pour 300ml of heavy whipping cream into a large bowl and whip until soft peaks form, about 3-5 minutes.
- Cut 200g of white marshmallows in half and gently fold into the whipped cream.
- Add 500g of lemon yogurt and half of the 200g lemon curd to the bowl, gently folding until just combined.
- Pour the mixture into a serving dish or individual glasses and swirl in the remaining lemon curd on top.
- Shave 30g of white chocolate over the top and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.