French cream with lemon and vanilla flavor – without mascarpone, cream, or quark

Name: French cream with lemon and vanilla flavor – without mascarpone, cream, or quark
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 400 g soft butter; 80 g water; 200 g sugar; 6 egg yolks; 20 g lemon juice; 5 g vanilla extract

Easy to prepare
12 portions
50 minutes

Jan, 22. 12. 2025

Print recipe

If you’re looking for a cream that will hold its shape perfectly while also being deliciously creamy, then this French cream is the ideal choice. With a lemon flavor and a subtle vanilla note, it will become a great decoration for your cakes, cupcakes or cookies. And best of all – you don’t need mascarpone, cream, or quark, yet the cream will still hold up well.

For 12 portions

Ingredients

400 g soft butter
80 g water
200 g sugar
6 egg yolks
20 g lemon juice
5 g vanilla extract

Preparation procedure

Preparation of the egg yolk mixture Place 6 egg yolks into a bowl, add a tablespoon of sugar, and thoroughly whisk them until frothy.
Preparation of the sugar syrup Put the remaining sugar to cook with 80 g water in a water bath for about 3 minutes, until the sugar is completely dissolved.
Combining both mixtures Once the sugar is completely dissolved, slowly pour it into the egg yolk mixture. Stir continuously until the ingredients are well combined.
Whipping the cream Let the egg yolk mixture cool, then add 400 g soft butter and beat. When the mixture is nice and smooth, add the vanilla extract and lemon juice. Beat again for about 2 minutes, until the cream has a uniform consistency.
Use and storage The French cream is ready to use immediately – it's great for decorating cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. If you don't use it right away, you can store it in the refrigerator in a closed container or an airtight bag for several days.

Preparation time

Preparation: 20 minutes
Chilling: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Servings

The cream is enough for 1 medium-sized cake layer or 12 cupcakes.

Conclusion

This French cream is a perfect choice for anyone looking for a light yet stable cream for decorating sweet pastries. The lemon flavor adds freshness, while the vanilla provides a delicate and delicious taste. You can store the cream in the refrigerator and use it for various occasions – you’ll definitely love it.