Danish Lemon Fromage - The Ultimate Recipe

Lemon Fromage © kvalifood.com

A classic Danish lemon fromage gets its light texture from whipped egg whites folded in - that is what sets a fromage apart from a mousse or cream dessert. Fresh lemon flavour and a delicate consistency.

Ingredients

Serves 4 - use the formula: 1 egg · 1 sheet of gelatine · 25 g sugar per person

  • 4 eggs (separated)
  • 4 sheets of leaf gelatine
  • 100 g sugar
  • 2 unwaxed lemons (zest + juice) - approx. 100 ml juice
  • 300 ml whipping cream (optional - gives a richer, creamier fromage)

Directions

1. Soak the gelatine

Soak the gelatine sheets in plenty of cold water for 10 minutes.

2. Whisk egg yolks and sugar

Whisk the egg yolks and sugar until pale, thick, and airy. This takes 4-5 minutes with an electric hand mixer. Grate in the lemon zest and stir to combine.

3. Dissolve the gelatine

Squeeze the lemon juice and heat it until steaming hot (not boiling). Remove from heat. Squeeze the gelatine sheets to remove excess water and stir them into the hot lemon juice until completely dissolved. Allow to cool to room temperature.

4. Combine lemon with egg yolk mixture

Stir the lemon mixture into the egg yolk mixture a little at a time. Place the bowl in the refrigerator and leave until the mixture is thick and viscous but not set - about 15-20 minutes. Keep a close eye on it.

5. Whip egg whites and cream

  • Whisk the egg whites to stiff peaks - they should hold their shape and not fall out when you tip the bowl.
  • Whip the cream to soft peaks (if using cream).

6. Fold everything together

Gently fold the egg whites into the lemon mixture using a wide spatula - large, slow movements from the bottom up. Air is what you are after; do not stir more than necessary. Then fold in the cream the same way.

Important: The egg whites are what makes the fromage light and airy. Handle them gently.

7. Chill

Divide into individual glasses or a large bowl. Chill for at least 4 hours - overnight is even better.

Notes

Serving:

  • Serve with a dollop of lightly whipped cream
  • Garnish with freshly grated lemon zest
  • A few fresh mint leaves if desired

Time plan:

Step Time
Preparation 30 min
Chilling time (minimum) 4 hours
Total 4.5+ hours

Variations:

  • Orange fromage: Replace the lemons with 1 orange + ½ lemon. Same method.
  • Lime: Replace one lemon with 2 limes for a more tropical twist.