Are you a Downton addict? Do you love the lavish and delicious desserts featured on the show? Why not try making them at home? Try these yummy desserts inspired by Downton Abbey!
Downton Abbey's inhabitants are known for many things but their lavish dinner spreads are one of their finest accomplishments. From hearty treacle tarts and traditional puddings to Mrs Patmore's infamous Raspberry Meringue Pudding, the household's kitchen has produced some memorable dishes.
You can try to recreate some of the old-school dessert recipes from Downton's kitchen, but you can also try to go for modern do-overs that capture the essence of the retro desserts but in a contemporary fashion. Here are some Downton Abbey-inspired dessert recipes to get you started
Lady Mary's Lavender and Lemon Madeleines
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon dried lavender buds
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease madeleine molds.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder.
- In another bowl, beat eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy. Add lemon zest and lavender.
- Gently fold in the flour mixture, then add the melted butter and fold until just combined.
- Spoon the batter into the madeleine molds and bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are golden.
- Allow the madeleines to cool before serving.
Earl Grey Tea Custard
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 Earl Grey tea bags
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 4 large egg yolks
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Method
- Heat the milk in a saucepan until it just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and steep the tea bags in the milk for 5-7 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk together sugar, egg yolks, and cornstarch until well combined.
- Gradually pour the infused milk into the egg mixture, whisking continuously.
- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and strain the custard.
- Pour the custard into serving dishes and refrigerate until set.
- Mrs. Patmore's Raspberry and Rosewater Eton Mess
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh raspberries
- 1 tablespoon rosewater
- 2 cups whipped cream
- 1/2 cup meringue cookies, crushed
Method
- In a bowl, gently mix fresh raspberries with rosewater.
- In serving glasses, layer whipped cream, crushed meringue cookies, and the raspberry mixture.
- Repeat the layers until the glasses are filled, finishing with a dollop of whipped cream on top.
- Garnish with a few whole raspberries and a sprinkle of crushed meringue.
Lady Edith's Lemon Blueberry Tart
Ingredients
- 1 pre-made tart crust
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 1 cup lemon curd
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Method
- Bake the tart crust according to package instructions or your recipe.
- In a bowl, mix blueberries with lemon zest.
- Spread a layer of lemon curd over the baked tart crust.
- Arrange the blueberry mixture on top of the lemon curd.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves before serving.
Violet's Blackberry and Sage Sorbet
Ingredients
- 3 cups blackberries
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon
Method
- In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and sage. Bring to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool.
- Blend the blackberries and lemon juice in a blender until smooth.
- Strain the blackberry mixture to remove seeds, and combine it with the cooled sage syrup.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Transfer the sorbet to a container and freeze until firm.