Name: Syllabub (English Pudding) with Mango & Orange
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: For the Syllabub; 1 lemon; ¼ cup sauterne; 1 tablespoon brandy; 3 large ripe mangos, peeled; 1 tablespoon orange zest; ½ teaspoon ground cardamom; ½ teaspoon Cognac Barrel Aged Pure Vanilla Extract; 1 tablespoon powdered sugar; 1¼ cups heavy cream; Chopped pistachios; Fresh mint leaves; Extra mango; Crumbled Amaretti biscuits

Sweets

Syllabub (English Pudding) with Mango & Orange

Author: Mary DiSomma

If you know me, you know I love a good dessert. Trifles are one of my favorites—and syllabubs are similar to trifles in many ways. My mango orange syllabub recipe is inspired by the classic, but as usual, it comes with my own little twist. My version is rich and creamy with gentle notes of spice from the brandy and cardamom. The mango puree can be prepared ahead, and the layered presentation makes it ideal for summer gatherings. It’s a perfect summer dessert recipe because it's cool, citrusy, and oh-so-elegant. And make sure to check outmy Red, White, and Blue Dessert Trifle recipeif you like this one!

Ingredient Tips

Imagine a parfait, but sweeter, fancier, and a tiny bit boozy. As a traditional dessert, the syllabub has a fun history. It started out as a frothy holiday punch way back in the 1600s! Over time, this British treat transformed into a creamy, spoonable dessert and eventually inspired the trifle.

I don’t recommend omitting the alcohol from a syllabub recipe. This dessert’s charm is in its brandy-infused cream—leaving it out or swapping the alcohol changes its character. If you need to make an alcohol-free version, you can swap out the brandy for some apple cider or orange juice for a similar effect—though the flavor won’t be nearly as complex.

Preparation + Preservation Tips

You can make the mango layer and prepare your steeping liquid the day before, which is great if you’re entertaining. The whipped syllabub layer is best made the day you plan to serve it, but it can be refrigerated for a few hours before assembly. Once you layer everything in glasses, serve them within a few hours for the freshest texture.

You can find edible flowers pre-packaged in the produce section of many grocery stores. Look for varieties like pansies, nasturtiums, marigolds, or bachelor’s buttons—they’re colorful, delicate, and totally food-safe. If you like the idea of using flowers as a garnish, make sure to check out my Key Lime Tartlets and my Midsummer Dream Cognac Cocktail recipe too!

Easy Fresh Key Lime Tartlet Recipe➝

Midsummer Dream Cognac Cocktail➝

Extra Tips

Even without fancy garnishes, your syllabub is going to look gorgeous in a dessert glass. But if you want to really impress your guests, here are a few of my favorite garnish ideas. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

If you prefer to keep things simple, try topping your syllabub with some fresh berries, toasted coconut, chopped pistachios, diced mango, fresh mint leaves, or a sprinkle of lemon zest.

For a fancier finishing touch, try some homemade candied citrus slices or citrus peels, some of my homemade dulce de leche, a spoonful of my Homemade Blueberry Sauce recipe, or even some easy chocolate curls (you can learn how to make them here).

Homemade Candied Citrus Slices Recipe➝

Homemade Candied Citrus Peels for Desserts and Cocktails➝

How to Make Dulce de Leche in the Oven or on the Stovetop➝

How to Make Chocolate Curls➝