If you love bright, creamy desserts that feel like sunshine on a spoon, you’re going to adore this Lemon Posset Brûlée Recipe. It’s a beautiful fusion of velvety lemon posset—a traditional British treat—with that irresistible caramelized sugar topping of a brûlée. The result is a refreshing yet indulgent dessert that’s perfectly balanced between tangy citrus and sweet, crunchy caramel. Light enough to brighten any meal, but rich enough to satisfy your sweetest cravings, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who appreciates simplicity paired with elegance.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this Lemon Posset Brûlée Recipe, the ingredients are wonderfully simple yet totally essential for that perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each element plays a crucial role, whether it’s the richness of the cream or the zesty punch of fresh lemons.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Provides the creamy, luxurious base that makes the posset so silky smooth.
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dessert gently and helps balance the lemon’s tartness.
- Zest of 2 lemons: Adds fresh, aromatic citrus oils for a vibrant flavor boost.
- Juice of 2 lemons: The star of the show, delivering that perfect lemony tang that makes the posset shine.
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar for topping: Essential for creating the caramelized brûlée crust with a kitchen torch.
How to Make Lemon Posset Brûlée Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Cream Mixture
Start by combining the heavy cream, sugar, and lemon zest in a medium saucepan. Warm everything over medium heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves and the mixture just begins to simmer—keep an eye on it so it doesn’t boil too vigorously. This step infuses the cream with the bright citrus aroma that sets this dessert apart.
Step 2: Add Lemon Juice
Once off the heat, stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice. This cool addition helps the mixture thicken naturally as it sets, turning it magically silky and smooth without any need for gelatin or eggs.
Step 3: Pour and Chill
Divide the mixture evenly into individual ramekins. Let them cool to room temperature before transferring to the fridge. Chill for at least four hours so the posset firms up to that perfect creamy custard texture that melts in your mouth.
Step 4: Caramelize the Sugar
Just before serving, sprinkle one tablespoon of granulated sugar on top of each posset. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it turns a gorgeous golden brown and forms that signature crisp brûlée crust. Let it harden for a minute to get the perfect crackly topping.
How to Serve Lemon Posset Brûlée Recipe
Garnishes
A simple twist enhances this dessert beautifully—consider adding a thin lemon twist or a few edible flower petals on top of the brûlée for a fresh, elegant look. A light dusting of powdered sugar around the edge of the ramekin can also make it feel extra special while complementing the caramelized sugar crunch.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines as a refreshing finale, so pairing it with light and tangy accompaniments works perfectly. Fresh berries or a small serving of macerated strawberries complement the lemon’s brightness, while a crunchy biscotti or simple shortbread cookie offers a nice textural contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a truly memorable presentation, serve your Lemon Posset Brûlée Recipe in charming vintage ramekins or clear glass cups to showcase the creamy layers. You can also try layering the posset with a fruit compote in small parfait glasses for a twist on classic presentation that makes it feel extra festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers—which is rare because this dessert disappears fast—store them in the fridge covered tightly with plastic wrap. The posset will keep for up to 2 days without losing its luscious texture or intense lemon flavor.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this Lemon Posset Brûlée Recipe because the texture of the cream and the delicate brûlée topping can be compromised once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh and chilled.
Reheating
Since this dish is meant to be served cold with a crisp brûlée crust, reheating isn’t necessary. Just bring the posset to room temperature for about 15 minutes if you prefer it less chilled, then torch the sugar topping again if needed to refresh the caramelized layer.
FAQs
Can I use lemon extract instead of fresh lemons?
While lemon extract can add flavor, it won’t provide the fresh acidity and brightness that real lemon juice and zest bring to this recipe. For the best Lemon Posset Brûlée Recipe experience, fresh lemons are highly recommended.
What can I use if I don’t have a kitchen torch?
If you don’t have a kitchen torch, you can place the possets under a broiler for a minute or two, watching carefully so the sugar caramelizes without burning. Just remember, broilers vary, so keep a close eye on the brûlée stage!
Is this dessert gluten-free?
Absolutely! This Lemon Posset Brûlée Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a fantastic choice for anyone with gluten sensitivities or those just looking for a smooth, indulgent treat without gluten worries.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
The traditional recipe relies on heavy cream, but you can experiment with rich coconut cream as a vegan substitute. The texture may be slightly different, but you’ll still get that delightful citrusy creaminess.
How far in advance can I prepare this dessert?
This dessert is perfect for making a day ahead. It allows the flavors to meld wonderfully, plus you save time on the day you want to serve it. Just don’t caramelize the sugar topping until just before serving for the best brûlée effect.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dessert that feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make, this Lemon Posset Brûlée Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s that perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and crunchy that keeps people coming back for more. Whether it’s a quiet dinner or a special occasion, this bright, luscious treat is sure to impress and delight. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy lemon!
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Lemon Posset Brûlée Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes plus chilling time (at least 4 hours)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
Lemon Posset Brûlée is a luscious British dessert featuring a creamy, tangy lemon-infused posset base topped with a crisp caramelized sugar crust. This easy-to-make treat combines the silky texture of heavy cream with fresh lemon juice and zest, cooled to set, then brûléed for a delightful contrast between smooth custard and crunchy topping.
Ingredients
Posset Base
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- Zest of 2 lemons
- Juice of 2 lemons
Brûlée Topping
- 4 tablespoons granulated sugar (for caramelizing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of heavy cream, 2/3 cup of granulated sugar, and the zest of two lemons. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves completely and the cream just begins to simmer. Be careful not to let it boil vigorously to avoid curdling.
- Add Lemon Juice: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the fresh juice of two lemons thoroughly, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Pour and Chill: Pour the warm mixture evenly into individual ramekins. Allow them to cool to room temperature before placing them in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or until the possets have fully set and firmed up.
- Caramelize Sugar Topping: Just before serving, evenly sprinkle 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar over the surface of each posset. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until it melts and forms a golden crisp crust.
- Serve: Allow the brûlée topping to harden for about a minute, then serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of creamy posset and crunchy caramelized sugar.
Notes
- Avoid boiling the cream mixture too hard to prevent curdling.
- For an extra citrus kick, add a teaspoon of finely grated lemon peel into the cream before heating.
- This dessert can be prepared a day in advance, making it perfect for entertaining or meal prep.
