If you’re after a dessert that’s both elegant and incredibly simple, this Lemon Posset Recipe is an absolute gem you need to try. This classic British dessert offers a wonderfully silky, creamy texture paired beautifully with a fresh, bright citrus flavor that instantly awakens your palate. With just three basic ingredients—cream, sugar, and lemon juice—it’s a no-fuss treat that feels luxurious, making it perfect for impressing guests or simply delighting yourself with a light, refreshing finale to any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Lemon Posset Recipe relies on a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in creating its luscious texture and vibrant taste. These simple pantry staples come together effortlessly to make a dessert that’s both smooth and tangy, with just the right amount of sweetness.
- Heavy cream: The star ingredient that lends richness and a velvety smooth texture.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of the lemon and enhances the creamy base.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds the essential bright, zesty citrus flavor to the posset.
- Finely grated lemon zest (optional): Boosts the lemon aroma and adds a subtle depth to the flavor.
- Fresh berries and mint for garnish (optional): Provide a colorful and fresh finish for serving.
How to Make Lemon Posset Recipe
Step 1: Combine Cream and Sugar
Start by pouring the heavy cream and granulated sugar into a medium saucepan. Place it over medium heat and stir frequently to dissolve the sugar completely as it warms. This step not only sweetens the cream but also prepares it for thickening during the boiling process.
Step 2: Boil and Thicken
Bring the cream and sugar mixture to a gentle boil while stirring constantly to prevent scorching or boiling over. Once it reaches a boil, keep stirring and cook for 3 full minutes. This precise cooking time allows the cream to thicken naturally without curdling, which creates that signature silky texture of the posset.
Step 3: Add Lemon Juice and Zest
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice along with the optional lemon zest if you’re using it. The citrus will instantly cause the cream to set slightly, which is the magic of posset. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to meld the flavors together.
Step 4: Strain and Chill
For the smoothest possible finish, pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into your serving containers like ramekins or small glasses. Then, place these in the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 4 hours, or until the posset is fully set and beautifully firm.
How to Serve Lemon Posset Recipe
Garnishes
While the posset is luscious on its own, topping it with a few fresh berries and a sprig of mint adds a lovely pop of color and complementary freshness. These garnishes brighten up the presentation and provide a delightful contrast to the creamy texture.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with light, summery accompaniments. Consider serving it alongside a crisp fruit salad or a simple shortbread cookie. These sides enhance the creamy lemon flavor without overpowering it, keeping the meal balanced and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve Lemon Posset Recipe in clear glassware to showcase its silky, pale yellow hue. Layering it with crumbled biscotti or lemon curd adds texture and an extra burst of flavor. You could even create mini posset shooters for a fun party option that’s easy to enjoy by the glassful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best parts about this Lemon Posset Recipe is how well it keeps. Simply cover any leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and creamy for up to 2 days, making it perfect for prepping ahead of time.
Freezing
Because of its creamy texture, freezing lemon posset is not recommended. Freezing can alter the smoothness and result in watery or grainy textures once thawed. This dessert shines best when enjoyed fresh from the fridge.
Reheating
This dessert is designed to be eaten cold, so reheating isn’t part of the plan. Instead, just pop it straight from the fridge and enjoy its cool, refreshing creaminess as a delightful end to your meal.
FAQs
What makes posset different from other creamy desserts?
Posset is unique because it sets naturally with just cream, sugar, and lemon juice—no gelatin or eggs needed. The gentle boiling thickens the cream, and the lemon juice curdles it slightly, creating a silky yet firm texture that feels lighter than custard.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended for the best bright, vibrant flavor. Bottled juice often lacks that fresh zestiness and can contain preservatives that affect taste. If fresh lemons aren’t available, use the best quality bottled lemon juice you can find.
Is lemon zest necessary in the recipe?
Lemon zest is optional but adds an extra burst of citrus aroma and a slightly more complex flavor profile. If you love intense lemon flavor, including zest is a great idea. Otherwise, the recipe works perfectly well without it.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
This traditional Lemon Posset Recipe relies on heavy cream for its texture, so making a vegan version would require using a thick coconut cream or another plant-based substitute that can mimic heavy cream’s richness. Keep in mind this will alter the classic flavor and texture.
How long does it take for lemon posset to set?
The posset needs to chill for at least 4 hours in the refrigerator to achieve the ideal creamy but firm texture. Patience is key here—rushing the chilling time might result in a softer dessert that doesn’t hold its shape well.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Lemon Posset Recipe enough if you’re looking for a dessert that’s simple yet sophisticated, creamy yet refreshingly light. Whether it’s a casual weeknight treat or the grand finale of a dinner party, making posset feels like a little joy in your day. Give it a try and you’ll see why this timeless British dessert continues to steal hearts with every spoonful.
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Lemon Posset Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
Lemon posset is a classic British dessert known for its silky, creamy texture and bright citrus flavor. Made with just three simple ingredients—cream, sugar, and lemon—it’s an elegant yet easy make-ahead treat perfect for dinner parties, holidays, or anytime you want a light, refreshing dessert.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (optional)
For Garnish (optional)
- Fresh berries
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Combine Cream and Sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and sugar. Stir frequently while heating to dissolve the sugar fully.
- Bring to Boil: Heat the mixture over medium heat until it comes to a gentle boil. Keep stirring constantly to prevent burning and ensure sugar dissolves evenly.
- Cook for 3 Minutes: Maintain the boiling for 3 minutes, continuing to stir constantly, carefully avoiding boil over to achieve the right consistency.
- Add Lemon Juice and Zest: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest if using. This curdles the cream slightly to create the posset’s signature silky texture.
- Rest and Strain: Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes to allow flavors to develop, then strain through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl to ensure smoothness.
- Pour into Ramekins: Divide the mixture evenly between 4 to 6 small ramekins or serving glasses, ensuring uniform portion sizes.
- Chill and Set: Refrigerate the possets for at least 4 hours, or until fully set and firm to the touch.
- Serve: Serve chilled, decorating with fresh berries and mint leaves if desired for a bright, fresh presentation.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best bright and natural flavor.
- Possets can be prepared 1–2 days ahead; keep them covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- For a tart variation, substitute part of the lemon juice with lime or orange juice to add different citrus notes.
