If you adore creamy desserts with a zesty punch, Lemon Posset belongs at the top of your must-try list. With just a handful of staple ingredients and minimal effort, this lush British classic transforms into a silky, citrusy masterpiece that feels like a fancy restaurant treat but is delightfully simple to make at home. Its bright lemon flavor, satiny texture, and elegant presentation make it the perfect finish to any dinner, from casual weeknights to special celebrations. There’s something magical about a dessert this easy, yet so impressive—Lemon Posset is pure sunshine in a cup!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Heavy Cream:
- 2 cups
Granulated Sugar:
- 3/4 cup
Lemon Juice:
- 1/4 cup (about 2 lemons)
Lemon Zest:
- 1 teaspoon
How to Make Lemon Posset
Step 1: Combine Cream and Sugar
Start with a clean, medium saucepan set over medium heat. Pour in the heavy cream and add the granulated sugar. Stir constantly with a whisk or heatproof spatula as the cream warms, ensuring the sugar fully dissolves and doesn’t stick to the bottom or sides. The mixture should never boil until the sugar is completely dissolved—this gentle process makes all the difference for a smooth posset.
Step 2: Simmer and Boil
Once the sugar has dissolved, bring the cream mixture to a gentle boil. Keep stirring steadily and let it bubble softly for exactly 3 minutes. This step helps concentrate the flavors and thickens the base just enough for a silky, spoonable finish. Be patient—if you rush this part, your Lemon Posset may not set as luxuriously!
Step 3: Add Lemon Juice and Zest
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Immediately pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and sprinkle in the lemon zest. You’ll see the mixture start to thicken almost instantly as the acid does its magic. Stir gently to combine, infusing your posset with rich lemony fragrance and flavor.
Step 4: Rest and Pour
Allow the lemony cream mixture to sit for about 5 minutes in the pan. This short rest ensures everything is fully combined and lets any stubborn bubbles settle for an elegant, smooth result. After resting, carefully pour the posset into small serving glasses, ramekins, or even tiny teacups for a touch of charm. You’ll want to divide it evenly—this recipe makes four perfect portions.
Step 5: Chill Until Set
Transfer the glasses or ramekins to the refrigerator. Let your Lemon Posset chill for at least 3 hours, preferably longer, until fully set. Once cold, the desserts will be gloriously creamy, lightly jiggly, and ready to serve. (This waiting part is always the hardest!)
How to Serve Lemon Posset
Garnishes
When it comes to serving Lemon Posset, a little garnish goes a long way. Try topping each serving with a handful of fresh berries—raspberries, blueberries, or sliced strawberries add gorgeous color and just the right hint of acidity. A swirl of whipped cream, a twist of extra lemon zest, or a delicate shortbread cookie tucked on the side can also elevate the experience from simple to spectacular!
Side Dishes
Lemon Posset stands beautifully on its own, but you can pair it with light, crisp cookies or buttery biscotti to lend a delicious contrast in texture. For a fun afternoon tea vibe, serve with thin wafers or petite madeleines. If you want to turn it into a larger dessert spread, offer sliced stone fruit or macerated berries alongside each portion.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation shows off how special (and easy!) Lemon Posset truly is. Consider pouring the posset into vintage teacups, elegant champagne coupes, or mini mason jars for a whimsical twist. For parties, fill tiny shot glasses for bite-sized treats, or add a layer of fruit compote at the bottom of each container to surprise guests with every spoonful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow wind up with leftovers (honestly—it’s rare, but it does happen!), cover each ramekin tightly with plastic wrap and keep it refrigerated. Lemon Posset will stay delicious for up to two days, but do try to enjoy it sooner rather than later for the freshest, brightest lemon flavor and smoothest texture.
Freezing
While it’s tempting to stash these away for later, unfortunately Lemon Posset isn’t a great candidate for freezing. The texture will become grainy and separated once thawed. Trust me—this dessert is so quick and easy, it’s worth making fresh each time you crave it!
Reheating
Lemon Posset is meant to be served chilled, so there’s really no need to reheat. If the posset has set longer than planned and seems extra firm, just let it stand at room temperature for a few minutes before serving to bring back its signature silkiness.
FAQs
Why didn’t my Lemon Posset set properly?
The most common culprit is not boiling the cream and sugar mixture for the full 3 minutes, or using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Be sure to use full-fat heavy cream, and watch your timing so the magical thickening reaction has plenty of support!
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice truly makes all the difference in both flavor and thickening. Bottled juice often lacks brightness and acidity, which can affect your Lemon Posset’s set and taste—always reach for real lemons when you can.
Is it possible to make a dairy-free Lemon Posset?
Unfortunately, the recipe relies on the reaction between dairy cream and lemon juice for its iconic texture. Non-dairy alternatives won’t set the same way, but you can experiment with coconut cream and a little bit of agar for a vegan-friendly spin (though the result won’t be quite the same).
How far ahead can I make Lemon Posset?
You can prepare Lemon Posset up to two days in advance, making it a terrific choice for entertaining. Just keep the individual servings covered and refrigerated until it’s time to wow your guests.
What can I do with leftover lemon zest?
Don’t let extra zest go to waste—sprinkle it over other desserts, blend it into sugar for a citrusy coffee sweetener, or freeze it for future baking adventures. Lemon zest adds zing to many recipes beyond posset!
Final Thoughts
Lemon Posset is that rare dessert that manages to be both astonishingly simple and utterly indulgent. If you’re new to this classic, I encourage you to give it a spot in your dessert rotation—you’ll fall in love with its creamy texture and sparkling citrus flavor on the very first spoonful. Made with just a few ingredients but packed with wow factor, it’s a treat worth sharing with everyone you know. Happy spooning!
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Lemon Posset Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus 3 hours chilling)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and tangy delight of Lemon Posset, a British classic dessert that requires just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort. This velvety smooth treat is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings with a burst of citrus freshness.
Ingredients
Heavy Cream:
- 2 cups
Granulated Sugar:
- 3/4 cup
Lemon Juice:
- 1/4 cup (about 2 lemons)
Lemon Zest:
- 1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Prepare Cream Mixture: In a saucepan, heat heavy cream and sugar until boiling.
- Stir in Lemon: Add lemon juice and zest, mix well, then let sit.
- Chill and Serve: Pour into serving glasses, chill, and enjoy topped with berries or whipped cream.
Notes
- Use only heavy cream for best results.
- Posset sets naturally due to lemon juice’s acidity.
- Consume within 2 days for optimal taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop, Chilling
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin (about 1/2 cup)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
