If you are looking for a dessert that perfectly combines creamy richness with a refreshing citrus zing, then this Lemon Posset Recipe is an absolute must-try. This classic British treat is surprisingly simple to make but delivers a luxurious texture and bright lemon flavor that feels both indulgent and light. With just a handful of basic ingredients, you can create a silky, melt-in-your-mouth pudding that’s ideal for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Lemon Posset Recipe plays a crucial role, balancing richness, sweetness, and tartness to create a harmonious dessert. These simple staples are easy to find yet essential for achieving that perfect creamy texture and citrus punch.
- Heavy cream: Provides the luscious and smooth base for the posset’s signature richness.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dessert just enough without overpowering the lemon.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brings the refreshing tartness that makes this dessert so bright and lively.
- Lemon zest (optional): Adds an extra pop of citrus aroma and flavor if you want to intensify the lemony notes.
- Fresh berries or mint (optional for garnish): Provides a beautiful visual contrast and a fresh finishing touch to the creamy dessert.
How to Make Lemon Posset Recipe
Step 1: Heat Cream and Sugar
Start by combining heavy cream and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally to help the sugar dissolve completely while bringing the mixture just to a gentle boil. This step is essential to create the creamy base and activate the sugars for smoothness. Make sure to watch carefully and stir often to prevent the cream from scorching on the bottom of the pan.
Step 2: Simmer Gently
Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly to let your cream and sugar mixture simmer gently for about 3 minutes. This simmering process thickens the cream slightly, setting the stage for the magic that happens in the next step when you add the lemon juice.
Step 3: Add Lemon Juice and Zest
Remove your saucepan from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest if you’re using it. This is where the chemistry happens — the acidity in the lemon curdles the cream just enough to thicken the mixture beautifully. Let it sit for 5 minutes so those textures and flavors can meld perfectly.
Step 4: Chill and Set
Pour the lemon cream mixture evenly into small serving glasses or ramekins. Allow them to cool to room temperature before covering and placing them in the refrigerator. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to let the desserts fully set, transforming into silky, spoonable possets that feel like a little slice of heaven.
How to Serve Lemon Posset Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a simple garnish such as fresh berries or a sprig of mint elevates the look and flavor of your Lemon Posset. The natural tartness of raspberries or the sweetness of blueberries complements the creamy lemon base wonderfully while the mint adds a refreshing herbal note and a pop of color.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with light, crisp biscuits or shortbread cookies that add a subtle crunch alongside the smooth posset. For a more decadent experience, serve with a dollop of whipped cream to heighten the creamy texture and provide contrast to the lemon tang.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to get creative when presenting your Lemon Posset Recipe. Serve it in elegant glassware for a sophisticated touch, or layer it in jars with crushed cookies and fresh fruit for a fun parfait style. You can even pipe whipped cream in pretty swirls on top for a stunning finish that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them covered in the refrigerator. The posset will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, retaining its creamy texture and vibrant flavor. Just be sure to keep it chilled until ready to serve again.
Freezing
This Lemon Posset Recipe is not well-suited for freezing because the creamy texture can become grainy and lose its delicate consistency when thawed. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or within a few days of making.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled dessert, reheating is not recommended. It’s meant to be served cold to enjoy the perfect balance of cool creaminess and zesty lemon brightness. If your posset softens too much at room temperature, simply pop it back in the fridge for a short while before serving.
FAQs
What makes a lemon posset different from lemon curd?
Lemon posset is cream-based, making it richer and silkier with a custard-like texture, whereas lemon curd is fruit- and egg-based, often thicker and more spreadable. Possets set in the fridge without eggs and have a delicate creaminess.
Can I use bottled lemon juice for this recipe?
Fresh lemon juice is highly recommended because it has a brighter, fresher flavor and the acidity levels needed to properly set the posset. Bottled lemon juice might work in a pinch but can alter the taste and affect the texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This Lemon Posset Recipe uses only cream, sugar, and lemon juice, none of which contain gluten. Just be mindful of any garnishes or sides you pair with the dessert.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 4 to 6 small servings, perfect as a light dessert after dinner or as part of a larger dessert spread at gatherings.
Can I add other flavors to the posset?
Absolutely. While the classic Lemon Posset Recipe shines on its own, you can experiment with infusing the cream with herbs like lavender or rosemary, or peel in other citrus zests such as orange or lime for a unique twist.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t yet experienced the sheer delight of a Lemon Posset Recipe, now is the perfect time to give it a try. This dessert’s brilliant simplicity combined with its luxurious texture is guaranteed to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Easy to make, utterly delicious, and wonderfully versatile, it’s a small treat that makes any occasion feel special.
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Lemon Posset Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus 4 hours chilling)
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Lemon Posset is a classic British dessert that is rich, creamy, and tangy. Made with just heavy cream, sugar, and fresh lemon juice, this no-bake pudding sets in the refrigerator to create a smooth, luscious texture. Perfect for a refreshing summer treat or elegant dinner party finale, it can be garnished with fresh berries or mint for an extra burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Posset Base
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh berries
- Mint leaves
Instructions
- Combine Cream and Sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of heavy cream with 3/4 cup of granulated sugar. Stir occasionally over medium heat as you bring the mixture to a gentle boil, ensuring the sugar fully dissolves.
- Simmer the Mixture: Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and allow the cream and sugar to simmer for 3 minutes. Stir often during this time to prevent the cream from scorching at the bottom of the pan.
- Add Lemon Juice and Zest: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice along with 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, if using. The acid will react with the cream to slightly thicken the mixture. Let it rest for 5 minutes to develop the texture.
- Pour and Chill: Pour the posset mixture evenly into 4 to 6 small serving glasses or ramekins. Let them cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours until fully set.
- Serve: Serve the lemon posset chilled, topped with fresh berries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprig of mint to enhance the flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Lemon Posset is quite rich and creamy, so serving sizes are small but satisfying.
- You can prepare this dessert up to a day ahead, making it ideal for easy entertaining.
- For a dairy-free version, try substituting with coconut cream and adjust sugar as needed, though the texture and flavor will vary.
- The optional lemon zest adds an extra depth of citrus flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
