Lemon Posset Recipe

The Creamiest Lemon Posset Recipe to Brighten Your Day

Creamy and dreamy, this lemon posset surprises with its elegant simplicity and luxurious texture.

Dessert enthusiasts will adore its minimal ingredient list and impressive results.

Whisking together cream, sugar, and fresh citrus creates a magical custard-like treat.

Smooth and silky, the posset melts effortlessly on your tongue with bright, tangy notes.

Chefs appreciate how quickly this dessert comes together without complicated techniques.

Its sophisticated charm makes it perfect for intimate gatherings or solo indulgence.

You’ll want to savor every delightful spoonful of this classic British delight.

Why Lemon Posset Is Sweet And Simple

  • Minimal Kitchen Skills Needed: Perfect for beginners with simple steps and basic ingredients, requiring only basic stirring and mixing techniques.
  • Quick Preparation Magic: Minimal cooking time and straightforward process make this dessert a speedy solution for last-minute sweet cravings.
  • Elegant Entertaining Charm: Sophisticated dessert that looks professionally made but takes minimal effort, ideal for impressing guests at dinner parties or special gatherings.
  • Versatile Seasonal Treat: Bright lemon flavor makes it refreshing in summer, while creamy texture provides comfort during cooler months, appealing to different taste preferences.

Ingredients List For Lemon Posset

Main Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream: A rich and smooth dairy product that provides the creamy base for the dessert.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create the smooth, silky texture of the posset.
  • Lemon Juice: Brings a bright, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the cream.
  • Lemon Zest: Intensifies the citrus aroma and adds a subtle, fragrant lemon essence to the dessert.
Garnish Ingredients:
  • Fresh Berries, Mint Sprig: Optional toppings that add a fresh, colorful finishing touch to the dessert.
Optional Serving Ingredients:
  • Plastic Wrap: Used to cover and chill the posset during the setting process.
  • Serving Glasses or Ramekins: Vessels for creating individual portions of the dessert.

How To Make Lemon Posset In Minutes

Step 1: Warm Cream and Dissolve Sugar

Grab a medium saucepan and pour in the heavy cream. Sprinkle granulated sugar into the cream.

Place the pan on medium heat and gently stir until the sugar completely melts into the cream. Watch carefully and bring the mixture to a soft, gentle simmer without letting it boil.

Step 2: Infuse with Zesty Lemon Flavor

Take the pan off the heat and add fresh lemon zest and squeezed lemon juice. Stir thoroughly to distribute the bright citrus essence throughout the creamy mixture.

The combination will create a tantalizing aroma that hints at the delicious dessert to come.

Step 3: Chill and Set the Posset

Let the cream mixture cool down for about 10 minutes.

Carefully pour the silky liquid into individual serving glasses or ramekins. Cover each container with plastic wrap and tuck them into the refrigerator.

Allow the posset to set and firm up for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 4: Prepare Gorgeous Garnishes

Once the posset has set and become beautifully firm, remove from the refrigerator.

Add a stunning finishing touch by topping each serving with:
  • Fresh berries
  • Mint sprig

These colorful garnishes will make your dessert look as amazing as it tastes.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Present your lemon posset with a flourish.

Grab a spoon and dive into the creamy, zesty delight. Each spoonful offers a perfect balance of rich cream and bright, tangy lemon that will dance on your taste buds.

Tips For Creamy Lemon Posset

  • Opt for fresh, high-quality lemons to ensure the most vibrant and zesty flavor in your posset.
  • Slowly heat the cream to prevent scorching and achieve a smooth, silky texture.
  • Chill the posset thoroughly for at least 4 hours to allow it to set properly and develop a perfect consistency.
  • Experiment with different berry toppings like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for added color and taste.
  • Serve the dessert chilled for the most refreshing and delightful experience, letting the creamy texture shine through.

Twists To Try With Lemon Posset

  • Lavender Citrus Posset: Infuse cream with dried lavender buds during heating, strain before adding lemon juice for a fragrant herbal note.
  • Berry Swirl Posset: Layer raspberry or strawberry coulis between posset layers for a vibrant color and tangy fruit complement.
  • Coconut Lime Tropical Version: Replace lemon with lime juice and add coconut cream for a tropical-inspired creamy dessert with exotic undertones.
  • Honey Almond Posset: Substitute half the sugar with honey and sprinkle toasted almond slivers on top for added crunch and nutty flavor.

Best Pairings For Lemon Posset

  • Pair Zesty Berries with Lemon Posset: Fresh raspberries or blueberries complement the tangy lemon cream, adding a burst of natural sweetness and color to the dessert.
  • Crisp White Wine Match: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the citrusy notes and cut through the creamy richness of the posset.
  • Shortbread Cookie Companion: Serve delicate, buttery shortbread cookies alongside the posset, providing a delightful textural contrast and subtle crunch that balances the smooth dessert.
  • Herbal Tea Finale: Brew a light chamomile or mint tea to cleanse the palate after enjoying the rich, creamy lemon posset, creating a refreshing end to the dessert experience.

How To Store Lemon Posset Properly

  • Refrigerate: Store covered with plastic wrap in the original serving glasses for up to 3 days. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain texture and flavor.
  • Freezing: Not recommended due to the delicate cream and potential separation of ingredients when thawed.
  • Reheating: Do not reheat. Lemon Posset is meant to be served chilled and will lose its smooth consistency if warmed.
  • Individual Portions: Transfer to airtight containers if needed, keeping each serving separate to prevent flavor mixing and maintain the dessert's delicate structure.

Your Lemon Posset Questions Answered

  • What is a posset?

A traditional English dessert dating back to medieval times, originally a hot, curdled milk drink with wine or ale, now a chilled, creamy dessert made with cream, sugar, and citrus.

  • Why does lemon posset set without using gelatin?

The acid from lemon juice causes the cream proteins to coagulate, naturally thickening the dessert through a process called acid-set, creating a smooth, silky texture.

  • Can I use different citrus fruits for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute lemon with other citrus like lime or orange for unique flavor variations, maintaining the same creamy consistency.

  • Is lemon posset considered a light dessert?

Despite being made with heavy cream, it’s surprisingly light and refreshing, with a delicate texture that feels elegant and not overly rich.

Print
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Lemon Posset Recipe

Lemon Posset Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy lemon posset delights with its silky smooth texture and zesty citrus punch. Rich British dessert whispers elegance while delivering simple sophistication you’ll savor to the last delectable spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Dairy:

  • 2 cups (480 milliliters) heavy cream

Sweeteners:

  • 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar

Citrus:

  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice (approximately 34 lemons)

Garnish (optional):

  • Fresh berries
  • Mint leaves

Instructions

  1. Heat cream and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium temperature, stirring until sugar dissolves completely, then bring to a gentle simmer without boiling.
  2. Remove from heat and incorporate lemon zest and juice, mixing thoroughly to distribute the citrus essence evenly throughout the cream mixture.
  3. Let the mixture rest for approximately 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the temperature to reduce slightly.
  4. Transfer the liquid into individual serving vessels, ensuring an even distribution of the creamy mixture.
  5. Seal each container with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, permitting the posset to solidify and develop its signature silky texture.
  6. After chilling, extract the posset from the refrigerator and enhance its presentation with a delicate garnish of fresh seasonal berries and a tender mint leaf.
  7. Serve chilled, savoring the luxurious combination of tangy citrus and velvety cream that creates a sublime dessert experience.

Notes

  • Select heavy cream with high fat content for the smoothest, most luxurious texture that guarantees a silky dessert.
  • Zest lemons carefully to avoid the bitter white pith, using only the bright yellow outer layer for intense citrus flavor.
  • Chill serving glasses beforehand to help the posset set faster and maintain a perfect, stable consistency.
  • Experiment with alternative citrus like lime or blood orange for unique flavor variations that keep the dessert exciting and versatile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 500
  • Sugar: 38 g
  • Sodium: 30 mg
  • Fat: 44 g
  • Saturated Fat: 28 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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