If you’re looking for a dessert that’s creamy, tangy, and ridiculously easy to make, then Lemon Posset is your new best friend. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Imagine silky smooth, velvety custard with the perfect amount of citrusy zing, served in individual cups—this one is sure to impress. With only a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a dessert that tastes like it’s been prepared by a professional chef. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Why You’ll Love Lemon Posset
This dessert isn’t just a treat for your taste buds—it’s a perfect showstopper for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special event, or treating yourself to something sweet, Lemon Posset is the way to go. Here’s why:
Versatile: Whether you serve it on its own or with fresh berries, Lemon Posset is a dessert that can be enjoyed year-round.
Budget-Friendly: With just a few pantry staples like cream, sugar, and lemons, this dessert won’t break the bank.
Quick and Easy: No complicated steps—just simmer, mix, chill, and serve. It’s perfect when you’re short on time but want to make something impressive.
Customizable: Want to add a bit of flair? Try serving it with whipped cream, candied lemon peel, or a sprinkle of zest for extra texture and flavor.
Crowd-Pleasing: Its smooth, creamy texture paired with the sharp citrus tang makes this a dessert that everyone will love. Plus, it’s always a hit with guests!
Ingredients in Lemon Posset
Lemon Posset is made with just a few ingredients, but the end result is pure magic. Here’s what you’ll need:
Double Cream: The richness of double cream creates the luxuriously smooth texture that makes Lemon Posset so irresistible. It’s the key ingredient for that creamy consistency.
Sugar: A little bit of sugar to balance out the tanginess of the lemon and bring everything together.
Lemon Juice and Zest: The zest and juice from fresh lemons are what give this dessert its signature citrusy brightness. Fresh is always best!
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Making Lemon Posset is as simple as it gets, and the results are absolutely worth it. Here’s how to do it:
Prepare Your Ingredients: Zest and juice the lemons. Set aside the zest for later use (if you want to garnish your possets with a little extra zing) and make sure the juice is ready to go.
Heat the Cream and Sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine the double cream and sugar. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved and the cream starts to simmer. Be careful not to let it boil.
Add the Lemon Juice: Once the cream mixture is simmering, remove it from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice. The acidity from the lemon will cause the cream to thicken and set. Give it a good stir to combine everything.
Cool the Mixture: Let the lemon cream mixture cool for about 10 minutes at room temperature. This gives the flavors time to meld and helps with the setting process.
Pour and Chill: Pour the mixture into serving cups or bowls. Cover with plastic wrap and place them in the fridge to chill for at least 4 hours, or until they’ve set to a creamy consistency.
Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled and set, your Lemon Possets are ready to serve! Garnish with a bit of fresh zest, whipped cream, or berries if you like.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 250
(put them as notes)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
How to Serve Lemon Posset
Lemon Posset is delightful on its own, but it can also be paired with a variety of sides and garnishes to elevate the experience. Here are a few ideas for serving:
- Garnish with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries for a fruity contrast to the creamy texture.
- Top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Add a sprinkle of lemon zest or even a little candied ginger for an added pop of flavor.
- Pair with shortbread cookies or biscotti for a crunchy complement to the silky smooth posset.
- For a more elegant touch, serve in small glass jars or pretty cups to impress your guests.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- Make sure the cream doesn’t boil; simmering is enough to get the sugar dissolved and the mixture to thicken when lemon juice is added.
- For a slightly lighter version, you can substitute half of the double cream with whole milk, but the texture will be a bit less rich.
- This dessert is great for make-ahead occasions! Prepare it the day before and let it chill overnight for a convenient, stress-free dessert.
- If you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain the mixture before pouring it into the cups to remove any curdles.
- Try adding a dash of vanilla extract to the cream mixture for a subtle flavor twist.
FAQ’s
- Can I use heavy cream instead of double cream?
Yes, heavy cream will work, but double cream gives the posset a richer, creamier texture. - Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s best when made ahead of time. It needs at least 4 hours to set in the fridge, but overnight is even better. - Can I add a different citrus fruit?
Yes! You can swap the lemon for lime, orange, or even grapefruit for a unique twist on the classic recipe. - Can I freeze Lemon Posset?
I wouldn’t recommend freezing posset, as it might change the texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh after it’s chilled. - What’s the best way to serve Lemon Posset?
You can serve it in small cups, bowls, or even little jars for a rustic, cute presentation. It also pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or a drizzle of honey. - Can I adjust the sweetness?
Definitely! You can add more or less sugar depending on your preference. Just taste the cream mixture before adding the lemon juice to adjust it to your liking. - Can I make Lemon Posset without sugar?
If you’re looking to cut down on sugar, you can try a sugar substitute like stevia, though it might alter the texture slightly. - Can I serve this with other desserts?
Yes! It pairs wonderfully with light, crisp cookies, or a rich chocolate cake for a balanced dessert spread. - Do I need to strain the mixture?
You don’t need to strain the mixture unless you want to remove any lemon pulp or zest for an extra-smooth texture. - What is the ideal serving temperature for Lemon Posset?
Lemon Posset should be served chilled. Let it set in the fridge for at least 4 hours before serving to get that perfect, creamy texture.
Conclusion
Lemon Posset is the perfect dessert to add a little zing to any occasion. With its simple ingredients and minimal preparation, it’s the kind of treat that makes you look like a culinary genius without any of the stress. The creamy texture combined with that fresh lemon kick is a match made in heaven. Go ahead, make a batch, and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite in your household!
Print
Lemon Posset
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilled
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and tangy British dessert made with just three ingredients: cream, sugar, and lemon. It’s a simple yet indulgent treat with a smooth texture and refreshing citrus flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (480ml) heavy cream
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine the heavy cream and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture just begins to simmer (do not boil).
- Once the cream mixture is hot, remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Stir until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Pour the mixture into serving glasses or ramekins, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or until set.
- Before serving, garnish with lemon zest if desired.
Notes
- Make sure not to boil the cream to avoid curdling.
- For a smoother texture, strain the mixture before pouring it into glasses to remove any lumps.
- This dessert pairs wonderfully with fresh berries or shortbread cookies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 85mg