If you’ve ever wanted a dessert that feels like sunshine in a glass, look no further than this delightful Lemon Posset Recipe. It’s a wonderfully creamy, tangy British treat that manages to be luxuriously rich yet refreshingly light all at once. With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal effort, this dessert delivers a perfect balance of sweet and citrusy flavors that will have you craving more after just one spoonful. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply treating yourself, the Lemon Posset Recipe is a true showstopper that should be part of your dessert repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Lemon Posset Recipe lies in its simplicity, relying on just a few essential ingredients to create a velvety texture and vibrant lemon flavor. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the final result, making this dessert easy to prepare yet sophisticated in taste.
- Heavy cream: This is the base for your posset, providing rich creaminess and the silky texture that defines the dessert.
- Granulated sugar: Adds the perfect level of sweetness to balance the tang of the lemons without overpowering.
- Fresh lemon juice: The star of the show, it gives the posset its bright, zesty flavor and also helps thicken the cream naturally.
- Lemon zest (optional): Adds an extra punch of citrus aroma and a lovely speckled look in the posset.
How to Make Lemon Posset Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Cream and Sugar
Start by combining the heavy cream and granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture frequently to dissolve the sugar evenly and prevent it from sticking to the pan. It’s important to bring it up to a gentle boil — this step is what allows the cream to thicken beautifully later on.
Step 2: Boil Gently
Once the mixture reaches a boil, let it continue to bubble gently for 3 full minutes while stirring constantly. This might feel like a small detail, but it’s the key to achieving the perfect delicate thickening without scorching the cream.
Step 3: Add the Lemon
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice along with the optional lemon zest. The acid from the lemon juice causes the cream to set and gives that signature tang that defines this dessert. Let it sit for 10 minutes to thicken slightly before moving on.
Step 4: Chill to Perfection
Pour the luscious mixture into ramekins or small serving glasses and pop them in the refrigerator. The Lemon Posset Recipe needs at least 4 hours to fully set, during which it transforms from a warm custard-like texture into a silky, spoonable dessert you’ll adore.
How to Serve Lemon Posset Recipe
Garnishes
While the posset is perfectly stunning on its own, adding some fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries on top enhances its vibrant color and adds a burst of natural sweetness. A dollop of freshly whipped cream also complements the tangy lemon beautifully, making each bite even more indulgent.
Side Dishes
This dessert shines as a light finale to a hearty meal but can also be paired with crisp shortbread cookies or a simple almond tuile for a contrasting crunch. Since the posset is rich, serving it alongside fresh fruit salad is a refreshing way to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant look, layer the lemon posset with crushed biscotti or meringue pieces in a transparent glass to create delightful textures and layers. You can even add a sprig of fresh mint or edible flowers for a special occasion presentation that wows your guests every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover lemon posset (not that it will happen often), cover the ramekins tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. The posset keeps well for up to 2 days, retaining its smooth texture and fresh flavors.
Freezing
Freezing lemon posset is not recommended because the delicate creamy texture can be compromised once thawed, often turning grainy. It’s best enjoyed fresh after chilling.
Reheating
This dessert is meant to be served chilled, so reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer it less cold, just let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving to soften it slightly.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
For the best flavor and thickening effect, fresh lemon juice is highly recommended. Bottled lemon juice often lacks the brightness and acidity needed to set the posset properly.
Is lemon zest necessary in the Lemon Posset Recipe?
Lemon zest is optional but highly encouraged. It adds a fragrant citrus note and lovely visual appeal, lifting the dessert’s flavor to new heights.
How long does it take to set properly?
The lemon posset usually needs a minimum of 4 hours in the refrigerator to fully set and achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Lemon Posset Recipe uses dairy, sugar, and lemon juice only, making it naturally gluten-free and suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this dessert vegan?
This traditional recipe relies on heavy cream, so it’s not vegan. However, you can experiment with coconut cream and a natural thickening agent to create a vegan-friendly version, though the texture and flavor will differ slightly.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about how the Lemon Posset Recipe combines luxurious creaminess with zesty brightness in such a simple format. Whether you’re new to British desserts or a longtime fan, this recipe is guaranteed to become a fast favorite for any occasion. Trust me, once you try it, your dessert rotation will never be the same—so grab those lemons and get ready to dive into a spoonful of pure joy!
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Lemon Posset Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
Lemon Posset is a classic British dessert made with just three main ingredients: heavy cream, sugar, and fresh lemon juice. This silky, creamy lemon pudding is incredibly easy to prepare and requires no eggs or baking. The lemon juice curdles the sweetened cream, creating a luscious and tangy treat that sets beautifully in the refrigerator. It’s perfect for a refreshing, elegant dessert, served chilled and optionally garnished with fresh berries or whipped cream.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
- Combine cream and sugar: In a medium saucepan, pour in the heavy cream and add the granulated sugar. Place the pan over medium heat and stir frequently to dissolve the sugar and prevent the cream from scorching.
- Bring to a gentle boil: Continue stirring until the mixture reaches a gentle boil. Allow it to boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly to maintain an even temperature and prevent burning.
- Add lemon juice and zest: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest if using. This will cause the cream to curdle slightly and thicken as it cools.
- Rest the mixture: Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to allow it to thicken just slightly before portioning.
- Pour into serving dishes: Carefully pour the lemon posset mixture into individual ramekins or small glasses.
- Chill to set: Refrigerate the possets for at least 4 hours or until fully set and firm to the touch.
- Serve chilled: Serve the lemon posset cold, optionally topped with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly squeezed lemon juice as the acid is essential for thickening the cream properly.
- Possets can be made a day ahead and kept chilled until serving, making them a great make-ahead dessert option.
- Do not skip the constant stirring during boiling to avoid burning the cream.
- Lemon zest is optional but adds a nice fresh citrus aroma and flavor.
