Lemon Posset: The Easiest Dessert Ever!

There’s something magical about transforming just three simple ingredients into an elegant, restaurant-worthy dessert. Lemon posset is exactly that kind of magic – a silky, creamy treat with bright citrus notes that will impress anyone lucky enough to taste it. The best part? It takes less than 15 minutes of active time to prepare!

This traditional British dessert has become my go-to when I need something special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. If you’re looking for more details on the history and variations of this classic treat, check out my Easy Lemon Posset Recipe guide. The science behind it is fascinating – the acid in lemon juice causes the cream to thicken naturally, with no eggs or gelatin required. It’s practically foolproof!

Ingredients

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (approximately 3-4 lemons)
• Fresh berries and mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Cream Mixture

In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and granulated sugar. Place the pan over medium heat and stir the mixture until the sugar has dissolved completely. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer, but avoid boiling it.

Pro Tip: Use a heavy-bottomed saucepan for this step to prevent the cream from scorching. The thickness of the pan ensures even heat distribution, which is crucial when working with dairy.

Step 2: Infusing the Lemon Flavor

Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice to the cream mixture. Stir well to combine, ensuring that the lemon flavor is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Pro Tip: For the most vibrant lemon flavor, I use a microplane grater for zesting. This creates fine pieces that release more essential oils into the cream. Be careful to only remove the yellow outer layer and avoid the bitter white pith beneath.

Step 3: Cooling and Setting

Allow the cream mixture to cool for about 10 minutes. Then, pour it into individual serving glasses or ramekins. Cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until set. The posset should have a firm, creamy texture when fully chilled.

Pro Tip: For the smoothest texture, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before pouring into serving dishes. This removes the zest particles and ensures a perfectly silky consistency.

Step 4: Garnishing and Serving

Once the Lemon Posset has set, remove it from the refrigerator. If desired, garnish each serving with fresh berries and a sprig of mint for a pop of color and extra freshness. The vibrant berries complement the tangy lemon flavor perfectly.

Pro Tip: Bring the possets out about 10 minutes before serving to take the chill off. This allows the flavors to become more pronounced.

Step 5: Enjoying the Lemon Posset

Now, it’s time to savor this heavenly dessert! Grab a spoon and dive into the smooth, creamy goodness of the Lemon Posset. The refreshing lemon flavor combined with the rich cream creates a burst of delight on your taste buds. Each spoonful is a little taste of heaven!

Why This Recipe Works

• Minimal ingredients: Just heavy cream, sugar, and lemons create something extraordinary
• Simple technique: No tempering eggs, no water baths, no specialty equipment
• Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for entertaining since it needs time to set
• Elegant presentation: Looks sophisticated despite the minimal effort
• Perfect balance: The rich creaminess and bright acidity create harmony in each bite

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use light cream instead of heavy cream?
No, heavy cream with at least 36% fat content is essential for the posset to set properly. The fat molecules interact with the acid in the lemon juice to create the perfect texture.

How long will lemon posset keep in the refrigerator?
Properly stored in airtight containers, lemon posset will keep for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. The flavor actually improves after the first 24 hours!

Can I make this dairy-free?
Traditional posset requires the proteins in dairy cream to set. While coconut cream can create a similar dessert, it won’t have quite the same texture or chemical reaction.

Why didn’t my posset set?
The most common reasons are using cream with insufficient fat content, not heating the cream enough before adding the lemon juice, or not using enough acid (lemon juice).

Can I use other citrus fruits?
Absolutely! While lemon creates the classic flavor, lime, orange, or grapefruit can be substituted. Just keep in mind that lemons provide the most acid, which helps with setting.

Serving Suggestions

Lemon posset is delightful on its own, but here are some ways to elevate it:

• Top with fresh seasonal berries like raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries
• Serve with a thin, crisp cookie on the side for textural contrast
• Add a small dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream
• Sprinkle with candied lemon peel for extra lemony goodness
• Pair with a glass of dessert wine like Sauternes or Moscato d’Asti

If you love lemon desserts as much as I do, you might also enjoy my Best Lemon Tart Recipe which features a similar bright citrus flavor with a buttery crust.

Final Thoughts

Congratulations! You’ve successfully made a delightful Lemon Posset—truly the easiest dessert ever! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ve created a creamy, tangy, and refreshing treat that will impress your taste buds and your guests.

Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with fresh berries, this dessert is a true crowd-pleaser. For another impressive lemon dessert that combines creamy and tangy elements, try my Lemon Bar Cheesecake Recipe which brings together two classic desserts in one show-stopping treat.

So, go ahead, indulge, and relish every spoonful of this velvety delight. The best recipes are often the simplest ones, and lemon posset proves that sometimes less truly is more.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to see your creation! Share your photos on Pinterest and tag me – seeing your kitchen successes always brightens my day.

Enjoy!

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