The Silky Lemon Posset Recipe That Dazzles Every Time

Creamy lemon posset dances on the edge of dessert perfection, promising a silky smooth experience.

Whispers of citrus brighten every spoonful with intense flavor.

Light and elegant, this British classic requires minimal ingredients but delivers maximum pleasure.

Rich cream meets zesty brightness in a magical culinary alchemy.

Summer gatherings or quiet evening treats find their ultimate companion in this delightful dessert.

Chilled and decadent, each bite promises pure indulgence that you won’t be able to resist.

Experience the simplicity and sophistication of this remarkable sweet treat that transforms ordinary moments into extraordinary memories.

Lemon Posset: Silky Citrus Indulgence

• Quick Dessert Magic: Whip up this luscious lemon posset in just 15 minutes of active preparation time.
• Minimal Ingredient Elegance: Create a sophisticated dessert with only four simple ingredients – cream, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
• Make-Ahead Marvel: Prepare this elegant dessert up to two days in advance, making it perfect for stress-free entertaining and dinner parties.
• Texture Perfection: Enjoy a silky-smooth, luxuriously creamy dessert with a bright, tangy lemon flavor that melts in your mouth.

The Make-Up of Lemon Posset

• Heavy Cream: Rich and smooth foundation for the creamy dessert, full-fat version gives best texture and flavor.
• Sugar: Sweetens the posset and helps create the thick, silky consistency.
• Lemon Zest: Adds bright, fresh citrus aroma and subtle lemon flavor to the base.

• Fresh Lemon Juice: Provides tangy flavor and helps thicken the posset through natural chemical reaction.

• Whipped Cream, Raspberries: Adds decorative touch and complementary fresh flavor to the creamy dessert.

Steps for Creating Lemon Posset

Step 1: Warm and Dissolve Creamy Goodness

• Heavy cream
• Granulated sugar
• Freshly grated lemon zest

Heat the mixture over medium flame, whisking enthusiastically to help sugar melt completely into the cream.

Keep stirring until the liquid starts bubbling and dancing.

Step 2: Reduce and Concentrate Flavors

Continue boiling the creamy mixture, letting it simmer and reduce.

Watch carefully as the liquid transforms and condenses down to about 2 cups.

This process takes roughly 8-10 minutes and creates a rich, concentrated base.

Step 3: Infuse with Bright Citrus Punch

Pull the saucepan off the heat and pour in fresh, vibrant lemon juice.

Let the mixture rest undisturbed for 20 minutes.

During this time, a delicate skin will form on top, signaling the posset is coming together beautifully.

Step 4: Strain and Prepare Serving Vessels

Gently strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove lemon zest, creating a silky smooth texture.

Divide the liquid evenly among 4-6 elegant serving glasses or ramekins.

Step 5: Chill and Set

Place the posset containers uncovered in the refrigerator.

Allow them to cool and set completely for at least 3 hours.

The dessert will transform into a luxurious, spoonable treat.

Step 6: Final Touches and Serving

Once fully chilled, cover the possets with plastic wrap.

They’ll happily hang out in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Before serving, let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly.

Optional: Crown with a dollop of whipped cream and scatter fresh raspberries on top for a stunning presentation.

Lemon Posset Prep Tips From Pros

• Choose bright, firm lemons with vibrant yellow skin for maximum citrus flavor and aromatic intensity.
• Use cold heavy cream straight from the refrigerator to help stabilize the mixture and ensure smooth texture.
• Watch the mixture carefully during boiling, stirring consistently to prevent scorching and achieve perfect reduction.
• Use a fine-mesh sieve with gentle pressure when removing zest to maintain the delicate posset consistency.
• Allow posset to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance its creamy texture.

Chilling and Serving Leftover Lemon Posset

• Store lemon posset in airtight containers or cover the original serving glasses with plastic wrap. Keeps perfectly fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
• Not recommended due to cream's delicate texture. Cream-based desserts tend to separate and lose their smooth consistency when frozen.
• Avoid microwaving or warming. Serve chilled directly from the refrigerator for best taste and texture. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
• Always use clean utensils when scooping to prevent bacterial growth. Check for any signs of spoilage like unusual smell or mold before consuming leftovers.

Simple Complements For Lemon

• Pair Zesty Berries: Top the lemon posset with fresh raspberries or mixed berries to complement the dessert's tangy citrus flavor and add a burst of natural sweetness.
• Create Crisp Cookie Companion: Serve alongside delicate shortbread cookies or thin almond biscuits to provide a crunchy textural contrast with the smooth, creamy posset.
• Match with Sparkling Wine: Select a chilled prosecco or champagne with light, crisp notes that will enhance the dessert's bright lemon profile and cleanse the palate between bites.
• Elevate with Herbal Tea: Brew a light chamomile or lavender tea to serve alongside the posset, offering a subtle floral undertone that softens the dessert's citrusy intensity.

Lemon Posset Flavor Enhancements

• Dairy-Free Coconut Posset: Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream and use coconut sugar for a tropical, vegan-friendly version that maintains the creamy texture.
• Low-Sugar Honey Citrus Posset: Swap sugar with honey or monk fruit sweetener, and experiment with orange or lime zest for a lighter, less caloric dessert that's still rich and smooth.
• Herb-Infused Posset: Add fresh lavender, thyme, or mint during the initial boiling process to create an aromatic, sophisticated dessert with subtle herbal undertones.
• Keto-Friendly Almond Cream Posset: Use heavy cream with added almond extract, and replace sugar with erythritol or stevia for a low-carb, ketogenic-friendly dessert that preserves the classic posset consistency.

FAQs

• What exactly is a posset?

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

• How does lemon juice transform the cream into a thick dessert?

The acid in lemon juice causes the cream to thicken and set when cooled, creating a smooth, silky texture without using eggs or gelatin as a stabilizer.

• Can I use different citrus fruits for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute lemon with other citrus like lime or orange, which will create a similar creamy dessert with a unique flavor profile while maintaining the same setting technique.

• Why is straining the zest important in this recipe?

Straining removes the lemon zest pieces, ensuring a smooth, velvety texture in the final dessert and preventing any tough or chewy bits that might disrupt the creamy consistency.

Lemon Posset Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Smooth and silky lemon posset dances on palates with creamy British elegance. Zesty citrus notes and velvety texture make this dessert a delightful finale you’ll savor to the last spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (16 ounces / 473 milliliters) heavy cream
• 2/3 cup (132 grams) granulated sugar

Citrus Components:

• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 6 tablespoons (3 ounces / 89 milliliters) fresh lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)

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Instructions

1. Gently heat heavy cream with sugar and lemon zest in a saucepan, stirring consistently to ensure sugar dissolves completely and creates a smooth base.
2. Allow the mixture to reach a rolling boil, maintaining medium heat and watching carefully to prevent scorching or overflow.
3. Continue simmering and reducing the cream mixture for approximately 8-10 minutes until the volume decreases and the liquid becomes slightly thickened.
4. Remove the pan from heat and immediately incorporate fresh lemon juice, which will cause natural thickening through a chemical reaction.
5. Let the mixture rest undisturbed for 20 minutes, allowing it to develop a delicate skin and begin cooling to room temperature.
6. Carefully strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to eliminate lemon zest, ensuring a silky smooth texture.
7. Distribute the liquid evenly among serving glasses or ramekins, creating uniform portions for chilling.
8. Refrigerate the possets uncovered for a minimum of 3 hours, permitting them to set and develop a luxurious, creamy consistency.
9. Once fully chilled, optionally cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to two days.
10. Before serving, allow the possets to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly, and garnish with delicate whipped cream and fresh raspberries for an elegant presentation.

Notes

• Use fresh, high-quality lemons for the most vibrant and zesty flavor profile.
• Ensure sugar completely dissolves while heating to prevent grainy texture in the final dessert.
• Select heavy cream with at least 36% fat content for a rich, smooth, and luxurious posset consistency.
• Experiment with alternative citrus like lime or blood orange for unique flavor variations that still maintain the dessert’s creamy structure.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 454
• Sugar: 33 g
• Sodium: 12 mg
• Fat: 48 g
• Saturated Fat: 30 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 157 mg