Step into blissfully creamy, citrusy heaven with this Lemon Posset Dessert. Flawlessly silky and vibrant, this classic British treat brightens any table with its sunshine hue and rich, tangy flavor. Made from just a few humble ingredients, lemon posset is all about letting simplicity shine: the lushness of cream, the tang of fresh lemon, and a touch of sweetness all meld together to create a fuss-free dessert you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
For Lemon Posset:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh berries or mint
How to Make Lemon Posset Dessert
Step 1: Gently Heat the Cream and Sugar
Grab a medium saucepan and pour in your heavy cream, followed by the granulated sugar. Set the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally to help the sugar dissolve. Once you achieve a soft boil, let it bubble away gently for three minutes—this magical moment thickens the cream and readies its texture for that signature posset silkiness.
Step 2: Infuse with Lemon
Remove the pan from the heat and immediately stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest. You’ll notice the cream start to thicken up as the acidity does its work—don’t skip this step, as it’s the secret to a perfectly set Lemon Posset Dessert. Let it sit for about 10 minutes so the flavors marry and achieve their full potential.
Step 3: Strain for Extra Smoothness
If you prefer a perfectly smooth texture, set a fine mesh sieve over a bowl and pour the mixture through. This step removes the zest for a velvety finish, but if you like a little zest for extra citrusy pops, feel free to skip it.
Step 4: Pour and Chill
Carefully pour the lemony cream into ramekins or small serving glasses. Pop them into the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until they’re totally set. This chill time is where the magic happens—the mixture transforms into a cloud-like, spoonable dessert that’s both rich and refreshing.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
When it’s time to serve, top each Lemon Posset Dessert with fresh berries or a sprinkle of mint if you like. Their vibrant color and subtle tartness are the perfect finishing touch to this decadent treat.
How to Serve Lemon Posset Dessert
Garnishes
Lemon Posset Dessert is divine as it is, but a thoughtful garnish can elevate it to a showstopper. Scatter a few plump raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries on top—berries bring a juicy brightness that cuts the cream beautifully. A sprig of fresh mint adds cool aroma and a pop of color. For a fancy touch, try delicate curls of lemon zest or edible flowers as an eye-catching flourish.
Side Dishes
To accentuate the creamy, zesty brilliance of Lemon Posset Dessert, serve it with a crunchy companion like homemade shortbread cookies or biscotti. These buttery, slightly salty contrasts are perfect for dipping or nibbling between spoonfuls. If you want something lighter, thin almond cookies or a crisp tuile are wonderful options alongside posset’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
There’s room to play with presentation! Serve posset in elegant stemmed glasses for a dinner party vibe, or in petite espresso cups for a café-style finish. Guests love when you double-layer it with a quick berry compote or lemon curd at the bottom. You can even portion it into mini jars for grab-and-go picnic desserts—it’s so versatile and always impressive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lemon Posset Dessert keeps like a dream in the fridge. Cover each ramekin tightly with plastic wrap to prevent it from picking up any fridge aromas. It stays silky and fresh for up to three days—if you can resist scooping it all up in one night!
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed freshly chilled, you can freeze Lemon Posset Dessert if needed. Cover the ramekins well and freeze for up to one month. To serve, move them to the refrigerator overnight to thaw gently. Keep in mind that the texture may be just a little less creamy after freezing, but the flavor will still shine.
Reheating
This is a no-bake, chilled dessert, so there’s no need to reheat. If coming straight from the fridge, let it sit a couple of minutes before serving so the flavors can bloom. If it’s been frozen, allow a slow thaw in the refrigerator for the best creamy result—you want to preserve that dreamy texture.
FAQs
Why did my Lemon Posset Dessert not set?
Usually, this happens if the ratio of acid to cream is off or if your cream wasn’t heated long enough. Make sure you bring the cream and sugar mixture to a gentle boil for three full minutes. Also, using fresh lemon juice is key, since bottled juice may not provide enough acidity.
Can I make Lemon Posset Dessert ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s actually even better made ahead. Prepare and chill it up to 2 or 3 days before you plan to serve. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator and garnish right before serving for the best look and flavor.
Can I use other citrus fruits?
Yes, you can! Try lime, orange, or grapefruit for different flavor profiles. Just remember, different citruses have different acidity levels, so results may vary—lemon is classic for both flavor and setting power.
Is Lemon Posset Dessert gluten free?
Yes! This dessert is naturally gluten-free since it’s thickened with citrus and sugar, not flour or starch. Just double-check any cookies or garnishes if you’re serving to those with gluten sensitivities.
What should I do if my posset is too runny?
If your Lemon Posset Dessert isn’t setting as firmly as you’d like, it may need more boil time or a bit more fresh lemon juice. Next time, ensure you’re measuring accurately and follow that three-minute boil. Thankfully, even a softer posset is still deliciously spoonable and creamy.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s effortlessly elegant, indulgent, and totally doable at home, make Lemon Posset Dessert your next kitchen adventure. Its sunny flavor and truffle-like creaminess brighten up any gathering—big or small. Give it a try, and I guarantee you’ll come back to this recipe whenever you want to wow your family and friends with the magic of just a handful of good ingredients.
Print
Lemon Posset Dessert Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy and tangy delight of Lemon Posset, a classic British dessert that is light, refreshing, and perfect for any occasion. This easy no-bake recipe will have you savoring every spoonful of this luscious treat.
Ingredients
For Lemon Posset:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
For Garnish (optional):
- Fresh berries or mint
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and sugar. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
- Boil gently for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and zest.
- Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes, then strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove zest if a smoother texture is desired.
- Pour into ramekins or small serving glasses and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until fully set.
- Serve chilled, topped with fresh berries or mint if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can use half cream and half whole milk, though it may be slightly less rich.
- Lemon posset pairs beautifully with shortbread cookies or biscotti.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ramekin
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
