Lemon Posset

If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the perfect balance of creamy richness and bright citrus zing, then Lemon Posset is going to be your new favorite treat. This simple yet elegant British classic combines just three basic ingredients to create a luxuriously smooth, velvety pudding with a fresh lemon flavor that feels light but indulgent at the same time. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dessert or preparing something special for guests, this easy recipe will have you craving Lemon Posset again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Easy: Only three main ingredients and a few minutes of preparation make it a perfect no-fuss dessert.
• Velvety Texture: The smooth and creamy consistency will melt on your tongue, making every bite pure bliss.
• Fresh and Citrusy: The lemon juice brings a wonderful brightness that balances the richness brilliantly.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it in individual glasses, bowls, or even as part of a layered dessert.
• Make Ahead Friendly: It sets beautifully in the fridge, giving you stress-free prep before your event.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Lemon Posset recipe shines because of its simplicity. The ingredients are straightforward yet essential — each plays a vital role in delivering that silky, creamy texture and bright citrus taste that defines the dish.

• Double Cream: Provides the rich and luscious base that creates the posset’s iconic smoothness.
• Caster Sugar: Sweetens gently without overpowering the delicate lemon flavor, melting seamlessly into the cream.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds fresh acidity and brightness, perfectly balancing the sweet creaminess.
• Lemon Zest (optional): Boosts the lemon aroma for an extra punch of citrusy goodness if you want to amp up the flavor.

Variations for Lemon Posset

The beauty of Lemon Posset is how easily it adapts to your personal tastes, dietary needs, or the ingredients you have on hand. Feel free to experiment and make this classic dessert your own.

• Berry Twist: Top with fresh raspberries or blueberries for an added burst of color and tartness.
• Herbal Hint: Infuse the cream with rosemary or thyme during heating for an earthy, aromatic note.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute coconut cream for double cream for a vegan-friendly alternative.
• Lemon and Honey: Swap caster sugar for honey to add floral sweetness and depth.
• Orange Posset: Substitute lemon juice with freshly squeezed orange juice for a sweeter, subtler citrus flavor.

How to Make Lemon Posset

Step 1: Heat the Cream and Sugar

Start by gently heating the double cream and caster sugar in a saucepan over a medium heat. Stir constantly to dissolve the sugar and prevent the cream from boiling over. This process takes about 5 minutes until the sugar is fully dissolved and the cream is hot but not boiling.

Step 2: Add Fresh Lemon Juice

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice. The acidity will slightly thicken the cream, creating that characteristic custardy texture of Lemon Posset. If you’re using lemon zest, add it now to infuse extra brightness.

Step 3: Pour into Serving Dishes

Pour the mixture evenly into small serving glasses, ramekins, or bowls. At this stage, the posset is still liquid but will set as it cools.

Step 4: Chill and Set

Place the Lemon Posset in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. The chilling process allows the posset to set into a delicate yet firm pudding with a creamy mouthfeel.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once set, garnish to your liking and serve chilled for a refreshing and luxurious finish to any meal.

Pro Tips for Making Lemon Posset

• Use Fresh Lemon Juice: For the best flavor, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled.
• Don’t Boil the Cream: Keep the heat low to avoid curdling and retain the smooth texture.
• Strain the Mixture: If you added zest or herbs, straining before pouring helps keep the surface silky and smooth.
• Chill Properly: Make sure to refrigerate long enough so the posset sets perfectly with the right consistency.
• Customize Sweetness: Adjust sugar levels slightly based on your preferred balance of sweet and tangy.

How to Serve Lemon Posset

Garnishes

Lemon Posset pairs beautifully with fresh berries, a sprinkle of lemon zest, or a light dusting of powdered sugar. Adding a sprig of mint not only brings vibrant color but also a refreshing aroma that complements the dessert perfectly.

Side Dishes

Serve Lemon Posset alongside crisp, buttery shortbread cookies or a crunchy almond tuile for textural contrast. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of berry coulis also elevates the dish into something truly special.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, layer Lemon Posset with crushed biscuits and fresh fruit to create a trifle-style dessert. Alternatively, serve in vintage teacups or mini mason jars for charming individual portions that impress every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Lemon Posset covered in the refrigerator, ideally in airtight containers, for up to 3 days. The flavors will mellow beautifully, and the texture will remain just as creamy.

Freezing

Freezing Lemon Posset is not generally recommended as the texture can become grainy once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated until consumed.

Reheating

Lemon Posset is meant to be served chilled, so reheating is not necessary. To refresh, take it out of the fridge about 10 minutes before serving if it feels too firm.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream instead of double cream?

Double cream is preferred due to its high fat content, which helps the posset set and stay velvety, but heavy cream with at least 36% fat can be used as a substitute.

Is Lemon Posset gluten-free?

Yes, the classic Lemon Posset recipe contains no gluten, making it a great dessert option for those avoiding gluten.

How tart will the Lemon Posset be?

The balance of sweetness and tartness is mild and refreshing, but you can adjust the amount of lemon juice to suit your taste for a tangier or more mellow dessert.

Can I prepare Lemon Posset in advance?

Absolutely! Making it a day ahead allows it to chill and set perfectly, making it a convenient dessert for entertaining.

What can I do if my Lemon Posset doesn’t set?

If it’s too runny, it might not have had enough lemon juice or hasn’t chilled long enough; giving it more time in the fridge usually helps it firm up.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Posset is one of those magical desserts that feels indulgent without being complicated. Its creamy texture paired with bright lemon flavor makes it a timeless favorite that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to take a spoonful. Once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your dessert repertoire, ready to brighten up any occasion with its smooth, citrusy charm.

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