Lemon Posset is a simple, creamy, and refreshing dessert made with just three ingredients—heavy whipping cream, sugar, and lemons. It has a custard-like texture and a tangy lemon flavor that makes it a perfect treat for any occasion. This viral dessert is not only easy to make but also requires minimal ingredients, taking about 20 minutes to prepare before chilling. It’s a great way to use up leftover heavy cream and impress guests with a delicious, creamy dessert!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy whipping cream

• 1/3 cup granulated sugar

• 1-2 small to medium lemons (about 1-2 tbsp zest and 2-3 tbsp juice)

Directions

1. Prepare the Lemons: Zest and juice the lemons, then set aside.

2. Heat the Cream: In a large saucepan, heat the whipping cream and sugar over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally, and once it starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium and cook for 5-8 minutes, stirring consistently.

3. Add Lemon Juice: Once the cream has thickened and turned a golden yellow color, remove it from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice.

4. Cool and Strain (Optional): Let the posset cool for about 10-15 minutes. If you want a smooth dessert, you can strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove the zest.

5. Chill: Pour the warm posset into serving containers or ramekins and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

6. Serve: Serve as is, or with fresh berries, coulis, or a brûléed top for an extra special touch.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 266 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 18g

• Protein: 2g

• Fat: 22g

  • Saturated Fat: 14g

  • Monounsaturated Fat: 5g

  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g

• Cholesterol: 67mg

• Sodium: 16mg

• Potassium: 57mg

• Sugar: 18g

• Vitamin A: 875 IU

• Vitamin C: 0.4mg

• Calcium: 39mg

• Iron: 0.1mg

What is Lemon Posset?

Lemon Posset is a British dessert that dates back to the 16th century. Originally, it was made with a combination of cream and wine or ale, and it was used as a medicinal remedy. Over time, the dessert evolved into the version we know today—a rich, creamy treat made with just cream, sugar, and lemon juice. The cream thickens when boiled and then set with lemon juice, creating a custard-like texture that’s smooth and velvety. The lemon provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cream, making it a perfect dessert to cleanse the palate.

The Simplicity of the Ingredients

What makes Lemon Posset so appealing is its simplicity. With only three ingredients, it’s an incredibly straightforward dessert to prepare. Heavy whipping cream, the base of the dessert, provides the creamy texture that is characteristic of a posset. The sugar adds sweetness to balance the tanginess of the lemon, while the lemon juice and zest infuse the dessert with bright, zesty flavor. The lemon zest adds an aromatic quality, while the juice is responsible for curdling the cream and setting it into a custard-like consistency. This three-ingredient combination creates a perfectly balanced dessert that requires little effort but yields impressive results.

The Cooking Process

To make Lemon Posset, the first step is to zest and juice the lemons. Zesting the lemons allows the essential oils in the peel to add depth to the flavor, while the juice is responsible for curdling the cream and helping it thicken. Once the lemons are prepared, the next step is to heat the heavy cream and sugar in a saucepan. The mixture is brought to a boil and then simmered for about 5-8 minutes. During this time, the cream thickens, and the sugar dissolves completely. Once the cream has reduced slightly and turned a golden color, the lemon juice is stirred in, which causes the mixture to thicken further and set.

The Importance of Cooling and Straining (Optional)

Once the posset has been removed from the heat, it’s important to let it cool for a bit before transferring it into serving containers. Cooling the mixture for 10-15 minutes allows the flavors to settle, and it also makes it easier to pour into individual ramekins or glasses without spilling. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the lemon zest. This step is optional, but it does help create a velvety smooth dessert. Straining ensures that there are no bits of zest in the final dessert, leaving you with a silky texture.

Chilling for the Perfect Texture

After the posset has cooled slightly, it’s poured into individual serving containers or ramekins. At this stage, the posset needs to be refrigerated for at least 4 hours, but for the best results, it’s recommended to chill overnight. This gives the posset time to fully set and develop its custard-like texture. The lemon juice causes the cream to curdle slightly and form a delicate, thick consistency, which is the hallmark of a great posset. Chilling also enhances the flavor, allowing the lemon to become more pronounced as it infuses the cream.

Serving Lemon Posset

Lemon Posset can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your personal preferences or the occasion. For a simple yet elegant presentation, serve the posset as is, either in ramekins, small glasses, or bowls. If you want to add an extra layer of flavor and texture, top the posset with fresh berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries, for a burst of color and natural sweetness. A drizzle of berry coulis or a sprinkle of toasted nuts can also add an interesting contrast to the creamy texture. For an even more indulgent touch, you can brûlée the top of the posset with a kitchen torch, creating a crispy caramelized layer that adds a delightful crunch to the dish.

Customization and Variations

While the classic version of Lemon Posset is simple and delicious, there are many ways you can customize it to suit your tastes. For instance, you can experiment with different citrus fruits to create variations on the traditional lemon flavor. Try using lime or orange juice and zest for a different citrusy twist. You can also infuse the cream with herbs such as thyme or basil for a more complex flavor profile. For those who like a bit of texture, consider folding in some crushed cookies or a light biscuit crust at the bottom of each serving container before pouring in the posset mixture. This creates a delightful contrast to the smooth, creamy texture of the dessert.

Nutritional Information

Lemon Posset is a rich and indulgent dessert, and it’s important to enjoy it in moderation. With approximately 266 calories per serving, it provides a substantial amount of energy, largely from fat. The fat content is primarily from the heavy cream, which also contributes to its rich, creamy texture. While this dessert is higher in fat and sugar, it also provides a good amount of calcium and vitamin A from the cream. Additionally, lemon provides a small amount of vitamin C, although it’s not a significant source of this nutrient in this dessert. For those looking to reduce calories or fat, you can experiment with lighter versions of the recipe, such as using a lower-fat cream or reducing the sugar content.

Why You Should Try Lemon Posset

Lemon Posset is a perfect dessert for anyone who loves creamy, citrusy treats. Its simplicity makes it a great choice for novice cooks and those short on time, while its smooth texture and bright lemon flavor will impress even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert to prepare for a weeknight treat or a show-stopping dish for a dinner party, Lemon Posset fits the bill. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and can be made ahead of time, freeing up your time on the day of your event. With its tangy, refreshing flavor and luxurious texture, Lemon Posset is sure to become a go-to dessert for many occasions.

Conclusion

Lemon Posset is a delightful and simple dessert that provides a rich, creamy texture with the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. With only three ingredients, it’s an easy-to-make treat that doesn’t require complicated techniques or special equipment. Whether you serve it as a quick dessert for a family meal or as a sophisticated end to a dinner party, Lemon Posset is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Its tangy lemon flavor and smooth consistency make it an unforgettable dessert that will leave everyone asking for seconds.