There's something magical about transforming a few simple ingredients into a dessert that feels both luxurious and comforting. Lemon posset is one such creation, a classic British treat that has stood the test of time. I remember the first time I made it; I was surprised at how three basic ingredients could produce such a silky, tangy delight. The process is straightforward, yet the result is nothing short of impressive.
What makes lemon posset truly remarkable is its simplicity. With just double cream, sugar, and lemons, you can create a dessert that boasts a rich, creamy texture balanced by the bright acidity of citrus. The science behind it is fascinating, the citric acid in the lemon juice causes the cream to thicken and set without the need for gelatin or eggs.
The fresh lemon flavor blends perfectly with the creamy richness, giving the lemon posset a delicious sweet, and tangy taste. Serve it in small glasses or bowls, and it's sure to impress whether you're having a casual get-together or a fancy dinner. It's refreshing, elegant, and incredibly simple to whip up!
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⭐Why You'll Love This Lemon Posset
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Delight: With just double cream, sugar, and lemons, you can whip up a dessert that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
- Quick Preparation: The active cooking time is minimal, making it perfect for both novice and seasoned cooks.
- Versatile Presentation: Whether in elegant ramekins or rustic lemon shells, this dessert adapts to your style.
🧾Lemon Posset Ingredients
Here’s the breakdown of what’s in this Lemon Posset recipe:
- Double Cream: I prefer using double cream for its rich, velvety texture, which gives the posset its signature smoothness.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the dessert just right, balancing the tartness of the lemon.
- Lemon Zest and Lemon Juice: Freshly grated lemon zest and freshly squeezed lemon juice work together beautifully, creating a vibrant, citrusy aroma while providing the acidity needed to set the posset and give it that bright, tangy taste.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
👩🏻🍳How to Make Lemon Posset
These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.
1. In a saucepan, pour 600 ml of double cream, add lemon zest, sugar, and stir well.
2. Simmer the mixture on low heat until boiling, then cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly until slightly thickened.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat, add the juice of two lemons, and whisk well to combine.
4. Pour the lemon posset into small bowls and chill for 6 hours until the lemon cream thickens and becomes silky. Let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature before serving.
📖Variations
- Citrus Variations: Try using lime, orange, or grapefruit to mix up the citrus flavors in your posset.
- Herbal Touch: Infuse the cream with herbs like lavender, thyme, or basil for a hint of herbal flavor that pairs nicely with lemon.
💭Tips for Recipe Success
Monitor the Simmer: Keep a close eye on the cream as it heats to prevent it from boiling over. Stirring frequently helps maintain an even temperature.
Advance Preparation: This dessert can be made a day ahead, making it convenient for entertaining.
Serving Suggestion: Pair with a crisp biscuit or shortbread to add a contrasting texture to the creamy posset.
Storage: Store leftover lemon posset in airtight containers or cover it with plastic wrap in the refrigerator.
❓Commonly Asked Questions
Posset is a creamy, tangy dessert made from simmered cream, sugar, and citrus juice that sets into a delicate pudding-like consistency.
Yes, you can make Lemon Posset a day or two in advance. Store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container or individual serving glasses for the best results.
🍋More Lemon Dessert Recipes to Try!
If you're loving this Lemon Posset, you'll also adore these tasty lemon desserts:
- Lemon Mousse
- Lemon Meringue Tart
- No Bake Lemon Souffle
- No-Bake Lemon Cheesecake Cups
- Lemon Bundt Cake
- Lemon Tiramisu
🍰More Dessert Recipes!
Here are more of my favorite dessert recipes! Try these:
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📖 Recipe
Lemon Posset
Ingredients
- 600 ml Double Cream
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Zest
- 6 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 100 g Sugar
Instructions
- Finely grate the zest off of one lemon.
- In a saucepan, pour 600 ml double cream.
- Add the grated zest of one lemon and sugar.
- Stir well to combine, and simmer on low heat until boiling, after that cook for 3 minutes and stir continuously. The consistency will be a bit thick.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and reserve.
- Add the juice of 2 lemons to the saucepan.
- Whisk and mix it well to combine.
- Pour into small bowls, and refrigerate for 6 hours. The lemon cream will become thick and silky.
- Remove from the fridge and leave at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Sandra says
This looks absolutely divine! I love how the vibrant lemon flavor shines against the creamy texture.