Lemon Posset
This Easy Lemon Posset (4-Ingredient Recipe) is your new go-to no-bake dessert: lusciously creamy, tangy, and elegant! There is no baking, no eggs—just simmer, stir, pour, and chill. It sets beautifully every time.
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ¼ cup granulated sugar plus more for optional brûlée topping
- 1 ½ teaspoons grated lemon zest
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice strained to remove any pulp and seeds
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Warm the Cream
- In a medium saucepan, add the heavy cream, sugar, and lemon zest. Heat over medium, stirring often, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to gently bubble around the edges.
Simmer Gently
- Adjust the heat as needed to keep a soft simmer—don’t let it boil rapidly. You want small gentle bubbles the entire time. If it starts rising too quickly, remove from heat briefly, then return on lower heat. Continue simmering gently for 15–20 minutes (patience is key, so it will set properly in the fridge), stirring occasionally, until the cream reduces and thickens just slightly.
Finish the Mixture
- Take off the heat. Stir in the strained fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract. Whisk well to combine thoroughly. Let it sit undisturbed for 20 minutes to cool and thicken slightly. The acid from the lemon juice is what will thicken the cream- it's magic ;).
Pour and Chill (glass cups OR lemon halves)
- Glass Cups: Pour into 6-8 small glass cups or ramekins.
- Lemon Halves: Cut 2–3 lemons in half lengthwise. Scoop out the insides with a spoon or melon baller (tip: use a paring knife to loosen the edges first). Nestle the hollowed halves in a rimmed platter for stability. Fill with posset mixture.
Refrigerate
- Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until fully set and creamy.
Optional Brûlée Topping
- Sprinkle a thin layer of granulated or turbinado sugar over the possets. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize until golden and crisp. Let stand a minute before serving.
To Serve
- Serve chilled. Garnish with a mint sprig, fresh berries, or a lemon twist for a bright finish. It is perfectly creamy and delcious!
Notes
- Simmer Gently: Avoid boiling to keep the texture smooth.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice sets the cream better and adds bright flavor.
- Use a Fine-Mesh Strainer: Use a fine-mesh strainer to strain the juice for the silkiest, lump-free smooth texture.
- Chill Thoroughly: Give it enough time to set for that perfect creamy spoonful.
Nutrition
Serving: 8g | Calories: 229kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 16mg | Potassium: 65mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 875IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 0.1mg
