Lemon Posset Recipe
Lusciously creamy, tangy, and elegant—this 4-ingredient Lemon Posset is your new go-to no-bake dessert!
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
Top tips:
- Use fresh lemon juice – Bottled juice won’t give the same vibrant flavor or acidity needed to set the cream properly.
- Simmer gently – A slow simmer (not a boil!) helps reduce the cream without scorching and keeps the texture silky smooth.
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
