Lemon Posset Recipe Featuring a Silky, Zesty British Classic

Discover the silky, citrusy delight of Lemon Posset, a creamy dessert that’s both tangy and incredibly easy to whip up. This British classic brings together just a few simple ingredients into a luscious treat with a perfectly silky texture and a burst of zesty freshness. Whether you’re new to possets or craving a dependable recipe to impress family and friends, Lemon Posset is the ideal answer for a swift yet sophisticated dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Minimal Ingredients: Only three ingredients create a rich and flavorful dessert that’s easy to find in any kitchen.
• Quick Preparation: With no baking required, you can have a stunning dessert ready in less than 20 minutes.
• Silky, Creamy Texture: The smoothness of the cream combined with sharp lemon makes every spoonful a delight.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for casual family dinners or elegant dinner parties, can be dressed up or down.
• Long History and Charm: A genuine British classic with centuries of tradition, adding cultural flair to your dessert menu.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Lemon Posset recipe plays an essential role—from the cream’s velvety base to the zesty lemons that brighten every bite. Using fresh and high-quality items ensures your posset will be bursting with flavor and silky goodness.

• Double Cream: Provides the rich, luscious texture that defines a true posset.
• Caster Sugar: Sweetens the dessert gently without overpowering the citrus notes.
• Fresh Lemons: Zest and juice add the bright, tangy flavor that balances the creaminess perfectly.

Variations for Lemon Posset

Feel free to make this Lemon Posset your own. Its simple base means you can easily add a personal twist by adjusting flavors, ingredients, or presentation for special dietary needs or unique taste preferences.

• Berry-Infused: Swirl in fresh raspberries or blueberries for a vibrant contrast and fruity punch.
• Herbal Notes: Add a hint of lavender or mint to the cream while heating for a fragrant touch.
• Vanilla Twist: Incorporate a vanilla pod or extract for a smooth and slightly sweet background flavor.
• Reduced Sugar: Substitute caster sugar with alternatives like honey or maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream instead of double cream for a lush, dairy-free lemon posset.

How to Make Lemon Posset

Step 1: Preparing the Cream Base

Start by gently heating the double cream and caster sugar in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture just begins to simmer. This step thickens the cream and brings out its natural sweetness, setting the foundation for luxurious texture.

Step 2: Adding the Zesty Lemon Flavor

Remove the cream from heat and promptly stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice. The acid reacts with the cream, causing it to thicken further and develop that signature posset body while infusing bright citrus notes. Be sure to add the juice off the heat for best results.

Step 3: Pour and Chill

Pour the smooth Lemon Posset mixture into individual serving glasses or ramekins. Allow it to cool slightly before transferring to the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the dessert set completely with a silky firmness.

Pro Tips for Making Lemon Posset

• Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed juice makes all the difference in tang and aroma compared to bottled lemon juice.
• Slow and Gentle Heating: Avoid boiling the cream too rapidly to prevent curdling or scorching on the bottom of the pan.
• Glassware Matters: Serving posset in clear glasses shows off its creamy texture and makes for an elegant presentation.
• Don’t Skip the Chill Time: Proper refrigeration is key—it allows the dessert to set perfectly and develop flavor complexity.
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer less tartness, slightly increase sugar to balance lemon acidity.

How to Serve Lemon Posset

Garnishes

The simplest way to decorate Lemon Posset is with a sprinkle of finely grated lemon zest or a thin lemon twist for an extra pop of color and aroma. Fresh berries or a sprig of mint can also elevate the dish visually and add a complementary burst of freshness.

Side Dishes

Pair Lemon Posset with buttery shortbread cookies or crisp biscotti for a delightful textural contrast. A light fruit salad or a few crisp baked meringue kisses also work beautifully alongside this creamy dessert.

Creative Ways to Present

Try layering Lemon Posset with crushed digestive biscuits or granola at the bottom of your glasses for a mini parfait effect. Alternatively, serve it in elegant mini jars or vintage teacups for charming individual portions that wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Lemon Posset keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when covered with plastic wrap or placed in airtight containers, making it a convenient dessert to prepare ahead of time.

Freezing

Because of its creamy texture, freezing Lemon Posset is not recommended as it may affect the delicate silkiness and cause separation upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or well-chilled.

Reheating

This dessert is served cold and should not be reheated, as the heat will break down the texture and flavor balance. Simply remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes if needed before serving.

FAQs

What is Lemon Posset?

Lemon Posset is a traditional British dessert made from cream, sugar, and lemon juice, which combines to form a silky, tangy pudding without the need for eggs or gelatin.

Can I use lime instead of lemon?

Yes, lime juice is a great substitute to create a Lime Posset variant; it offers a slightly different citrus flavor but the same creamy texture.

Is Lemon Posset gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe contains no gluten ingredients by default, making it suitable for gluten-free diets.

How long does it take for the posset to set?

A minimum of 4 hours in the fridge is needed, but overnight chilling gives the best silky texture and flavor development.

Can I make Lemon Posset ahead of time?

Definitely, Lemon Posset is ideal for making in advance and storing in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing quality.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Posset is truly a dessert that feels like a hug in a glass: creamy, refreshing, and wonderfully simple. Once you try this silky, zesty British classic, you’ll find a new favorite’s ready to impress anytime you want a charming, fuss-free sweet treat. So grab those lemons, whip up this delightful dessert, and enjoy an easy, elegant finish to any meal.

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