Lemon Posset Recipe is a creamy, indulgent dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. With only three basic ingredients, this treat is a perfect blend of sweetness and tartness. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert to impress guests or a refreshing treat on a warm day, Lemon Posset is a must-try. It’s a British classic, offering a texture similar to panna cotta, but with the bright, fresh flavor of lemon. In this article, we’ll guide you through how to make this delightful dessert and offer tips to make it your own.

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Why Lemon Posset Recipe is the Perfect Dessert
Lemon Posset stands out for its simplicity and elegance. Despite using only heavy cream, sugar, and fresh lemons, it delivers a rich and smooth texture that’s sure to wow anyone. The ease of preparation, requiring just a few minutes of cooking time, makes it ideal for busy days or last-minute gatherings. Plus, with no eggs or complicated techniques involved, it’s a foolproof recipe that yields delicious results every time.
Ingredients for Lemon Posset Recipe
To make this creamy Lemon Posset Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Heavy Cream: The base of this dessert, providing the rich, creamy texture.
- Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemon.
- Fresh Lemons: For zesting and juicing; they infuse the dessert with a tangy, citrusy flavor.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
- Dairy-Free Options: If you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, coconut cream can be used in place of heavy cream.
- Sugar Substitutes: If you’re following a low-carb or sugar-free diet, you can use erythritol as a sugar substitute without compromising the taste.
How to Make Lemon Posset Recipe
Making Lemon Posset Recipe is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for the perfect dessert:
- Begin by heating the heavy cream and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar dissolves.
- Once the cream begins to bubble around the edges, remove the saucepan from the heat.
- Add the fresh lemon zest and lemon juice into the cream mixture, stirring gently.
- Allow the mixture to cool slightly for about 10 minutes before straining it through a fine mesh strainer to remove the zest and ensure a smooth texture.
- Pour the strained mixture into serving cups, lemon shells, or ramekins.
- Let the posset set by refrigerating it for at least one hour (or up to three days for make-ahead convenience).
- Serve chilled, and enjoy!

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Lemon Posset Recipe
To ensure yourLemon Posset Recipe comes out perfectly, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Lemons: Make sure your lemons are fresh and free from wax. Wash them thoroughly to remove any residue that could affect the flavor.
- Don’t Overheat the Cream: The cream should only be heated until small bubbles appear. Overheating can affect the texture of the dessert.
- Strain for Smoothness: Straining the mixture ensures a velvety-smooth texture, free from any zest or solid bits.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
Lemon Posset Recipe is a versatile dessert that can be paired with a variety of sides and toppings:
- Berries: Fresh berries like raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries complement the tangy lemon flavor.
- Mint: A few fresh mint leaves can elevate the presentation and add a refreshing contrast.
- Shortbread Cookies: A buttery shortbread is the perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy posset.
You can also experiment with different citrus fruits like oranges or grapefruits to add a unique twist to your Lemon Posset.
Storing and Making Lemon Posset Recipe Ahead of Time
Lemon Posset can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days if made in glass cups or small bowls. If you’ve made it in lemon shells, it’s best to consume the dessert within 2 days, as the shells can begin to dry out and absorb too much lemon flavor. If you want to make the dessert in advance, simply prepare it up to three days ahead of time and store it in the fridge for the best results.
Lemon Posset is an incredibly versatile dessert that allows for endless variations. Whether you prefer it with a simple garnish or as part of a larger dessert spread, it’s sure to impress.
Conclusion: A Refreshing and Easy Dessert
Lemon Posset Recipe is the ultimate combination of simplicity and indulgence, offering a creamy, citrus-infused dessert that anyone can make at home. With just three ingredients and minimal preparation, this recipe is ideal for both novice and experienced bakers alike. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply craving a quick, refreshing treat, Lemon Posset is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Its smooth, velvety texture and bright lemon flavor will leave your guests impressed and your taste buds craving more.
FAQs About Lemon Posset Recipe
1. Can I make Lemon Posset Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, Lemon Posset is an ideal make-ahead dessert. You can prepare it up to three days in advance, storing it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days (in glass containers) or 2 days (in lemon shells). This makes it perfect for parties or busy occasions.
2. What can I substitute for heavy cream in Lemon Posset Recipe?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute coconut cream for the heavy cream. Keep in mind that the texture may slightly change, but it will still offer a creamy consistency. For lower-fat alternatives, opt for full-fat coconut milk or another dairy-free cream alternative.
3. Can I use a different citrus fruit instead of lemon?
Absolutely! While the recipe is traditionally made with lemon, other citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, or tangerines can be used to create a unique twist on the classic Lemon Posset. The method and ingredient quantities remain the same.
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Lemon Posset Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Lemon Posset is a creamy, citrus-infused dessert that combines just three simple ingredients to create a rich and satisfying treat. With its smooth texture and tangy lemon flavor, this dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a summer dinner party or a simple family gathering.
Ingredients
- 600 ml heavy whipping cream
- 200 grams sugar (caster sugar recommended)
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 75 ml fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
Instructions
- Heat the cream and sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
- Once the cream begins to bubble around the edges, remove the saucepan from heat.
- Add the lemon zest and lemon juice into the cream mixture, stirring gently.
- Allow the mixture to cool for about 10 minutes.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove the zest and ensure smoothness.
- Pour the strained mixture into serving cups or lemon shells.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 3 days for make-ahead convenience).
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor.
- Make sure the heavy cream has at least 33% fat content for a rich texture.
- Straining the mixture is essential for a silky-smooth texture.
- If using lemon shells, make sure they are fresh and properly washed to avoid bitterness.
- This dessert can be made up to 3 days in advance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 356 kcal
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 21mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 85mg