If you are on the hunt for a dessert that’s luxuriously creamy, effortlessly simple, and bursting with bright citrus flavor, look no further than The Famous Lemon Posset Recipe. This classic British treat is incredibly easy to whip up, relying on just a few basic ingredients that transform into a silky, tangy pudding that feels like a fancy indulgence but comes together in a snap. Whether you’re making it for a casual weekend gathering or impressing guests at a dinner party, this lemon posset delivers that perfect balance of richness and zest every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the short list of ingredients fool you — each one is essential to crafting the smooth texture and vibrant flavor The Famous Lemon Posset Recipe is celebrated for. These pantry staples come together seamlessly, giving you a luscious dessert that feels sophisticated without any fuss.
- 2 cups heavy cream: The foundation of creaminess that makes the posset silky and indulgent.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to balance the tartness of lemon.
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides brightness and helps thicken the dessert naturally.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional): Adds an extra burst of citrus aroma and flavor for depth.
- Fresh berries and mint leaves (optional): These provide a lovely fresh and colorful garnish when serving.
How to Make The Famous Lemon Posset Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Cream and Sugar
Start by combining the heavy cream and sugar in a medium saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar and prevent it from sticking. Once it reaches a gentle boil, reduce the heat slightly and keep it boiling for about 3 minutes. Stir constantly during this time to avoid scorching, allowing the cream to thicken just enough as it cooks.
Step 2: Add Lemon Juice and Zest
Take the saucepan off the heat and quickly stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest if you’re using it. You’ll notice the magic happening right away as the acid reacts with the cream, causing the mixture to thicken beautifully and gain that classic velvety texture you expect from The Famous Lemon Posset Recipe.
Step 3: Cool and Chill
Let the posset mixture cool for about 10 minutes to take off the heat. Then, pour it evenly into small serving glasses or ramekins, depending on your preferred presentation. Pop them into the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours so the lemon posset can fully set into a silky, creamy dessert that’s ready to delight.
How to Serve The Famous Lemon Posset Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few fresh garnishes instantly elevates your lemon posset. Fresh berries like raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries bring a pop of color and a touch of natural sweetness that complements the lemon’s tartness. A sprinkle of mint leaves adds fresh fragrance and a beautiful green contrast to the creamy yellow pudding.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with light and delicate sides that won’t overpower its citrus charm. A crisp shortbread cookie or buttery biscuit on the side adds an inviting crunch and a buttery note that balances the silky posset. It’s also lovely served alongside fresh fruit salad or a simple fruit compote.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not get a little creative with how you present The Famous Lemon Posset Recipe? Try layering the posset with crushed cookies or granola in clear glasses to create a delightful parfait. For a special occasion, serving in elegant glassware or mini jars makes an intimate impression, perfect for dinner parties or festive gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
One of the best things about lemon posset is that it tastes even better when made ahead. Store any leftovers covered tightly in the fridge, and they’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days while maintaining their smooth texture and fresh lemon flavor.
Freezing
Though lemon posset is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it in airtight containers for up to one month. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing and thawing, becoming less silky but still deliciously citrusy.
Reheating
This dessert is meant to be served chilled, so reheating is generally not recommended. If you do want to take it off the chill, simply let it sit at room temperature for a short while before serving to take the edge off the cold without melting the posset’s delicate set.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
For The Famous Lemon Posset Recipe, fresh lemon juice is always the way to go. Bottled juice tends to lack the brightness and can affect the thickening process, so the dessert won’t set properly or have the same vibrant flavor.
Is lemon zest necessary?
Lemon zest is optional, but adding it brings an extra layer of aromatic citrus flavor that makes the posset taste even more fresh and lively. If you love a strong lemon punch, definitely don’t skip it.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Lemon posset relies on heavy cream for its signature creamy texture and thickening ability, so making it dairy-free is tricky. Some try coconut cream as a substitute, but the texture and flavor will be different from the traditional posset.
How long does it take to set in the fridge?
Allow at least 4 hours for The Famous Lemon Posset Recipe to set properly. For the best texture, making it a day ahead is ideal as it gives the posset a chance to fully develop its silky consistency.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! The recipe scales well, just be sure to use a larger saucepan and split the mixture into enough serving dishes so it can chill evenly and set properly.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the zingy creaminess of The Famous Lemon Posset Recipe to brighten up your dessert lineup. It’s a beautiful balance of simple ingredients lovingly transformed into something truly special. Give it a try and let yourself fall in love with this timeless British treat — I promise you’ll be making it again and again.
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The Famous Lemon Posset Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes (plus 4 hours chilling)
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
Description
The Famous Lemon Posset is a silky, creamy British dessert made from just three main ingredients: heavy cream, sugar, and fresh lemon juice. This no-bake pudding boasts a bright, tangy lemon flavor perfectly balanced with rich creaminess. Simple to prepare on the stovetop and chilled to set, it’s an elegant yet easy dessert, perfect for any occasion and can be garnished with fresh berries and mint leaves for added freshness and color.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
For Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh berries
- Mint leaves
Instructions
- Combine cream and sugar: In a medium saucepan, pour in 2 cups of heavy cream and add 3/4 cup of granulated sugar. Stir to combine before heating.
- Bring to a gentle boil: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar and prevent the cream from burning.
- Simmer for 3 minutes: Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and continue boiling gently for 3 minutes while stirring constantly to prevent scorching and ensure even cooking.
- Add lemon juice and zest: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1/3 cup of fresh lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest if using. The mixture will thicken slightly as the lemon juice reacts with the cream proteins.
- Cool slightly: Let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes at room temperature to allow it to thicken before pouring.
- Pour into serving glasses: Evenly divide the lemon posset mixture into 4 to 6 small serving glasses or ramekins.
- Chill until set: Refrigerate the glasses for at least 4 hours or until the dessert is fully set with a smooth, creamy texture.
- Serve garnished: Before serving, optionally top with fresh berries and mint leaves for extra color and freshness.
Notes
- Lemon Posset is best prepared a day in advance to achieve optimal texture and flavor.
- For a citrus twist, try substituting part of the lemon juice with lime or orange juice.
- Always use fresh lemon juice; bottled juice won’t provide the same bright flavor or proper thickening effect.
