If you have a soft spot for luscious, creamy desserts that can be whipped up with minimal fuss, this Famous Lemon Posset Recipe will quickly become your new favorite. Combining the rich silkiness of heavy cream with the bright, zesty punch of fresh lemon juice, this classic British treat feels indulgent yet refreshingly light. It’s incredibly simple to make, requiring just a handful of everyday ingredients, and delivers a velvety texture that’s utterly irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a casual weekday treat, this Famous Lemon Posset Recipe promises a divine balance of tangy and sweet that’ll brighten up any moment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Famous Lemon Posset Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: the heavy cream gives the posset its characteristic richness and creamy texture, while the sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart lemon juice. Adding lemon zest brings a subtle aromatic lift, but it’s completely optional—what matters most is using fresh lemons to capture the true citrus flavor.
- 2 cups heavy cream: The base of the dessert, responsible for the creamy richness that defines posset.
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the dessert and balances the lemon’s tartness perfectly.
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice: The star ingredient providing that fresh, tangy kick; always use fresh lemons for best flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional): Adds extra fragrance and brightness for a more intense lemon experience.
- Fresh berries or whipped cream (optional for serving): These toppings add texture, color, and extra indulgence to your finished posset.
How to Make Famous Lemon Posset Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Cream and Sugar
Start by combining the heavy cream and granulated sugar in a medium saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly so the sugar dissolves completely. When the cream just begins to boil gently, you’re ready for the next step. This part is key to developing the smooth, custardy texture without scorching the cream.
Step 2: Simmer Gently
Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and let the cream mixture bubble gently for about 3 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent any sticking or boiling over. This simmer helps thicken the cream and create the perfect base for your Famous Lemon Posset Recipe, so patience here will be rewarded with a luscious final texture.
Step 3: Add Lemon Juice and Zest
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice along with the optional lemon zest. The acidity of the lemon juice will instantly begin to thicken the cream even more, giving this dessert its signature silky firmness. Mix everything well so the flavors marry beautifully.
Step 4: Cool and Pour
Allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes, giving it time to cool slightly and thicken naturally. Then, carefully pour the posset into small ramekins, glasses, or jars. The portion size depends on how indulgent you want to be, but 4 to 6 servings is a good guideline.
Step 5: Chill Until Set
Place your containers uncovered in the refrigerator and let them chill for at least 4 hours. This is when the magic happens: the posset will fully set into a wonderfully creamy, custard-like dessert that’s both rich and refreshingly citrusy.
How to Serve Famous Lemon Posset Recipe
Garnishes
While this posset is delightful on its own, topping it with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries can add a burst of color and natural sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the tangy lemon. A small dollop of whipped cream on top adds a creamy lightness and makes the presentation all the more inviting.
Side Dishes
This dessert pairs wonderfully with crisp shortbread cookies or buttery biscuits for a crunchy contrast. You might also enjoy it alongside a light fruit salad, which complements the citrus flavors without overpowering the gentle creaminess of the posset.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming, rustic look, serve your Famous Lemon Posset Recipe in small mason jars or vintage teacups. Layering it with crushed cookies or granola at the bottom can transform it into a delightful lemony parfait. Sprinkling edible flowers or finely grated lemon zest on top adds a pop of color, making it just as stunning as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Famous Lemon Posset Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or a lid to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors. It will stay fresh for up to two days, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy days or entertaining.
Freezing
Due to its creamy texture, freezing is not ideal for lemon posset as it can crystallize and separate upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated rather than frozen to preserve its smoothness and delicate citrus brightness.
Reheating
This dessert is designed to be served chilled, so reheating is generally not recommended. If you prefer it slightly warmer, let it sit at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving, but avoid heating as it will lose its lovely texture.
FAQs
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon juice?
For the most vibrant and fresh citrus flavor, always use fresh lemon juice. Bottled lemon juice lacks the brightness and can alter the texture slightly, so fresh lemons are definitely the way to go for this Famous Lemon Posset Recipe.
Is lemon zest necessary in this recipe?
Lemon zest is optional but highly recommended because it boosts the lemon aroma and flavor without adding extra acidity. If you don’t have zest on hand, the posset will still turn out delicious using just the lemon juice.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 4 to 6 servings, depending on the size of your ramekins or glasses. It’s perfect for a small gathering or to enjoy over a few days as a luxurious treat.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with something lighter?
Heavy cream is essential to achieve the rich, smooth texture of a posset. Using lighter creams or milk will change the consistency and might not set properly, so it’s best to stick with heavy cream for authentic results.
Is this dessert suitable for special diets?
This Famous Lemon Posset Recipe is naturally vegetarian and gluten-free, making it a wonderful choice if you need a dessert that caters to these dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dessert that captures creamy indulgence while delivering a lively pop of citrus, you really can’t go wrong with the Famous Lemon Posset Recipe. It’s straightforward to make, requires just a few key ingredients, and serves up an elegant British classic that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to have a bite. Don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try—you might find it becoming a cherished staple in your dessert rotation!
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Famous Lemon Posset Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
Famous Lemon Posset is a classic British dessert that is rich, creamy, and delightfully tangy. Made with just three main ingredients—heavy cream, sugar, and fresh lemon juice—this easy-to-make pudding offers a smooth, velvety texture and a perfect balance of sweetness and citrus brightness. It’s quick to prepare on the stovetop and requires minimal ingredients, making it an elegant yet simple dessert that can be prepared ahead of time for effortless entertaining.
Ingredients
Posset Base
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 large lemons)
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
For Serving (Optional)
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
Instructions
- Combine cream and sugar: In a medium saucepan, pour in the heavy cream and granulated sugar. Place over medium heat and stir constantly to dissolve the sugar as the mixture warms up.
- Bring to gentle boil: Allow the cream and sugar mixture to come to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly and let it bubble gently for 3 minutes. Continue stirring occasionally to prevent scorching or boiling over.
- Add lemon juice and zest: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice and optional lemon zest. Mix thoroughly to combine the flavors and allow the acid to interact with the cream.
- Cool and thicken: Let the mixture sit for about 10 minutes to cool slightly and begin thickening naturally from the lemon’s acidity.
- Pour and refrigerate: Pour the lemon posset mixture evenly into 4 to 6 small ramekins, glasses, or jars. Place them uncovered in the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours or until fully set with a silky, pudding-like consistency.
- Serve: Serve your lemon posset chilled. Optionally, top with fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- Use only fresh lemon juice as bottled lemon juice won’t give the same fresh, tangy flavor and texture.
- Lemon posset is rich and creamy, providing a satisfying dessert with just three main ingredients.
- You can prepare this dessert up to 2 days ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator to save time.
- If desired, adding lemon zest enhances the citrus aroma and taste but is optional.
- Be careful not to boil the cream too vigorously to avoid curdling or boiling over.
