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
Scale
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.
