If you’re craving something sweet, tangy, and irresistibly creamy, look no further—this lemon posset recipe might just become your go-to dessert! Whether you’re entertaining guests, making something special for date night, or just treating yourself, this British classic delivers elegance with minimal effort.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from what lemon posset actually is, to how to get the texture just right, and even some fun ways to elevate your posset game with unique toppings and flavor twists.
Let’s get into it, shall we?
🥄 What Is Lemon Posset?
Lemon posset is a traditional British dessert known for its silky-smooth texture and bright lemon flavor. It’s essentially a rich, creamy custard-like dessert made from just three simple ingredients:
- Heavy cream
- Sugar
- Fresh lemon juice
Yes, that’s really it!
The magic happens when lemon juice reacts with the hot cream mixture, thickening it without the need for eggs, gelatin, or any fancy stabilizers. It’s one of those easy lemon desserts that feels fancy but is foolproof.
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep it simple and classic. Here’s your base recipe.
🍋 Classic Lemon Posset (Serves 4-6)
- 600ml (2½ cups) heavy cream (double cream if you’re in the UK)
- 150g (¾ cup) caster sugar
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 75ml (5 tbsp) fresh lemon juice (about 2 medium lemons)
👩🍳 How to Make Lemon Posset – Step-by-Step
Step 1: Simmer the Cream & Sugar
Pour the cream and sugar into a saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, then let it come to a gentle boil. Once it reaches a bubbling boil, keep it going for 3 minutes. Be careful not to let it boil over.
💡 Tip: Use a deep saucepan and watch it closely—it can foam up quickly!
Step 2: Add Lemon Juice and Zest
Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the lemon zest and lemon juice. You’ll notice the mixture thickens slightly right away—that’s the citrus doing its magic.
Step 3: Strain and Pour
To get that super smooth texture, strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a jug. Pour it evenly into serving glasses or ramekins.
Step 4: Chill
Pop them in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible. The result? A gorgeously silky set dessert with a hint of tang and luxurious richness.
💛 Why You’ll Love This Lemon Posset Recipe
- ✅ 3 ingredients only
- ✅ No eggs, no gelatin
- ✅ Naturally gluten-free
- ✅ Make-ahead dessert
- ✅ Perfect for summer or a fancy dinner party
🧁 Creative Twists & Toppings
Want to take your posset to the next level? Here are a few fun ideas:
1. Berry Compote
Add a spoonful of mixed berry compote on top for a color pop and fruity contrast.
2. Shortbread Crumble
Sprinkle crushed shortbread cookies over the top for some crunch—classic British dessert vibes right there.
3. Candied Lemon Peel
If you’re feeling extra, candy some lemon peel for a gourmet garnish.
4. Herbal Infusions
Infuse your cream with lavender, basil, or even rosemary before boiling for a unique flavor twist.
🍽️ What to Serve with Lemon Posset
While lemon posset stands beautifully on its own, pairing it with light, crisp textures enhances the experience:
- Shortbread biscuits
- Meringue kisses
- Almond tuile cookies
- Fresh berries
Want to go fancy? Serve it in a small espresso glass or coupe glass for a real restaurant-style look.
📌 Tips for the Perfect Lemon Posset
- Use fresh lemon juice. Bottled juice won’t set the same or taste as vibrant.
- Don’t skip the boiling time. The cream and sugar need to boil for at least 3 minutes to thicken properly.
- Strain the mixture. This removes any zest clumps or undissolved bits for a smooth, silky finish.
- Chill well. It needs a few hours to set fully, so plan ahead!
🔄 Variations to Try
Feeling adventurous? Try these tweaks:
🍊 Orange or Lime Posset
Swap lemon juice for orange or lime juice. You can also mix citrus flavors for a zesty surprise.
🥥 Coconut Cream Lemon Posset
Substitute part of the heavy cream with coconut cream for a tropical twist (great for dairy-sensitive folks too).
🍫 White Chocolate Lemon Posset
Melt in a little white chocolate before adding the lemon juice for an ultra-luxurious version.
🧊 Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Lemon posset is perfect for prepping ahead of time, especially for dinner parties.
- Fridge: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze it, though it may slightly change the texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
🎉 When to Serve Lemon Posset
This dessert is incredibly versatile. Serve it at:
- Dinner parties
- Holiday meals
- Summer BBQs
- Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day
- Afternoon tea
Or hey—just a random Tuesday night when you’re craving something sweet and citrusy. You deserve it.
✍️ Final Thoughts: Why You Need to Try This Lemon Posset Recipe
If you love lemon desserts or are just looking for an easy, impressive dessert to wow guests (or yourself), this lemon posset recipe is a total winner. With only three ingredients and endless ways to customize it, there’s really no reason not to give it a go.
So, next time you want a creamy, tangy treat without breaking a sweat—remember the humble lemon posset. It might just become your new favorite dessert.
Now tell me—how are you going to top your lemon posset? 👇💬
