Description
Lemon Posset is a classic British dessert featuring a rich and creamy lemon-flavored custard made by simmering heavy cream and sugar, then setting it with fresh lemon juice. This simple yet elegant treat offers a silky texture and bright citrus flavor, perfect for a refreshing finish to any meal. It’s easy to prepare with minimal ingredients and requires chilling to set, making it ideal for make-ahead entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Posset Base
- 2 cups heavy cream
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar
- 2 – 3 lemons (enough to make 6 tablespoons of lemon juice)
Garnish (Optional)
- 1 pint raspberries
- Lemon zest from one lemon
Instructions
- Juice the Lemons: Juice 2 to 3 lemons to yield about 6 tablespoons of lemon juice. Strain the juice to remove seeds and pulp. Optionally, zest one lemon to use as an aromatic garnish later.
- Combine Cream and Sugar: In a medium saucepan, pour 2 cups of heavy cream and add ⅔ cup of granulated sugar. Stir to mix the sugar evenly with the cream.
- Boil and Reduce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar fully. Once boiling, maintain a steady boil and continue cooking for about 10 minutes, allowing the mixture to reduce until it measures approximately 2 cups. Be attentive to avoid the cream boiling over. If it has not reduced enough, return it to the heat and continue boiling until the correct volume is reached.
- Add Lemon Juice: Remove the saucepan from heat and transfer the hot cream mixture into a bowl. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice thoroughly to blend the citrus flavor and to help the custard set.
- Cool and Strain: Let the mixture cool for about 15 minutes. Then strain it through a fine mesh sieve into another bowl or measuring cup to ensure a smooth texture, free from any curdled bits or zest particles.
- Pour Into Ramekins: Distribute the lemon custard evenly into 4 serving ramekins or small dessert glasses.
- Chill to Set: Refrigerate the filled ramekins for at least 2 hours, or until the lemon posset has set firmly to a silky custard texture.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the lemon posset plain, or top with fresh raspberries and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a colorful and flavorful garnish.
Notes
- Ensure to watch the cream mixture closely while boiling to prevent boiling over.
- If desired, the lemon zest can be added to the cream while boiling for a more intense lemon flavor.
- This dessert can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated until serving.
- Raspberries add a nice tartness and contrast but can be substituted with other fresh berries or omitted entirely.
- Use fresh, high-quality lemons for the best citrus flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: Lemon posset, lemon dessert, creamy lemon custard, British dessert, easy lemon recipe, no-bake dessert
