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Lemon Posset Recipe

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4.2 from 3 reviews

Lemon Posset is a classic British dessert that features a silky, creamy texture with a bright, fresh lemon flavor. This easy-to-make no-bake treat combines heavy cream, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice, resulting in a rich and tangy pudding that's perfect for elegant dinners or casual gatherings. Served chilled and garnished with fresh berries, mint, or crunchy toppings, lemon posset offers a luscious balance of sweet and tart flavors with minimal ingredients and fuss.

Ingredients

Posset Base

  • 1 pint (2 cups) heavy cream
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons grated lemon zest
  • ⅓ cup lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Garnishes

  • Fresh berries (blackberries, raspberries, or blueberries)
  • Mint leaves
  • Crushed graham crackers or pistachios

Instructions

  1. Combine and Heat Cream Mixture: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, sugar, and grated lemon zest. Keep a 2-cup glass liquid measuring cup nearby to monitor the volume. Stir frequently to dissolve the sugar and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, adjusting the heat to avoid boiling over.
  2. Simmer and Reduce: Maintain the gentle simmer and cook the mixture until it reduces down to 2 cups, which should take about 15 to 20 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent boiling over and adjust heat as needed.
  3. Add Flavors and Rest: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to rest for 20 minutes to let flavors meld.
  4. Strain the Mixture: Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl to remove the lemon zest, discarding the zest solids.
  5. Portion into Ramekins: Evenly divide the strained posset mixture into 8 individual ramekins or serving glasses.
  6. Chill to Set: Refrigerate the possets uncovered for at least 3 hours until set. Possets can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 3 months. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or more before serving. Let chilled possets rest at room temperature for 10 minutes prior to serving. Garnish as desired with fresh berries, mint leaves, or crushed graham crackers or pistachios.

Notes

  • Be patient while reducing the cream mixture; maintain a gentle simmer to avoid curdling or boiling over.
  • Use fresh lemons for the best flavor and aroma in the zest and juice.
  • Straining ensures a smooth texture free of zest pieces.
  • Posset sets due to the acidity of lemon juice causing the cream to thicken without gelatin.
  • Adjust garnish based on season and preference; crushed nuts add a nice crunch contrast.
  • You can prepare possets a day ahead for convenience and enhanced flavor development.