Easy to make, can be made ahead and a simply perfect and delicious way to end any meal, the lemon posset is creamy, but light, thick and velvety and with a fresh lemon flavour.
I’m not sure there is a dessert more deliciously satisfying than a lemon posset. With just 4 ingredients and about 15 minutes of cooking on the stove-top, there are also few desserts that can rival its simplicity of ingredients or process. It is, in my opinion … the most simply perfect dessert.
If you’ve never experienced a lemon posset, once you do, you will find yourself making it just because you dreaming about opening up the fridge and finding one inside. And you’ll find yourself making it when you need a dessert that will be the perfect ending for a special dinner. And you’ll find yourself making it when you just need a dessert that is easy and can be made well ahead. And you’ll find yourself making it whatever the season. It’s the little black dress of desserts :)
Ingredients
Here are the simple ingredients you will need …
- Heavy (whipping) cream, 35% butterfat
- White granulated sugar
- A couple of lemons
- Pinch of salt
- (Optional, but recommended) Some fresh berries for topping
- (Optional, if you want to dress it up) – Mint leaves and a dusting of confectioners’ sugar for garnish
Refer to the FAQ section below for ingredient substitution advice.
Step by Step Photos
- Step 1: Gather and measure the simple ingredients.
- Step 2: Add the cream, sugar and lemon zest to a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring regularly, until the mixture comes to a boil.
- Step 3: Lower the heat to medium low. Vigorously simmer the mixture until it thickens slightly and reduced to 2 cups. On my stovetop, a “vigorous simmer” was achieved with the burner a touch lower than medium-low.
- Step 4: Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the lemon juice. Stir to combine then let stand 20-25 minutes to cool
- Step 5: After sitting, the mixture should have developed a thin skin on top of the mixture.
- Step 6: Strain the mixture to remove the lemon zest if you like, then divide between 6 small ramekins. Chill uncovered for at least 3 hours before serving.
FAQ
I’m going to start off by explaining the magical, but fragile process that takes place in making this simple dessert. The high fat heavy cream works with the acid of the lemon juice to curdle the fat and change it from a liquid to a set mixture. Likewise, the sugar works to ensure those curds are smooth and silky and not lumpy.
So all that said, this is not one of those recipes that you can change up the ingredients and expect a good result, particularly with respect to the cream. The high fat cream is what makes this recipe work. Plain and simple and there is no substitute for it. And I don’t say that very often, but honestly, some recipes just can’t be altered to fit various preferences and this is one of them.
- Can I use a lower fat cream, milk or yogurt? No, you can’t, as they don’t have enough fat to react with the acid to create the curd that thickens this dessert.
- Can I use nut milk or coconut milk? No, as both don’t have the necessary fat content to work.
- Can I reduce the sugar? The sugar in this dessert is doing more than sweetening. It ensures the creation of a smooth (vs. lumpy) curd and a lovely silky texture to the finished dessert. It’s also intended, of course, to balance the tart lemon flavour. My advice would be to try it as written once. If you find it too sweet, remove a tablespoon or so of the sugar the next time you make it until you find your sweet spot flavour-wise.
- Can I use another type of citrus? Yes! Orange or grapefruit would work here in the same way, in the same quantities.
Tips
- Even though the posset just has a few simple ingredients and is pretty simple to make, it is important that you follow the directions carefully, in terms of simmering level, simmering time and making sure it cooks down to exactly 2 cups of liquid. Have a measuring cup handy to test it regularly. This simmering process is cooking off the water in the cream, leaving the perfect amount of butterfat to react with the lemon juice you will be adding later, for a perfectly textured finished dish.
- Simmering vigorously doesn’t mean boiling vigorously. Boiling vigorously could cause the mixture to scorch or boil over. Adjust the heat under the pot to find that spot between a gentle simmer and boiling.
- It is not absolutely necessary to strain the mixture. The straining is simply to remove the lemon zest. You can skip the straining and leave the zest in, if you prefer (or you don’t have a fine strainer :)
- This is not the type of dessert where you definitely don’t need a large serving to be satisfied. It is best enjoyed in very small servings, in my opinion. The 2 cups of liquid could definitely be distributed between 5 or even 6 serving dishes. It may seem small, but it’s a little-goes-a-long-way dessert.
- You can definitely make these well ahead and in fact, you will need to make them ahead to allow them a full 3 hours to set and chill before eating. They will keep well for a couple of days in the fridge.
Get the Recipe: Simply Perfect Lemon Posset
Ingredients
For the possets:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream, 35% butterfat
- 2/3 cup granulated white sugar
- 2 tsp lemon zest, finely grated
- Pinch salt
- 1/3 cup lemon juice, freshly squeeze, from about 2 lemons
For the berry topping:
- Fresh blueberries, blackberries or strawberries
- Fresh mint, for garnish
- Dusting of icing/confectioners' sugar, if desired
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, sugar, lemon zest and salt. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar. Simmer vigorously (meaning somewhere between a gentle simmer and boiling, which was a bit below medium-low on my stovetop), stirring regularly, until the mixture thickens slightly and reduces to 2 cups (test by pouring into a measuring cup to be sure), about 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Let the mixture sit until it has cooled slightly and a skin forms on top, about 20 minutes. Stir mixture. To remove the zest in the mixture (optional), strain through fine-mesh strainer into a measuring cup with a spout. Discard zest. Pour mixture evenly into six small ramekins or small custard bowls.
- Refrigerate, uncovered, until set, at least 3 hours. *For longer refrigeration, cover the top with plastic wrap after the 3 hours, so they don't pick up fridge odours. Can be made and refrigerated for up to 2 days before serving, but top with berries just before serving.
- To serve, top each lemon posset with some berries. To dress it up, add a fresh mint leaf and a dusting of icing/confectioners' sugar.
Notes
Adapted from a Melissa Clark recipe
More lemon desserts you might like …
I’ve made this twice, once for a potluck and again for dinner quests….you always know it’s a hit when everyone wants the recipe. It was delicious, light, perfect after a meal.
I’m so glad to hear, Kim! It’s one of my favourites and the fact that it is so easy (and almost universally enjoyed), makes it a perfect dessert in my book :) Thanks so much!
This recipe is very similar to a No Fuss Lemon Tart from Half Baked Harvest and it is delicious. I will use your recipe when I simply want something without a crust. I know it will be outstanding. Thank you.
I haven’t seen her recipe, but yes, if you enjoy that one, you’ll love this one as well :)
Easy to prepare. Tastes fantastic. What’s more to say? Oh, right: Thank You!
So glad you enjoyed it, Heinrich :) Thanks so much!
Absolutely fabulous! Great instructions as well. The perfect summer dessert. I tripled the recipe and served in over-sized shot glasses with raspberries and mint to an outdoor gathering of my colleagues last night. Everyone thought it was dreamy!
Sounds just lovely, Robin! One of my favourite desserts. Thanks :)
I did make this this past weekend. It was delicious! I put it in a wide shallow bowl
as you suggested. Served it with fresh raspberries and whipped cream.
After a heavy dinner it was the perfect dessert. Thank you.
So glad to hear, June :) Thanks so much!
Have you doubled the recipe before?
Hi Rebecca and no, I haven’t myself, but I have no reason to think it wouldn’t double just fine :) Enjoy!
Hi Thank you for the many recipes you send. I would like to try this
this weekend but have to travel with it. Could I put the dessert in
one bowl? Just easier to take in the car.
Hi June and yes, I don’t see why not. I think I would go with a wider/shallower bowl, if you can. Enjoy!
Jennifer,
Have you ever tried a dessert called Mus de limon??
We first tried this in Spain and I expect the end result would be quite similar to your Lemon Posset. The chemistry is the same but no cooking required.
combine whipping cream, lemon juice and sweetened condensed milk, beat together. Divide into individual dishes and put in fridge to set.
I haven’t, but now that I know about it, you can be sure I will :) Sounds very much the same, so I think I would love it. Lemon Posset is one of the great, simple pleasures in life, in my opinion!
Was lovely. We made it yesterday for Easter lunch today. Was very refreshing. I used blueberries and lemons. Thank You!
So glad you enjoyed it! It’s one of my favourite, simple ways to end a meal :)
This is a lovely springtime dessert Jennifer. Berries and lemon go so well together. Hope you’re doing well.
Thanks so much, Leanne :)
I look forward to your email each week for new inspiration and great recipes. I always seem to find something new and exciting and this week with this recipe is no exception. I cannot wait to make this delicious beautiful dessert. And LEMON!!!!oh I know you say I can use orange or grapefruit , which I would love, too. BUT lemon!!!!!!!!Just one problem – today is only Tuesday. I want to make this for weekend, which ideally I will have to wait at least a day or two.How can I wait???
Thanks Carol and yes, these are such a treat :) Enjoy!
Such a delightful dessert! I love anything with lemon – and this feels like a luxurious treat!
Thanks Annie and yes, it always feels special, which we need once in a while :)
I haven’t heard of posset before, but it sounds wonderful! How perfect for a special Easter dessert after supper tonight! YUM!! Happy Easter!
Thanks Dawn :) It’s a lovely treat. Once of my favourites :)
We love anything with lemon and these look dreamy Jen! Have a Happy Easter!! PINNING this one!!
Thanks Anna and to you, as well :)
Sounds and looks simply delightful! I can see what you mean about it being the little black dress of desserts. On my list!
Thanks Milena and yes, it’s always a perfect choice for a last bite :)
One of the easiest, most refreshing desserts ever Jennifer! I make this often during the summer and my friends and family always love it. Delicious! Can’t wait to try your recipe!
Thanks Mary Ann and I agree!
We love Lemon Posset and make it every spring! Your recipe sounds wonderful and is so pretty, too. Pinned :)
Thanks Tricia. It’s possibly my favourite dessert. Never fails to be completely soul satisfying :)