English Lemon Posset Recipe
There’s just something magical about the way English Lemon Posset captures the sunshiney brightness of lemons in the silkiest, creamiest dessert imaginable. It’s a humble British classic with a reputation for its elegance, and yet it’s wonderfully simple to make at home. Each spoonful of posset feels like a luxury—rich and subtly tangy, with just the right notes of vanilla and fresh citrus. If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both impressive and soul-satisfying, this is the one to keep at the top of your list.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This English Lemon Posset is crafted from just a handful of ingredients, each playing a unique role in the final result. Their simplicity means that every flavor shines—so reach for the best quality you can find, and watch these humble staples transform into something extraordinary.
- Heavy cream: Delivers the lush, velvety base that gives posset its luxurious texture. Choose fresh, high-quality cream for the smoothest set.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the tartness of lemon and helps thicken the dessert as it cools.
- Fresh lemons (zest and juice): The star flavor—zest intensifies the citrus aroma while the juice brings bright, tangy notes and helps the cream set.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and subtle depth, gently rounding out the lemon’s sharp edges without overwhelming the freshness.
How to Make English Lemon Posset
Step 1: Gather and Prep Ingredients
Begin by collecting your ingredients and choosing the ripest, juiciest lemons you can find. Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lemons carefully, avoiding the bitter white pith. Juice the lemons, and set both zest and juice aside. Having everything prepped before you start cooking makes the process seamless!
Step 2: Dissolve Sugar in Cream
Pour the heavy cream and sugar into a medium saucepan. Set the pan over medium heat and stir gently but continuously as the mixture warms up. You want all the sugar grains to dissolve completely, so the posset will turn out with a perfectly smooth mouthfeel. Take care not to let the cream come to a full boil—just small bubbles around the edges will do.
Step 3: Add Lemon and Vanilla
Once the sugar has fully dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat. Now, whisk in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. This is where the cream will transform: the acidity of the lemons will work its magic, thickening everything up as it cools and giving the posset its signature texture and flavor.
Step 4: Pour and Cool
Let the mixture cool off the heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, pour it carefully into serving cups or ramekins. The color will be slightly pale and creamy, flecked with a bright yellow zest. Let them rest for just a bit before moving to the fridge—it helps prevent condensation from forming on the tops.
Step 5: Chill Until Set
Cover each serving with plastic wrap or reusable lids to keep things fresh. Transfer the possets to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, though overnight is even better for a firmer set and deeper flavor. You’ll know your English Lemon Posset is ready when it gently wobbles but holds its shape.
How to Serve English Lemon Posset
Garnishes
The beauty of English Lemon Posset truly shines when you finish it with the right garnishes. A fresh curl of lemon zest adds a pop of color and aroma, while a sprinkling of fresh berries brings both beauty and a burst of natural sweetness. If you like a bit of crunch, try a delicate shortbread cookie on the side or crushed pistachios right on top.
Side Dishes
Pairing your English Lemon Posset with something light and crisp elevates the whole experience. Classic butter biscuits or amaretti are ideal for dipping and balancing the rich texture. If you’re serving it as part of a celebration, offer it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a handful of lightly toasted almonds for a touch of contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation turns this simple dessert into a showstopper. Serve English Lemon Posset in elegant glasses or teacups for a nod to tradition, or try mason jars for a rustic twist. Individual ramekins make for convenient, charming servings, and edible flowers on top can add a whimsical flourish that’s perfect for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover English Lemon Posset can be kept covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure each serving is well-wrapped or has an airtight lid to keep the flavors fresh and prevent any fridge odors from sneaking in.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze English Lemon Posset if needed. Cover each serving tightly, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, though keep in mind the texture may be slightly less silky after freezing.
Reheating
This posset is designed to be served chilled, so there’s no need for reheating. If you’ve frozen your servings, simply thaw in the refrigerator until they’re creamy and ready to eat—do not microwave, as it can make the cream separate.
FAQs
Why did my English Lemon Posset not set?
If your posset is runny, it’s likely there wasn’t enough acidity from the lemon or the cream wasn’t heated long enough to activate the natural setting reaction. Always use fresh lemon juice and make sure the cream and sugar mixture is hot enough but not boiling before you add the juice.
Can I make English Lemon Posset with other citrus fruits?
Absolutely! Lime, grapefruit, or even blood orange can be used in place of lemon for a different citrus twist. Just remember, the acidity may vary, so you might need to adjust the amount of juice or experiment to get the perfect set.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! Since English Lemon Posset relies on the natural thickening power of cream and lemon without any gelatin, it’s entirely vegetarian-friendly.
Why does the cream mixture need to be cooled before pouring?
Letting the cream cool slightly—about 10 minutes—helps prevent a skin from forming and allows the lemon flavor to better infuse the mixture. It also reduces the risk of splitting or curdling, resulting in a smoother dessert.
What’s the best way to zest a lemon for this recipe?
Use a microplane or the smallest holes on a grater, taking care to only grate the yellow zest and not the bitter white pith underneath. Zest the lemons before juicing to make the process easier and get the fullest flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried making English Lemon Posset before, I can’t recommend it enough—it’s a stunningly simple yet show-stopping dessert that’s guaranteed to delight. Let its bright, creamy magic win you over and don’t be surprised if it becomes your go-to treat for celebrations, dinner parties, or cozy nights in!
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English Lemon Posset Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
English Lemon Posset is a delightful creamy dessert with a tangy lemon flavor. This recipe combines the richness of heavy cream with the bright citrus notes of fresh lemons, creating a luscious treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the English Lemon Posset:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 fresh lemons (zest and juice)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Zest the Lemons: Gather all ingredients and zest two lemons using a microplane grater.
- Combine Cream and Sugar: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine heavy cream and granulated sugar, stirring until the sugar completely dissolves.
- Add Flavorings: Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Cool and Set: Allow the mixture to cool slightly before pouring it into serving cups or ramekins.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or until fully set.
- Serve: Serve chilled, garnished with additional lemon zest or fresh berries if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: English
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: English Lemon Posset, Lemon Dessert, Creamy Lemon
