Lemon Posset

Introduction

Impress your guests with the refreshing and luxurious taste of Lemon Posset! This creamy, silky-smooth dessert has been a favorite for centuries, and it’s easy to see why. With just three ingredients—heavy cream, sugar, and lemon—this dessert is as simple to make as it is elegant. Despite its ease, Lemon Posset feels like a special treat for any occasion.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special event, or just craving something indulgent, Lemon Posset delivers on flavor and sophistication. The tangy lemon flavor perfectly balances the richness of the cream, leaving you with a refreshing, satisfying bite. Give this dessert a try—its simplicity and elegance are bound to leave a lasting impression!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are several reasons to fall head over heels for Lemon Posset:

• Super Simple Ingredients: Just three pantry staples create a dessert that’s utterly luxurious.
• Light Yet Decadent: The velvety texture is rich without being too heavy, making it a great choice after a big meal.
• Perfectly Tangy: The lemony zing gives this dessert a burst of freshness that makes it irresistible.
• Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, you can whip this up in under an hour (plus chill time).
• Make Ahead: Posset only gets better as it sits, so it’s a perfect make-ahead dessert for busy weeks.
• Customizable: You can add fruits, herbs, or even a little splash of liqueur for a personal touch.
• Great for Special Occasions: It looks fancy and sophisticated, making it ideal for dinner parties or holidays.
• No Special Equipment Needed: All you need is a saucepan, a whisk, and a few small glasses or bowls.
• Naturally Gluten-Free: This dessert is naturally gluten-free, so it’s great for those with dietary restrictions.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 1 hour (includes chilling time)
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Chill Time: At least 1 hour
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 220 calories
• Key Nutrients: Fat: 22g, Carbohydrates: 10g, Protein: 2g, Sugars: 9g

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your Lemon Posset:

For the Posset:

• 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
• 2 large lemons (zested and juiced)

Ingredient Highlights

• Heavy Cream: The base of this dessert, providing a rich and luxurious texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemon.
• Lemon: The star of the show, infusing the posset with a refreshing citrusy flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Lemon Posset:

1. Heat the Cream and Sugar

In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture starts to simmer gently. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Be sure to keep an eye on it to avoid it coming to a boil.

2. Add the Lemon

Once the cream and sugar mixture is simmering, remove it from the heat. Add in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest. The acid from the lemon will cause the cream to thicken, creating the silky texture that makes posset so special. Stir the mixture gently to combine.

3. Let It Cool

Allow the mixture to cool for about 5 minutes, just until it’s no longer hot to the touch.

4. Pour Into Molds

Pour the mixture into your chosen serving dishes (small cups, glasses, or bowls work wonderfully). Be careful not to overfill them—about three-quarters full is ideal.

5. Chill

Place the filled dishes in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. The posset will set as it cools, developing its rich, creamy texture. If you’re planning to make this ahead of time, it can chill overnight.

How to Serve

Lemon Posset is incredibly versatile, and you can serve it in a variety of ways:

1. Garnish with Fresh Berries: Add a burst of color and sweetness by topping each posset with fresh raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries.
2. Add a Biscuit or Cookie: Serve with a buttery shortbread or ginger snap cookie on the side for a delightful contrast of textures.
3. Herb Infusion: Add a fresh sprig of mint or thyme for an aromatic twist.
4. Candied Lemon Peel: If you want to go all out, garnish with homemade candied lemon peel for an extra touch of elegance.
5. Serve in Mini Glasses: For a more sophisticated presentation, serve the posset in small glass jars or mini cups.

Additional Tips

Make the most of your Lemon Posset with these handy tips:

1. Use Fresh Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest make all the difference in this recipe. Bottled lemon juice won’t give you the same bright, zesty flavor.
2. Don’t Rush the Chilling: Be sure to let the posset chill long enough for it to set properly. If it’s not fully chilled, it won’t reach its perfect texture.
3. Customize the Flavor: Feel free to get creative! Add a splash of vanilla extract, or experiment with lime or orange zest for a twist.
4. Top It Off: A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a little extra sweetness and make the posset look even more elegant.
5. Serve with a Sweet Treat: Pair your posset with delicate almond biscotti or a slice of lemon pound cake for a full dessert experience.

Recipe Variations

Here are some fun variations on Lemon Posset that will let you play with flavors and textures:

• Berry Posset: Swirl in pureed strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for a fruity version of posset.
• Lavender Lemon Posset: Infuse the cream with dried lavender buds before adding the lemon for a floral twist.
• Ginger-Lemon Posset: Add a little grated fresh ginger or a splash of ginger syrup to the cream for a spicy kick.
• Coconut Cream Posset: Substitute some or all of the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free variation.
• Chocolate Lemon Posset: Stir in some melted dark chocolate into the cream for a rich, decadent contrast to the tangy lemon.

Freezing and Storage

Proper storage will ensure your Lemon Posset remains fresh and ready to enjoy:

• Storage: If you have any leftover posset, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: While posset is best served fresh, you can freeze it for up to 1 month. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Special Equipment

To ensure your Lemon Posset comes out perfectly, here are some kitchen tools you might need:

• Saucepan: A medium-sized saucepan is essential for heating the cream and lemon juice. Make sure it’s big enough to hold all the ingredients comfortably.
• Whisk: A good whisk is needed to gently stir the cream and lemon mixture while it heats. This ensures that the mixture is smooth and prevents it from curdling.
• Fine Mesh Strainer: Use this to strain out any bits of zest or coagulated cream, ensuring a silky smooth posset.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements will make all the difference in achieving the right balance of flavors.
• Serving Glasses or Cups: Elegant serving glasses or small cups can add a refined touch to your posset. You can use anything from vintage glasses to mason jars for a rustic look.

FAQ Section

Curious about Lemon Posset? Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions to ensure your dessert turns out perfectly:

• Can I use a different citrus instead of lemon?
  Yes! While lemon is traditional for a posset, you can experiment with other citrus fruits like orange or lime. Just make sure to adjust the sugar levels to balance the flavor.
• Can I make this in advance?
  Absolutely! Lemon Posset actually gets better when made ahead of time. Just store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days before serving, and it will set nicely.
• How long does it take for the posset to set?
  Typically, it takes about 3-4 hours to set in the fridge. However, for best results, let it sit overnight.
• Do I need to use heavy cream?
  Yes, heavy cream is essential to achieve the rich and velvety texture of posset. It helps create the smooth consistency that’s characteristic of this dessert.
• Can I make individual servings?
  Absolutely! Lemon Posset can be made in small cups, glasses, or even jars for individual servings. It’s a fun and elegant way to serve this dessert at a party or dinner.
• What can I serve with posset?
  Lemon Posset pairs beautifully with shortbread cookies, fresh berries, or even a drizzle of raspberry sauce. The tartness of the lemon complements the sweetness of these accompaniments perfectly.

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Conclusion

Lemon Posset is one of those timeless desserts that combines elegance and simplicity in the most delightful way. Its zesty, creamy richness offers the perfect balance of refreshing lemon flavor and indulgent smoothness, making it a treat everyone will love. Whether you’re preparing it for a formal dinner party or enjoying a quick, luxurious indulgence on your own, this posset is sure to impress.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, yet looks and tastes like something you’d find at a high-end restaurant. Plus, it’s a great make-ahead dessert, which means you can focus on enjoying your guests or relaxing before the meal. So go ahead, whip up this crowd-pleasing treat, and share it with the people you care about.

Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations!