Lemon posset is a delightful, creamy dessert that perfectly captures the essence of summer with its bright citrus flavors. This easy-to-make treat requires only three ingredients, making it an ideal choice for gatherings or a refreshing end to a meal. Its velvety texture and elegant presentation make it a standout dessert for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Simple: With just three main ingredients, preparing lemon posset is incredibly straightforward.
• Elegant Presentation: Serving in hollowed-out lemons adds charm and sophistication to your dessert table.
• Versatile Flavor: The zesty lemon flavor can be enjoyed on its own or paired with fresh herbs like mint or lavender for added flair.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a summer barbecue or a formal dinner party, lemon posset fits right in.
• No Baking Required: Enjoy a delicious dessert without turning on the oven, perfect for hot days!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start making your lemon posset, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth preparation process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Small saucepan
• Measuring cups
• Whisk
• Spoon or spatula
• Ramekins or lemons (for serving)

Importance of Each Tool

• Small saucepan: Ideal for combining cream and sugar over heat without spilling.
• Whisk: Helps incorporate air into your mixture, ensuring a smooth texture.
• Ramekins or lemons: Provides beautiful serving options that enhance your dessert’s presentation.

Ingredients

For the Cream Mixture

• 2 cups Heavy Cream
• ¾ cup Granulated White Sugar
• 2 Juice of Ripe Lemons

For Serving

• Lemon Zest
• 4 Lemons, Halved and Hulled

How to Make Lemon Posset

Step 1: Prepare Your Serving Dish

1. Hollow out the pulp of the 4 extra lemons to use as serving dishes for the final dessert. Alternatively, you can use ramekins if preferred.
2. If available, choose lemons with leaves for an extra touch of charm. Set aside.

Step 2: Combine Cream and Sugar

1. In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups heavy cream and ¾ cup granulated white sugar.
2. Stir together until mixed well.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Lemon Juice

1. Remove the saucepan from heat.
2. Stir in the juice from 2 ripe lemons, mixing thoroughly.

Step 4: Chill the Mixture

1. Pour the creamy lemon mixture into your hulled lemon cups or ramekins.
2. Refrigerate until set, which takes about 5 hours. You will start to see it thicken after a couple of hours.

Step 5: Add Finishing Touches

1. Once set, garnish with fresh mint or lavender if desired.
2. Add some extra lemon zest on top for an enhanced flavor! Enjoy your refreshing lemon posset!

How to Serve Lemon Posset

Lemon posset is a delightful dessert that can be served in various styles. Its bright flavor and creamy texture make it perfect for any occasion. Here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your lemon posset experience.

Individual Lemon Cups

• Serve the lemon posset in the hollowed-out lemon halves for a charming presentation that highlights the citrus theme.

Ramekins with Garnish

• Use small ramekins to serve the dessert and top each with fresh mint or lavender for a pop of color and fragrance.

Layered Parfaits

• Create layered parfaits by alternating layers of lemon posset with crushed cookies or granola, adding a crunchy texture.

With Fresh Berries

• Pair your lemon posset with a mix of seasonal berries like blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries for added sweetness and tartness.

Drizzled with Honey

• A light drizzle of honey over your lemon posset adds an extra touch of sweetness and complements the tangy flavor beautifully.

On a Dessert Platter

• Arrange several servings of lemon posset on a large platter alongside other desserts for a stunning dessert table display.

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How to Perfect Lemon Posset

Perfecting your lemon posset is easy with these simple tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your dessert turns out velvety and delicious every time.

• Choose ripe lemons: Fresh, ripe lemons provide the best flavor. Look for lemons that feel heavy for their size and have vibrant skin.
• Watch the boiling time: When boiling the cream and sugar mixture, avoid overcooking it. Just 2-3 minutes is enough to combine flavors without altering the texture.
• Chill thoroughly: Allow the lemon posset to chill for at least 5 hours. This ensures it sets properly and achieves that perfect creamy consistency.
• Add zest for flavor: Incorporate extra lemon zest into your mixture before chilling. It enhances the citrus flavor and adds visual appeal.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Posset

To complement your lemon posset, consider serving it alongside these delightful side dishes. They balance the dessert’s richness while enhancing its flavors.

1. Shortbread Cookies: Buttery shortbread cookies provide a delicious crunch that pairs well with the creamy texture of lemon posset.
2. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can lighten up your meal and add vibrant colors to your dessert table.
3. Chocolate Mousse: The rich, velvety chocolate mousse offers a nice contrast to the tartness of lemon posset, creating an enjoyable mix of flavors.
4. Pavlova: Light and airy pavlova topped with whipped cream and fruit complements the citrus notes beautifully while adding a different texture.
5. Cheese Platter: A selection of soft cheeses like goat cheese or mascarpone can provide a savory contrast that balances out the sweetness of your dessert.
6. Tart Cherry Compote: The tartness of cherry compote brings a delightful zing that pairs well with the creamy lemon posset.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making lemon posset can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are key mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Incorrect Cream Ratio: Using too little cream can lead to a thin consistency. Stick to the recipe’s 2 cups of heavy cream for a rich texture.
• Overcooking the Mixture: Boiling the cream mixture for too long can alter the flavor. Keep it at a gentle boil for just 2-3 minutes.
• Skipping Zest: Neglecting lemon zest reduces flavor depth. Always add fresh lemon zest for that extra citrus kick!
• Not Allowing Enough Chill Time: Rushing the chilling process can result in a runny dessert. Allow at least 5 hours in the fridge to set properly.
• Ignoring Presentation: Serving in plain dishes can diminish appeal. Use hollowed-out lemons or decorative ramekins for an attractive presentation.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover lemon posset in airtight containers.
• It can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator without losing flavor or texture.

Freezing Lemon Posset

• Freezing is not recommended, as it may change the creamy texture.
• If you must freeze, use freezer-safe containers and consume within one month.

Reheating Lemon Posset

• Oven: Preheat to a low temperature. Place posset in an oven-safe dish until slightly warmed, but do not heat too much as it will lose its texture.
• Microwave: Use short intervals of 10-15 seconds on low power, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Gently warm over low heat while stirring continuously to maintain smoothness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lemon Posset?

Lemon posset is a classic British dessert made with cream, sugar, and lemon juice that’s chilled until set, resulting in a creamy and tangy treat.

How long does it take for Lemon Posset to set?

Typically, lemon posset needs about 5 hours in the refrigerator to fully set and achieve its velvety texture.

Can I customize my Lemon Posset?

Absolutely! You can infuse flavors like vanilla or lavender or top with berries for added flair.

Is Lemon Posset safe for kids?

Yes, lemon posset is safe for kids as it contains no raw eggs and uses simple ingredients.

What should I serve with Lemon Posset?

Pair your lemon posset with shortbread cookies, fresh fruit, or mint leaves for a delightful contrast!

Final Thoughts

Lemon posset is an elegant yet easy dessert that’s perfect for summer gatherings or dinner parties. With just three ingredients, this creamy delight offers endless customization options. Don’t hesitate to try your own variations; whether you’re adding herbs or fruits, this versatile dessert is sure to impress!

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Lemon Posset

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• Author: Cecilia
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4

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Description

Lemon posset is a refreshing and elegant dessert that captures the bright essence of summer in every creamy bite. With just three simple ingredients—heavy cream, sugar, and freshly squeezed lemon juice—you can whip up this delightful treat in no time. Its silky texture pairs perfectly with zesty lemon flavor, making it an ideal choice for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive celebrations. Serve it in charming hollowed-out lemons or decorative ramekins to elevate your dessert presentation. Whether enjoyed on its own or garnished with fresh herbs or seasonal berries, lemon posset is sure to impress your guests and tantalize their taste buds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups heavy cream
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• Juice of 2 ripe lemons
• Zest from lemons (for garnish)
• 4 additional lemons, halved and hulled (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Hollow out the pulp of 4 extra lemons or prepare ramekins for serving.
2. In a small saucepan, combine heavy cream and sugar. Stir until well mixed.
3. Heat the mixture over medium heat, bringing it to a gentle boil for 2-3 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice thoroughly.
5. Pour the mixture into hollowed lemon cups or ramekins and refrigerate for at least 5 hours until set.
6. Once set, garnish with fresh mint or lavender and add lemon zest before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Chilling
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup (125g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 30mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Use fresh, ripe lemons for the best flavor. Ensure you chill the posset long enough for a perfect creamy consistency. For added flair, consider infusing flavors like vanilla or topping with crushed cookies.