Lemon posset recipe

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Lemon posset are a chic, simple dessert that takes only five minutes to prepare.

lemon posset
(Image credit: Getty)
Makes6–8
SkillEasy
Preparation Time5 mins
Cooking Time3 mins
Total Time8 mins (plus 4-6 hours chilling time)
Cost RangeCheap
Nutrition Per PortionRDA
Calories425 Kcal21%
Sugar20 g22%
Fat37.9 g54%
Saturated Fat23.5 g118%
Salt0.08 gRow 4 - Cell 2
Protein1.1 g2%
Carbohydrates20 g8%
Salt0.08 gRow 7 - Cell 2

Lemon possets are a timeless classic and can be enjoyed at any time of year. This simple, elegant recipe requires just three ingredients.

We think lemon possets are delicious on their own but you can serve them with biscuits on the side for some added crunch. A scattering of flaked almonds would also be a nice addition. Consider creating a toppings station and let you guests finish their dessert to their liking. 

Ingredients

  • 600ml carton double cream
  • 150g (5oz) vanilla caster sugar (see tip, right)
  • Juice of 2 lemons, plus zested rind to use as decoration, if liked

WEIGHT CONVERTER

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Method

  1. Pour the cream into a saucepan that's large enough to allow the cream to boil up. Add the sugar. Place the pan on the heat and bring to the boil, then boil for three mins.
  2. Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the lemon juice. Pour the cream through a sieve into a jug, and then pour into the ramekin dishes.
  3. Leave the mixture to cool, then refrigerate for at least 4-6 hrs before serving. Garnish with lemon zest, if liked, and serve with biscuits and some lemon thyme for fragrance.

Top tip for making lemon posset

We used the vanilla sugar which is available in the 'Cooks' Ingredients' range at Waitrose stores, or online from Ocado. If you're unable to buy vanilla sugar, you can make your own by leaving a vanilla pod in a jar of caster sugar for a while, or just use ordinary caster sugar in the recipe and add a few drops of pure vanilla extract. Continue reading below for more tips that will help you when making this recipe. 

What is lemon posset made of?

It’s a simple dessert made from lemons, cream and sugar. It’s important you use full fat double cream otherwise the mixture will be watery and may not set. 

Help! My posset won't set

If you're finding even after hours in the fridge, your possets are still not set, then try removing the mixture from their ramekins, putting it in a jug and pouring in some cold double cream – stirring as you go. You should see the mixture instantly thicken, so go easy on how much you pour in.

Hopefully, you won't need to try this as your possets will already be set, but if it comes to it, just judge it with your eye as it's not an exact science as to how much extra cream you'll need to add. Once done, put back into ramekins for another couple of hours (or as long as possible before guests arrive).

What can you serve with lemon posset?

Lemon posset is a very rich dessert so make sure you don’t serve massive portions. Using little espresso cups to serve the posset is a cute idea and keeps the portions under control. It is delicious on its own but lots of people like to serve it with a biscuit or shortbread on the side for some crunch. We also like to serve the posset with fresh raspberries or blueberries. Toasted flaked almonds are another great crunchy option but coconut flakes or chocolate chips are another nice option. 

Can you make lemon posset with other fruits?

Yes you can swap the citrus for another if you like. Orange, lime and grapefruit are all excellent options. If you're going for an orange posset, a chocolate snap or a chocolate biscuit would go perfectly.

How long does lemon posset last?

This lemon posset should keep for three days in the fridge.

You can serve the lemon posset in small ramekins or one large serving bowl. We think individual portions look very chic and it’s much easier when serving. Food writer Jessica Ransom is a big fan of using espresso cups and loves this colourful set from Le Creuset. 

Le Creuset Stoneware Rainbow Espresso Mugs, Set of 6 - View at John Lewis

Le Creuset Stoneware Rainbow Espresso Mugs, Set of 6 - View at John Lewis

These adorable cups will brighten any corner of your kitchen. Use them for desserts or to serve espresso in. They can also double up as shot glasses if you need. Just remember they have a 100ml capacity so you only need to fill them to around a third or less!

Another classic British sweet treat is a lemon drizzle cake and our recipe is the easiest out there. You might also like a lemon pudding which is especially good when the weather is colder or our lemon creams use just three ingredients. 

Food & Recipes writer

Sue McMahon is a former Food and Recipes Writer at GoodTo and Cooking Editor at Woman's Weekly. Her primary passion is cakes and Sue regularly travels the world teaching cake decorating. Her biggest achievement to date was winning the Prix d’honneur at La Salon Culinaire International de Londres beating over 1,200 other entries.