When the sunshine starts to warm the air and the flowers bloom with vibrant colors, my mind naturally drifts towards light, refreshing desserts—like Lemon Posset. I stumbled upon this delightful three-ingredient recipe while experimenting in my kitchen and was instantly captivated by how easy and rewarding it is to create. The creamy, custard-like consistency swirled with the bright zing of fresh lemons elevates any gathering, making it the perfect treat for spring picnics or summer soirées.
What I love most about this no-bake lemon dessert is its versatility; it can be made ahead, freeing you to mingle with friends instead of slaving away in the kitchen. Plus, its simplicity allows anyone to recreate it effortlessly, whether you’re an experienced chef or just beginning your culinary journey. With just heavy cream, sugar, and zesty lemons, you’ll impress your guests (and yourself) with this glossy, golden treat that captures the essence of sunshine in every spoonful. Let’s dive into how you can whip up this irresistible Lemon Posset!
Why is Lemon Posset so irresistible?
Simplicity shines: With just three ingredients, this lemon posset is all about uncomplicated pleasure in the kitchen.
No baking required: Easy prep means you can spend more time enjoying your dessert with friends and family, not slaving away over the stove.
Versatile delight: Whether you choose to serve it in elegant cups or hollowed lemon halves, its presentation will wow your guests every time.
Creamy goodness: The rich, custard-like texture complemented by a zesty lemon zing creates a refreshing indulgence that’s hard to resist.
Make-ahead magic: Prepare this dessert a day in advance and enjoy the ease of having a delicious treat ready to impress at your next gathering!
Lemon Posset Ingredients
For the Creamy Base
• Heavy Whipping Cream – A rich, creamy base crucial to achieving that smooth, custard-like texture.
For the Sweetness
• Granulated Sugar – Essential for balancing the tartness of the lemons and helping the posset set to perfection.
For the Zesty Flavor
• Lemons – Both juice and zest are needed for a bright, citrusy flavor that makes this Lemon Posset truly delightful. Aim for 1-2 small to medium lemons for the best taste.
How to Make Lemon Posset
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Zest and Juice: Start by zesting your lemons and juicing them. Set the juice aside for later use. The zest adds a fragrant note to the posset.
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Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, mix the heavy whipping cream, granulated sugar, and lemon zest over medium-high heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture heats up.
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Bring to a Boil: Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil. Keep an eye on it for about 5-8 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens and turns a beautiful golden yellow.
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Add Lemon Juice: Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the reserved lemon juice. This will give your posset that refreshing citrus note.
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Cool Down: Let the mixture cool for 10-15 minutes at room temperature. If you prefer an ultra-smooth texture, strain it through a fine mesh strainer.
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Chill to Set: Pour the creamy mixture into serving containers. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or, for best results, overnight to set properly.
Optional: Garnish with fresh berries or a drizzle of berry coulis for a flavorful twist.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Easy 3-Ingredient Lemon Posset?
When serving this luscious Lemon Posset, imagine creating a delightful feast that brings together sweet, zesty, and refreshing flavors.
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Fresh Berries: Their natural sweetness and juicy texture beautifully counterbalance the tartness of the lemon, creating a refreshing bite.
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Graham Cracker Crust: A crunchy, buttery layer beneath the posset adds a delightful contrast in texture, making each spoonful extra satisfying.
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Mint Sprigs: Their vibrant color and aromatic flavor elevate the posset visually while adding a refreshing touch that brightens every bite.
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Shortbread Cookies: Their buttery richness pairs well with the creamy lemon, providing a delicious companion for dipping and savoring together.
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Berry Coulis: A drizzle of this sweet, tangy sauce adds an artistic flair and an additional layer of fruity flavor that harmonizes wonderfully with the posset.
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Coconut Whipped Cream: This light and fluffy alternative adds a tropical twist that complements the citrus notes, making the dessert feel even more indulgent.
A refreshing glass of chilled Moscato or a simple lemonade can elevate the whole dining experience, making it feel like a festive occasion!
How to Store and Freeze Lemon Posset
Fridge: Store your Lemon Posset in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
Freezer: If you want to keep it longer, freeze the posset in well-sealed containers for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the fridge before serving for the best texture.
Reheating: While Freeze doesn’t require reheating, ensure it’s completely chilled before serving. Give it a gentle stir for even creaminess if needed.
Make-Ahead: Feel free to prepare this delightful Lemon Posset in advance, as it’s perfect for make-ahead entertaining!
Lemon Posset Variations
Feel free to explore these delightful twists on the classic Lemon Posset that will surely excite your palate!
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Citrus Swap: Substitute the lemons with limes or oranges for a different citrusy zing and refreshingly unique flavor.
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Berry Bliss: Top with fresh berries or a berry coulis, adding color and a burst of fruity sweetness for an extra treat.
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Shortbread Crunch: Serve alongside buttery shortbread cookies for a delightful contrast of textures, enhancing each spoonful of creaminess.
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Creamy Coconut: Use coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream for a tropical twist! This adds richness and a hint of coconut flair.
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Herb Infusion: Try adding a hint of fresh mint or basil into the mixture for an aromatic touch that elevates the citrus flavor profile beautifully.
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Chocolate Drizzle: For a decadent surprise, drizzle melted dark chocolate on top before serving for a luscious complement to the zesty lemon.
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Spiced Elegance: Infuse the cream with a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for a warm, exotic note that marries well with the tartness of the posset.
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Nutty Delight: Incorporate finely ground nuts like almonds or pistachios into your posset for a luxurious texture and flavor enhancement.
Make Ahead Options
These Lemon Posset desserts are ideal for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the creamy base up to 3 days in advance. Simply follow the instructions to make the lemon posset, allowing it to cool and then refrigerate it in serving containers. To ensure the quality remains impeccable, cover each container tightly to prevent any unwanted odors from the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply remove from the fridge and enjoy it chilled, or garnish with fresh berries for an added touch of elegance. By prepping these delightful treats ahead of time, you can effortlessly impress your guests without the last-minute rush!
Expert Tips for Lemon Posset
• Monitor the Heat: Keep an eye on the cream while boiling; it can easily overflow if left unattended.
• Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemons provide the best flavor for a standout Lemon Posset. Avoid bottled lemon juice for optimal taste.
• Chill Thoroughly: Allow the posset to chill for at least 4 hours or overnight. This ensures a perfect, creamy consistency.
• Strain for Smoothness: For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the mixture before refrigerating. It enhances the final presentation.
• Experiment with Garnishes: Consider topping with fresh berries or a mint sprig for an extra pop of flavor and color.
Lemon Posset Recipe FAQs
What kind of lemons should I use for the posset?
Absolutely! Fresh, ripe lemons are best for making Lemon Posset. Look for lemons that are firm and have a bright, smooth skin without any dark spots or blemishes. The zest and juice from these lemons will provide the most vibrant flavor for your dessert.
How long can I store Lemon Posset in the fridge?
Very! You can store your Lemon Posset in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To prevent a skin from forming on top, I recommend covering the surface directly with plastic wrap. This allows you to enjoy the dessert at its best without compromising texture.
Can I freeze Lemon Posset?
Absolutely! You can freeze Lemon Posset for up to 1 month. To do this, pour the cooled posset into well-sealed containers or individual servings. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge for several hours or overnight, and give it a gentle stir for a creamy consistency.
What should I do if my Lemon Posset didn’t set properly?
This can happen sometimes! If your posset hasn’t thickened, it may be due to not boiling it long enough or using insufficient sugar. To troubleshoot, return it to the saucepan and gently reheat over low heat, stirring continuously. Once thickened, let it cool again before refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to set properly.
Is Lemon Posset safe for those with egg allergies?
Very! A delightful point about Lemon Posset is that it doesn’t require eggs, making it a wonderful option for those with egg allergies. Just double-check to ensure all your ingredients are allergy-friendly if you’re serving it to others.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemons?
While bottled lemon juice may seem convenient, I often recommend using fresh lemons for the best flavor. Fresh juice and zest provide a bright, zesty taste that elevates the entire dessert experience. For optimal results, always opt for the real thing!
Irresistible Lemon Posset: Easy 3 Ingredient Dessert Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Zest and Juice: Start by zesting your lemons and juicing them. Set the juice aside for later use.
- Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, mix the heavy whipping cream, granulated sugar, and lemon zest over medium-high heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Bring to a Boil: Allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil for about 5-8 minutes, stirring frequently until it thickens.
- Add Lemon Juice: Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in the reserved lemon juice.
- Cool Down: Let the mixture cool for 10-15 minutes. If desired, strain it through a fine mesh strainer.
- Chill to Set: Pour into serving containers and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.