Description
Luscious Lemon Posset is a silky, creamy British dessert made by reducing heavy cream with sugar and infusing it with fresh lemon zest and juice. This no-bake treat sets in the refrigerator into a smooth, tangy custard-like pudding, topped optionally with fresh berries for a refreshing finish. Perfectly balanced between sweet and tart, it’s an elegant yet simple dessert that requires just a handful of ingredients and minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Posset Base
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ⅔ cup (4 2/3 oz / 132 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
- 6 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Garnish (Optional)
- 1 ½ cups blueberries or raspberries or a combination of both
- Lemon peel sprigs for decoration
Instructions
- Heat and Reduce Cream Mixture: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, granulated sugar, and grated lemon zest. Place over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar thoroughly. Monitor carefully to prevent boiling over by temporarily removing from heat if the liquid rises too high. Continue boiling until the cream reduces to exactly 2 cups, which usually takes 8 to 12 minutes. To ensure precision, transfer the liquid to a 2-cup heatproof measuring cup once or twice during boiling.
- Add Lemon Juice and Cool: Remove the pan from heat and immediately stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Allow the mixture to cool slightly for about 20 minutes until a delicate skin forms on top. Then strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl or a measuring cup with a spout to remove the lemon zest, ensuring a smooth texture.
- Portion and Refrigerate: Evenly divide the strained posset mixture among 6 individual ramekins, serving glasses, or 12 shot glasses. Portioning individually is important to maintain the silky texture. Refrigerate uncovered for at least 3 hours until the possets have fully set.
- Serve and Garnish: Once chilled and set, possets can be wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Before serving, unwrap and let stand at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly. If desired, garnish the possets with fresh blueberries or raspberries and a few sprigs of lemon peel for an attractive presentation and a burst of fresh flavor.
Notes
- Be vigilant while boiling the cream to prevent it from boiling over; stirring frequently helps control this.
- Reducing the cream mixture to exactly 2 cups is crucial to achieve the perfect creamy yet firm consistency.
- Straining the mixture removes lemon zest pieces, ensuring a smooth, refined texture.
- Portioning into individual containers helps maintain the luxurious texture and ease of serving.
- Letting the dessert soften slightly at room temperature before serving enhances its creamy mouthfeel.
- Fresh berries add a natural sweetness and color contrast, but they are optional based on preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
