There’s something magical about a dessert that feels fancy but is secretly effortless. Lemon Posset is exactly that—an elegant, creamy dessert with a silky texture and vibrant citrus flavor that you can make with just three basic ingredients. Yes, three. No eggs, no gelatin, and absolutely no baking required. It’s the kind of treat you whip up when you want to impress guests or simply indulge in something refreshing after a meal, but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
I first stumbled upon lemon posset during a trip to a little countryside inn years ago. The waiter described it as “lemon pudding with a British twist,” and I was instantly intrigued. One spoonful in, and I was hooked. It was rich but not heavy, tangy but not sour, and had that melt-in-your-mouth creaminess that made me pause with delight. After asking the chef how it was made, I couldn’t believe how simple the process was—and I’ve been making it ever since.
What makes Lemon Posset so special isn’t just how incredibly easy it is to prepare, but how it strikes the perfect balance between luxurious and light. The lemon cuts through the richness of the cream, giving each spoonful a burst of brightness. And because it’s chilled, it makes an especially great treat for warmer days or when you need a refreshing end to a hearty meal.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or someone just starting to experiment in the kitchen, this dessert is your new best friend. It requires no baking, no complicated techniques, and no specialty tools. If you can stir and pour, you can make this dish. Trust me—it’s that easy. And once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with Lemon Posset, but here are a few that will convince you to make it immediately:
Minimal Ingredients: You only need three core ingredients—heavy cream, sugar, and fresh lemon juice. That’s it. And chances are, you already have them in your kitchen.
Zero Baking Required: There’s no need to preheat the oven or worry about water baths and cracked tops like you would with a custard. The acidity in the lemon juice naturally thickens the cream as it chills, so the texture sets up perfectly on its own.
Big Flavor, Little Effort: This dessert brings bold, zesty lemon flavor with rich creaminess, all in a few easy steps. The result is smooth, tangy, and absolutely delicious.
Versatile and Elegant: Lemon Posset feels like a fancy restaurant dessert, but it’s incredibly low-maintenance. Serve it in delicate glasses for dinner parties or spoon it into jars for a more casual gathering.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Since it needs to chill for a few hours, this is the ideal dessert to prep in advance. It actually tastes even better after resting in the fridge.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: The texture is creamy like pudding, and the lemon flavor is bright without being too tart. Everyone, from kids to adults, will find something to love.
So if you’re looking for an easy but stunning dessert to keep in your back pocket, Lemon Posset is it. Once you see how simple it is to prepare, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner.
Health Benefits
While Lemon Posset is undeniably a treat, it does come with a few surprising benefits when enjoyed in moderation:
Vitamin C Boost: Thanks to the fresh lemon juice, each serving contains a nice dose of vitamin C, which is known for supporting immunity and skin health.
No Artificial Additives: Unlike many store-bought puddings or mousses, this homemade version uses whole, natural ingredients without preservatives or colorants.
Low Glycemic Load (in small portions): Though it contains sugar, Lemon Posset is rich in fat, which helps slow the absorption of sugar and prevents sharp blood sugar spikes when enjoyed in small servings.
Simple, Whole Ingredients: There are no processed thickeners, gelatin, or complicated additives. Just cream, sugar, and lemons—straightforward and wholesome.
Of course, this is a dessert meant to be savored as an occasional indulgence. It’s rich and creamy, so a small portion goes a long way in satisfying your sweet tooth.
Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information
Total Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4 hours (or overnight for best texture)
Servings:
- Makes 4 to 6 small servings (depending on portion size)
Nutritional Information (per serving) (based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Sugars: 22g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to make the easiest, most luxurious lemon dessert ever:
- 2 cups heavy cream
This is the base of the posset, giving it its creamy texture and rich flavor. Make sure to use heavy or whipping cream with at least 36% fat for best results. - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
The sugar balances the tartness of the lemon and helps create the silky texture. - Zest of 2 lemons
The zest enhances the lemon flavor and gives the cream a beautiful fragrance. Use a microplane to zest only the yellow part of the peel. - 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice just won’t give you the same brightness. - Fresh berries and mint leaves (optional for garnish)
Raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries add a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Mint leaves offer a touch of green and a cooling aroma.
Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions
- Heat the Cream and Sugar
In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and granulated sugar. Set the pan over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar is fully dissolved—about 5 minutes. Once dissolved, bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Watch carefully and avoid letting it boil over. - Simmer Gently
Once the mixture begins to bubble softly, reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer for 3 more minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent any scorching at the bottom. This step helps reduce the cream slightly and intensifies the flavor. - Add Lemon Zest and Juice
Remove the pan from the heat. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice, stirring gently to combine. You’ll notice the mixture begins to thicken slightly right away—that’s the acid in the lemon juice working its magic. - Let Cool Briefly
Allow the mixture to cool for 10 minutes. This helps it settle and prevents condensation from forming on the tops when chilling. - Pour Into Serving Dishes
Carefully pour the posset into individual serving glasses, ramekins, or jars. Depending on the size, this recipe makes 4–6 servings. Cover each dish with plastic wrap. - Chill to Set
Transfer to the refrigerator and let the posset chill for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best texture. The mixture will firm up to a custard-like consistency. - Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, top each posset with a few fresh berries and a sprig of mint, if desired. Serve cold, and enjoy the creamy, citrusy delight.
How to Serve
- Serve in elegant dessert glasses or simple jars to suit the occasion
- Add a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for texture
- Top with candied lemon peel for extra flair
- Drizzle with a bit of honey or fruit compote for a new flavor dimension
- Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence
Pairing Suggestions
Lemon Posset pairs beautifully with a variety of foods and drinks:
- With Biscuits or Shortbread: A crisp, buttery biscuit contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture of the posset
- Beside Fresh Berries: Serve with a bowl of berries on the side for a fruity touch
- Mint Tea or Green Tea: A hot cup of mild tea balances the richness of the dessert
- Sparkling Water with Citrus: A refreshing, palate-cleansing drink to enjoy alongside
- For a Brunch Spread: Include with scones, fruit salad, and herbal tea for an elegant touch
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions
Storage:
Store leftover Lemon Posset in the fridge in airtight containers for up to 3 days. Keep it covered to prevent it from absorbing other flavors from the fridge.
Freezing:
You can freeze Lemon Posset, although it may slightly alter the texture. To freeze, cover tightly and store for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating:
This dessert is meant to be served cold, so reheating is not necessary. However, if it becomes too firm after freezing, let it rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using low-fat cream: This dessert relies on the fat content to set properly. Avoid using half-and-half or milk.
- Not simmering the cream long enough: A gentle simmer helps reduce the cream slightly and intensifies the flavor.
- Adding lemon juice while the cream is boiling: This can cause curdling. Always remove the pot from heat before adding lemon juice.
- Skipping the chill time: It needs at least 4 hours in the fridge to set properly.
- Using bottled lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice provides the bright, natural flavor that makes this dessert shine.
Pro Tips
- Use a fine mesh strainer when zesting to prevent bitter lemon peel bits from getting into the mixture.
- Chill your serving dishes in advance so the posset begins setting immediately.
- Don’t over-zest: Only zest the yellow part of the lemon to avoid bitterness from the white pith.
- Stir gently after adding the lemon juice to avoid breaking the emulsion.
- Serve in clear glasses for a beautiful presentation that shows off the creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use limes instead of lemons?
Yes, limes work well and will give the dessert a slightly more tropical twist. Use the same measurements.
What if I only have single cream or light cream?
It won’t set properly with low-fat cream. You need heavy cream with at least 36% fat.
Is this dessert gluten-free?
Yes, Lemon Posset is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Can I double the recipe for a party?
Absolutely. Just make sure your saucepan is large enough, and chill the desserts in multiple smaller containers.
How do I prevent a skin from forming on top?
Cover the possets with plastic wrap, pressing it lightly against the surface before chilling.
Can I make it less sweet?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar slightly, but be careful—not too much, or the texture might be affected.
Can I make it vegan?
Lemon Posset relies on dairy cream to set, so it doesn’t adapt well to vegan alternatives.
How long will it keep in the fridge?
It stays fresh for up to 3 days if stored properly in airtight containers.
Can I use other citrus fruits?
Yes, orange, grapefruit, or a mix of citrus juices can work. Just note that they are less acidic, so the set might be softer.
What’s the origin of Lemon Posset?
Lemon Posset dates back to medieval England, where it was originally a hot drink made with milk and ale. The dessert version we know today evolved into a creamy pudding-like treat.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Lemon Posset is proof that desserts don’t need to be complicated to be absolutely stunning. With just three ingredients, a few minutes of prep, and a little chill time, you can create a dessert that feels fancy, tastes incredible, and looks beautiful in any setting. It’s perfect for dinner parties, weekend treats, or simply to satisfy a lemony craving.
If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out. Leave a comment below with your thoughts or tag me in your photos online. Your feedback and creations always brighten my day—and who knows, you might just inspire someone else to try this irresistibly easy dessert too!
Print
Lemon Posset
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling)
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Lemon Posset is a creamy, no-bake dessert made with just 3 ingredients—heavy cream, sugar, and fresh lemon juice. It’s tangy, rich, and incredibly easy to prepare.
Ingredients
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2 cups heavy cream
-
3/4 cup granulated sugar
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Zest of 2 lemons
-
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3–4 lemons)
-
Fresh berries and mint leaves (optional for garnish)
Instructions
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In a saucepan, heat the cream and sugar over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
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Bring to a gentle simmer for 3 minutes, then remove from heat.
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Stir in lemon zest and juice. Let cool for 10 minutes.
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Pour into serving glasses. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight.
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Garnish with berries and mint before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Use only fresh lemon juice for best results.
- Do not boil the cream; just a gentle simmer is perfect.
- Chill for at least 4 hours to allow the dessert to set fully.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: British
