3-Ingredient Lemon Posset Recipe That Will Melt Your Heart

Lemon posset recipe is one of the most surprisingly elegant and easy desserts you’ll ever make. If you’ve ever enjoyed a spoonful of rich, creamy, lemony goodness that melts on your tongue, chances are it was a posset. This classic British treat is made from just three ingredients—cream, sugar, and lemon juice—yet it delivers a luxurious flavor and texture that tastes far more complex.

What makes this dessert magical is its simplicity. You won’t need any gelatin, eggs, or thickeners. Instead, the natural acidity of the lemon juice causes the cream to thicken as it cools, creating a custard-like dessert that sets up beautifully in individual cups or ramekins. Whether you’re planning a dinner party or just want a fuss-free dessert to end your meal, lemon posset checks every box.

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Why This Lemon Posset Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Book

There are many lemon desserts out there, but very few require so little effort and deliver such impressive results. Here’s why you’ll love making this lemon posset recipe:

• Just three simple ingredients: You probably already have them in your kitchen.
• No baking or eggs: That’s right—no oven, no tempering, and no water bath.
• Perfect make-ahead dessert: It chills beautifully in the fridge.
• Naturally gluten-free: No flour needed for this silky custard.
• Great for any occasion: Dress it up for a dinner party or keep it casual with berries.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each of the ingredients in this recipe has a specific role to play, and understanding why helps you achieve the perfect result every time.

Ingredient Purpose Table

Ingredient	Why It’s Used	Substitution Ideas
Heavy cream	Acts as the rich base and provides smooth thickness	Full-fat coconut cream for dairy-free option
Sugar	Balances the tartness and enhances the creamy profile	Honey or maple syrup (for variation)
Lemon juice	Naturally thickens the cream and adds fresh citrus	Lime juice for a tangy twist
Lemon zest (optional)	Deepens citrus aroma and gives added flavor	Orange or grapefruit zest

You’ll be surprised how these few ingredients come together to form such an indulgent dessert.

Step-by-Step Guide

This process is straightforward, but the key lies in careful execution. Follow these steps to get that perfect, creamy texture.

1. Heat the Cream and Sugar
   Start by combining cream and sugar in a saucepan. Gently heat the mixture, stirring often, until the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Bring to a Gentle Boil
   Let the cream and sugar mixture reach a gentle boil. Keep it there for about two to three minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to slightly thicken.
3. Add the Lemon Juice
   Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. The acid reacts with the cream, causing it to begin thickening almost immediately.
4. Chill for 10 Minutes to Set
   Let the mixture cool slightly before pouring it into serving glasses or ramekins. Place them in the fridge for at least four hours, or overnight, to fully set.
5. Garnish Before Serving
   Just before serving, top your lemon posset with fresh berries, a curl of lemon zest, or a small dollop of whipped cream for added beauty and balance.

Tips for the Creamiest Lemon Posset Texture

Want your lemon posset to feel like silk on the tongue? Keep these pointers in mind:

• Use full-fat cream: Lower-fat options won’t set properly.
• Boil gently but fully: This helps to slightly reduce the cream, intensifying the flavor and ensuring a good set.
• Add lemon juice off the heat: This prevents curdling and ensures a smooth blend.
• Strain the mixture: If you want an ultra-smooth texture, strain the posset through a fine mesh sieve before pouring.
• Chill uncovered initially: Let it cool for about 10 minutes uncovered, then cover loosely while chilling.

Creative Lemon Posset Variations to Try

While the classic version is perfect on its own, don’t be afraid to play around with flavors or presentation. Here are a few variations to spark your creativity:

• Lavender Lemon Posset: Infuse the cream with dried lavender buds for a floral note.
• Berry Swirl: Add a spoonful of raspberry or blueberry puree into the posset before it sets for a beautiful color contrast and fruity flavor.
• Ginger-Lemon: Add a thin slice of fresh ginger during the cream heating phase and strain it out before adding lemon juice.
• Lemon Posset Tartlets: Pour into prebaked tart shells for a beautiful party-ready dessert.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

A few simple tips can make your lemon posset even more memorable at the table.

Serving Ideas

• Serve in clear glasses, champagne flutes, or small mason jars to showcase the creamy texture.
• Add a shortbread cookie or biscotti on the side for crunch.
• Top with toasted almonds, candied lemon peel, or edible flowers for a more decorative presentation.

Storage Tips

• Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Do not freeze—freezing causes the texture to break down.
• Prepare the day before for the best flavor and firmest texture.

Nutrition Overview (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Estimated Amount
Calories	~340
Sugar	~20g
Fat	~30g
Carbohydrates	~22g
Protein	~2g

Note that these values may vary based on serving size and added toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This lemon posset recipe is proof that simplicity often leads to the most luxurious results. With only a few ingredients and a bit of patience while it sets, you can create a silky-smooth dessert that feels far more indulgent than it is. It’s an ideal recipe for last-minute entertaining, make-ahead planning, or just treating yourself to something bright and refreshing.

Once you’ve tried it, you’ll want to add it to your regular dessert rotation. So grab your cream, sugar, and lemons—and start stirring up a little magic

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