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–+ servings
A beautifully plated slice of creamy lemon dessert garnished with fresh berries and mint, ready to be enjoyed.

Velvety Creamy Lemon Dessert (Posset)

This Creamy Lemon Dessert, also known as Lemon Posset, is an effortlessly elegant British classic. Requiring just a few ingredients and no baking, this recipe ensures a velvety smooth, intensely lemony treat with a perfect set every time. A delightful make-ahead dessert to impress without the fuss.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: British
Calories: 360
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 5 Tbsp lemon juice from about 3 lemons

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Food thermometer
  • Fine-mesh sieve
  • Large measuring cup with pouring lip
  • Ramekins (6) or Lemon halves (10-12)
  • Plastic wrap

Method
 

Infuse & Boil
  1. In a small saucepan, combine the heavy whipping cream, granulated sugar, and the zest of 1-2 lemons (peeled in wide strips, avoiding the bitter white pith). Heat the mixture, stirring gently to dissolve the sugar completely. Bring to a full boil, then immediately adjust the heat to maintain a medium boil and simmer for 5 minutes.
  2. After boiling, carefully remove and discard the lemon zest strips from the cream mixture.
Cool & Add Lemon Juice at Precision Temperature
  1. Remove the pan from the heat. Allow the cream mixture to cool slightly, ideally using a food thermometer to ensure it reaches 140-150°F (60-65°C).
  2. Once at the correct temperature, gently but thoroughly stir in the lemon juice. Set the mixture aside to cool for another 15 minutes.
  3. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve set over a large measuring cup with a pouring lip to achieve a super smooth texture.
Fill & Chill
  1. Divide the velvety mixture evenly between 6 ramekins or 10-12 hollowed-out lemon halves, aiming for about 3/4" full.
  2. Cover your possets with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until fully set. For the best texture, chill for 4 hours or even overnight.
  3. Once firm, you can top your creamy lemon dessert with whipped cream, a fresh lemon slice, or vibrant berries for garnish, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 360kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 2gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 25mgPotassium: 50mgSugar: 22gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 50mg

Notes

For best results, use a food thermometer to add lemon juice to the cream mixture between 140-150°F (60-65°C) and ensure you use heavy whipping cream with at least 36% dairy fat. Always use fresh lemon juice and don't skip the 5-minute boil and final straining for a perfectly smooth texture. This make-ahead dessert needs at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to chill and set properly in the refrigerator, where it will keep for 3-4 days. Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the delicate texture. Serve with whipped cream, fresh berries, or lemon slices if desired.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.

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