This Lemon Posset is the epitome of simplicity and elegance. Made with only three ingredients—cream, sugar, and lemon juice—this no-bake dessert delivers a rich, velvety texture with a burst of citrus brightness in every spoonful.
Perfect for dinner parties or a casual summer treat, it can be made ahead of time and dressed up with fresh berries and a sprig of mint. The silky finish and refreshing tartness will leave everyone thinking it came from a fine dining kitchen, but you’ll know it was effortless.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 cups heavy cream
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3/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
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1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest
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Fresh berries and mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and granulated sugar.
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Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently until the sugar dissolves completely.
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Once it starts boiling, continue to cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Remove from heat and whisk in the lemon juice and zest.
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Let the mixture cool slightly for 10 minutes.
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Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove zest if a smoother texture is desired.
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Pour into individual serving glasses or ramekins.
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Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until set.
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Garnish with fresh berries and mint just before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 375 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Introduction to Lemon Posset
Lemon Posset is a classic British dessert that has charmed taste buds for centuries with its simplicity, elegance, and luxurious texture. At its core, this dessert is made with just three humble ingredients—heavy cream, sugar, and lemon juice—but the result is anything but basic. It yields a rich, silky custard that sets without the use of eggs or gelatin, thanks to the magical chemical reaction between the acid in the lemon juice and the fat in the cream. This transforms a heated cream mixture into a softly set, spoonable dessert that’s tangy, sweet, and incredibly smooth.
Once a popular choice in medieval England as a warm, curative drink (often containing ale or wine), the posset evolved over time into the chilled, refined dessert we know today. It has remained a staple in British kitchens and fine dining menus for good reason—its flavor profile and texture are divine, and it’s remarkably easy to prepare ahead of time.
Why Lemon Posset is the Perfect Make-Ahead Dessert
One of the greatest advantages of Lemon Posset is how well it lends itself to advance preparation. Since the mixture needs several hours to set in the fridge, it’s actually better when made ahead. This makes it a perfect dessert for hosting dinner parties, family gatherings, or celebratory meals. You can confidently prepare it in the morning (or even the day before), garnish just before serving, and present a dish that looks like it took far more effort than it actually did.
Another bonus is its minimal ingredient list, which means it’s not only cost-effective but also extremely convenient. You likely already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen. For those who enjoy culinary minimalism with maximum results, this is an ideal recipe to keep in your repertoire.
The Science Behind the Set
Many people are surprised to learn that Lemon Posset sets firmly without eggs, flour, cornstarch, or gelatin—common ingredients in many custard or pudding recipes. The secret lies in the balance of fat, acid, and sugar. When heavy cream is boiled with sugar and then combined with lemon juice, the acid causes the cream to thicken and coagulate naturally. This forms a silky custard-like texture once chilled.
It’s a beautiful culinary example of how science plays a role in achieving specific textures in desserts. The key is not to shortcut the boiling stage—boiling the cream and sugar not only ensures sweetness but reduces the liquid slightly, increasing its setting potential. When lemon juice is added, it begins to thicken almost immediately, continuing to set firmly in the refrigerator.
Flavor Profile and Variations
The flavor of a traditional Lemon Posset is clean and bright. The acidity from the lemon balances the richness of the cream, creating a layered experience in every spoonful—first the tang, then the smooth creaminess, and finally the sweetness lingering on your palate.
But while the classic version is simple and satisfying, there’s plenty of room for creative twists. Consider infusing the cream with fresh herbs like thyme or basil for an herbal citrus blend. Add vanilla bean or elderflower cordial to introduce floral notes. You could even switch up the citrus—try using lime, blood orange, or grapefruit for seasonal variations. The same technique applies across the board, giving you endless room to experiment without needing to adjust the process much.
Serving Ideas and Presentation Tips
Lemon Posset is often served in small glasses, ramekins, or jars—because it’s a rich dessert, smaller portions are more appropriate and help with presentation. For a more elevated look, consider using stemmed glassware like coupe glasses or crystal dessert cups. The pale yellow hue of the custard adds a lovely, elegant touch to any table setting.
Garnishing is your opportunity to make the dish pop visually and offer complementary textures and flavors. Fresh berries—especially raspberries or blueberries—add color and a tart balance. A sprig of mint gives it a fresh, aromatic note. You could also top it with candied lemon peel, edible flowers, or even a thin shortbread biscuit on the side.
Pair it with a crisp white wine or sparkling beverage to balance the creaminess and elevate the experience into something truly special.
Cultural and Historical Background
Though Lemon Posset has a deeply British lineage, its appeal transcends borders. Its medieval roots connect it to a time when the dish was medicinal rather than indulgent, used to soothe colds or digestive troubles. The transformation into a chilled dessert occurred in the 19th and 20th centuries when refrigeration became more common and modern palates leaned toward lighter, cream-based sweets.
Today, Lemon Posset is not only a nostalgic dish in the UK but also a culinary gem embraced by chefs and home cooks worldwide. It often appears on modern menus for its elegant simplicity and its ability to impress without fuss.
Its resurgence in popularity in recent years is due in part to a broader trend of appreciating traditional recipes made with real, whole ingredients. It embodies the culinary values of comfort, authenticity, and ease.
Nutritional Considerations
While Lemon Posset is undeniably rich and indulgent, it can still be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. A typical serving contains around 375 calories, mostly from fat and sugar. However, its richness means you don’t need a large portion to feel satisfied.
For those seeking lighter alternatives, substitutions can be made with coconut cream or plant-based alternatives. While the texture may vary slightly, the tartness and sweetness can still be maintained. Additionally, reducing the sugar slightly or adding more lemon juice can alter the flavor profile for those who prefer a sharper citrus bite.
How to Store and Shelf Life
Lemon Posset stores beautifully in the refrigerator, making it a wonderful candidate for batch preparation. It can be stored for up to 3 days if kept covered and chilled. Make sure to wrap each container tightly with plastic wrap or lids to prevent it from absorbing any other odors from the fridge.
Freezing is not recommended as the texture can become grainy once thawed. Always serve it chilled directly from the fridge for the best texture and experience.
What Makes It a Crowd-Pleaser
There’s something universally pleasing about this dessert. Even those who typically don’t like very sweet or overly rich treats often find Lemon Posset to be the perfect balance. It feels luxurious without being overwhelming, light yet creamy, and rustic yet refined.
It’s also approachable for cooks of all skill levels. There are no complicated baking techniques, no expensive equipment, and no rare ingredients. You don’t even need to turn on your oven. The result is something that feels indulgent but is rooted in simplicity—a combination that is hard to beat.
Conclusion
Lemon Posset is the kind of dessert that reminds us why simple recipes are often the most enduring. It celebrates the natural harmony between just a few ingredients and transforms them into something more than the sum of their parts. Its creamy, tangy elegance makes it an ideal treat for special occasions, yet it’s easy enough to whip up on a regular weeknight.
Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated dinner party, preparing a make-ahead dessert for a holiday, or simply craving something smooth and citrusy, Lemon Posset checks every box. It brings together the best of classic cooking and modern convenience, proving that you don’t need a long ingredient list or complicated steps to create a show-stopping dessert.