SUPER EASY recipe for lemon posset | Cook Simply (2024)

If you’re cooking for dinner party guests or have friends and family over and want to impress with dessert – then this recipe for lemon posset is for you. Not only does it look exquisite, served in glasses, but it is a dreamy, creamy dessert with a zesty kick. Best of all you can make it ahead of time, with only a few ingredients, meaning you have more time to enjoy yourself rather than slaving in the kitchen.

SUPER EASY recipe for lemon posset | Cook Simply (1)

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What is in lemon posset?

Lemon posset is a British classic and is made from just a few ingredients. Aposset was originally a popular hot drink made of milk curdled with wine or ale and often spiced. In the 16th century, the ‘drink’ developed into the creamy, sugary, citrus-based dessert we now have today. So this incredible dessert has been around for over 400 years.

How to make lemon posset

This lemon posset recipe is the dream because it’s SO EASY to make a really impressive citrusy dessert. All you need is just three ingredients:

  • Lemon juice and zest
  • Double cream
  • Sugar

Seriously, that’s it. All you have to do is heat the cream and the sugar together in a pan over a medium heat. When all the sugar has dissolved, you turn off the heat, add the lemon zest and juice, combine and then pour into your glasses before chilling in the fridge.

Can you make lemon posset the day before?

Absolutely. That’s the beauty of this recipe because if you’re entertaining, you can make this ahead of time, chill in the fridge and then take it out and serve straight away. There is no messing about, no stress and gives you back more time to spend with your guests. And if you’re super organised, you can even make these two days in advance.

SUPER EASY recipe for lemon posset | Cook Simply (2)

How long does lemon posset last?

As long as the lemon posset is kept in the fridge it can last up to three days. You can even freeze lemon posset – just make sure to defrost for several hours before serving.

What to serve with it

They’re lovely on their own, but I like to chop some fresh mint and reserve some lemon zest to sprinkle over the top. This recipe for lemon posset also pairs very well with shortbread biscuits.

Other sweet treat ideas

Fudgy raspberry chocolate brownies
Tasty blondies
Lemon drizzle cake
No-bake chocolate cheesecake

SUPER EASY recipe for lemon posset | Cook Simply (3)

Best ever lemon posset recipe

4.78 from 9 votes

If you're looking for a winning dessert that will not only impress but take only minutes to make – then this is the dessert for you

Servings 6

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

chilling time 3 hours hrs

Total Time 3 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Ingredients

  • 600 ml double cream
  • 200 g caster sugar
  • 2 lemons juice and zest
  • fresh mint to serve

Instructions

  • In a large pan, heat the cream and sugar together, until the sugar has completely melted.

    SUPER EASY recipe for lemon posset | Cook Simply (4)

  • Gently bring to a simmer for a minute then turn off the heat.

  • Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest and combine well.

    SUPER EASY recipe for lemon posset | Cook Simply (5)

  • Divide the lemon cream into glasses, mason jars or ramekins.

  • Leave to cool, then cover and chill in the fridge for at least three hours, or for up to 24 hours.

  • Serve with some fresh mint and some shortbread biscuits.

Nutrition

Calories: 425kcal

Author: cooksimply

Calories: 425kcal

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: British

Did you follow this recipe?

If you made this lemon posset, please leave me some star ratings and a comment below or tag @cooksimplyathome on Instagram. You can find other dessert ideas here.

SUPER EASY recipe for lemon posset | Cook Simply (2024)

FAQs

How to make lemon posset thicker? ›

Cover and place the posset into the fridge for at least 1 hour to set and thicken. They will get thicker the longer you leave them in the fridge to set. I like mine to set for 2-3 hours. They're best eaten within 24 to 36 hours.

Why didn't my lemon posset set? ›

It sounds like your problem is most likely lack of acid. The acid is what causes possets to thicken. That could happen because the lemons aren't acidic enough (maybe the ones you had the first time were more sour).

What is lemon posset made of? ›

Nothing could be easier than lemon posset - it's cream, sugar and lemon juice, stirred together. But doesn't it look fancy?

What is the difference between posset and panna cotta? ›

Both posset and panna cotta are cream-based desserts, but there is a key difference between the two. Whereas panna cotta uses gelatin to thicken and set, posset relies entirely on the citric acid found in lemon juice and other citrus fruits.

Why did my lemon posset curdle? ›

This coagulation process is what gives lemon posset its characteristic custard-like texture. The correct balance of acid and dairy is critical for achieving the perfect texture. Too much acid can cause the mixture to curdle too quickly and become grainy, while too little acid might not set into a thick, creamy texture.

How long will posset keep in the fridge? ›

Divide the mixture evenly between 8 individual ramekins or serving glasses. Refrigerate, uncovered, until set, at least 3 hours. Once chilled, possets can be stored in a carton with a lid (or wrapped in plastic wrap) and refrigerated for up to 1 week or frozen for up to 3 months.

Can you add lemon juice to cream without curdling? ›

Mix in the lemon juice quickly.

Your cream won't curdle if you don't have the heat too high and you whisk it in really quickly.

Why add lemon juice to milk for baking? ›

Adding the lemon juice according to the ratio you have should give your milk the acidity of buttermilk which will make the batter behave more like it should (better reaction with baking soda, final texture and taste, etc.)

Why is my lemon filling not thickening? ›

It's likely your measurements were off and you either added too much lemon juice or not enough egg. You may not have heated the lemon curd to the proper temperature. Using a thermometer is a great way to ensure that you are cooking the egg to the point of thickening – 170 degrees F.

What is posset originally made of? ›

Introduction. To make the drink, milk was heated to a boil, then mixed with wine or ale, which curdled it, and spiced with nutmeg and cinnamon. It was considered a specific remedy for some minor illnesses, such as a cold, and a general remedy for others, as even today people drink hot milk to help them sleep.

How old is lemon posset? ›

In 1888, Thomas Austin recycled a pair of late medieval cook books. Within their pages was a 14th–15th Century drink known as a 'posset. ' This drink is similar to the point of indistinguishable from syllabub. Syllabub was a loose drink of curdled cream in which the solids were allowed to rise to the surface.

What are the benefits of posset? ›

Benefits of Posset Syrup

Posset Syrup is a combination medicine that effectively relieves symptoms of common cold such as blocked nose, runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and congestion or stuffiness. It helps to loosen thick mucus, making it easier to cough out.

What is the US equivalent to double cream? ›

The British use double cream in recipes the way we use heavy cream or whipping cream here in the US, but they also allow it to accompany dessert the way we might use ice cream.

What does panna cotta literally mean? ›

Panna cotta means “cooked cream” in Italy, and that's essentially what the base is: heated heavy cream (often with a little half-and-half or whole milk) set with powdered gelatin and flavored with vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste.

How do you thicken runny lemon butter? ›

To thicken runny lemon curd, put the curd back into your saucepan, place over the lowest possible heat, and stir constantly. The curd will thin out at first as the butter melts, but it will eventually begin to thicken back up.

Why is my lemon custard not thickening? ›

Trouble shooting: Most Lemon Curds are runny because they don't get cooked long enough, to 170 degrees F, to thicken the egg yolks – so cook on! If your curd isn't thickened after 10 minutes, or up to 15 if using a double boiler, then increase the temperature of the stove slightly – and don't stop whisking!

How do you thicken lemon wine sauce? ›

Use Flour and Water

Combine 2 tablespoons flour with every 1/4 cup cold water and whisk until smooth. Add the mixture to your sauce over medium heat, and continue to stir and cook until you've reached your desired consistency.

Can you thicken milk with lemon juice? ›

Stir 1 scant cup of milk or cream and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar together in a measuring cup. Let stand 5 to 10 minutes. Let the mixture stand at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes. When it is ready, the milk will be slightly thickened and you will see small curdled bits.

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