Lemon Posset Recipe

The Silky Lemon Posset Recipe: Zesty Elegance Made Simple

Creamy lemon posset offers a delightful dessert that whispers elegance with minimal ingredients.

Silky smooth textures promise pure indulgence in every spoonful.

British culinary traditions shine through this simple yet sophisticated treat.

Rich cream blends perfectly with bright citrus notes, creating magic in your kitchen.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction for passionate home cooks.

Delicate and refreshing, this dessert will impress even the most discerning palates.

You’ll want to savor each luxurious bite and share this delectable surprise with everyone around your table.

Why Mary Berry Lemon Posset Feels So Special

  • Breeze Through Preparation: This lemon posset recipe requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it perfect for novice and experienced cooks alike.
  • Impress Without Stress: Create a sophisticated dessert that looks elegant and tastes gourmet, yet demands very little technical skill or complicated techniques.
  • Customize with Ease: Dress up this classic dessert with fresh berries, mint leaves, or a sprinkle of extra lemon zest to match different tastes and occasions.
  • Advance Prep Champion: Prepare this dessert ahead of time, allowing it to chill in the refrigerator, which makes it ideal for dinner parties, family gatherings, or spontaneous sweet cravings.

What You Need For Mary Berry Lemon Posset

Dairy Base:
  • Heavy Cream: A rich and smooth foundation that creates the luxurious texture of the posset.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps thicken the dessert.
Citrus Elements:
  • Lemons, Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Adds bright, tangy flavor and helps set the creamy dessert through natural acidity.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Berries: Offers a colorful and fresh topping that complements the creamy, lemony dessert.

How To Make Mary Berry Lemon Posset Quickly

Step 1: Prepare Citrus Fruits

Carefully wash the lemons under cool running water. Using a zester or fine grater, remove the bright yellow outer layer of the lemon’s skin. Squeeze the lemons to extract their tangy juice, being careful to catch any seeds.

Step 2: Create Creamy Base

In a medium saucepan, combine:
  • Heavy cream
  • Granulated sugar
  • Half of the prepared lemon zest

Gently bring the mixture to a soft simmer, stirring continuously. Allow the ingredients to bubble and meld together for exactly 3 minutes, creating a smooth and fragrant base.

Step 3: Infuse With Citrus

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Slowly pour in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, stirring carefully to ensure the mixture stays silky and well-combined. The cream will begin to thicken as the acid interacts with the ingredients.

Step 4: Distribute and Chill

Carefully transfer the creamy mixture into individual serving dishes like ramekins or elegant glass containers. Make sure to distribute the liquid evenly for consistent texture.

Step 5: Refrigerate

Place the filled containers into the refrigerator. Allow the posset to set and cool completely, which typically takes 4 hours or can be left overnight for best results.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, sprinkle the remaining lemon zest over the top. For an extra touch of elegance, add a small handful of fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries to complement the citrusy dessert.

Tips That Work For Mary Berry Lemon Posset

  • Zest with Care: Gently scrape only the yellow part of the lemon peel to avoid bitter white pith, ensuring a pure, bright citrus flavor.
  • Simmer Slowly: Watch the cream mixture carefully, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and achieve a smooth, even texture.
  • Chill Completely: Allow posset to set fully in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, creating a silky, firm custard-like dessert.
  • Garnish Creatively: Top with fresh berries, mint leaves, or additional lemon zest for a beautiful and flavorful presentation.
  • Serve Chilled: Keep posset refrigerated until serving to maintain its perfect creamy consistency and refreshing taste.

Fresh Twists On Mary Berry Lemon Posset

  • Lavender Infusion Posset: Replace lemon with dried lavender buds, steeping them in cream for a fragrant floral version.
  • Lime Coconut Posset: Swap lemons for lime juice and zest, adding coconut cream for a tropical twist.
  • Vegan Almond Posset: Use coconut cream, almond milk, and agar-agar instead of heavy cream and sugar, creating a plant-based alternative.
  • No-Sugar Honey Posset: Substitute sugar with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener option, reducing refined sugar content.

Perfect Pairings For Mary Berry Lemon Posset

  • Zest Up with Berries: Fresh raspberries or blueberries bring a tangy burst that perfectly complements the creamy, smooth lemon posset, adding vibrant color and a delightful fruity contrast.
  • Pair with Prosecco: A chilled glass of light, bubbly Prosecco enhances the dessert's citrusy notes, creating a refreshing and elegant combination that dances on your palate.
  • Complement with Shortbread: Crisp, buttery shortbread cookies provide a delicious textural contrast to the silky posset, offering a delicate crunch that balances the creamy dessert.
  • Match with Earl Grey Tea: A fragrant cup of Earl Grey tea with its subtle bergamot flavor harmonizes beautifully with the lemon posset, creating a sophisticated and soothing dessert experience.

How To Store Mary Berry Lemon Posset With Ease

  • Store covered with plastic wrap in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep dessert away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
  • Not recommended due to cream's delicate texture. Posset may separate or become grainy when thawed.
  • Transfer posset to airtight sealed containers before storing. This prevents absorption of other refrigerator odors.
  • Remove from fridge 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance creamy texture.

Mary Berry Lemon Posset FAQ List

  • What makes lemon posset set without using gelatin?

The acidity in lemon juice causes the cream to thicken and set naturally through a process called protein denaturation, creating a silky custard-like dessert.

  • Can I use different citrus fruits instead of lemon?

Yes, you can substitute lemon with other citrus like lime or blood orange for unique flavor variations while maintaining the same setting process.

  • Is lemon posset a traditional British dessert?

Lemon posset originated in medieval England as a warm, medicinal drink made with milk, wine, and spices, eventually evolving into the chilled cream-based dessert we know today.

  • How difficult is it to make lemon posset?

This dessert is incredibly simple, requiring only three main ingredients and minimal cooking skills, making it a foolproof recipe for beginners and experienced cooks alike.

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Lemon Posset Recipe

Lemon Posset Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 8 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Silky smooth lemon posset whispers Mediterranean sunshine with its zesty elegance. Creamy British dessert promises pure citrus bliss you’ll savor down to the last delightful spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 600 milliliters (20.29 fluid ounces) double cream
  • 150 grams (5.29 ounces) caster sugar
  • 3 lemons

Zest and Juice Ingredients:

  • Zest from lemons
  • Juice from lemons

Instructions

  1. Carefully extract vibrant lemon zest and squeeze out fresh juice, setting aside both components.
  2. In a saucepan, combine heavy cream and sugar, gently heating to a soft simmer while incorporating half the prepared zest for approximately 3 minutes, stirring consistently to prevent scorching.
  3. Immediately remove the cream mixture from direct heat and carefully incorporate the reserved lemon juice, whisking until thoroughly blended and smooth.
  4. Distribute the silky posset mixture evenly into elegant serving vessels like ramekins or delicate glassware.
  5. Transfer the filled containers to the refrigerator, allowing them to set and develop a luxurious texture for a minimum of 4 hours or ideally overnight.
  6. Prior to serving, garnish the chilled possets with the remaining fragrant lemon zest or a scattering of fresh seasonal berries for an additional layer of visual and flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Achieve silky smoothness by gently simmering cream without boiling to prevent curdling and maintain a luxurious texture.
  • Opt for fresh, high-quality lemons with vibrant zest to enhance the posset’s bright, citrusy flavor profile.
  • Experiment with alternative toppings like crushed pistachios, lavender sprigs, or a drizzle of honey for unique variations.
  • Consider making this dessert dairy-free by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream for a vegan-friendly option.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 3 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 562 kcal
  • Sugar: 43 g
  • Sodium: 5 mg
  • Fat: 47 g
  • Saturated Fat: 30 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 165 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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