Bright, silky, and impossibly simple, this citrus pudding is a breeze to make ahead for guests or weeknight treats. Lemon Posset sets with just cream, sugar, and lemon, giving a creamy, tangy finish that feels indulgent without fuss. This dessert pairs beautifully with savory sides like garlic butter lemon orzo for a complete, elegant meal.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Posset
- Ultra-creamy texture with bright lemon flavor.
- Ready in under 30 minutes active time.
- Great for make-ahead entertaining and meal prep.
- Kid-friendly and elegant enough for company.
- Keeps well in the fridge or freezer for easy leftovers.
Ingredients Needed
- Dairy
- 1 pint (2 cups) heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Sweetener
- 1/2 cup sugar
- Flavorings
- 1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest*
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- Optional garnishes
- Fresh berries (blackberries, raspberries, or blueberries)
- Mint leaves
- Crushed graham crackers or pistachios
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Combine the cream, sugar, and lemon zest in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Place a 2-cup glass measuring cup next to the stove to check the final volume.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar, and lower the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.
- Cook until the cream mixture is reduced to 2 cups, about 15 to 20 minutes; do not let it boil over—briefly remove from heat if it begins to foam up.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract, then let the mixture rest for 20 minutes to mellow.
- Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl, discarding the zest, then divide evenly between 8 ramekins or serving glasses.
- Refrigerate uncovered until set, at least 3 hours. Store chilled up to 1 week or freeze up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge and let rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish as desired and serve.
Serving Suggestions Lemon Posset
- Top with mixed berries and a sprig of mint for a pretty finish.
- Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or pistachios for crunch.
- Serve in small glasses as part of a dessert sampler.
- Pair with a light cookie or shortbread for texture contrast.
- Offer alongside a simple salad and garlic lemon orzo for a balanced dinner.
Tips for Success Lemon Posset
- Use a gentle simmer and low heat to prevent scorching or boiling over.
- Reduce to exactly 2 cups for the right set; use the measuring cup next to the stove to check.
- Let the mixture rest before straining to keep it silky and avoid over-bright acidity.
- Chill uncovered so the surface sets evenly; cover once fully cold for storage.
- If freezing, thaw slowly in the fridge to preserve texture.
Variations
Here are a few easy ways to change it up:
- Orange or lime posset: swap lemon juice and zest for orange or lime for a different citrus profile.
- Vanilla almond: add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract and extra vanilla for a nutty twist.
- Dairy-free option: use full-fat coconut milk in place of heavy cream and follow the same method for a coconut posset.
Lemon Posset
Bright, silky, and impossibly simple, this citrus pudding is a breeze to make ahead for guests or weeknight treats. A creamy, tangy finish that feels indulgent without fuss.
Ingredients
Dairy
- 2 cups 1 pint (2 cups) heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract Optional
Sweetener
- 1/2 cup sugar
Flavorings
- 1 1/2 teaspoons grated lemon zest Optional
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
Optional garnishes
- Fresh berries (blackberries, raspberries, or blueberries)
- Mint leaves
- Crushed graham crackers or pistachios
Instructions
Preparation
- Combine the cream, sugar, and lemon zest in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar.
- Cook until the cream mixture is reduced to 2 cups, about 15 to 20 minutes; do not let it boil over.
- Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract, then let the mixture rest for 20 minutes.
- Strain through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl, discarding the zest.
- Divide evenly between 8 ramekins or serving glasses.
- Refrigerate uncovered until set, at least 3 hours.
Serving Suggestions
- Top with mixed berries and a sprig of mint.
- Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or pistachios for crunch.
- Serve in small glasses as part of a dessert sampler.
- Pair with a light cookie or shortbread for texture contrast.
- Offer alongside a simple salad and garlic lemon orzo for a balanced dinner.
Notes
Use a gentle simmer and low heat to prevent scorching or boiling over. If freezing, thaw slowly in the fridge to preserve texture.