This lemon posset recipe mixes up luxuriously creamy, with a sparklingly bright citrus flavor. Just 3 simple ingredients!

Four ramekins of lemon posset.

Another fabulous recipe from contributor Jen: Lemon Posset!

Have you ever heard of this dessert? I have to admit, it was new to me up until several years ago.

But once I tried it I was all in!

It’s creamy, rich, and so refreshingly citrusy! Perfect for this time of year.

For more fabulously summery recipes, be sure to check out my blueberry buckle, double chocolate zucchini muffins, and easy cookie dough ice cream!

Closeup of lemon posset with text overlay.

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What is lemon posset?

I would put this dessert into the “custard” category. Even though it doesn’t have eggs, it’s creamy-dreamy and spoonable. Very similar to panna cotta, but infused with plenty of zippy lemon flavor!

Why this is the best lemon posset recipe

  1. Tastes amazing: It bakes up silky smooth and so lemony, with just the right amount of sweetness!
  2. Few ingredients: You’ll only need 3 pantry staples.
  3. Easy to make: In less than 30 minutes of active time.
  4. Versatile: Enjoy it as-is, or jazz it up in lots of different ways. More on that below!

What does lemon posset taste like?

Lemon posset has a rich, creamy mouthfeel, similar to a panna cotta. The flavor is sweet, tangy, and bright from the lemon juice, lemon zest, and sugar!

Ingredients

Ingredients for lemon posset.

Lemon: The star of the show! You will need the zest and juice from approximately 1 1/2 fresh lemons.

Cream: Make sure you are using heavy whipping cream, aka: double cream.

Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the dish.

Special equipment

How to make lemon posset dessert

This is one of the easiest desserts you’ll ever make. 

Step 1: Simmer cream, sugar and zest

Combine the heavy cream, sugar, and lemon zest in a medium saucepan set over medium heat. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes. 

Heavy cream, lemon zest and sugar in a saucepan.

Step 2: Add lemon juice

Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice.

Lemon juice added to saucepan.

Step 3: Strain out the zest

Place a fine mesh strainer over a bowl and strain the mixture, discarding the lemon zest.

Mixture strained through a mesh strainer.

Step 4: Fill serving dishes and chill

Divide the mixture evenly between serving dishes such as ramekins or jars. Chill for 3-5 hours, until the mixture has set. 

Mixture poured into 4 ramekins.

How to serve lemon posset

This dessert is best served chilled.

It looks extra pretty with a few fresh berries and a sprig of mint, but these adornments are completely optional!

Expert tips

Watch it carefully: Keep an eye on the cream while it’s simmering. If it starts bubbling up and rising, briefly remove the saucepan from the burner and lower the heat.

Squeeze: After straining the cooked mixture through the strainer, you can optionally use a spatula to press on the zest, extracting more liquid. 

Four ramekins with lemon posset and a spoonful of custard on the side.

Frequently asked questions

Is lemon posset gluten-free?


Yes! This recipe is completely gluten-free.

How to make lemon posset brulee


For a crunchy caramelized sugar cap, sprinkle a layer of sugar over the lemon possets and melt it under the broiler or with a brulee torch. As it cools back down, it will harden like glass! So satisfying to crack it with your spoon!

How to make lemon posset in lemon shell


Just scoop the flesh out of a lemon that’s been halved longways, and pour in the hot cream mixture.

You may need to support the lemon shells with some foil so they don’t roll around and spill.

Then chill as usual!

How long does lemon posset keep in the fridge?


It will keep for 4-5 days, but it’s best if enjoyed within 1-2 days. 

How do you store lemon posset?


To store leftovers, cover and keep in the refrigerator. 

Can you freeze lemon posset?


Yes! This dessert will last for a couple of months in the freezer. Just thaw it in the fridge before serving.

What is the serving size?


This recipe makes 4 servings but it can be doubled or tripled for a bigger crowd.

The nutritional info is for 1/4th of the whole batch and it does not include any garnishes or toppings.

Lemon posset garnished with mint and blueberries.

A few more of our best lemon recipes

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4 ramekins of lemon posset.
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Lemon Posset

Servings: 4 servings (up to 6 servings)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 5 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes
This lemon posset recipe mixes up luxuriously creamy, with a sparklingly bright citrus flavor. Just 3 simple ingredients!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (476 g) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons (4 g) grated lemon zest, about 1 1/2 lemons
  • 1/3 cup (81.33 g) fresh-squeezed lemon juice, about 1 1/2 lemons
  • Optional garnishes: Fresh berries, mint leaves

Instructions
 

  • Combine the cream, sugar and zest in a medium saucepan set over medium heat.
  • Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. Once it’s at a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes, stirring a few times to prevent a skin from forming.
  • Strain the liquid through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl and discard the zest.
  • Divide the mixture evenly between 4-6 individual ramekins or serving glasses.
  • Refrigerate uncovered until set, 3-5 hours. Garnish as desired and serve.

Notes

Once chilled, lemon possets can be stored (covered) in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
Serving: 1bowl, Calories: 506kcal, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 43g, Saturated Fat: 27g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 11g, Cholesterol: 134mg, Sodium: 33mg, Potassium: 136mg, Fiber: 0.2g, Sugar: 29g, Vitamin A: 1751IU, Vitamin C: 10mg, Calcium: 81mg, Iron: 0.2mg
Cuisine: British
Course: Dessert
Tried this recipe?Mention @bakingamoment on Instagram or tag #bakingamoment.

Author

  • Jennifer Farley

    Hi there, I'm Jen. From 2009 to 2021, I was a full time blogger at Savory Simple, a blog dedicated to well-tested recipes and tutorials for home cooks. In 2016, I published my cookbook, The Gourmet Kitchen. I now work full time as a freelance recipe developer and food photographer from my home in Olney, MD, where I live with my husband Jeff and our 3 cats. I've written a weekly newsletter for The Washington Post's Voraciously, and I've also contributed to The Kitchn, Food52, Parade Magazine, and Better Homes & Gardens. Allie and I have been friends for years, and I'm thrilled to now be contributing to Baking a Moment!

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