My Lemon Posset dessert recipe looks so elegant with a bright lemony flavor, and it’s the easiest recipe with just three ingredients: lemon juice, cream, and sugar that form a smooth and spoonable custard. I love to serve this in lemon cups or ramekins for a perfect springtime presentation, and it’s a great make-ahead dessert! This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
Lemon Posset Video Watch me use 3 simple ingredients to make lemon posset – a sophisticated lemon dessert fit for royalty. You’ll also see how easy it is to prepare the lemon cups.
Easy Lemon Posset RecipeWhen I first tasted lemon posset, I fell in love. Even though it’s so simple, this recipe becomes a sophisticated dessert that makes you feel like royalty, which is a perfect description! Like my Eton Mess and Banoffee Pie, it’s a classic British dessert that was rumored to be one of Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite desserts, and even served at her wedding. I love bringing this dessert to parties and events because the presentation is adorable, served in lemon peels.
If it’s good enough for the Queen, it’s good enough for me! I just love the cheery color of the custard served in lemon cups. The smooth custard is similar to Panna Cotta, but the lemon juice sets up the cream without the use of gelatin or eggs. It’s a no-bake dessert with just 5 minutes on the stove. Ingredients for Lemon PossetGrab these three ingredients and a saucepan to make lemon posset in super cute individual-serving cups. To dress these up, once the posset is set, I like to top with fresh berries, mint leaves, slices of lemon, or homemade whipped cream.
Heavy whipping cream – this reacts with the lemon juice to create the creamy custard—don’t substitute with anything lower fat, since it will only set up with 36-40% milk fat.
Sugar – adds the perfect sweetness to offset the acidic lemon juice, and it dissolves perfectly when heated.
Lemon juice – skip the bottled juice here since the flavor is dull and may not set up correctly. Bonus—you use the lemon peels to serve the custard. I like to get a big bag of inexpensive lemons at Costco, which work perfectly. Can I Use a Different Citrus Juice?For a twist on this lemon posset, try swapping the citrus for lime juice, half lemon and half orange juice, or even blood orange juice (increase the juice by 1 Tbsp). Be sure you have 5 Tablespoons so the custard will set.
How to Make Lemon CupsTo prep the lemon peels, cut them in half lengthwise and spoon out the inside juice and membrane. Reserve the juice for the recipe by mashing the pulp and straining it through a sieve. How to Make Lemon Posset To make the custard, you’ll need just 5 minutes of active cook time. It’s quick, so be sure your lemon halves or ramekins are ready before beginning. This recipe makes about 10-12 lemon halves or 6 ramekins.
Boil – heat the cream and sugar in a small saucepan, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture comes to a boil. Adjust the heat to keep the mixture from boiling over and keep at a medium boil for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This reduces the cream slightly, resulting in a better set.
Add the lemon – take the saucepan off the heat and whisk the lemon juice into the cream mixture, then set the pan aside for 15 minutes to cool. Pour it through a fine mesh sieve into a large measuring cup with a spout. This creates the super smooth texture!
Fill the ramekins or lemon halves with about 3/4” of the lemon custard. If it’s thicker than that, it may not set properly.
Refrigerate – put the cups into the fridge for 2 hours or until set. If you want to store it for longer in the refrigerator, cover with plastic wrap once it’s set so it doesn’t absorb any refrigerator smells. Garnish to your heart’s delight just before serving. Why didn’t my lemon posset set?Be sure to use heavy whipping cream, not light cream or milk. Also, be sure to boil the cream and sugar mixture for 5 minutes to reduce the cream to the right consistency. If the custard didn’t set, add another tablespoon of lemon juice and then boil for 2 minutes, cool, and chill.
Can I make dairy-free lemon posset?If you swap the heavy cream with canned full-fat coconut cream, it won’t set correctly, but you can still serve it as a thick pudding or in a parfait. Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
To Refrigerate: Once the possets have chilled for about 2 hours and are set, cover with plastic wrap and store for up to 3 days. Between friends, I have enjoyed leftovers refrigerated for up to a week while testing scores of these, but they do start to get a bit of liquid condensation at the top that needs to be drained off with longer storage.
Freezing: I wouldn’t recommend freezing since the custard can turn grainy or icy. How to Serve Lemon PossetWhile I love the simplicity of serving lemon posset in a lemon cup or ramekin, here are more ways to enjoy it:
In premade crusts, like my Lemon Tartlets, or use it as the filling for a Fruit Tart with a Sweet Tart Crust.
Layered in a parfait with granola, crushed graham crackers or shortbread cookies.
Drizzled with Strawberry Sauce for a lemony strawberry cream dessert
Topped or rolled into Crepes
Poured over my mini PavlovasLemons are one of my favorite ingredients in Spring. I love serving lemon desserts, like my Classic Lemon Bars, Lemon Cheesecake, and Lemon Curd, since the flavor is so refreshing, and Lemon Posset is in my top list of favorite lemon recipes. You’ll love how sophisticated these look – make them and you’ll impress everyone!