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Lemon posset is creamy, velvety 3-ingredient lemon pudding that is impossibly simple and satisfying. It’s impressive as can be and proof that old-school techniques can yield very happy modern results!

lemon pudding in clear glasses on wooden table

Lemon Posset

When I say this dessert is old school, I mean OLD school; as in dating back to the sixteenth century. These simple but satisfying desserts have stuck around having the occasional sunshine-laden burst back into popularity because they are so very good and so incredibly easy to make.

While it’s much, much easier to lay your hands on lemons no matter where you live these days, not much else has changed about making possets.

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Lemon Posset with berries and whipped cream in clear bowls

What Is A Posset?

Simply put, you use citric acid in the form of lemon juice to thicken sweetened cream to make these sweet treats. Sugar and cream are whisked together, boiled, and then introduced to lemon juice which does the job of thickening the cream.

It’s so easy you might not believe it until you try it yourself, but try it you should! For an elegant touch, you can serve these in hollowed out lemon halves or keep it simple and serve in small, individual bowls. No matter what, it’ll make any meal feel special.

stirring posset on stove

Lemon Posset Recipe

To make this delicious throwback, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • Heavy cream
  • White sugar
  • Fresh lemons

While all you truly need for this luscious lemon pudding is the short three ingredient list above, you can gild your lily with a dollop of whipped cream, some fresh berries, and a little mint, should you wish to!

posset thickly coating wooden spoon

To make the posset, combine the cream and sugar in a saucepan. Whisk gently to combine them and bring to a boil over medium to medium high heat.

Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking, while stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes, or until thickened. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice.

Pour into individual glasses or small bowls and refrigerate until set, at least 4 hours. If desired, serve topped with a bit of whipped cream, berries, or mint.

lemon pudding with whipped cream and berries in glasses

Can’t get enough lemon? Neither can I. Try out this beginner-friendly Microwave Lemon Curd, then use some of that for the warm weather lemon lover’s favorite Lemon Curd Ice Cream.

With little more than a handful of eggs, some fresh lemons, and sugar, you’ll be able to whip up the stunning, Lemon Angel Pie. And don’t forget these stunning and sumptuous Sunburst Lemon Bars, also known as the best lemon bars I’ve ever made.

5 from 1 vote

Lemon Posset

Avatar photoMary Younkin
Lemon posset is creamy, velvety 3-ingredient lemon pudding that is impossibly simple and satisfying. It's impressive as can be and proof that old-school techniques can yield very happy modern results!
Servings: 6
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Ingredients 

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • ¾ cups white sugar
  • 2-3 fresh lemons about ⅓-½ cup of juice (taste and adjust as testing)

For Serving

  • ¼ cup heavy cream for whipped topping
  • fresh berries
  • fresh mint

Instructions 

  • Combine the cream and sugar in a saucepan. Whisk to combine and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and continue cooking, while stirring constantly for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice.
  • Pour into individual glasses or small bowls and refrigerate until set, at least 4 hours. If desired, serve topped with a bit of whipped cream, berries, or mint.

Nutrition

Calories: 400 kcal | Carbohydrates: 27 g | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 32 g | Saturated Fat: 21 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8 g | Cholesterol: 101 mg | Sodium: 24 mg | Potassium: 85 mg | Sugar: 28 g | Vitamin A: 1312 IU | Vitamin C: 1 mg | Calcium: 59 mg | Iron: 0.1 mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

close up of posset in glass with strawberry

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Rating




10 Comments

  1. Barbara Doiron says:

    Could stevia be used instead of sugar ?

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      I imagine it could, however I haven’t tested that myself.

  2. Mary Donna Rafter says:

    Haven’t made this yet but who doesn’t love lemons.
    But before I start, I was wondering if I could add some of the zest from the lemon to the sugar and cream mixture? Love those lemons!
    Thanks, Donna5 stars

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      You certainly can, but the resulting posset won’t be perfectly smooth with the zest added.

  3. Traci Greenamyer says:

    Could you substitute the sugar for stevia?And what would be the measurement? Could you also substitute the cream for a vegan alternative? Have had a stroke and need to adjust my eating habits.

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      I haven’t tried either of those substitutions.

    2. Judy says:

      Traci, are you asking about stevia with regard to the posset only or also general cooking for a stroke patient. I’ve also had a stroke, (though thankfully quite mild) and I’m also interested in the answer from Mary. Hope she will comment very soon. God bless to you both!

    3. Mary Younkin says:

      Hi there, while I’m not familiar with cooking specific to those post-stroke needs, the posset should work fine with an alternative sweetener. However, I haven’t tried that myself. If you do try it, please let us know how it works out!

  4. Linda Cordery says:

    A these be frozen after making, thanks.

    1. Mary Younkin says:

      I don’t recommend freezing this recipe.