Lemon Posset in Fresh Lemon Cups Recipe
Introduction
Lemon Posset is a delightfully creamy and tangy British dessert that’s incredibly simple to make with just a few ingredients. Its smooth texture and bright lemon flavor make it a refreshing treat perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- ¾ cup Granulated White Sugar
- 2 Juice of Ripe Lemons
- Lemon Zest (for garnish)
- 4 Lemons, Halved and Hulled (for serving)
Instructions
- Step 1: Hollow out the pulp of the 4 lemons to create natural serving cups. Alternatively, you can use small ramekins. If you find lemons with leaves, keep them on for a charming presentation. Set the lemon cups aside.
- Step 2: In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream and granulated sugar. Stir the mixture and bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
- Step 3: Remove from heat and stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice until fully incorporated.
- Step 4: Pour the lemon cream mixture evenly into the hollowed lemon cups or ramekins. Refrigerate for about 5 hours, or until the posset has fully set. You will notice the mixture starting to firm up after a couple of hours.
- Step 5: Before serving, garnish with fresh mint, lavender, and extra lemon zest to enhance the flavor and appearance. Enjoy your bright and creamy lemon posset!
Tips & Variations
- Use heavy cream with at least 36% fat for the best creamy texture.
- For a sweeter or more tart flavor, adjust the amount of lemon juice and sugar to your taste.
- Try adding a small splash of Limoncello to the mixture for an adult twist.
- Substitute lemon juice with lime juice for a different citrus flavor.
Storage
Store lemon posset covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled until ready to serve, and if needed, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly before enjoying. This dessert is best served cold and should not be frozen as it may alter the texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare lemon posset in advance?
Yes, lemon posset benefits from chilling time so it can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated until ready to serve.
What if I don’t have fresh lemons?
Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but in a pinch, you can substitute with bottled lemon juice. Avoid flavored or sweetened lemon juice to maintain the dessert’s balance.
PrintLemon Posset in Fresh Lemon Cups Recipe
Lemon Posset is a classic British dessert featuring a smooth, creamy lemon-infused custard set in lemon shells or ramekins. It combines heavy cream, sugar, and fresh lemon juice to create a simple yet elegant chilled dessert that is tangy, sweet, and refreshingly light. Ideal for warm weather or as a delightful finisher to any meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- ¾ cup Granulated White Sugar
- 2 Juice of Ripe Lemons
- Lemon Zest (for garnish)
- 4 Lemons, Halved and Hulled (for serving cups)
Instructions
- Prepare Lemon Cups: Carefully hollow out the pulp of 4 lemons to create natural serving dishes for the posset. Alternatively, you may use ramekins. If available, lemons with leaves add a charming presentation touch. Set these aside.
- Heat Cream and Sugar: In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups of heavy cream and ¾ cup of granulated sugar. Stir well and gently bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Once it starts boiling, continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes to slightly thicken the cream.
- Add Lemon Juice: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the juice of 2 ripe lemons. The acidity will help the custard set.
- Chill the Posset: Pour the lemon-cream mixture into the prepared lemon shells or ramekins. Refrigerate for at least 5 hours, or until the mixture is fully set. After a couple of hours, it will start to firm up.
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, add fresh mint leaves, lavender sprigs, or additional lemon zest on top for an extra burst of aroma and flavor. Enjoy this silky, tangy dessert chilled.
Notes
- Using fresh lemons with leaves enhances presentation but is optional.
- The dessert must chill for a minimum of 5 hours for proper setting; overnight refrigeration is ideal.
- If lemon shells are not available or preferred, use small ramekins or dessert glasses.
- For extra flavor, incorporate finely grated lemon zest directly into the cream mixture before heating.
- Handle lemon shells carefully to avoid breaking them during preparation.
Keywords: Lemon Posset, British dessert, creamy lemon custard, no-bake lemon dessert, chilled lemon pudding

