Introduction
Looking for a dessert that’s both elegant and easy to make? Lemon Brûlée Posset is the perfect solution! This delightful British classic takes creamy, zesty lemon posset to a whole new level by adding a golden, caramelized brûlée topping. With just a few simple ingredients and no baking required, this dessert is rich, refreshing, and absolutely irresistible. It’s the perfect treat for special occasions or when you just want to indulge in something sweet and satisfying!
Table of Contents
History or Background
Posset is a traditional British dessert that dates back to the Middle Ages. Originally, it was made with curdled cream, wine, and spices, but over time, it evolved into a simpler, more modern version made with heavy cream, sugar, and citrus. Lemon posset specifically became popular as it combined the tartness of lemon with the richness of cream. The brûlée twist on this dessert—topping it with a layer of caramelized sugar—adds an extra layer of texture and flavor, turning a simple posset into an extraordinary treat. This modern version is a lighter take on custard-based desserts, without the need for eggs or baking, making it an easy yet luxurious option for dessert lovers.
Why You’ll Love Lemon Brûlée Posset
Here’s why Lemon Brûlée Posset is a must-try dessert:
- Creamy & Refreshing – The rich, smooth cream combined with fresh lemon juice creates a perfect balance of richness and tartness, making it both indulgent and refreshing.
- No Baking Required – Unlike many custard-based desserts, this posset requires no eggs or baking, making it easy to prepare and perfect for novice bakers.
- Quick to Make – With just a few ingredients and a short cooking time, this dessert comes together in less than 30 minutes, although chilling it for a couple of hours ensures the best texture.
- Elegant & Impressive – The caramelized sugar top adds a delightful crunch and a touch of sophistication, making this dessert perfect for special occasions or casual indulgence.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – It chills overnight, making it a great option for prepping ahead of time for parties or holiday gatherings.
Ingredients for Lemon Brûlée Posset
To make Lemon Brûlée Posset, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream (or heavy whipping cream)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (plus more for the brûlée topping)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
These simple ingredients combine to create a smooth, citrusy dessert with a golden, caramelized finish.
How to Make Lemon Brûlée Posset
Making Lemon Brûlée Posset is quick and simple. Follow these steps:
- Prepare the Lemons: Rinse and soak the lemons thoroughly, then pat them dry. Slice the lemons in half, scoop out the flesh with a spoon, and extract the juice using your hands or a lemon squeezer. Set the juice aside.
- Cook the Cream: In a large saucepan, combine the heavy cream, granulated sugar, and lemon zest. Stir constantly over medium-low heat until the sugar dissolves and the cream thickens slightly (about 5 minutes). The cream should turn a faint yellow—do not allow it to boil.
- Add Lemon Juice & Vanilla: Turn off the heat, and stir in the fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract. Keep stirring as the cream thickens further.
- Strain for Smoothness: To achieve a creamy texture, strain the mixture through a sieve to remove the zest. Let the cream cool for about 10 minutes.
- Fill the Lemon Halves: Carefully fill the hollowed-out lemon halves evenly with the lemon mixture.
- Chill: Refrigerate the filled lemon halves for at least 1-2 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Brûlée the Top: Once set, sprinkle a layer of granulated sugar on top of each posset. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar, creating a crisp, golden brûlée topping.
Serve immediately or chill again for an even firmer texture.

Pro Tips for Lemon Brûlée Posset
- Choose Fresh Lemons: Fresh, ripe lemons are key to a bright, flavorful posset. Be sure to zest and juice them right before cooking for the best taste.
- Don’t Overheat the Cream: When heating the cream, make sure it doesn’t boil. A gentle simmer is all you need to allow the sugar to dissolve and the cream to thicken without curdling.
- Strain for Smoothness: Straining the mixture ensures your posset is silky and free from zest or any remaining lemon pulp. This step is essential for achieving that smooth, creamy texture.
- Caramelize the Sugar Evenly: When using a kitchen torch, make sure to move it constantly over the sugar to avoid burning one spot. This creates an even, crispy topping.
Serving Ideas or Usage Tips
Lemon Brûlée Posset is a versatile dessert that can be served in various ways:
- Elegant Dessert for Dinner Parties: Serve in individual ramekins or hollowed lemon halves for a sophisticated dessert that looks as good as it tastes.
- Pair with Fresh Berries: Top with fresh raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries for added color and a fresh contrast to the rich, creamy posset.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or casual gathering, this dessert’s elegant appearance and refreshing flavor will impress your guests.
- Chill for a Firmer Texture: If you prefer a firmer consistency, let the posset chill overnight. This will allow it to set perfectly and enhance its smooth texture.
These tips will elevate your Lemon Brûlée Posset experience, making it perfect for any occasion.
Storage Advice or Shelf-Life Information
To store your Lemon Brûlée Posset:
- Refrigeration: Store the posset in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The creamy texture will hold up well, but be sure to wait until just before serving to brûlée the sugar topping.
- Freezing: While the posset itself can freeze, it’s best to avoid freezing the caramelized sugar topping, as it may not hold up well after thawing. If you do freeze, skip the brûlée step and add it fresh when serving.
- Brûlée Topping: For the best results, brûlée the sugar just before serving to maintain the perfect crispy texture.
This dessert is great for make-ahead preparations, making it a fantastic choice for parties and gatherings.

FAQs
What is lemon posset made of?
Lemon posset is traditionally made with heavy cream, sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice. The combination creates a creamy and tangy custard-like texture that’s both rich and refreshing.
What’s the difference between crème brûlée and posset?
The main difference is that crème brûlée is made with eggs, cream, sugar, and vanilla, whereas posset is made with just cream and sugar, thickened by the acid in citrus (like lemon). Posset is also simpler to prepare, requiring no eggs or baking.
What makes a posset a posset?
A posset is traditionally a creamy dessert made by curdling cream with citrus or wine. The acid causes the cream to thicken and set, creating a smooth, custard-like texture without the need for eggs.
What is the difference between lemon posset and panna cotta?
Both are creamy, custard-like desserts, but panna cotta is made with gelatin to set it, while lemon posset uses the acidity of lemon juice to thicken the cream. Lemon posset also has a more pronounced citrus flavor compared to panna cotta, which is typically more neutral and flavored with vanilla.
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Conclusion
Lemon Brûlée Posset is the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and indulgent, with a sophisticated brûlée topping that adds an extra touch of elegance. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or a simple indulgence, this easy-to-make dessert is sure to impress. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a luxurious treat that’s both refreshing and decadent. Try it today and experience the joy of this delightful dessert!
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Amazing Lemon Brûlée Posset: A Creamy, Citrusy Delight
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Lemon Brûlée Posset is a creamy, tangy dessert made with heavy cream, fresh lemon juice, and caramelized sugar. A simple yet elegant treat that doesn’t require baking, it’s perfect for any occasion
Ingredients
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1 cup heavy cream
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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Zest of 2 lemons
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3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
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Rinse and soak the lemons thoroughly, then slice and scoop out the flesh. Extract the juice and set aside.
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In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, sugar, and lemon zest. Stir on medium-low heat until sugar dissolves and cream thickens, about 5 minutes.
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Turn off heat, add lemon juice and vanilla extract, then stir until the cream thickens further.
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Strain the mixture to remove zest. Cool for 10 minutes.
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Fill hollowed lemon halves with the mixture and refrigerate for 1-2 hours or overnight.
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Before serving, sprinkle sugar on top and brûlée using a kitchen torch.
Notes
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Let the posset chill for at least 1-2 hours before serving for the best texture.
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Brûlée the sugar just before serving to keep the topping crispy.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop, Chilling, Brûlée
- Cuisine: British