Lemon Posset

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A silky, custard-like dessert with a bright lemon flavor, chilled to a smooth, creamy consistency. This british-inspired recipe ready in about 25 minutes pairs lemon juice, heavy cream, whole milk for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 British cuisine 240 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan, whisk together 1/2 cup lemon juice, 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup whole milk, and 1/3 cup granulated sugar until the sugar dissolves.
  2. Step 2: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture reaches 160°F (71°C) — do not let it boil.
  3. Step 3: In a heatproof bowl, whisk 3 egg yolks with 1 tbsp of the warm lemon-cream mixture until combined.
  4. Step 4: Pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  5. Step 5: Pour the posset into 4 chilled ramekins. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours until set. Serve chilled with a lemon zest garnish.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon Posset take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Lemon Posset?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lemon juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon Posset?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Lemon Posset for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Lemon Posset?

British mains like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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