Ina Garten’s Dreamy English Lemon Posset Recipe in 5 Steps

Lemon posset stands as a luxurious British dessert that transforms simple ingredients into an elegant culinary experience.

Smooth and silky, this classic treat whispers sophistication with its rich, velvety texture and bright citrus notes.

Traditional preparation techniques blend cream and sugar into a magical transformation that delights the palate.

Sweet yet tangy, the dessert captures the essence of refined simplicity and culinary craftsmanship.

Minimal ingredients combine to create a surprisingly complex flavor profile that feels simultaneously indulgent and light.

Each spoonful promises a delicate balance of creamy richness and zesty brightness that lingers pleasantly on the tongue.

Rich cream and fresh citrus unite in a dessert that elevates any dining occasion: prepare to be enchanted.

Why English Lemon Posset Is Light Yet Luxurious

• Rapid Flavor Infusion: Crafting this lemon posset involves a brilliant technique of gently simmering cream with sugar and lemon zest, then adding limoncello to create a deeply aromatic and luxurious dessert that develops complex flavors in just minutes.
• Effortless Elegance: This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a sophisticated dessert with minimal cooking skills required, making it perfect for home cooks who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Texture Perfection: The chilled cream sets into a silky-smooth, custard-like consistency that melts gorgeously on the tongue, while the macerated berries provide a bright, fresh contrast with their juicy, vibrant character.
• Quick Summer Showstopper: Designed for warm days, this dessert comes together in under an hour of active time and chills beautifully, offering a refreshing and light finale to any meal that looks and tastes like a professional pastry chef created it.

Get What You Need for Lemon Posset Perfection

• Heavy Cream: Rich and smooth base for the dessert, provides luxurious texture and creamy consistency.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cream and helps create smooth, silky dessert structure.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy flavor that cuts through cream's richness and adds refreshing citrus profile.
• Limoncello: Italian lemon liqueur that intensifies citrus notes and adds sophisticated depth.

• Raspberries, Strawberries: Fresh, seasonal berries that provide natural sweetness and vibrant color contrast.
• Additional Sugar: Helps macerate berries and release their natural juices.

• Salt: Subtle enhancement that balances sweetness and brings out deeper flavor notes.

Making Ina Garten’s Silky Lemon Posset

Step 1: Prepare Creamy Base

• Heavy cream
• Sugar
• Lemon zest
• Salt

Combine all ingredients and bring to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Stir gently to dissolve sugar. Once boiling, reduce heat to a steady simmer. Cook for 6 minutes without stirring. If mixture starts bubbling too vigorously, briefly remove from heat.

Step 2: Enhance Flavor Profile

• Fresh lemon juice
• Limoncello

Stir ingredients thoroughly. Allow mixture to rest for 20 minutes, letting flavors mingle and develop.

Step 3: Refine and Chill

Strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring jug. Press zest gently to extract maximum flavor. Discard remaining zest. Pour strained cream into serving glasses or bowls. Refrigerate uncovered for 3 hours until set and chilled.

Step 4: Create Berry Topping

• Raspberries
• Strawberries
• Remaining limoncello
• Remaining sugar

Let berries sit and release natural juices for 30 minutes, creating a luscious sauce.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon macerated berries and their vibrant juices over chilled possets. Serve immediately for maximum flavor and texture.

Tips for the Smoothest Citrus Dessert

• Measure Precisely: Accurate ingredient measurements are crucial for achieving the creamy, smooth texture of this classic English dessert.
• Zest with Care: Use a fine grater to remove only the bright yellow part of the lemon peel, avoiding the bitter white pith underneath.
• Control the Heat: Maintain a gentle simmer to prevent the cream from burning or boiling over, which can ruin the delicate consistency.
• Chill Completely: Allow ample refrigeration time to let the posset set firmly and develop its signature silky, luxurious texture.
• Serve Chilled: Enjoy the posset straight from the refrigerator for the most refreshing and satisfying dessert experience.

How to Store Lemon Posset Properly

• Chill Carefully: Transfer the posset to individual sealed glass jars or ramekins with tight-fitting lids to maintain optimal freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors. Protect the delicate dessert by placing plastic wrap directly on its surface before covering to prevent skin formation.
• Freezing Strategy: While not ideal, you can freeze lemon posset for up to 1 month in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and gently stir before serving to restore its smooth, creamy texture.
• Extended Storage: Check the posset daily for any signs of separation or unusual smell. Consume within 3 days for the best taste and quality, as the texture might gradually change with prolonged refrigeration.

Ideas to Dress Up This Classic Treat

• Herb-Infused Posset: Swap lemon zest with fresh thyme or lavender for an aromatic herbaceous version that offers subtle floral undertones.
• Berry Blend Variation: Replace single berry type with a mixed berry medley including blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries for complex flavor and vibrant color.
• Citrus Fusion Posset: Incorporate orange and lime zest alongside lemon for a multilayered citrus profile that brightens the classic dessert.
• Spiced Mediterranean Adaptation: Add a pinch of cardamom or ground cinnamon during cream cooking to introduce warm, exotic notes that complement the creamy texture.

Final Spoonful of Zesty Lemon Bliss

Culinary magic emerges from Ina Garten’s English lemon posset, a dessert that whispers elegance through creamy textures and citrus notes.

Mediterranean raspberries and strawberries dance alongside silky cream, creating symphonic flavor profiles.

Gentle lemon undertones complement each spoonful with sophisticated charm.

Summer memories cascade through each delightful bite of this classic British treat.

Sophisticated palates will adore this simple yet luxurious dessert experience.

Make this recipe spark conversation, inspire kitchen creativity, and share pure deliciousness with friends who crave memorable moments—click that share button, drop a comment below, and spread the posset passion!

Ina Garten English Lemon Posset Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky smooth lemon posset emerges as a classic British dessert that delights with its creamy texture and zesty citrus notes. Minimal ingredients combine into an elegant finale that transports diners to the charming countryside of England, where you’ll savor each spoonful of pure culinary bliss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 720 ml / 3 cups heavy cream
• 225 g / 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 150 g / 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 150 g / 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries

Citrus Components:

• 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest (from 2 to 3 lemons)
• 80 ml / ⅓ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 60 ml / 4 tablespoons limoncello liqueur

Seasoning:

• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Craft the luscious cream foundation by combining heavy cream, granulated sugar, freshly grated lemon zest, and a pinch of salt in a medium saucepan (approximately 6 inches/15 centimeters round).
2. Elevate the mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat, gently stirring to dissolve the sugar completely. Once boiling, reduce to a vigorous simmer and allow the liquid to cook undisturbed for 6 minutes, carefully monitoring to prevent overflow.
3. Remove the saucepan from heat and incorporate freshly squeezed lemon juice and limoncello. Let the mixture rest for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to intertwine and develop a harmonious profile.
4. Meticulously strain the infused cream through a fine-mesh sieve into a measuring jug, pressing the zest to extract maximum flavor. Discard the spent zest.
5. Distribute the strained cream evenly into six dessert bowls or glasses (8 to /230 to 300 milliliters). Refrigerate uncovered for 3 hours until the possets set into a luxurious, silky texture.
6. Prepare the berry garnish by combining fresh raspberries, strawberries, additional limoncello, and remaining sugar in a medium bowl. Allow the berries to macerate for 30 minutes, releasing their natural sweetness and creating a vibrant sauce.
7. Serve the chilled possets by generously spooning the macerated berries and their luscious juices over the top, creating a stunning and flavorful dessert presentation.

Notes

• Pick a snug pan that prevents messy overflow when cream bubbles and rises during cooking.
• Resist stirring once the mixture starts simmering to guarantee a silky smooth final texture.
• Keep eagle eyes on the pot while simmering because cream can dramatically surge and spill within seconds.
• Squeeze every last drop of bright citrus essence by firmly pressing zest while straining the mixture.
• Allow the dessert to set undisturbed in the refrigerator without a cover, giving it ample time to transform into a dreamy, firm treat.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: English

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/6 of the recipe)
• Calories: 452
• Sugar: 31g
• Sodium: 69mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 151mg