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Creamy lemon posset in a glass jar with silver spoon on white background

Easy Lemon Posset Recipe (Creamy, Silky & Foolproof)

A silky, no-bake British dessert made with just cream, sugar, and lemon juice. Ten minutes of hands-on prep, no gelatin, no oven, and a rich tangy set that firms up perfectly in the fridge.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Chilling Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: British
Calories: 364
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups heavy cream double cream, at least 36% fat
  • 2/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice about 3 medium lemons
  • 2 lemons zested
  • 1 pinch salt

Equipment

  • Medium heavy-bottomed saucepan
  • Fine mesh strainer
  • Heatproof jug or large measuring cup
  • Small glasses, jars, or ramekins 4 to 6 pieces
  • Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula

Method
 

  1. Combine the cream, sugar, lemon zest, and a small pinch of salt in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan.
  2. Set the pan over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar fully dissolves and the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
  3. Once boiling, let it bubble steadily for exactly 3 minutes, stirring frequently so nothing scorches on the bottom. Do not skip this step — it is what allows the posset to set without gelatin.
  4. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice. The mixture will thicken slightly and turn a touch paler almost immediately.
  5. Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a heatproof jug. Divide evenly among small glasses, jars, or ramekins.
  6. Let the glasses cool at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until fully set.

Notes

Use heavy cream with at least 36% fat — lower-fat cream will not set properly. Give the mixture a full, steady 3-minute boil before removing from heat; this is what allows the posset to set without gelatin. Always strain through a fine mesh sieve before chilling for the silkiest texture. Let the posset chill undisturbed — moving the glasses while setting causes uneven texture. A thin wrinkled skin on top after chilling is completely normal. Keeps covered in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. Do not freeze.