Lemon Posset Brûlée is a delightful twist on the traditional British dessert. This creamy, citrusy treat requires only a handful of ingredients and no baking. It’s an impressive dessert for parties, family gatherings, or a simple weeknight indulgence. With its luxurious texture and the satisfying crack of caramelized sugar on top, this dessert is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just 3-4 ingredients, you can whip up this dessert in no time.
- No Baking Required: This recipe is perfect for those who want a delicious dessert without turning on the oven.
- Elegant Presentation: Serve it in hollowed lemon halves for a stunning and unique look.
- Versatile Flavor: The bright lemon flavor is refreshing and pairs well with various meals.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a dinner party or a cozy night in, Lemon Posset Brûlée fits the bill.
Tools and Preparation
Before we dive into making Lemon Posset Brûlée, let’s gather our kitchen essentials. Having the right tools will make this process seamless.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Saucepan
- Sieve
- Lemon squeezer (optional)
- Mixing spoon
- Blowtorch (for brûlée)
Importance of Each Tool
- Saucepan: A good saucepan helps evenly heat the cream without boiling it.
- Sieve: Straining through a sieve ensures a silky smooth texture by removing any zest or pulp.
- Blowtorch: Using a blowtorch allows you to create that perfectly caramelized sugar crust that adds flavor and texture.

Ingredients
For the Cream Base
- 1 cup heavy cream (or heavy whipping cream)
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (+ more for brûlée)
- 1-1½ lemons (zested)
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Lemon Posset Brûlée
Step 1: Prepare the Lemons
- Rinse and soak lemons thoroughly, then pat dry.
- Slice lemons in half and scoop out the flesh with a spoon. Work your way around until it releases from the skin.
Step 2: Extract Lemon Juice
- Squeeze lemon flesh by hand or use a lemon squeezer to extract juice.
- Use a sieve to catch any seeds and pulp. Set aside the lemon juice.
Step 3: Heat the Cream Mixture
- In a large saucepan, combine heavy cream, granulated sugar, and lemon zest.
- Stir consistently over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves and cream thickens slightly—about 5 minutes without boiling.
Step 4: Add Lemon Juice and Vanilla
- Turn off heat and pour in the reserved lemon juice and vanilla extract.
- Stir continuously as the mixture thickens further.
Step 5: Strain for Smoothness
- Strain the mixture through a sieve to remove all zest for an ultra-smooth texture.
- Allow cooling for about 10 minutes.
Step 6: Chill in Lemon Halves
- Fill hollowed lemon halves evenly with the cream mixture.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours or overnight until set.
- Before serving, sprinkle an even layer of granulated sugar on top and use a blowtorch to brûlée until golden brown.
Enjoy your homemade Lemon Posset Brûlée!
How to Serve Lemon Posset Brûlée
Lemon Posset Brûlée is a delightful dessert that can be served in various ways to enhance its delightful flavor and presentation. Here are some creative serving suggestions to impress your guests.
In Hollowed Lemon Shells
- Serving the posset in the hollowed lemon shells adds a striking visual appeal and a subtle citrus aroma, enhancing the overall experience.
With Fresh Berries
- Pairing with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries brings a burst of color and a tart contrast to the creamy sweetness of the posset.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top creates an extra layer of richness, making each bite even more indulgent.
Garnished with Mint Leaves
- Adding fresh mint leaves as a garnish not only elevates the presentation but also provides a refreshing flavor that complements lemon beautifully.
Alongside Shortbread Cookies
- Serving with buttery shortbread cookies offers a delightful crunch, balancing the smooth texture of the posset with something crispy and sweet.
In Mini Dessert Cups
- For a modern twist, serve the lemon posset in mini dessert cups. This makes for easy portion control and an elegant touch for any gathering.
How to Perfect Lemon Posset Brûlée
Creating the perfect Lemon Posset Brûlée involves careful attention to detail. Here are some essential tips to ensure your dessert turns out flawlessly.
- Use fresh lemons: Fresh lemons provide vibrant flavor and zest that enhances the overall taste. Avoid using bottled lemon juice for best results.
- Monitor cooking temperature: Keep the heat on medium-low while cooking the cream mixture. This prevents boiling, which can affect texture.
- Strain thoroughly: Straining the mixture through a sieve removes any zest bits, ensuring a silky smooth texture that’s pleasing to eat.
- Chill adequately: Allow enough time for chilling in the fridge. A minimum of 1-2 hours will help set the posset properly.
- Brûlée just before serving: For optimal texture, caramelize the sugar right before serving. This keeps it crunchy and adds an exciting element.
- Experiment with flavors: Feel free to infuse other flavors such as lavender or ginger into your cream for unique variations on this classic dessert.
Best Side Dishes for Lemon Posset Brûlée
To complement your Lemon Posset Brûlée, consider these delicious side dishes that pair well with its rich, creamy texture and bright flavor.
-
Berry Compote
A warm berry compote made from mixed fruits adds sweetness and creates an appealing contrast to the lemon posset. -
Almond Biscotti
Crunchy almond biscotti provides a delightful texture contrast, perfect for dipping into the creamy posset. -
Fruit Salad
A light fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits offers a refreshing balance that enhances each bite of lemony goodness. -
Chocolate Tartlets
Rich chocolate tartlets create an indulgent pairing that satisfies those craving something sweet alongside their citrus dessert. -
Ginger Snap Cookies
Spicy ginger snaps add warmth and crunch, making them an excellent companion for the zesty flavors of lemon posset. -
Vanilla Panna Cotta
A light vanilla panna cotta adds another layer of creaminess while maintaining a delicate flavor profile that complements lemon nicely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Lemon Posset Brûlée, even small errors can affect the final result. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the zesting: Not using fresh lemon zest can dull the flavor. Make sure to zest your lemons before juicing for maximum taste.
- Overheating the cream: Heating the cream too quickly can cause it to boil. Always use medium-low heat and stir consistently to avoid this mistake.
- Not straining the mixture: Failing to strain the mixture can leave unwanted bits of zest in your posset. Strain it through a sieve for a smooth texture.
- Insufficient chilling time: If you don’t chill the mixture long enough, it won’t set properly. Allow at least 1-2 hours in the fridge, or overnight if possible.
- Using too much sugar for brûlée: Adding too much sugar on top can lead to uneven caramelization. Use a light, even layer for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Keep chilled at all times until ready to serve.
Freezing Lemon Posset Brûlée
- It’s best not to freeze; however, if necessary, can be stored in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month.
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating Lemon Posset Brûlée
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm in a ramekin covered with foil for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 15-20 seconds at medium power until just warm.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat over low heat in a saucepan while stirring until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Lemon Posset Brûlée:
What is Lemon Posset Brûlée?
Lemon Posset Brûlée is a creamy dessert that combines lemon flavors with a silky texture, topped with caramelized sugar.
How do I achieve a perfect brûlée topping?
To get an even brûlée topping, sprinkle an even layer of sugar and use a blowtorch until it turns golden brown and crispy.
Can I customize my Lemon Posset Brûlée?
Absolutely! You can add different citrus zests or infuse flavors like lavender or mint for a unique twist.
Is Lemon Posset Brûlée gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
Lemon Posset Brûlée is not only simple but also incredibly delicious. Its creamy texture combined with a crispy caramelized top makes it an impressive dessert. Feel free to customize it by experimenting with different fruits or flavors. Give this delightful recipe a try!
Lemon Posset Brûlée
Lemon Posset Brûlée is a delightful and elegant dessert that combines the rich, creamy texture of a classic posset with a luxurious caramelized sugar topping. This no-bake treat is not only simple to make but also visually stunning when served in hollowed lemon halves. With just a few key ingredients, including fresh lemons and heavy cream, this dessert delivers a refreshing citrus flavor that’s perfect for any occasion—be it a dinner party or a cozy night in.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup granulated sugar (plus more for brûlée)
- 1–1½ lemons (zested)
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the lemons by rinsing, drying, slicing in half, and scooping out the flesh.
- Extract the lemon juice and strain it to remove any seeds and pulp.
- In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, sugar, and lemon zest. Heat over medium-low until the sugar dissolves, about 5 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract until thickened.
- Strain the mixture through a sieve for smoothness and let cool for 10 minutes.
- Fill hollowed lemon halves with the cream mixture and chill in the fridge for at least 1-2 hours or overnight.
- Before serving, sprinkle an even layer of sugar on top and caramelize with a blowtorch until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lemon half (90g)
- Calories: 286
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 76mg



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