Grapefruit Posset For One

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Are you looking for a dessert that’s both easy to make and wonderfully refreshing? Look no further than this single serve Grapefruit Posset. This delightful dessert, reminiscent of a light custard, marries the sweet and tart flavors of grapefruit in a creamy, silky smooth texture. It’s a perfect after-dinner treat that’s not overly complicated or time-consuming.

a pudding topped with a grapefruit segment in a clear dessert bowl.

Searching for more single serving posset recipes? You’ll enjoy our zesty Lemon Posset and the refreshing Lime Posset.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What is a Posset?
Ingredients
How To Make A Grapefruit Posset
Expert Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
Grapefruit Posset For One Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Surprising Simplicity: Watch as simple ingredients transform into something special.
Light and Refreshing: The creamy texture is perfectly balanced by the tartness of the grapefruit, making it a delightful dessert that won’t leave you feeling heavy.
Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different citrus fruits like orange or lemon.
Single Serving Perfection: No need to worry about leftovers! This recipe is perfect for a satisfying dessert for one.
No Special Equipment Needed: Everything you need is likely already in your kitchen.

What is a Posset?

A posset is a classic English dessert, kind of like a custard, but way simpler. It doesn’t use any eggs, gelatin, flour, or cornstarch – just cream, sugar, and a touch of magic (okay, fine, it’s citrus juice!). This single serving recipe makes it perfect for a quick and delicious treat without any leftovers.

Ingredients

cream, half of a grapefruit, vanilla, and sugar on a white tray sitting on a brown granite kitchen counter.

Heavy Cream: Choose heavy cream (also known as double cream) or heavy whipping cream for this recipe. We use heavy cream in many of our single serving and small batch recipes. If you’ve got some leftover, use it to make Vanilla Pudding or a small Icebox Cake. Avoid using lower fat milks, as they won’t achieve the desired consistency.
Sugar: Just a bit of granulated sugar is needed to sweeten the posset.
Grapefruit Juice: Freshly squeezed juice gives the best flavor, though bottled juice can be a substitute. If you’ve got a little extra grapefruit juice, consider using it in Citrus Glazed Carrots or in a mini Grapefruit Cake.
Grapefruit Zest: Adding a little grapefruit zest will enhance the citrus flavor. It’s optional but highly recommended for a more intense taste.
Vanilla: Included for its aroma and flavor enhancement.

How To Make A Grapefruit Posset

These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make this easy dessert recipe. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.

In a small saucepan, combine the cream and sugar. Set it over medium heat. Gently bring the mixture to a robust simmer, stirring continuously until the sugar is fully dissolved. Let it simmer for 8-12 minutes.

cream being stirred with a green spoon in a small silver pot.

Take the saucepan off the heat. Mix in the grapefruit juice, vanilla, and grapefruit zest. Allow this mixture to sit for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.

stirring a custard in a small silver saucepan next to a jar of vanilla extract.

Transfer the mixture into a 10-ounce ramekin or a similar dessert dish. Cover it and refrigerate for a minimum of 3-4 hours to set.

a citrus posset in a small glass dessert bowl resting on a counter next to a silver saucepan.

Expert Tips

Careful Simmering: While preparing a posset, ensure the cream and sugar mixture simmers vigorously but doesn’t boil. Look for consistent steam and small bubbles, avoiding a rolling boil with large bubbles.
Advance Preparation:
- Set Time: Possets need at least 3 hours in the fridge to set, making advance preparation ideal.
- Shelf Life: Once prepared, your posset can stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use low-fat cream or milk?

It’s not possible to use lower fat cream or milk for this recipe. They lack the necessary fat content to react with the acid and properly thicken the dessert.

Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?

Reducing the sugar is not recommended. Sugar plays a key role not only in sweetening but also in achieving the dessert’s silky texture and balancing the tartness of the grapefruit juice.

Why didn’t my posset set?

If your posset hasn’t set as expected, it likely didn’t simmer long enough. During simmering, the cream and sugar mixture should gradually thicken and reduce slightly. After transferring it to a dish, it needs to be refrigerated for at least 3 hours to set correctly.

What’s difference between a posset and a panna cotta?

The main difference lies in the setting agents. Panna cotta uses gelatin, whereas a posset sets using the acid in citrus juice. If you’re interested, you might want to try our panna cotta recipe too.

Can I use another citrus fruit?

Absolutely! Try orange juice, lemon juice, or lime juice for a different flavor twist.

a spoonful of posset next to an orange napkin and a yellow sunflower.

Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:

Vanilla Ice Cream For One

Mini Grapefruit Cake

Small Batch Pralines

Chocolate Mousse For One

If you’ve tried this grapefruit posset or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.

If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see!

Your Cooking For One Source

Because you’re worth it