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This single serving Lemon Posset is a rich, creamy dessert made without eggs or gelatin. With just a few simple ingredients, it sets into a smooth, custard-like texture. It’s easy to make and perfect when you want a little something sweet.
Try our zesty Lime Posset or tangy Grapefruit Posset – delicious variations for anyone who loves a fresh twist on the classic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Yet Elegant: A rich, creamy dessert that looks and tastes impressive without complicated steps.
- Quick to Make: Minimal prep and just a few ingredients.
- No Special Equipment: All you need is a saucepan and a ramekin.
- Naturally Gluten-Free: A great option for those avoiding gluten.
A posset is a creamy, custard-like dessert that comes together with just a few simple ingredients—no eggs, no thickeners, just pure magic. The combination of cream and lemon creates a silky texture and a bright, refreshing flavor that feels indulgent.
This single serving Lemon Posset is one of my favorite desserts. The cream makes it rich and smooth, while fresh lemon juice adds the perfect touch of tanginess. A bit of lemon zest enhances the citrus flavor, making each bite feel light yet satisfying. It’s easy to make, beautifully balanced, and just the right size when you want a little something sweet.
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Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this lemon posset recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Heavy cream: The base of the posset, creating a rich, creamy texture. Use any leftover cream in Banana Pudding, an Icebox Cake, or Lemon Cheesecake.
- Honey: Provides natural sweetness. Maple syrup can be used as a substitute.
- Sugar: Enhances sweetness.
- Ground Nutmeg: Adds a subtle warmth. Cinnamon is a good alternative.
- Lemon Peel: Contributes a bright, zesty aroma. Use extra lemons in Lemon Scones, Lemon Curd, or Blueberry Pie.
- Vanilla: Balances the tartness of the lemon.
- Lemon Juice: The key ingredient that thickens the cream.
Recipe Variations
Try these simple twists to customize your posset while keeping its smooth, creamy texture.
- Orange Posset: Replace the lemon juice with fresh orange juice for a milder, sweeter citrus flavor.
- Lime & Ginger Posset: Swap lemon for lime juice and steep a bit of fresh ginger in the cream for a bright, slightly spicy twist.
- Vanilla Bean Posset: Stir in the seeds of a vanilla bean for rich, fragrant flavor.
How To Make A Lemon Posset
See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
To make this dessert, start by gently heating the cream, sugar, nutmeg, and honey in a small saucepan. Warming these ingredients together allows the flavors to blend and the sugar to dissolve, creating a smooth base for the posset.
Once heated, bring the mixture to a steady simmer, stirring continuously. This step is important to ensure the sugar is fully dissolved and the texture remains velvety. Let it simmer for about 8-12 minutes, maintaining a consistent heat. During this time, the flavors deepen, and the mixture gradually reduces to the right consistency.
After simmering, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, zest, and a touch of vanilla. This is when the transformation begins. The acid in the lemon juice reacts with the cream, causing the mixture to thicken naturally. As it cools, the posset takes on a soft, creamy texture, creating a rich and delicate custard without the need for eggs or gelatin.
Expert Tips
- Try Different Citrus: Swap lemon for orange, grapefruit, or lime to create new flavors. Each one brings its own unique taste to the posset.
- Make Ahead: This dessert needs at least 3 hours to set and stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Watch the Simmer: The key to a smooth posset is maintaining a steady simmer. Look for visible steam and small, frequent bubbles. Avoid a rolling boil, which can affect the texture.
How To Serve Lemon Posset
Enhance your lemon posset with these simple additions:
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a bright, tart contrast.
- Shortbread Cookies: A buttery, crisp pairing that complements the creamy texture.
- Whipped Cream: A light, airy topping for extra richness.
- Mint Garnish: Adds a fresh aroma and a pop of color.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, milk doesn’t have enough fat to create the proper texture. The high fat content in heavy cream is necessary for thickening.
This usually happens if the cream didn’t simmer long enough or if the lemon juice wasn’t fresh. Be sure to let the mixture simmer for 8-12 minutes and use fresh-squeezed lemon juice.
Yes, simply double the ingredients and divide the mixture into two ramekins. The setting time remains the same.
Yes! Lemon posset needs at least 3 hours to set and can be made up to 2 days in advance.
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Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this egg-free lemon custard 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:
If you’ve tried this single serve lemon 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!
Lemon Posset For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ tablespoons sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1-inch strip lemon peel
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Heat the Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, warm the cream, sugar, nutmeg, and honey, stirring gently to combine.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a steady simmer, stirring constantly until the sugar fully dissolves.
- Reduce: Let it simmer for 8-12 minutes, stirring frequently. The mixture will slightly reduce and develop a richer consistency.
- Add Lemon and Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice, zest, and vanilla. The acid will start to thicken the mixture naturally.
- Strain and Chill: Remove the lemon peel, then pour the mixture into a ramekin. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight until set.
Notes
- Try Different Citrus: Swap lemon for orange, grapefruit, or lime to create new flavors. Each one brings its own unique taste to the posset.
- Make Ahead: This dessert needs at least 3 hours to set and stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Watch the Simmer: The key to a smooth posset is maintaining a steady simmer. Look for visible steam and small, frequent bubbles. Avoid a rolling boil, which can affect the texture.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
” I ” LOVE” cooking but at times I simply want to treat myself to a small portion of gourmet, so these are ” Fabulous”!”
Thank you, Linda!
This looks so delicious, and I love the idea of making one serving.
What a lovely dessert! So good! Such a comforting flavor combo, too!
Ooo this is so good. Turning the oven on in the Summer is the worst. Thanks!
xoxo
January
I love anything and everything lemon and I’m literally drooling over here! So delicious!
What a yummy and fresh recipe! I really enjoy custard but have not had it in years.
I need to try that custard recipe out. I just stocked up on my favorite lemon curd today. This sounds right up my alley! Pinned for later!
This sounds so good! Without egg, that’s crazy! I love anything lemon. Looking forward to trying this out! Thanks for sharing this!
I love this simple ingredient list – and it’s so great to see an egg-free custard! I have a little one with an egg allergy, and I’m always on the lookout to expand his palate – thank you!
This looks absolutely amazing! I so want to try it!