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Forget complicated desserts! This single serving lime posset is the perfect solution for a quick and refreshing treat. It’s made with just 4 basic ingredients (cream, sugar, lime juice, and vanilla extract) and comes together in minutes. Plus, it thickens naturally without any fancy stabilizers – just the magic of citrus!
If you’re looking for other flavorful single serving posset recipes, you’re in luck! Check out our refreshingly zesty lemon posset, bursting with a bright, citrusy charm. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, give our tangy and slightly sweet grapefruit posset a try, offering a unique twist with its subtly bitter undertones and vibrant flavor profile.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly Easy: Just 4 ingredients and minimal prep – no complex steps!
- Naturally Thickened: No gelatin or cornstarch needed, just the magic of citrus!
- Light and Refreshing: The perfect cool-down dessert, especially on a warm day.
- Ready in Minutes: Make it, chill it, and enjoy – seriously, it’s that fast!
What Is A Posset?
A posset is traditionally made with cream, sugar, and citrus juice. The magic happens when the acid in the citrus juice reacts with the cream, thickening it to create a smooth, velvety texture. Our single serving Lime Posset stands out because it’s tailored for one person, making it ideal for an easy yet sophisticated treat. Adding a splash of vanilla enhances the flavor, making this posset uniquely delightful.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this lime posset recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Heavy cream: Use either heavy cream (also known as double cream) or heavy whipping cream for this recipe. Both contain over 36% milk fat and are largely interchangeable, differing mainly in branding. Avoid lower-fat milks as they won’t work in this context. If you need a dairy-free option, coconut cream is a suitable substitute.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar is used in a modest amount to sweeten the posset just right. If you prefer natural sweeteners, both honey and maple syrup are excellent alternatives.
- Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is ideal for the best flavor, but bottled lime juice works in a pinch. Feel free to experiment with other citrus juices like lemon or orange for a different twist.
- Lime zest: Adding a bit of lime zest can greatly enhance the lime flavor. While this ingredient is optional, it’s highly recommended for an extra zesty touch.
- Vanilla: A touch of vanilla extract is used to add depth and complexity to the flavor profile of the posset.
This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why I used them. For the full recipe please scroll down to the recipe box at the bottom of the post.
How To Make A Lime Posset
See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- In a small saucepan, mix cream and sugar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then bring the mixture to a vigorous simmer for 8-12 minutes.
- Take the pan off the heat. Add lime juice, vanilla, and lime zest. The mixture will have thickened and reduced a bit.
- Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes, stirring gently.
- Pour the mixture into a 10-ounce ramekin and refrigerate for 3-4 hours to set.
Important Note: Although a posset is simple to make with just a few ingredients, it’s crucial to adhere to the instructions precisely. Pay special attention when simmering the cream and sugar mixture. Aim for a vigorous simmer, characterized by noticeable movement in the cream, wisps of steam, and numerous small bubbles. Avoid letting the mixture reach a rolling boil, which is indicated by larger bubbles and more intense activity in the pot. By maintaining the simmer as described, you’ll achieve the perfect consistency for your posset.
Expert Tips
- Chilling Time: Chill the posset for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the thickest consistency.
- A Great Make-Ahead Dessert: You can make this custard ahead of time. In fact, it should be refrigerated for 3 hours to set before eating. The custard will keep well for 2 days in the refrigerator.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic: Top your posset with a dollop of whipped cream and a fresh lime wedge.
- Fruity: Fold in some fresh berries or chopped fruit for a burst of flavor and texture.
- Crunchy: Sprinkle some chopped nuts or granola on top for added texture.
- Biscuity: Pair your posset with a buttery shortbread cookie.
- Spicy: For a unique twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream mixture before heating it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! The posset will actually keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.
The cream might not have been heated enough, or the amount of lime juice used was not accurate. Make sure to follow the recipe instructions carefully.
No. Sugar does more than sweeten this dessert. It also helps to create a lovely silky texture and balances the tart flavor of the lime juice.
Yes, double the ingredient amounts for more servings.
Yes, this posset is naturally gluten-free.
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:
RELATED: 15 Easy Single Serving Dessert Recipes
If you’ve tried this lime posset recipe 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.
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Lime Posset For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon lime zest (optional)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat the cream and sugar over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves, then let it simmer vigorously for 8-12 minutes.
- Take the saucepan off the heat and mix in the lime juice, vanilla, and lime zest (optional).
- Allow the mixture to steep for 5 minutes.
- Transfer the mixture into a 10-ounce ramekin or a similarly sized dish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours to chill.
Notes
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- Chilling Time: Chill the posset for at least 4 hours, or overnight for the thickest consistency.
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- A Great Make-Ahead Dessert: You can make this custard ahead of time. In fact, it should be refrigerated for 3 hours to set before eating. The custard will keep well for 2 days in the refrigerator.
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.
Decided to go with the lemon, and it was perfect! All your recipes smash. Thanks for the clear instructions on the simmer.
Thank you so much, Angie.
It was like magic! Tasted so creamy! Thx for sharing.
Wonderful! I’m so pleased you enjoyed the recipe.
I love lime anything and this sounded really good, and honestly, too easy to be true. It is so easy and so good! Perfect for summer.
I’m so happy you loved the lime posset – it truly is so easy and one of my favorite desserts. Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know you enjoyed the recipe!
Joanie
This was so delicious and refreshing on a hot summer day! I can’t wait to make it again!
So perfect for when you just need a little something sweet! I love this!
What a beautiful dessert and lime sounds like just the right flavor. A lime flavored pudding type of dessert is perfect.
This yummy lime posset dessert was absolutely fabulous! I doubled the recipe so both my husband and I could enjoy our own little ramekin of deliciousness! Thank you so much for this perfect summer recipe. 🙂
Oh my goodness, this is heavenly! And I almost always have these ingredients on hand too! Thanks for such a great recipe