Lemon Posset Brûlée

Name: Lemon Posset Brûlée
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
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; Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Recipe By:

Natalia

Posted:

December 28, 2025

Updated:

December 28, 2025

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Lemon Posset Brûlée is a delightful twist on the classic British dessert. This creamy treat brings together the vibrant flavors of lemon with a silky texture, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special event or simply indulging in a weeknight dessert, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress. The standout feature of Lemon Posset Brûlée is its caramelized sugar topping, which adds an irresistible crunch that everyone loves to crack!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up this elegant dessert without any fuss.
No Baking Required: Perfect for those who want to avoid the oven, this recipe is all about stovetop preparation.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it in hollowed lemon halves for a beautiful presentation or in small ramekins for a more traditional look.
Egg-Free Delight: This recipe caters to various dietary preferences, being completely egg-free while still rich and satisfying.
Quick Prep Time: In just 5 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking, you can create a gourmet dessert that looks and tastes like it’s from a fine dining restaurant.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the deliciousness of Lemon Posset Brûlée, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Medium saucepan
Sieve
Mixing spoon
Blowtorch (for brûlée)
Lemon squeezer

Importance of Each Tool

Medium saucepan: Ideal for heating cream and sugar evenly without scorching.
Sieve: Ensures a smooth, creamy texture by removing zest and any solids from the mixture.
Blowtorch: Gives you that perfect caramelized top layer that makes this dessert truly special.

Ingredients

To make Lemon Posset Brûlée, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients that come together beautifully.

For the Creamy 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

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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 using a spoon. Insert the tip between the skin and flesh, working your way around until it releases.

Step 2: Extract Lemon Juice

Squeeze the lemon flesh by hand or use a lemon squeezer.
Use a sieve to catch seeds and pulp; set aside the juice for later use.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, combine heavy cream, granulated sugar, and lemon zest.
Stir consistently over medium-low heat until sugar dissolves and cream thickens slightly (approximately 5 minutes). Do not allow it to boil; aim for a faint yellow color.

Step 4: Mix in Lemon Juice & Vanilla

Turn off heat and pour in fresh lemon juice and vanilla extract.
Stir continuously as the mixture thickens further.

Step 5: Strain for Smoothness

Pour the mixture through a sieve into another bowl to remove zest.
Allow it to cool at room temperature for about 10 minutes.

Step 6: Fill & Chill

Evenly fill hollowed lemon halves with the creamy mixture.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours or overnight until set.

Step 7: Serve with Flair

Once set, you can serve as is or sprinkle an even layer of sugar on top.
Use a blowtorch to brûlée until caramelized; let cool slightly before serving.

Enjoy your luscious 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 presentation and flavor. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.

Serve in Unique Dishes

Mini Mason Jars: Present each Lemon Posset Brûlée in charming mini mason jars for an adorable touch.
Elegant Glass Cups: Use clear glass cups to showcase the creamy texture and vibrant color of the posset.

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

Mint Leaves: Add a sprig of fresh mint on top for a pop of color and refreshing flavor.
Berries: Place a few fresh berries, like raspberries or blueberries, on the side for a sweet contrast.

Pair with Biscotti or Shortbread

Homemade Biscotti: Serve alongside crunchy biscotti for dipping, adding texture and flavor.
Classic Shortbread Cookies: Offer buttery shortbread cookies to complement the creamy posset.

How to Perfect Lemon Posset Brûlée

To achieve the best results with your Lemon Posset Brûlée, follow these essential tips for a flawless dish.

Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemons yield more juice and zest, enhancing the flavors in your posset.
Control Heat Carefully: Stir the cream mixture consistently over medium-low heat to avoid boiling and ensure proper thickening.
Strain Thoroughly: Straining helps eliminate any zest, resulting in a silky-smooth texture that is enjoyable to eat.
Chill Properly: Allowing the posset to chill for at least 1-2 hours ensures it sets perfectly before serving.
Brûlée Just Before Serving: For the best caramelization, torch the sugar layer right before you serve to maintain its crispness.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Posset Brûlée

To complement your Lemon Posset Brûlée, consider these delicious side dishes that pair beautifully with this creamy dessert.

Pistachio Crumble: A crunchy pistachio crumble adds a nutty contrast that enhances the flavors of the posset.
Coconut Macaroons: These chewy treats provide a tropical twist that works well with lemon.
Lemon Sorbet: A refreshing lemon sorbet can cleanse the palate between bites of rich posset.
Chocolate Mousse: The richness of chocolate mousse pairs nicely with the tartness of lemon desserts.
Fruit Salad: A simple fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits provides a light and refreshing balance.
Cheese Plate: A selection of soft cheeses can offer an interesting savory contrast to the sweetness of the posset.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Lemon Posset Brûlée can be simple, but a few common mistakes can ruin your dessert. Here’s how to avoid them:

Skipping the zest: Not using lemon zest can lead to a flat flavor. Always include fresh zest for that vibrant citrus kick.
Overheating the cream: Boiling the cream can curdle it. Keep the heat low and stir gently to ensure a smooth consistency.
Not straining the mixture: Failing to strain out the zest leads to a grainy texture. Always pass your mixture through a sieve for that silky finish.
Undercooking the cream: If you don’t cook it long enough, the posset won’t set properly. Make sure the cream thickens slightly before removing it from heat.
Skipping chilling time: Rushing this step means your posset won’t firm up correctly. Chill for at least 1-2 hours or overnight for best results.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Keep in the coldest part of your refrigerator to maintain freshness.

Freezing Lemon Posset Brûlée

Freeze in individual portions using freezer-safe containers or silicone molds.
It can last up to 2 months; just remember to label your containers with dates.

Reheating Lemon Posset Brûlée

Oven: Preheat to 300°F (150°C) and warm in a safe dish until just warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in short bursts of 15-20 seconds, stirring in between until warm.
Stovetop: Place in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lemon Posset Brûlée?

Lemon Posset Brûlée is an elegant British dessert made with heavy cream, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla. It’s known for its creamy texture and delightful lemon flavor.

How do I make Lemon Posset Brûlée egg-free?

This recipe is naturally egg-free! It uses heavy cream and lemon juice instead of eggs, making it a great option for those avoiding eggs.

Can I customize my Lemon Posset Brûlée?

Absolutely! You can add flavors like lavender or even swap lemon for other citrus fruits like lime or orange for different variations.

How long does it take to set?

Lemon Posset Brûlée needs at least 1-2 hours in the fridge to set properly, but overnight chilling is recommended for best results.

Is this dessert gluten-free?

Yes! The ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Final Thoughts

Lemon Posset Brûlée is not just easy to make; it’s also an impressively elegant dessert that everyone will love. Its versatility allows you to customize flavors as desired while remaining perfect for any occasion. Give this delightful recipe a try and enjoy its creamy goodness!