There’s something deeply smug about a dessert that tastes like it came from a starched white tablecloth but was made with three ingredients and one saucepan. Lazy Lemon Posset is that dessert. It’s silky, bright, faintly luxurious, and requires less effort than convincing your toddler to wear pants.
This is the kind of thing you make when you want dessert but absolutely do not want to bake. No crusts, no eggs, no water baths. Just cream, sugar, lemon, and a short simmer that feels productive without being taxing. Chill it, forget about it, then serve it like you planned ahead.
Think glossy spoonfuls. Creamy but not heavy. Sweet with a sharp citrus snap that keeps it feeling elegant instead of cloying. Dinner party energy with almost offensive levels of ease.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Only three ingredients
Heavy cream, sugar, lemon. That’s it. No gelatin, no eggs, no oven drama. - No-bake dessert perfection
Ideal for warm days, overstimulated evenings, or anytime the idea of preheating an oven feels personal. - Make-ahead friendly
It needs time to chill, which means future-you looks wildly competent. - Creamy but balanced
The lemon cuts through the richness, giving you a dessert that feels lush without being sleepy. - Dinner party flex, weeknight effort
It reads British and refined, but cooks like a pantry shortcut.
Tips, Tricks & Variations
Posset thickens because of acid, not magic. Fresh lemon juice is non-negotiable here. Bottled juice won’t give you the same set or brightness. Once the cream and sugar have simmered gently, the lemon goes in off heat and does the rest of the work.
For a firmer texture, give it a full overnight chill. If you prefer it softly spoonable, four hours will do. Serve it straight from the fridge, cold and confident.
Want to riff a little? Lime juice makes it sharper and more tropical. Orange juice softens everything into a creamsicle-adjacent situation. You can also pour it into espresso cups, small glasses, or even hollowed lemon halves if you’re feeling theatrical.
This is also a sneaky toddler win. No crunch, no weird textures, just smooth, lemony cream. Call it lemon pudding and move on with your life.
Serving & Pairings
A little lemon zest on top adds color and aroma, but it’s optional. This dessert doesn’t need much. Serve it solo, or alongside crisp cookies or shortbread if you want contrast. It pairs beautifully with coffee, tea, or a small glass of something cold and sparkling.
FAQ
Can I make lemon posset ahead of time?
Yes. Lazy Lemon Posset is ideal for making ahead. It needs at least four hours to chill and set, but it can happily sit in the fridge overnight or even up to two days before serving.
Why didn’t my posset set properly?
The most common issue is not simmering the cream long enough or using bottled lemon juice. Make sure the mixture gently simmers and that you’re using fresh lemon juice for proper thickening.
Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
No. The fat content in heavy cream is essential for the texture. Lower-fat dairy won’t set correctly and will stay loose.
Proof that dessert doesn’t have to be complicated to feel luxurious. Fancy-feeling food for fried people.
Lazy Lemon Posset
Ingredients
Main
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
Garnish
- Lemon zest for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Stir heavy cream and sugar over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture simmers gently.
- Reduce heat to low and cook for 3 minutes to thicken slightly, avoiding boiling.
- Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice which thickens the cream further.
- Divide the mixture among four ramekins or glasses using a ladle.
- Chill in refrigerator for at least 4 hours until set.
- Serve chilled, garnished with lemon zest if desired.