Velvet

Simple Silky Lemon Cream Posset

Inspired by techniques from America's Test Kitchen and NYT Cooking.

Posset · British

The simplest posset: cream and sugar boiled together and set with fresh lemon juice into a silky, tangy cream.

Prep5 min
Cook10 min
Total15 min
DifficultyEasy
Per serving359 kcal
FreeGluten-freeVegetarian
Servings6Recipe makes 6
Allergens (EU 14)
GlutenCrustaceansEggsFishPeanutsSoybeansMilkTree nutsCeleryMustardSesameSulphitesLupinMolluscs

Always check the labels of the products you use.

Method

  1. 1

    Reduce. bring the cream, sugar and salt to the boil in the pan, stirring, then boil steadily 6-8 min, stirring often, until reduced to about 480 ml. Lift off the heat if it rises. Reducing concentrates the cream so it sets firmly.

  2. 2

    Sharpen. off the heat, stir in the lemon juice; it will thicken a little at once. Acid makes the milk proteins thicken the cream.

  3. 3

    Settle. leave 15-20 min until a skin begins to form, then stir and pour into the jug.

  4. 4

    Set. divide between the glasses and chill uncovered for 3 h, until set like a soft cream. Cover after that. Leaving it uncovered stops drips from condensation.

  5. 5

    Serve. take out of the fridge 10 min before eating so it is silky, not stiff.

Storage

Cover once set and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Do not freeze.

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • silicone spatula
  • heatproof jug
  • 6 small glasses or ramekins
  • cling film

Nutrition per serving (estimated values)

Per servingAmount
Energy359 kcal
Protein2.3 g
Carbohydrate25 g
of which sugars24.3 g
of which free sugars22 g
Fat28.9 g
of which saturates18.4 g
Fibre0 g
Salt0.12 g

Protein per 100 kcal

0.6 g High Protein needs ≥ 10 g

Calculated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient values