How To Make Lemon Posset; Plus a Silken Tofu Version

Traditional Lemon Posset

Lemon posset is a classic British dessert that dates back to the Middle Ages, originally a hot drink of curdled milk with wine or ale, often used as a remedy for ailments. Today, it’s transformed into a luxurious and simple dessert with just three main ingredients: cream, sugar, and lemons. The result is a rich, silky dessert with a tangy citrus flavour, which is perfect in the warmer months.

Ingredients:

•   600 ml double cream
•   150 g caster sugar
•   2 large lemons (zested and juiced)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Posset Mixture: In a medium-sized saucepan, pour in the double cream and add the caster sugar. Place the saucepan over medium heat and gently bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Once the mixture reaches a gentle boil, reduce the heat, and slightly and allow it to simmer for 3 minutes. Stir continuously to prevent the cream from scorching or boiling over.
2. Add the Lemon: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the lemon zest and juice. The acidity from the lemon juice will cause the cream to thicken as it cools, creating the posset’s signature velvety texture.
3. Set the Posset: Pour the mixture into individual serving glasses or ramekins, dividing it evenly.
   Let the possets cool to room temperature before covering them with cling film. Transfer the glasses to the refrigerator and chill for at least 4 hours, or until fully set. Overnight chilling is ideal for the best texture.
4. Serve: Before serving, you can garnish the lemon possets with a sprinkle of lemon zest, a few fresh berries, or a sprig of mint for a touch of colour and freshness.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Posset

•   Simmering the Cream: Be sure to simmer the cream for the full 3 minutes to allow it to thicken properly and achieve the desired consistency once chilled.
•   Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is essential for the best flavour. The amount of juice can vary depending on the size and juiciness of the lemons, but generally, two large lemons should yield around 75-100 ml of juice, which is sufficient to set the posset.
•   Serving Suggestions: Lemon posset is delightful on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with shortbread biscuits or a light, buttery pastry. The contrast in textures adds an extra layer of indulgence to this already luxurious dessert.

Our second Lemon Posset recipe, has a modern twist. This version uses silken tofu for a smooth, creamy texture that’s also dairy-free. Paired with a vibrant raspberry coulis, it’s the perfect ending to any meal. This will be a favourite for those who enjoy a plant based diet, or those that simply want to reduce the calories in your desserts.

Ingredients

For the Vegan Lemon Posset:

•   200 g silken tofu, drained
•   1 tbsp maple syrup
•   1 tbsp coconut oil, melted
•   Zest of 1 lemon
•   1 tbsp lemon juice
•   Pinch of salt

For the Raspberry Coulis:

•   150 g frozen raspberries
•   1 tbsp icing sugar
•   1 tbsp lemon juice

Method

1.  Prepare the Lemon Posset:
•   In a blender or food processor, combine the silken tofu, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
•   Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
•   Taste and adjust the sweetness or lemon juice as desired.
•   Pour the mixture into serving glasses or ramekins and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
2.  Make the Raspberry Coulis:
•   While the posset is chilling, prepare the raspberry coulis.
•   In a small saucepan, combine the frozen raspberries, icing sugar, and lemon juice.
•   Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the raspberries break down and the mixture thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
•   Remove from heat and strain the coulis through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the seeds.
•   Allow the coulis to cool completely.
3.  Assemble the Dessert:
•   Once the posset has set, spoon the raspberry coulis over the top of each serving.
•   Garnish with a few fresh raspberries or a sprinkle of lemon zest if desired.
4.  Serve and Enjoy:
•   Serve chilled and enjoy the delightful contrast of creamy lemon posset with the tangy raspberry coulis.

This Lemon Posset with Raspberry Coulis is a light and refreshing dessert that is sure to impress your guests with its simplicity and vibrant flavours.

A Simple Yet Elegant Dessert

The beauty of a lemon posset lies in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal preparation, you can create a dessert that’s both rich and refreshing. The creamy texture and bright lemon flavour make it a perfect finish to any meal.

Whether you’re serving it at a dinner party or enjoying it as a treat at home, lemon posset is sure to impress with its elegant presentation and delightful fresh taste.