Deliciously Simple Lemon Brûlée Posset to Brighten Your Day

Lemon Brûlée Posset – I swear, that name alone sounds like something you’d order at a fancy bistro, right? But really, this creamy, tangy dessert is about the easiest thing you can whip up (no ice bath, no oven gymnastics, just a pot and some citrus). If you ever find yourself staring at your fridge, wishing you had something besides yogurt or last night’s sad snack, keep reading. Trust me, if you’re already obsessed with bold lemon flavor after making stuff like this arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or maybe sipping a cup of lemon balm tea, you’re about to fall hard for this one.

What is Posset?

Okay, the word “posset” sounds quirky, kind of like a long-lost cousin to pudding. But here’s the deal – it’s an old-school British treat that started out as a warm, spiced milk drink. Over the centuries, it morphed into this silky, spoonable dessert. No eggs, no flour. Just cream, sugar, and lemon to magically thicken everything. The acid in the lemon does all the work. Sometimes I feel like a kitchen scientist when I make it, but without the stress.

People always think Lemon Brûlée Posset must be tricky (it’s really not). Plus, unlike finicky custards, you don’t have to sweat the texture because it’s always crazy smooth. Heck, if you can stir a saucepan, you’re already halfway there. I remember my grandma calling it “British panna cotta,” which, well, kind of tracks. Simple, but impressive.

“I made this for my book club and everyone acted like I pulled off a magic trick. The texture is insane and the lemon flavor isn’t shy—just perfect!” – Megan T.

Lemon Brûlée Posset

Tip Number Storage Tip
1 Cover with plastic wrap to prevent fridge odors.
2 Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
3 Avoid adding brûlée sugar topping until serving.
4 Can freeze before adding the top; thaw overnight.

Why You Should Make This Lemon Posset Brle

Let’s be real: people love desserts that taste like summer. Lemon Brûlée Posset basically brings sunshine to your spoon. First, you’ve got that fresh lemon zing. Second, there’s this creamy richness—no chalky aftertaste or weird flavors. I’m not exaggerating when I say it can hold its own at a five-star restaurant, but you get all the glory at home.

Not only is Lemon Brûlée Posset borderline effortless, it’s also a real crowd-pleaser. Got friends coming over? They’ll think you’re a dessert wizard. Need to impress your mother-in-law? Whip this up. You only need a handful of basics, and most of the time is just chilling in the fridge. If that’s not convenient, I don’t know what is.

You could serve it in regular bowls, fancy glasses, espresso cups… heck, I’ve even scooped it into teacups for a brunch and it looked adorable. If you’re forever short on time (me, always), this dessert was absolutely made for you. If you love bright citrus desserts, you will absolutely want to try out my version of Lemon Brûlée Posset.

Deliciously Simple Lemon Brûlée Posset to Brighten Your Day

How To Make Lemon Posset Brle

You will not break a sweat with this one. Here’s how I do it (and seriously, if you mess up, it still turns out pretty good).

Start by simmering heavy cream with sugar in a pot—medium-low, nothing insane. Keep stirring so it doesn’t scorch (I’ve scorched it once, smelled like burnt marshmallows… not recommended). Once the sugar melts away, take it off the heat and stir in fresh lemon juice and zest. You’ll feel it thicken just a tad and that’s your green light.

Pour the mixture into glasses or ramekins. Chill for at least three hours (longer if you can resist), and the magic happens. When it’s firmed up, sprinkle a thin layer of sugar on top. Grab your kitchen torch and fire away till you’ve got that glassy sugar shell. No kitchen torch? Shove it under a broiler for a minute or two. Does the trick.

That’s really all there is. The hardest part? Waiting for them to chill. I’ve definitely peeked in the fridge way too soon—they need their beauty sleep, trust me.

Suzy’s Tips For Success

Now for my opinionated two cents (I’m a serial over-sharer, what can I say). If you want tart, bold flavor, use Meyer lemons if you find them. Regular lemons are classic, though, so don’t stress if that’s what you’ve got.

Don’t let the cream mixture boil too hard or it’ll get weirdly bubbly (did that once, it was not a vibe). Gentle simmer, folks. For the brûlée top, use superfine sugar if you can. Makes a crispier, less chunky topping. If you’re torch-less, a regular broiler works but you have to WATCH it like a hawk or it’ll go from golden to “uh, that’s burnt” in seconds.

Oh, and if you want a little extra punch, I sometimes sneak a bit of zest into the sugar for the brûlée part. Looks pretty, tastes even better. If you like to nerd out about lemon desserts, pair your posset with my simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette and roasted tamari almonds. It’s a feast for citrus-lovers.

Best Way To Store Lemon Posset Brle

So you caved and made a double batch—good thinking. Lemon Brûlée Posset stores shockingly well. Here’s what you need to keep in mind.

  • Store covered with plastic wrap (otherwise it takes on that weird “fridge” taste nobody likes).
  • Keep them in the fridge up to three days. Any longer and the texture starts to go downhill.
  • Don’t add the brûlée sugar topping until right before you eat. Trust me on this one.
  • If you want to freeze (not my usual move but hey, desperate times), do so before adding the top. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

That’s honestly it—so low maintenance it’s silly, but people will think you spent all day fussing over dessert.

Common Questions

Is Lemon Posset gluten free?
Yup, no flour at all. Completely gluten-free unless you get wild with the toppings.

Can I use lime instead of lemon?
Absolutely. It’ll taste different, of course, but still super refreshing and zippy.

How long does it keep in the fridge?
About three days. After that it’s not “spoiled” but the texture gets a little sad.

Do I need a torch for the brûlée?
Nope. A broiler on high works too. Just peek often so it doesn’t burn—happened to me plenty.

Can I make it with less sugar?
I’ve cut the sugar by about a third with success, but any less than that and it’s too tangy for most.

The Easiest Lemon Dessert You’ll Ever Make

All said and done, Lemon Brûlée Posset is my go-to when I want an easy but impressive dessert. The creamy lime explosion (or lemon, obviously) with that crackly sugar crust always gets everybody raving. If you’re looking for some inspo or want to compare versions, check out the recipe by Sarah Stanback-Young (Lemon Posset Brûlée – by Sarah Stanback-Young), or see this simple four-ingredient Lemon Posset Brûlée option. For another perspective entirely, I also love referencing this fun guide on the Lemon Posset Brulee Recipe.

I say just dive in. This dessert is forgiving, customizable, and guaranteed to lift your spirits—rainy day or just your average Tuesday. Give it a whirl and let me know how it goes!

Deliciously Simple Lemon Brûlée Posset to Brighten Your Day

Print
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Lemon Brûlée Posset

A creamy and tangy lemon dessert that is easy to make and impressively delicious, topped with a crisp brûlée sugar crust.

  • Total Time: 180 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • Superfine sugar for brûlée topping

Instructions

  1. In a pot, simmer heavy cream with sugar over medium-low heat, stirring to prevent scorching.
  2. Once sugar melts, remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and zest until slightly thickened.
  3. Pour the mixture into glasses or ramekins and chill for at least three hours.
  4. When ready to serve, sprinkle a thin layer of superfine sugar on top.
  5. Use a kitchen torch to caramelize the sugar until a glassy shell forms or place under a broiler for a few minutes.

Notes

Use Meyer lemons for a tart flavor, and store in the fridge for up to three days without the brûlée topping.

  • Author: miguel-santiago
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Chilling
  • Cuisine: British
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Lemon Dessert, Brûlée, Posset, Easy Dessert, Quick Recipe