Vanilla Lemon Posset: Elegant No-Bake Dessert with 4 Ingredients
Sneak Preview: Looking for a no-bake dessert that feels fancy but takes less than 20 minutes to make? This Vanilla Lemon Posset is a creamy, citrus-kissed treat with a custard-like texture. All you need is cream, sugar, lemon, and vanilla.
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When my family needs a dessert that feels restaurant-worthy but doesn’t heat up the kitchen, this posset is our go-to. I served it last weekend after Sunday dinner—every ramekin was scraped clean, even by the kids. It’s that good. Think crème brûlée without the torch or fuss.
What Makes This One Worth Sharing
- Only Four Ingredients: Cream, sugar, lemon, and vanilla—no eggs or gelatin required.
- No-Bake Magic: Stovetop only—no oven, no mixer, no baking dish.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Chill it a few hours (or the night before) and you’re done.
- Variable Toppings: Garnish with fruit, powdered sugar, or a sprig of mint for a personal touch.en, or kitchen torch required. Great no-bake dessert for a hot summer day.
Shared & Loved
“Delicious and quick to prepare. Thank You“–ANA
Ingredients and Substitutions
Use the best quality and freshest ingredients you can find!
- HEAVY CREAM:
- Key to luxurious texture
- No substitutes
- SUGAR:
- Stick with white granulated sugar
- LEMONS:
- Fresh lemons are non-negotiable.
- Bottled juice won’t deliver that vibrant zest.
- VANILLA:
- Vanilla extract–most convenient
- Upgrade to vanilla bean paste or pods for those iconic black specks.
- Vanilla paste, (paid link) speckled with those tiny black gems, offers a hassle-free alternative to scraping and splitting vanilla beans.
How To Create a Vanilla Posset with Lemon in 4 Simple Steps
① Boil Cream and Sugar
Combine 2 cups (454 g) heavy cream and 2/3 cup (133 g) sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-low heat, stirring. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
② Add Lemon and Vanilla
Remove from heat. Stir in strained juice of 2 lemons and 1 teaspoon vanilla.
③ Strain and Chill
Strain into 6–8 ramekins. Let cool 20 minutes, then refrigerate 4+ hours until set.
④ Garnish and Serve
Top with berries, powdered sugar, or mint just before serving.
📌 Kitchen Tip 📌To dust powdered sugar evenly, use a small strainer and lightly tap the edge to create a delicate “snow” effect.
Vanilla Lemon Posset: Elegant No-Bake Dessert with 4 Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups (454 g) heavy whipping cream
- ⅔ cup (133 g) granulated sugar
- juice of 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or vanilla extract)
- Powdered sugar for garnish
Instructions
- Boil Cream and Sugar: Combine 2 cups (454 g) heavy whipping cream and 2/3 cup (133 g) granulated sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-low heat, stirring. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Add Lemon and Vanilla: Remove from heat. Stir in juice of 2 lemons and 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- Strain and Chill: Strain into 6–8 ramekins. Let cool 20 minutes, then refrigerate 4+ hours until set.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with berries, Powdered sugar for garnish, or mint just before serving.
Nutrition
All images and text ©️ Paula Rhodes for Salad in a Jar.com
FAQs
What is a posset?
A chilled, creamy dessert made by curdling sweetened cream with lemon juice—smooth and custard-like.
Why does it set without gelatin or eggs?
The acid in the lemon thickens the cream naturally as it cools.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Chill for at least 4 hours—overnight is even better.
Can I use half-and-half?
No. You need full-fat cream for it to thicken properly.
Is vanilla extract OK?
Absolutely. Use paste or whole beans for visual flair, but extract works fine.
Can I freeze posset?
Not recommended. Freezing changes the texture and can make it grainy.
Final Thoughts
Vanilla Lemon Posset is one of those deceptively simple desserts that feels special without requiring much effort. Whether you serve it at a shower, summer dinner, or family get-together, expect rave reviews.
Looking for more cool desserts? Check out these recipes:
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Enjoy your posset adventures!
Need help troubleshooting? Email me: Paula at saladinajar.com—photos welcome!
Paula Rhodes, owner
As a retired home economist, I created Saladinajar.com to share my belief that you don’t have to be a chef to find joy in creating homemade food worth sharing. Bread machines (used in an unconventional way), homemade yogurt, and quick microwave recipes are my specialty.