Meyer Lemon Posset: 3-Ingredient Easy & Zesty Dessert

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Modified:December 27, 2025

Published:December 27, 2025

by Sarah Mitchel

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Meyer Lemon Posset: 3-Ingredient Easy & Zesty Dessert

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Are you ready to create a truly irresistible dessert with minimal effort? Our Meyer Lemon Posset: 3-Ingredient Easy & Zesty Dessert recipe is here to prove that sophistication can be simple. This delightfully creamy, zesty, and utterly refreshing treat requires just three basic ingredients and a little chill time.

Forget complicated desserts with long ingredient lists. This simple lemon posset will become your go-to for an elegant yet easy sweet ending to any meal. Let’s dive in!

What is Meyer Lemon Posset?

A posset is a classic British dessert, traditionally made by curdling heated cream with an acidic liquid, most commonly lemon juice. The acidity of the lemon reacts with the proteins in the cream, causing it to thicken into a silky-smooth, custard-like consistency as it cools.

What makes a Tangy Meyer Lemon Posset special is the use of Meyer lemons. These unique lemons are a hybrid of a lemon and a mandarin orange, offering a sweeter, less acidic, and more aromatic flavor profile compared to regular lemons. This results in a beautifully balanced, vibrant posset.

Why You’ll Love This 3-Ingredient Meyer Lemon Posset

There are so many reasons to adore this recipe! First, it’s incredibly simple, living up to its name as a Meyer Lemon Posset: 3-Ingredient Easy & Zesty Dessert. You only need heavy cream, sugar, and Meyer lemons.

Secondly, the flavor is out of this world. The bright, floral notes of Meyer lemons create a perfectly tangy and sweet balance that’s both refreshing and indulgent. It’s a surprisingly elegant dessert that looks impressive but is deceptively easy to make. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free!

The 3 Simple Ingredients You Need

  • Heavy Cream: The base of our creamy posset.
  • Granulated Sugar: To balance the lemon’s tang.
  • Meyer Lemons: For that signature fragrant, tangy flavor.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

For the best results, always use heavy cream (also known as whipping cream) with at least 36% milk fat. Do not use half-and-half or milk, as they will not set properly.

While Meyer lemons are highly recommended for their unique flavor, if they are unavailable, you can use regular lemons. You might need slightly less juice or a bit more sugar to adjust for the increased acidity. Learn more about Meyer lemons on Serious Eats.

How to Make Meyer Lemon Posset: Step-by-Step

  1. Zest and Juice the Lemons

    First, zest your Meyer lemons. Be sure to only get the yellow part, avoiding the bitter white pith. Set the zest aside. Then, juice the lemons. You’ll want about 1/3 cup of fresh Meyer lemon juice.

  2. Heat the Cream

    In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and granulated sugar. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the cream just comes to a boil. Let it boil gently for 3-5 minutes, stirring to prevent scorching, allowing it to thicken slightly.

  3. Combine and Chill

    Remove the cream from the heat. Stir in the Meyer lemon juice and about half of the lemon zest. Whisk gently for about 30 seconds to combine everything thoroughly. Pour the mixture into individual serving ramekins or small glasses.

    Chill the possets in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, until they are firmly set. Once set, garnish with the remaining lemon zest before serving. For more delightful dessert ideas, Read our in-depth guide here.

Tips for the Perfect Posset

Achieving the perfect set and flavor for your Meyer Lemon Posset: 3-Ingredient Easy & Zesty Dessert is easier than you think with these simple tips.

  • Don’t Over-Boil: Boiling the cream too long can make the posset too thick or grainy. A gentle boil for 3-5 minutes is perfect.
  • Whisk Gently: Over-whisking after adding the lemon juice can introduce too much air, which might affect the texture.
  • Strain for Smoothness: If you want an ultra-smooth posset, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve before pouring it into serving dishes.
  • Room Temperature Lemons: You’ll get more juice from lemons that are at room temperature. Roll them on the counter before cutting.

Serving Suggestions

This delightful Tangy Meyer Lemon Posset is fantastic on its own, but you can elevate it with a few simple additions. Serve it with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a small shortbread cookie for dipping.

Whether served simply or with elegant accompaniments, this Meyer Lemon Posset: 3-Ingredient Easy & Zesty Dessert always delights. A sprig of fresh mint or an extra twist of lemon zest makes for a beautiful presentation. It’s truly a versatile dessert perfect for any occasion!

Storage Information

Meyer Lemon Posset stores wonderfully in the refrigerator. Covered tightly, it will last for up to 3-4 days. It’s an excellent make-ahead dessert for parties or meal prep throughout the week.

We do not recommend freezing posset, as the texture can become grainy and separate upon thawing.

F.A.Q

Can I use regular lemons instead of Meyer lemons?

Yes, you can, but adjust for the difference in acidity. Regular lemons are more tart, so you might need slightly less juice (start with 1/4 cup and taste) or a bit more sugar to achieve the desired balance. The flavor will also be less floral.

Why did my posset not set?

The most common reasons for a posset not setting are not boiling the cream long enough or not using heavy cream. Ensure your cream boils gently for the recommended 3-5 minutes and that you are using heavy cream with a high fat content (at least 36%).

How far in advance can I make a Meyer Lemon Posset: 3-Ingredient Easy & Zesty Dessert?

This is a perfect make-ahead dessert! You can prepare your Meyer Lemon Posset: 3-Ingredient Easy & Zesty Dessert up to 3-4 days in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

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