Imagine a dessert so luxuriously smooth, it melts on your tongue like a cloud of creamy perfection, bursting with bright citrus notes and the exotic warmth of vanilla bean. This British classic, the Citrus and Vanilla Bean Posset, is not just a dessert—it's a culinary experience that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary treat that will make your taste buds dance with delight. In just 15 minutes of preparation, you'll create a sophisticated dessert that looks and tastes like it came straight from a high-end restaurant's kitchen.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 vanilla bean, split and scraped
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine heavy cream, sugar, and the scraped seeds from the vanilla bean. Reserve the vanilla bean pod.
- Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar completely. Watch carefully to prevent the cream from boiling over.
- Reduce heat and simmer the cream mixture for 3-4 minutes, continuing to stir. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thickened.
- Remove the pan from heat and immediately whisk in the fresh lemon juice. The cream will begin to thicken as the acid reacts with the cream.
- Add the lemon zest and stir to incorporate. The mixture should start to look slightly curdled but smooth.
- Remove the reserved vanilla bean pod and discard or save for another use.
- Allow the mixture to cool for 10 minutes at room temperature, stirring occasionally to prevent skin from forming.
- Carefully pour the mixture into four individual serving glasses or ramekins, dividing evenly.
- Refrigerate the possets for at least 2-3 hours, or until completely chilled and set. The dessert should have a smooth, pudding-like consistency.
- Before serving, let the possets sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly. Optionally, garnish with additional lemon zest or a small mint leaf.
Tips
- Use fresh, high-quality heavy cream for the richest texture and flavor.
- Watch your cream mixture carefully while boiling to prevent scorching or boiling over.
- Whisk the lemon juice gently but thoroughly to ensure smooth incorporation.
- For an extra elegant presentation, serve in clear glass dessert cups to showcase the beautiful texture.
- Make sure to chill the posset completely for the ideal set and consistency.
- If you want a more intense vanilla flavor, let the vanilla bean pod steep in the cream mixture for a few extra minutes before removing.
- For a garnish variation, try candied lemon zest or a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 130mg
