How to Make the Perfect Elderflower and Lemon Posset
British · Easy · 20 min · 4 servings
This silky, no-bake cream dessert is gently set with lemon juice and perfumed with elderflower cordial for a delicate floral sweetness. It is served chilled in vintage teacups and topped with fresh edible flowers for a truly enchanting cottagecore presentation.
Why this recipe works
This Elderflower and Lemon Posset recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 20 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 420 calories with 3g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons elderflower cordial
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 0.25 cup fresh edible flowers for garnish
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Heat the Cream
Combine the heavy cream and granulated sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves then bring to a gentle boil. Allow to boil for exactly 3 minutes while stirring to prevent scorching.
Step 2: Add Flavor and Set
Remove the pan from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice, elderflower cordial, and lemon zest. The acid from the lemon juice will cause the cream to thicken slightly as it cools. Stir gently for one minute.
Step 3: Pour and Chill
Pour the warm posset mixture evenly into four small teacups, ramekins, or vintage glasses. Allow to cool to room temperature for 15 minutes before transferring to the refrigerator to set for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once fully set with a gentle wobble, top each posset with a scattering of fresh edible flowers such as violets, borage, or nasturtiums just before serving. Serve cold with a small spoon.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- elderflower cordial → rose water reduced to 1 teaspoon
- heavy whipping cream → coconut cream for a dairy-free version
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not boiling the cream for the full 3 minutes which means it cannot set properly without gelatin
- Adding the lemon juice while the cream is still on the heat which can cause it to curdle unevenly
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 420 calories, 3g protein, 28g carbs, 34g fat, 0g fiber.
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