Lemon possets are a classic British dessert that dates back to the Middle Ages. Made with just three ingredients—cream, sugar, and lemon juice—this rich and creamy dessert is delightfully simple yet indulgent. A posset offers a smooth, luxurious texture and tangy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with a crispy shortbread for added texture.
Ingredients
- 600ml double cream
- 150g caster sugar
- Juice of 2 lemons
Instructions
- Begin by pouring the double cream into a saucepan and add the caster sugar.
- Place the pan over medium heat and stir gently until the sugar has dissolved. Bring the mixture to a gently simmer and allow to boil for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice. You will see the cream mixture begin to thicken almost immediately.
- Pour the mixture into serving dishes or small glasses and allow to chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or until completely set.
Crispy Air-Fried Shortbread
The perfect accompaniment for a lemon posset is a crispy, buttery shortbread. Using an air fryer makes this classic biscuit even easier to prepare.
Ingredients
- 150g plain flour
- 100g unsalted butter, softened
- 50g caster sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Incorporate the flour and salt, mixing until the dough begins to come together. If the dough is too crumbly, add a teaspoon of cold water.
- Roll the dough out to about 1cm thickness on a floured surface and cut into desired shapes.
- Preheat your air fryer to 180°C. Place the shortbread pieces into the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
- Air-fry the shortbread for 8-10 minutes or until lightly golden. Remove from the fryer and allow to cool on a wire rack.
Serving Suggestions
Once your lemon posset has set, serve them with a piece of crispy shortbread on the side or crumble some shortbread over the top for a delightful crunch. It is a perfect light dessert that showcases the balance between the creamy and zesty notes of the posset and the buttery crispness of shortbread.
Tips and Tricks
- For a more intense lemon flavor, add some finely grated lemon zest to the posset mixture before chilling.
- Experiment with different shapes for your shortbread to add a decorative touch to your dessert presentation.
- If you do not have an air fryer, bake the shortbread in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 10-12 minutes.
With its smooth texture and vibrant flavor, lemon posset paired with crispy air-fried shortbread makes for a simple yet elegant dessert choice. This pairing creates a delightful sensory experience that's both light and satisfying—a perfect treat for entertaining guests or as a midweek treat for yourself. Enjoy!