This easy 4-ingredient Earl Grey Lemon Posset combines bright lemon and fragrant Earl Grey tea for a silky, creamy British dessert that is perfect for afternoon tea and other occasions.
What is a Lemon Posset?
Lemon posset is a traditional British dessert that is made by combining only 3 simple ingredients: heavy cream, sugar and lemon juice.
You can think of it as an even more simplified panna cotta as you don’t need gelatin or agar-agar. Instead, when the heavy cream and sugar mixture is off the heat, fresh lemon juice is added and it reacts with the cream to naturally thicken it into a silky custard-like dessert.
The finished dessert is rich and creamy with a bright, tangy lemon flavour and hint of sweetness.
Why Add Earl Grey Tea to Lemon Posset?
Earl Grey tea and lemon are a classic pairing for a reason. This popular black tea blend is traditionally flavoured with bergamot, a citrus fruit. When infused into the cream, Earl Grey adds depth and complexity to the dessert without overpowering the lemon.
The two citrus flavours enhance one another. The lemon keeps the dessert fresh and vibrant, while the bergamot adds a delicate floral finish that makes each spoonful feel a little more sophisticated.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Yet Impressive: This simple dessert comes together with minimal effort but looks super impressive when served!
- Made with Simple Ingredients: You only need a handful of basic ingredients to create this luxurious dessert.
- No Gelatin Required: The lemon juice naturally thickens the cream. No gelatin or other thickeners are needed!
- A Perfect Tea-Lover’s Dessert: Fragrant earl grey tea adds delicate bergamot notes that pair beautifully with bright, fresh lemon.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Make it ahead of time and serve it in individual teacups or lemon halves for afternoon tea, brunch, bridal shower or holiday gathering!
Ingredient Notes
Here are the 4 simple ingredients that you need:
- Heavy Cream: It is important to use heavy cream (or whipping cream is what it is called here in Canada) with 35% milk fat for the best texture and a reliable set. Lower-fat content may not thicken properly and can also result in a runny posset.
- Earl Grey Tea: Use your favourite earl grey black tea. Loose leaf or tea bags will work.
- Granulated Sugar: Sugar provides sweetness and balances the tartness of the lemon juice.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is highly recommended for the best taste. You can also use lemon slices and zest for garnishing.
Earl Grey Lemon Posset Recipe
Find the ingredient measurements and full directions in the printable recipe card towards the end of this post.
In a small saucepan, add heavy cream and granulated sugar. Heat on medium-low, stirring until sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil.
Add earl grey tea leaves or earl grey tea bags. Simmer and steep for 5 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Strain the loose tea leaves or remove the tea bags. Stir in the fresh lemon juice then set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
Pour the mixture into teacups or lemon halves, dividing evenly. Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set and thicken.
Garnish with lemon zest and fresh mint, if desired. Serve cold and enjoy!
These tea infused lemon possets can serve 2-4 people, depending on the size of the teacups used or if using lemon halves. Also, they should be stored covered in the refrigerator. They will be best if consumed within 3 days.
Tips for the Best Earl Grey Posset
Follow these simple tips for the best results:
- Steep for the Earl Grey tea for the proper amount of time to fully flavour the cream.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavour and proper setting.
- Chill for at least 2 hours, though overnight is even better.
- If serving in teacups, use smaller ones or don’t fill all the way as if they are deeper they will require longer time to set.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn’t my lemon posset set?
The most common reasons are using cream with lower fat content, not simmering the cream mixture long enough or not using enough fresh lemon juice.
Can I make this dessert ahead of time?
Yes! Earl Grey Lemon Posset is best when chilled for several hours and can easily be made the day before serving. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze lemon posset?
Freezing is not recommended because the creamy texture can become grainy once thawed.
What tea pairs best with Earl Grey Lemon Posset?
Earl Grey is the obvious choice, but this dessert also pairs beautifully with Darjeeling, jasmine tea or an herbal tea like chamomile.
More Earl Grey Tea Dessert Recipes
If you enjoyed this earl grey tea infused recipe, you might also like:
Earl Grey Lemon Posset
Ingredients
- ⅔ cup heavy whipping cream cream 35% fat content
- 1 tablespoon earl grey tea loose leaf or 2 earl grey tea bags
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, add heavy cream and granulated sugar. Heat on medium-low, stirring until sugar dissolves. Bring to a boil.
- Add earl grey tea leaves or earl grey tea bags. Simmer and steep for 5 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Strain the loose tea leaves or remove the tea bags. Stir in the fresh lemon juice then set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
- Pour the mixture into teacups or lemon halves, dividing evenly. Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to set and thicken.
- Garnish with lemon zest and fresh mint, if desired. Serve and enjoy!