There’s nothing quite like the silky, citrus-kissed delight of a Creamy Orange Posset Recipe. This dessert is pure sunshine in a spoon—luxuriously creamy yet light, and bursting with zesty orange flavor, all made with just four simple ingredients. It’s my go-to for impressing guests or simply treating myself after a long day!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Just Four Ingredients: You won’t believe such a luxurious dessert requires so little—heavy cream, sugar, oranges, and a touch of patience.
- No Fancy Equipment Needed: If you have a saucepan and a spoon, you’re all set for posset success!
- Bright, Sunny Flavor: The orange zest and juice bring a gorgeous citrusy vibrance that truly elevates this classic creamy treat.
- Make-Ahead Perfection: This Creamy Orange Posset Recipe sets up beautifully in the fridge—ideal for dinner parties or treating yourself any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how such basic, everyday ingredients create such a dreamy texture and flavor! Each item has a special role: from building the luscious foundation to infusing that unmistakable pop of orange.
- Heavy Cream: The star of any posset—this gives the dessert its famously rich, ultra-creamy texture. Look for fresh, full-fat cream for the silkiest results.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the deal and helps the mixture thicken as it simmers.
- Orange Zest: Packed with essential oils, zest infuses bright citrus flavor and a hint of natural color. Use a microplane or fine grater for best results.
- Fresh Orange Juice: Adds a fresh-tart tang and, crucially, the acid that magically thickens the mixture as it cools. Squeeze your own oranges for maximum flavor punch!
Variations
This Creamy Orange Posset Recipe is so easy to make your own—think of it as a beautiful blank canvas for your favorite twists, whether you crave something more floral, fruity, or even protein-packed!
- Blood Orange Posset: Swap regular orange juice and zest for blood orange, lending a stunning blush and a slightly sweeter, more complex flavor.
- Citrus Medley: Try adding a little lemon or grapefruit juice and zest for extra zing and color—just be sure to balance the tartness with a tad more sugar if needed.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a rich coconut cream in place of dairy for a tropical, vegan version (be aware the set may be softer but still ultra-tasty!).
How to Make Creamy Orange Posset Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Tools and Ramekins
First things first—gather your ramekins or cute little dessert cups and set them aside. You’ll also want a reliable 2-cup liquid measuring cup ready to check the reduction later. Having these pieces ready means you can work quickly once the mixture is hot and fragrant.
Step 2: Simmer the Cream, Sugar, and Zest
Combine heavy cream, sugar, and that fragrant orange zest in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture just to a boil over medium heat—watch closely, as it can bubble up—then reduce to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently and let the flavors infuse, simmering until it reduces to exactly 2 cups (check by pouring into your measuring cup). This usually takes 8–12 minutes; the mixture should look a bit thicker and creamier.
Step 3: Add Orange Juice and Cool
Once you’ve measured and reduced your mixture, stir in the fresh orange juice. You’ll notice it thickens a little as the acid works its magic! Let this mixture stand and cool for about 20 minutes—it helps everything blend perfectly and prevents the dessert from splitting.
Step 4: Strain and Divide Into Ramekins
For perfectly smooth, restaurant-quality texture, strain the mixture into a bowl using a fine mesh sieve. Toss out the zest, then pour the creamy orange base evenly into your ramekins or dessert glasses. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours—or overnight if you can wait!—until beautifully set and spoonable.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Ready to indulge? Before serving, add a flourish of fresh orange zest or slices for extra color, aroma, and zing. Now, watch those spoons disappear!
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Orange Posset Recipe
- Watch the Reduction: Don’t rush the simmer—reducing to exactly 2 cups ensures the posset sets perfectly every single time.
- Always Strain for Silky-Smooth Texture: Straining out the zest creates that signature posset creaminess, free from any gritty bits.
- Freshly Squeezed Is Best: Bottled orange juice just can’t compare—fresh juice is brighter, zippier, and makes a big difference in flavor.
- Chill Completely for Clean Scoops: Give your posset plenty of time to set in the fridge—overnight is easiest if you plan to entertain!
How to Serve Creamy Orange Posset Recipe
Garnishes
For a true showstopper, finish your Creamy Orange Posset Recipe with a flourish of finely grated orange zest, delicate candied citrus peel, or even a sprig of fresh mint. A few thin slices of orange or a scattering of pomegranate seeds instantly add color and a little extra freshness to each serving.
Side Dishes
This posset absolutely shines alongside light, crisp shortbread cookies or almond biscotti—the perfect contrast to the creamy base. For extra decadence, serve with a platter of seasonal berries or a simple chocolate tuile.
Creative Ways to Present
I love spooning this dessert into small glass jars, coupe glasses, or even espresso cups for dainty, individual servings. Layer with a little compote for a parfait effect, or top with edible flowers and candied zest for a spring garden party feel. Get playful—this Creamy Orange Posset Recipe loves to dress up!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Posset is a make-ahead dream. Simply cover each ramekin snugly with plastic wrap and keep them in the fridge for up to three days. The texture will stay luscious and velvety, making it perfect for entertaining or late-night cravings.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze posset for up to a month. Just wrap tightly with two layers of plastic and thaw in the fridge overnight. The texture may lose some silkiness but will still be deliciously creamy and satisfying.
Reheating
This is one dessert you don’t need (or want!) to reheat. Serve your Creamy Orange Posset Recipe chilled straight out of the fridge for the most irresistible, refreshing texture and flavor.
FAQs
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Can I use other citrus fruits instead of orange?
Absolutely! Lemon, lime, or grapefruit all work beautifully. Just remember that different citrus will alter the flavor and tartness—taste as you go and adjust sugar if needed. Lemon posset is a classic favorite!
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Why did my posset not set properly?
The most common reason is not reducing the cream mixture enough before adding the orange juice. Make sure to simmer until exactly 2 cups remain—this step is crucial for that dreamy set!
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Can I make Creamy Orange Posset Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! The posset needs to chill at least 3 hours but is often even better made a day before you serve. This makes it perfect for parties or relaxed family dinners.
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Is the recipe vegetarian or gluten free?
Yes—and yes! The Creamy Orange Posset Recipe is naturally gluten free and vegetarian since it uses only cream, sugar, and oranges. Just keep cookie garnishes gluten free if needed.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dessert that’s impressively elegant yet blissfully easy, the Creamy Orange Posset Recipe is one you’ll turn to time and again. I can’t wait for you to experience how the tart, aromatic orange and smooth cream come together with every silky spoonful—don’t be surprised if it becomes a new tradition at your table!
PrintCreamy Orange Posset Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 Small Servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop, Chill
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the velvety smoothness of this delectable Creamy Orange Posset, a luxurious dessert that requires just 4 simple ingredients and minimal effort to create. The combination of rich cream, zesty orange, and sweet sugar results in a heavenly treat that is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Creamy Orange Posset:
- 2 cups (480 ml) Heavy Cream
- 2/3 cup (133 g) Granulated Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Orange Zest, from one orange
- 6 tablespoons (90 g) Orange Juice
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather a 2-cup measuring cup, 6 small ramekins, or dessert cups. Set them aside.
- Cook Mixture: In a saucepan, combine cream, sugar, and orange zest. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 8–12 minutes until it reduces to 2 cups.
- Finish the Posset: Transfer mixture to the measuring cup, add orange juice, let cool for 20 minutes, strain into a bowl, then divide into ramekins.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight. Top with orange zest before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 100mg