Orange Posset: A Silky, 3-Ingredient Citrus Dessert
Orange Posset is a simple, elegant, three-ingredient no-bake dessert with a creamy, tangy citrus flavor. This chilled custard sets up beautifully and is a refreshing light option for summer, requiring no special equipment or techniques—just good ingredients and a little patience.
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Setting Time 4 hours hrs
Total Time 4 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine British
Servings 6 servings
Calories 345 kcal
- 2 cups heavy cream at least 36% fat content
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large oranges juice and zest (approx. 1/2 cup juice)
Select elegant serving glasses, ramekins, or small bowls. Ensure they're completely clean and dry for the best presentation.
Use a fine grater to remove just the colored zest from the oranges, avoiding the bitter white pith. Juice the oranges to yield approximately 1/2 cup of juice.
Pour the heavy cream and sugar into a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring occasionally until sugar completely dissolves and the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
Once boiling, reduce heat slightly and maintain a controlled simmer for exactly 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Watch for small bubbles around the perimeter and a slightly thickened consistency.
Remove from heat and immediately whisk in the orange juice and zest. You'll notice the mixture begin to thicken as the acid in the citrus reacts with the dairy proteins.
For the silkiest texture, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher or measuring cup with a pour spout.
Carefully pour the warm mixture into your prepared serving vessels. Allow to cool for 15 minutes at room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator.
Chill for a minimum of 4 hours, though overnight setting yields the most perfect texture.
For a lighter version, substitute half the cream with Greek yogurt (after the cooking stage).
This dessert keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover each serving with plastic wrap directly touching the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
Try with other citrus fruits like lemons, blood oranges, or cara cara oranges for variations.
Calories: 345kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 2gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 18gSugar: 22gVitamin C: 35mg
Keyword Orange Posset, Citrus Dessert, No-Bake Dessert, Easy Dessert, Creamy Dessert