Lemon Elderflower Posset with Shortbread Crumble

Lemon Elderflower Posset My NoBake Spring Dessert

By Emily CollinsSeptember 15, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction: Lemon & Elderflower Posset with Shortbread Crumble

Fancy something a bit special, something that sings of spring? Honestly, this Lemon & Elderflower Posset is where it's at.

It’s one of those easy dessert recipes spring just begs for. I first made this for a garden party, and it was gone in minutes!

Quick Hook: Sunshine in a Spoon

Got a craving for something creamy, zesty, and floral all at once? Then you are ready! This incredibly light and refreshing dessert hits all the right notes.

This recipe is one of my go-to spring desserts because it's utterly divine and ridiculously easy.

Brief Overview: A Taste of Britain

This British dessert has roots in old English cuisine. A posset was originally a hot drink, but this chilled version is just perfect for warmer weather.

It's a no-bake dessert, so it needs very little skill. This makes 6 servings, perfect for a small gathering. It's surprisingly quick, but remember to allow at least 4 hours chilling time.

Main Benefits: Happiness in Every Bite

Let’s talk benefits! Lemons are packed with vitamin C, giving you a little boost. It's ideal for afternoon tea, garden parties, or just when you need a bit of sunshine.

What makes this lemon posset recipe special? The elderflower liqueur adds a delicate floral note that elevates it from simple to sublime.

Trust me, the combination of citrus desserts and floral flavors in this one is amazing!

Ready to get this recipe going? Next, we will gather the bits.

Ingredients & Equipment: Spring Desserts Edition

Alright, let's talk ingredients for our fabulous Lemon & Elderflower Posset with Shortbread Crumble . Honestly, it's easier than making toast. This no-bake spring dessert will be a smash!

Main Ingredients: The Stars of the Show

Double Cream: 600ml (2 1/2 cups). This is key! Get the good stuff. Full fat is a must for that rich, decadent texture. Don't skimp!
Granulated Sugar: 150g (3/4 cup). Plain and simple.
Lemons: Zest of 2 large lemons and 120ml (1/2 cup) fresh lemon juice (from about 4-5 lemons). Quality matters here. You want juicy lemons with fragrant zest.
Elderflower Liqueur: 2 tbsp . St-Germain is a great choice, adds that little somethin' somethin'.
Unsalted Butter: 115g (1/2 cup), cold and cubed. Cold butter is crucial for a flaky shortbread.
All-Purpose Flour: 170g (1 1/3 cups). Standard stuff.
Granulated Sugar (for Crumble): 55g (1/4 cup). A touch more sweetness.
Salt: Just a pinch.

This lemon posset recipe is simple yet rewarding.

Seasoning Notes: Aromatic Delights

For this British dessert , the lemon zest and juice are essential. They bring that zingy brightness. The elderflower liqueur adds a subtle floral aroma.

If you can't find elderflower liqueur, elderflower cordial works fine.

For a quick substitution, use lime juice instead of lemon.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Silly!

You don't need a fancy kitchen for this easy dessert recipes spring . Here's the bare minimum:

Saucepan: Medium sized is perfect.
Whisk: For smooth mixing.
Lemon zester & juicer: Makes life easier.
Six Ramekins or Glasses: For serving.
Mixing Bowl: For the shortbread.
Baking Tray: Only if you want to toast the crumble.

A fork works as a substitute for the lemon juicer. You can also use an aluminium foil.

Honestly? You probably have most of this stuff already.

Now, let's talk about the shortbread crumble recipe! I've used shop bought shortbread before, and it's okay . But homemade is so much better.

So, make sure you check other spring baking recipes on the Internet. And remember that Light and refreshing desserts are the best for the season.

You might find other spring dessert ideas on Pinterest.

Let's get cracking and make some magic!

Whipping Up a Spring Sensation: Lemon & Elderflower Posset

Oh my gosh, you guys, this Lemon & Elderflower Posset is about to become your new fave! It's like sunshine in a dessert, honestly.

Perfect for those warmer days when you just want something light and refreshing . Plus, it's so easy, even I can't mess it up.

And trust me, I've had my fair share of kitchen disasters. Think of this dessert as one of the best spring dessert ideas .

We will top it all with a buttery Shortbread Crumble recipe . This no-bake spring dessert is gonna impress everyone.

Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place Mission

Okay, first things first, let's get organised. It's all about the mise en place, darling! Grab your 600ml Double Cream , 150g Granulated Sugar , lemons, and the magical Elderflower Liqueur .

Chop that butter for the crumble into cubes. Having everything ready means smooth sailing. Nobody wants a lemon zesting emergency mid-recipe, you know?

Posset Power: step-by-step to Creamy Goodness

Ready to rock this Lemon Posset recipe ? Here's the lowdown:

Cream and Sugar: In a saucepan, mix the cream and sugar. Heat on medium, stirring till the sugar dissolves. No gritty bits allowed!
Simmer Magic: Bring to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 3- 4 minutes , stirring, until it coats the back of a spoon. Visual Cue: Like double cream .
Zest and Zing: Off the heat, stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and 2 tbsp Elderflower Liqueur . That's where the magic happens.
Chill Out: Strain into ramekins, cover with cling film. Chill for at least 4 hours (or overnight!). Visual Cue: It should wobble slightly when set.
Optional Crumble Boost: For shortbread crumbs, preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) .

Pro Tips for Posset Perfection

Alright, here's where I spill my secrets! First, use proper double cream. This ain't the time for skimmed milk, mate.

Also, don't over simmer the cream, or it'll split. No one wants a curdled posset, trust me. The last tip - this works great as one of many easy dessert recipes spring .

We're making some amazing British desserts here! And for extra flavour, you can add more citrus desserts and turn this into an amazing entry on your spring baking recipes list.

We will have some delicious and amazing spring desserts .

Recipe Notes: Making Your Posset Perfect!

Alright, so you're ready to whip up this amazing Lemon & Elderflower Posset ? Fantastic! Here are a few extra tips and tricks to make sure yours turns out perfect .

Think of these as my little secrets, passed down to you. Honestly, even easy dessert recipes spring can be a little daunting, but trust me, this one's a doddle.

Serving Up Sunshine: Presentation is Key!

Plating this dessert is dead easy. Think sunshine and spring dessert ideas . Layer it up in a fancy glass for extra points.

A sprig of mint adds a pop of green. For drinks, try something bubbly like Prosecco. Or, a Lemon posset recipe goes brilliantly with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.

For a non-alcoholic option, elderflower cordial with sparkling water is a winner. This enhances the experience.

Storing Your Sweet Treasure: Keepin' it Fresh

Right, so you've made a batch, but what if you have leftovers? Don't you worry, I got you.

Refrigeration: Posset is best stored covered in the fridge. It will last for up to 3 days. Just be sure to keep it sealed tightly to prevent any funky fridge smells.

Freezing: I wouldn't recommend freezing the posset. It can change the texture. You might end up with a grainy mess. The shortbread crumble recipe can be frozen separately in an airtight container.

Reheating: You can’t reheat posset. It is a chilled dessert. Just grab straight from the fridge!

Remix Time: Variations to Suit Your Mood

Fancy a twist? Let's talk variations! For a no-bake spring dessert option, try swirling in some fresh berry compote. It adds a lovely splash of colour and flavour.

Dietary Adaptations: Need a vegan option? Swap the cream for coconut milk. It won’t be quite the same. But it still tastes incredible.

A berry posset, made with vegan cream, is one of my favourite vegan spring desserts .

Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: In the autumn, replace the lemon with oranges for a Citrus desserts version. Add a hint of cinnamon.

And, for Elderflower desserts , you can increase the elderflower liqueur if you're feeling fancy!

Nutrition Nitty Gritty: Know What You're Eating

Alright, so here's the lowdown. This British desserts is a treat, not a health food. But hey, life's too short to skip dessert! Each serving has around 450 calories.

The cream is the biggest contributor. It also contains a good dose of calcium from the dairy. And of course, vitamin C from the Citrus desserts !

So, there you have it! Everything you need to make this spring baking recipes a total triumph. It is a Light and refreshing desserts , perfect for the warmer weather.

Don't be scared to experiment. Get creative. And most importantly, have fun! You've got this!

Frequently Asked Questions

Help! My posset didn't set. What did I do wrong?

Oh dear, a wobbly posset is no good! The most common reason a posset doesn't set is not simmering it long enough. Make sure you simmer the cream and sugar mixture until it slightly thickens it should coat the back of a spoon. Also, chilling time is crucial; give it at least 4 hours, or even better, overnight.

If it's still not setting, your lemon juice might not have been acidic enough, though that's less common.

Can I make this Lemon & Elderflower Posset ahead of time?

Absolutely! This is a great make-ahead dessert. In fact, it's better if you do! The posset needs at least 4 hours to chill and set, and it can happily sit in the fridge, covered, for up to 2 days. Just add the shortbread crumble right before serving to keep it nice and crunchy. No one wants a soggy bottom, as they say!

I can't find elderflower liqueur. Is there a good substitute for these spring desserts?

No worries, you've got options! Elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain) adds a lovely floral note, but you can substitute it with elderflower cordial. Use the same amount. If you can't find either, you can simply omit it. It'll still be a delicious lemon posset.

You could even add a tiny drop of rosewater for a similar floral vibe, but go easy, as it can be overpowering!

My shortbread crumble is too dry. What should I do differently next time?

A dry crumble can be a bit disappointing. Make sure your butter is very cold when you rub it into the flour. Work quickly so the butter doesn't melt too much. You can also try adding a tablespoon of cold water to the mixture to bring it together. Don't overwork the dough just mix it until it comes together.

Remember, shortbread is all about that crumbly texture, but it shouldn't be bone dry!

Can I make a vegan version of this spring dessert?

Yes, you can! To make a vegan Lemon & Elderflower Posset, substitute the double cream with full fat coconut milk. Make sure to use the thick, creamy part from the top of the can. The texture will be slightly different perhaps a little less firm than traditional posset but it will still be delicious.

For the shortbread crumble, use a vegan butter alternative.

How should I store leftover Lemon & Elderflower Posset?

Storing leftovers is easy! Keep the posset in the ramekins or glasses, covered tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store the shortbread crumble separately in an airtight container at room temperature to keep it crisp. Adding the crumble just before serving is key!