Grapefruit Posset
This Grapefruit Posset is one of those desserts that feels quietly impressive without asking much of you at all. It’s creamy, citrusy, and just fancy enough for a dinner party, but easy enough to make on a random weeknight when you want something a little special!
I’ve always had a soft spot for desserts that look like you made a lot of effort, but secretly come together super easily. Possets are exactly that kind of recipe. If you can heat cream and stir in citrus juice, you’re already most of the way there, and the end result feels far more elegant than the process ever suggests!
This grapefruit and thyme version is one of my favorites because it hits that perfect balance between tart and creamy. The richness of the cream softens the sharp citrus, while grapefruit brings a subtle bitterness that keeps things from tipping into overly sweet territory. Add a spoonful of strawberries on top, and suddenly you’ve got a dessert that feels like it came from a fancy restaurant!
Why You’ll Love This Grapefruit Posset Recipe
- Shockingly simple, yet elegant. This grapefruit dessert comes together with just a handful of ingredients and one saucepan, but it looks and tastes like something you’d order out. It’s the definition of low effort, high reward!
- Perfect balance of flavors. The creamy base is rich without being heavy, while grapefruit and lemon add brightness and gentle acidity. The strawberry topping brings sweetness, freshness, and a little depth from the balsamic.
- Make-ahead friendly. Possets need time to chill and set, which makes them ideal for entertaining. You can prep everything hours, or even a day, ahead and simply top and serve.
- Naturally gluten-free! No flour, no crust, no swaps needed. This is an easy dessert option for guests with dietary restrictions that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.
What is a posset?
A posset is a classic British dessert made by gently heating cream with sugar, then adding citrus juice to thicken it naturally. The acid reacts with the cream, causing it to set into a silky, pudding-like texture without eggs, gelatin, or baking! It’s the easiest!
Ingredients You Need
- Heavy cream: This is the foundation of the posset, giving it that rich, luxurious texture. Make sure you’re using full-fat heavy cream for the best set.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cream and balances the tart citrus. It dissolves easily as the cream heats.
- Fresh thyme: A single sprig adds subtle herbal depth without overpowering the citrus. It’s optional, but highly recommended for flavor.
- Grapefruit zest: Zest brings concentrated citrus aroma and flavor without extra acidity. Be sure to zest only the colorful outer layer.
- Fresh grapefruit juice: Freshly squeezed juice is key here! It provides brightness and helps the posset set properly.
- Lemon juice: Lemon juice boosts the acidity just enough to ensure a smooth, reliable set while brightening the grapefruit flavor.
For the Topping:
- Fresh strawberries: Chopped strawberries add freshness, color, and sweetness to contrast the creamy base.
- Honey: A touch of honey enhances the natural sweetness of the strawberries without overpowering them.
- Balsamic vinegar: Just a tablespoon adds depth and a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with strawberries and citrus.
- Salt and black pepper: A pinch of salt sharpens flavors, while a tiny crack of black pepper adds warmth.
Variations & Substitutions
- Swap the citrus: Swap the grapefruit juice and zest for fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, or you can use lime zest and lime juice! Blood orange would also be a delicious option, but you have to make sure to add lemon juice to that one too.
- Coconut cream: Use full-fat canned coconut cream in place of the heavy cream for a dairy-free option!
- Change the herbs: While I love a grapefruit thyme posset, you can add different herbs like rosemary or basil instead. Or, simply skip the herbs!
How to Make Easy Grapefruit Posset
- Simmer the Cream: In a small sauce pan add heavy cream, sugar, grapefruit zest and thyme. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat while stirring continuously.
- Add Citrus Juices: Remove from the heat and whisk in the grapefruit and lemon juice. Discard the thyme.
- Strain into Glasses: Strain mixture into serving dishes. Refrigerate 4-6 hours.
- Prep the Strawberries: When ready to serve prepare the topping. In a bowl combine all ingredients for the strawberry topping. Let it macerate for 10 minutes.
- Assemble & Enjoy: Top the pudding with one spoon or more of strawberry mixture. Enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Don’t rush the boil! Bring the cream mixture to a gentle boil while stirring continuously. A rolling boil can scorch the cream or affect the final texture.
- Use fresh citrus juice. Bottled juice won’t give you the same brightness or acidity. Fresh juice ensures proper thickening and the cleanest flavor.
- Strain for the smoothest texture! Straining removes zest and thyme, resulting in a silky-smooth posset. This extra step makes a noticeable difference in presentation.
- Give it enough time to chill. Possets need at least 4 hours to fully set. Overnight chilling works beautifully and makes serving stress-free.
Storage Suggestions
Store grapefruit possets covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If adding the strawberry topping, keep it separate and spoon it on just before serving to maintain the best texture and color.
How to Serve this Grapefruit Dessert
One of the best things about this grapefruit posset with thyme is how flexible it is to serve. You can pour the posset into small glass jars, stemless wine glasses, or low dessert cups for a more elegant look. For parties or casual gatherings, clear plastic cups work surprisingly well and make cleanup effortless!
Top each posset with a spoonful (or two) of the balsamic strawberries just before serving. If you want to take it a step further, add a small thyme sprig, a twist of grapefruit zest, or a few flaky salt crystals on top. Yum!
Frequently Asked Questions
Once chilled, the posset should be softly firm and hold its shape when tilted. It won’t be as stiff as gelatin-based desserts, but it should be thick and spoonable.
Absolutely. The thyme adds a subtle herbal note, but the posset is still delicious without it. You can also experiment with rosemary or basil if you like!
Lemon juice adds extra acidity, which helps the cream thicken reliably while keeping the flavor bright and balanced.
More Dessert Recipes to Try
- Lemon Meringue Tart
- Strawberry Floating Island
- Key Lime Tiramisu
- Mocha Pot de Creme
- Balsamic Marinated Strawberries with Ice Cream
Easy Grapefruit and Thyme Posset Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sugar
- Sprig of fresh thyme
- Grapefruit zest
- 1/3 cup grapefruit juice freshly squeezed
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
Strawberry topping
- 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- Salt and black pepper
Instructions
- In a small sauce pan add heavy cream, sugar, grapefruit zest and thyme. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat while stirring continuously.
- Remove from the heat and whisk in the grapefruit and lemon juice. Discard the thyme.
- Strain mixture into serving dishes. Refrigerate 4-6 hours.
- When ready to serve prepare the topping.
- In a bowl combine all ingredients for the strawberry topping. Let it macerate for 10 minutes.
- Top the pudding with one spoon or more of strawberry mixture.
- Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Don’t rush the boil! Bring the cream mixture to a gentle boil while stirring continuously. A rolling boil can scorch the cream or affect the final texture.
- Use fresh citrus juice. Bottled juice won’t give you the same brightness or acidity. Fresh juice ensures proper thickening and the cleanest flavor.
- Strain for the smoothest texture! Straining removes zest and thyme, resulting in a silky-smooth posset. This extra step makes a noticeable difference in presentation.
- Give it enough time to chill. Possets need at least 4 hours to fully set. Overnight chilling works beautifully and makes serving stress-free.
