If you’re on the hunt for an elegant, no-bake dessert that feels indulgent but requires barely any effort, this 3-Ingredient Clementine Posset is your answer. This classic British-style creamy pudding gets a zesty, refreshing twist with the vibrant flavor of fresh clementine oranges, making it a bright addition to your sweet snacks repertoire. With only three simple ingredients—cream, sugar, and clementine juice—this recipe transforms everyday staples into a stunning sweet dish.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing for the holidays, or simply craving something citrusy and sweet, this clementine posset is guaranteed to become one of your go-to sweet dishes recipes. In this in-depth guide, we’ll dive into the origins of posset, the star ingredient—orange clementine fruit—how to perfectly make it, creative serving suggestions, and even what to pair it with.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This 3-Ingredient Clementine Posset
- Incredibly easy to make – Just heat, stir, and chill!
- Luxurious texture – Silky, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth.
- Deliciously citrusy – Bursting with the tangy-sweet essence of clementine oranges.
- Elegant presentation – Perfect for dinner parties or as a romantic treat.
- Naturally gluten-free – No eggs or flour needed.
🍊 What is a Posset?
Originally, a posset was a warm drink from medieval England made with hot milk, ale, or wine. Over time, the posset evolved into a chilled dessert similar to a custard or panna cotta. Today’s version is simpler and more refined: a thick, creamy pudding that sets beautifully in the fridge, thanks to the reaction between cream and acid—in this case, the citric acid in fresh clementine juice.
🍊 What Are Clementines?
Clementines, often called “sharing clementines” for their easy-to-peel skin and segmentable nature, are a variety of mandarin orange. They’re sweeter and less acidic than larger oranges, making them ideal for desserts. When used in this recipe, their vibrant zest and juice add a wonderfully sweet-tart punch that perfectly balances the richness of cream.
Keywords to note:
- Fresh Clementine Oranges
- Clementine Orange
- Orange Clementine Fruit
- Clementine Snack
🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe couldn’t be easier. All you need are three ingredients:
✨ Ingredients:
- 2 cups (480 ml) heavy cream
- 2/3 cup (130g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) fresh clementine juice (from about 5–6 fresh clementine oranges)
Optional Garnishes:
– Clementine zest
– Chocolate curls or shavings
– Crushed shortbread cookies
– Fresh mint leaves
👩🍳 How to Make Clementine Posset
Step 1: Extract the Clementine Juice
Start by juicing your clementine oranges. Use a fine-mesh strainer to remove any pulp or seeds. You’ll need ½ cup of juice, which is approximately 5-6 medium clementines.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, zest a couple of the clementines before juicing and reserve the zest for garnishing.
Step 2: Heat Cream and Sugar
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream and sugar. Stir constantly to prevent the cream from boiling over. Bring to a gentle boil and let it simmer for 3 minutes.
Don’t skip this step! Simmering is crucial—it reduces the mixture slightly and ensures the sugar fully dissolves, helping the dessert set properly.
Step 3: Add the Clementine Juice
Remove the cream mixture from heat and let it sit for a minute. Gently whisk in the fresh clementine juice. You’ll notice the cream thickening slightly almost immediately. This reaction is thanks to the citric acid curdling the cream—no gelatin or cornstarch needed.
Step 4: Pour and Chill
Carefully pour the mixture into ramekins, glasses, or any small serving dishes. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
The result? A smooth, velvety dessert with the sunny brightness of citrus.
🍫 How to Serve Clementine Posset
The simplicity of this dessert is part of its charm, but you can easily elevate it with thoughtful toppings. Pair it with chocolates, crisp textures, or fruit-based garnishes to add contrast and visual appeal.
🌿 Serving Suggestions:
- With Chocolate Shavings: Clementine and chocolate are a dream team. Sprinkle dark or white chocolates on top for contrast.
- With Shortbread Crumble: Add a crumble of buttery cookies for texture.
- With Berries: Fresh raspberries or pomegranate arils look gorgeous and complement the citrus.
- Layered in Glasses: Make a layered parfait with crushed cookies or cake for a deconstructed trifle.
- With a Clementine Twist: Garnish with a single clementine segment, zest, or candied peel.
This is truly a pretty food that looks as good as it tastes.
🍽️ When to Serve Clementine Posset
This posset makes a perfect sweet snack recipe for countless occasions:
- After-dinner dessert – light yet indulgent
- Brunch treat – pair with fruit and pastries
- Holiday celebration – add orange zest and a chocolate garnish
- Romantic date night – serve in wine glasses with a mint sprig
Looking for something to share? This is the perfect clementine snack to enjoy with friends and family.
🔁 Variations and Twists
While the classic 3-ingredient version is perfect on its own, you can customize the base recipe to explore new flavors.
✨ Flavor Variations:
- Clementine & Vanilla: Add ½ tsp of pure vanilla extract for a hint of warmth.
- Clementine & Honey: Substitute 2 tbsp of sugar with honey for floral notes.
- Clementine & Lemon Posset: Mix clementine with a splash of lemon juice to amplify the citrus tang.
- Chocolate Clementine Posset: Swirl in a tablespoon of melted white chocolate before chilling.
🧊 Storage Tips
Refrigeration:
Store your possets in the fridge, tightly covered with plastic wrap or lids. They keep fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
Not recommended. The texture may split when thawed.
📝 Troubleshooting & FAQs
Why didn’t my posset set properly?
- The cream wasn’t simmered long enough.
- Not enough acid (clementine juice) was used.
- It was disturbed while setting—let it rest undisturbed.
Can I use bottled clementine juice?
Fresh is best. Bottled juice may lack acidity or include preservatives that affect the setting process.
Can I use another citrus fruit?
Absolutely! Lemon, lime, blood orange, or even grapefruit can be used similarly.
💡 Tips for Making the Perfect Posset
- Always strain the juice to remove any pulp or seeds.
- Don’t let the cream boil over—simmer gently.
- Let the mixture cool slightly before pouring into glasses.
- Use transparent cups or jars to show off the luscious orange color for maximum visual appeal.
💬 What People Say
“This is the ultimate low-effort, high-reward dessert. My guests thought I spent hours on it!” – Emma L.
“The clementine flavor is refreshing and unexpected. I served it with chocolate-dipped orange peels—divine!” – Dan R.
“I made it for Christmas brunch, and it stole the show. Will make again with blood oranges next time!” – Priya T.
🍽️ Final Thoughts: A Clementine Treat Worth Sharing
If you’ve never tried making a posset before, this 3-Ingredient Clementine Posset is a fantastic place to start. It’s luxurious, refreshing, and undeniably gorgeous on the plate—an example of pretty food that’s just as good to eat as it is to admire. Whether you’re enjoying it alone as a quiet treat or serving it up to guests, it’s guaranteed to impress.
Clementines bring natural sweetness and vibrant citrus notes that balance the richness of cream. Their presence in this dessert is a celebration of orange clementine fruit, transforming a humble clementine snack into a showstopping finale.
