Creamy Orange Posset with Brûlée Topping Recipe
Introduction
This easy and creamy orange posset with a brûlée topping is a refreshing citrus dessert that’s sure to impress. It combines smooth, velvety texture with the bright flavor of orange and a crisp caramelized sugar finish.

Ingredients
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 3 large oranges
- Orange zest from one orange
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice the oranges in half cross-wise. Juice the oranges carefully to avoid tearing the peels; you will use the peels for serving. Set aside about 1/3 cup of orange juice.
- Step 2: Remove the flesh from the inside of the orange peels and set aside. Zest one additional orange and keep the zest separate.
- Step 3: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest. Whisk frequently to dissolve the sugar.
- Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium-low and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, ensuring it never boils.
- Step 5: Remove the pan from heat and let the mixture cool for at least 30 minutes to room temperature.
- Step 6: Strain the cooled liquid through a fine-mesh strainer into a large measuring cup, then pour into the prepared orange peel cups or ramekins until all are filled.
- Step 7: Cover each cup with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours, preferably overnight, until set.
- Step 8: To serve, choose one of two options: either place each orange cup on a small plate and garnish with an edible flower, or sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of sugar evenly over the top and caramelize with a kitchen torch or broiler until dark brown and crisp. Chill again for 5 to 10 minutes before adding an edible flower and serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh oranges for the best flavor and presentation, and handle the peels gently so they remain intact for serving.
- If you don’t have a kitchen torch, briefly placing the possets under a hot broiler works well for caramelizing the sugar.
- For a twist, add a splash of Grand Marnier or another orange liqueur to the cream mixture before cooking.
Storage
Store the possets covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have added the brûlée topping, keep them chilled and serve within the day for the best texture. Re-chill after caramelizing the sugar to maintain the crisp topping.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make orange posset without the brûlée topping?
Yes, the posset is delicious on its own with the creamy citrus flavor. The brûlée topping is optional but adds a delightful textural contrast.
What can I use if I don’t have orange peels to serve in?
You can use small ramekins or dessert glasses if you don’t want to use the orange peels. Just pour the posset into these before chilling.
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Creamy Orange Posset with Brûlée Topping Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy and creamy orange posset recipe with a brûlée topping is a refreshing citrus dessert that’s both visually stunning and delightful in flavor. Made with heavy cream, fresh orange juice, and a caramelized sugar crust, it offers a smooth, zesty treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Posset Base
- 1 pint heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Orange zest from one orange
- 1/3 cup fresh orange juice (from about 3 large oranges)
Garnish
- Edible flowers, for decoration
- Additional sugar for brûlée topping (approx. 1 tablespoon per serving)
Serving
- 3 large oranges (halved and hollowed to use as serving cups)
Instructions
- Prepare Orange Cups: Slice the 3 large oranges in half cross-wise, then juice them carefully to avoid tearing the peel. Set aside about 1/3 cup of fresh orange juice and remove the orange flesh from the inside of the peels to create serving cups.
- Zest the Orange: Zest an additional orange and set aside for later use in the posset mixture.
- Cook the Posset Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the heavy cream, sugar, vanilla extract, orange juice, and orange zest. Whisk frequently to dissolve the sugar. Lower the heat to medium-low and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, making sure it never boils.
- Cool the Mixture: Remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes or more to develop flavors.
- Strain and Pour: Once cooled, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large measuring cup, then carefully pour it into the hollowed orange halves or ramekins. Repeat until all cups are filled.
- Chill to Set: Cover the cups with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 to 6 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the posset to fully set.
- Add Brûlée Topping (Optional): Before serving, sprinkle approximately 1 tablespoon of sugar evenly over the top of each set posset. Use a kitchen torch or the oven broiler to caramelize the sugar until it forms a dark brown, crisp crust. Immediately return to the refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes to harden the crust.
- Garnish and Serve: Add a small edible flower on top of each posset cup for decoration. Serve chilled for a refreshing citrus dessert experience.
Notes
- Do not allow the cream mixture to boil to prevent curdling.
- Using fresh orange juice and zest enhances the citrus aroma and flavor.
- If you don’t have a kitchen torch, the oven broiler works well for caramelizing sugar.
- Make sure to chill the posset thoroughly for the best creamy texture.
- You can serve the posset in ramekins or the hollowed-out orange cups for an elegant presentation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: orange posset, citrus dessert, creamy dessert, brûlée topping, easy dessert recipe, British dessert, orange cream dessert

