If you are on the lookout for a dessert that feels like a cozy hug with a zesty twist, this Chocolate Orange Posset Recipe is here to delight your taste buds. Creamy and decadently smooth, balanced beautifully by bright, fresh orange flavor, this posset is a carefree yet impressive treat you can whip up in no time. Whether you’re entertaining friends, surprising a loved one, or just craving an indulgent finish to your day, this recipe’s luscious texture and vibrant citrus notes make every spoonful a joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this Chocolate Orange Posset Recipe lies in its simplicity and quality ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating that perfect harmony of rich creaminess and bright citrus zing. With just a few essentials, you can craft a stunning dessert that’s as elegant as it is easy.
- 2 cups heavy cream: This rich base gives the posset its famously silky and velvety texture that’s hard to resist.
- 5 oz dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa), chopped: Choose good quality chocolate to provide a deep, slightly bitter balance to the sweet and tangy elements.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Just enough sugar to sweeten without overpowering the chocolate and orange flavors.
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest: The zest brings that essential fragrant citrus oils which brighten the whole dessert.
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice: Adds juicy acidity and freshens the richness with natural citrus punch.
- Pinch sea salt: A small amount of salt amplifies the chocolate and orange flavors, making the posset even more irresistible.
How to Make Chocolate Orange Posset Recipe
Step 1: Heat Cream and Sugar
Start by combining the heavy cream and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to help dissolve the sugar completely. This creates the creamy, slightly sweet foundation of your posset.
Step 2: Infuse with Orange Zest
Add the fresh orange zest to the simmering cream and let it gently bubble for 2 to 3 minutes. This step is where the magic begins, as the zest releases essential oils that infuse the cream with a vibrant, aromatic citrus flavor, setting your posset apart.
Step 3: Melt in the Chocolate
Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately toss in the chopped dark chocolate. Stir steadily until the chocolate melts completely and your mixture transforms into a luxuriously smooth blend, merging the creamy base with rich cocoa depth.
Step 4: Add Orange Juice and Salt
Mix in the fresh orange juice and a pinch of sea salt, stirring well to combine. The juice brings a tangy brightness, while the sea salt enhances all the flavors, ensuring your posset sings with complexity.
Step 5: Strain for Silky Smoothness
Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl or pitcher. This removes any zest bits or solids, leaving you with an impeccably silky dessert base that’s pure indulgence in a glass or ramekin.
Step 6: Chill to Set
Divide the mixture evenly into ramekins, glasses, or jars, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. During this time, your posset will set into a creamy but firm custard that melts delightfully on the tongue.
Step 7: Optional Garnishing
Before serving, feel free to add a dollop of whipped cream, sprinkle chocolate shavings, or even place a thin slice of candied orange on top. These simple touches not only elevate the presentation but add exciting textures and flavors.
How to Serve Chocolate Orange Posset Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your posset thoughtfully takes it from wonderful to unforgettable. Whipped cream adds lightness, chocolate shavings deepen the cocoa flavor, and candied orange slices echo the citrus theme with a sweet, chewy twist. Even a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted nuts can add a delightful crunch.
Side Dishes
This posset shines best as a standalone dessert, but if you want to accompany it, consider serving light shortbread cookies or crisp biscotti. Their buttery crunch contrasts wonderfully with the creamy posset, making each bite an exciting texture play.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation is half the fun. Try layering the posset in clear glasses with a few segments of fresh orange or a drizzle of orange liqueur for a grown-up twist. For a party, serve in small jars with labeled tags for a charming homemade touch. Ramekins with a decorative ribbon add elegance that’s perfect for special occasions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them covered in the refrigerator. The posset will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining its silky texture and vibrant flavor. Make sure to keep it chilled so the delicate creaminess stays intact.
Freezing
Freezing posset isn’t recommended as the texture can become grainy once thawed. It’s best to enjoy this dessert fresh to fully appreciate its luscious consistency and fresh orange brightness.
Reheating
Chocolate Orange Posset Recipe is meant to be served chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary or advised. Instead, enjoy it straight from the fridge for the perfect cool, creamy dessert experience.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
You can substitute milk chocolate, but keep in mind the dessert will be sweeter and less intense in cocoa flavor. Using dark chocolate provides the ideal bittersweet balance with the orange.
How long can I prepare the posset in advance?
This posset can be made up to 24 hours before serving. Refrigerate overnight for the best set and flavor infusion.
What type of orange is best for this recipe?
Choose sweet and juicy oranges like navel or Valencia. Their bright flavor and fresh juice complement the chocolate beautifully without bitterness.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream?
Traditional possets rely on the high fat content of heavy cream to set properly, so dairy-free versions may not set with the same texture. However, experimenting with full-fat coconut cream can sometimes work as a substitute.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Unfortunately, the classic Chocolate Orange Posset Recipe relies on dairy and chocolate containing dairy, so it’s tricky to veganize without losing its signature texture and flavor. There are alternative recipes for vegan possets using plant-based creams and chocolates, but this is not one of them.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about creating a dessert that’s so simple yet so indulgent, and this Chocolate Orange Posset Recipe nails that balance perfectly. It’s a wonderful way to impress friends or treat yourself with minimal effort but maximum delight. I really encourage you to give it a try—the creamy, bright, chocolate-orange combination might just become your new favorite dessert for all seasons.
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Chocolate Orange Posset Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Chocolate Orange Posset is a silky, creamy British dessert that combines rich dark chocolate with zesty fresh orange, creating a decadent and refreshing treat. This easy no-bake posset is made by gently simmering cream and sugar, infusing it with orange zest, then melting in dark chocolate and orange juice before chilling to set into a smooth, luscious pudding.
Ingredients
Posset Base
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- pinch sea salt
Chocolate
- 5 oz dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa), chopped
Instructions
- Simmer Cream and Sugar: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture reaches a gentle simmer.
- Infuse Orange Zest: Stir in the fresh orange zest and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes so the zest infuses its flavor into the cream.
- Melt Chocolate: Remove the pan from the heat. Add the chopped dark chocolate to the hot cream mixture, stirring continuously until the chocolate has fully melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Add Orange Juice and Salt: Stir in the fresh orange juice and a pinch of sea salt until everything is thoroughly combined for balanced flavor.
- Strain Mixture: Pour the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl or pitcher to remove the orange zest and any solids, ensuring a silky smooth texture.
- Chill to Set: Divide the posset mixture evenly into ramekins, glasses, or jars. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the posset to set properly and chill thoroughly.
- Optional Garnish: Before serving, optionally top the posset with whipped cream, chocolate shavings, or a thin slice of candied orange for extra elegance and flavor contrast.
Notes
- Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa for the best flavor and texture.
- Be gentle when simmering the cream to avoid boiling and curdling.
- Straining is important to achieve the characteristic smoothness of the posset.
- Posset can be made up to 2 days in advance and kept refrigerated.
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream but note the texture will be less rich.
