Chocolate Orange Posset

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I’ve always had a soft spot for desserts that strike the perfect balance between richness and brightness, and this Chocolate Orange Posset delivers just that. The creamy smoothness of the posset melts in your mouth, while the zesty orange cuts through the sweetness to keep every spoonful exciting. It’s a dessert that feels luxurious, yet it’s surprisingly simple to make with just a few ingredients and minimal effort.

The first time I made this, I was amazed at how the combination of citrus and chocolate could taste so refined and indulgent. It’s a fantastic choice for dinner parties or a cozy night in when you want something that feels special without needing to spend hours in the kitchen. If you’re looking for a dessert that tastes like it came from a fine restaurant, but can be made at home in under 30 minutes, this posset is your answer.

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Orange Posset

This dessert is all about contrasts—creamy yet sharp, rich yet refreshing. The chocolate brings a deep, velvety layer of indulgence, while the orange zest and juice keep the flavor profile vibrant and citrusy. It sets beautifully in the fridge, making it ideal for prepping ahead of time.

You’ll also love that it only requires a handful of ingredients, but delivers a complex, grown-up flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served in elegant ramekins or rustic cups, it’s bound to impress.

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What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use?

For this recipe, go with a high-quality dark chocolate—ideally around 60-70% cocoa. It balances perfectly with the sweetness of the cream and sugar, and it’s bold enough not to get lost against the citrus. Avoid milk chocolate, which can make the dessert overly sweet and a little flat in flavor.

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Options for Substitutions

• Orange zest and juice: If you’re out of oranges, blood oranges or mandarins work beautifully and give a slightly different twist.
• Heavy cream: Full-fat coconut cream can be used for a dairy-free version, though the texture will be a touch different.
• Dark chocolate: Try bittersweet chocolate if you want a more intense cocoa profile, or swap in orange-infused dark chocolate for extra citrus.
• Sugar: You can use honey or maple syrup, but expect subtle flavor differences and slight changes in how the posset sets.

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Ingredients for this Chocolate Orange Posset

• Heavy Cream – The base of the posset, giving it its rich, silky texture. Full-fat cream is essential to allow the mixture to set properly.
• Caster Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps to create a balanced flavor with the citrus and chocolate.
• Orange Zest – Provides a fragrant, aromatic quality that lifts the entire dessert.
• Fresh Orange Juice – The acidity in the juice reacts with the cream to help it thicken without the need for gelatin.
• Dark Chocolate (60–70% cocoa) – Offers a rich and slightly bitter depth that pairs beautifully with the citrus notes.
• Vanilla Extract (optional) – Adds a subtle warmth and enhances the overall flavor.

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Step 1: Infuse the Cream

Pour the heavy cream into a medium saucepan and set it over medium heat. Add the caster sugar and orange zest. Stir gently to dissolve the sugar as the cream heats up. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, but do not let it boil over. Let the zest steep in the warm cream for 2–3 minutes to release its essential oils.

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Step 2: Add the Chocolate

Remove the cream mixture from heat and immediately add the chopped dark chocolate. Stir until the chocolate is fully melted and the mixture is smooth. At this point, you can add the vanilla extract if using.

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Step 3: Add the Orange Juice

Once the chocolate is fully incorporated, slowly pour in the fresh orange juice. Stir well—this is where the magic happens! The acid in the juice causes the cream to thicken as it cools.

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Step 4: Strain the Mixture (Optional)

If you prefer a super smooth texture, strain the mixture through a fine sieve to remove the zest and any unmelted chocolate bits. This step is optional but recommended for a more elegant presentation.

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Step 5: Pour and Chill

Carefully pour the posset mixture into serving cups, ramekins, or small bowls. Allow them to cool at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes, then transfer to the refrigerator. Let chill for at least 4 hours or until fully set.

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Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Once set, serve the possets straight from the fridge. You can garnish with extra orange zest, a chocolate curl, or a small slice of candied orange for a final touch. Serve chilled and enjoy the luscious texture and flavor!

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How Long to Prepare the Chocolate Orange Posset

Making this posset is quick and rewarding. The active preparation takes around 10–15 minutes—just enough time to infuse the cream, melt the chocolate, and stir in the citrus juice. There’s no baking involved, which makes it ideal for quick desserts that don’t sacrifice flavor.

The chilling time, however, is essential. The possets need at least 4 hours in the refrigerator to set properly, but I recommend preparing them the night before if you’re serving them for a special occasion. This makes for a relaxed, stress-free dessert option.

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Tips for Perfect Chocolate Orange Posset

• Use fresh orange juice, not bottled—fresh juice provides better acidity for setting and a brighter flavor.
• Don’t let the cream boil; just a gentle simmer is enough to activate the thickening process.
• Strain the mixture if you want an ultra-smooth texture.
• Use high-quality chocolate for the best taste.
• Chill in individual ramekins or cups for easy serving and elegant presentation.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Boiling the Cream Too Hard: This can change the texture of the final posset and may cause it to separate.
• Using Low-Fat Cream: It won’t set properly. Stick with full-fat heavy cream.
• Adding Juice Too Early: Always add the orange juice after removing the pan from heat, or the cream may curdle.
• Skipping the Chill Time: The dessert needs several hours to set; don’t rush it.
• Using Low-Quality Chocolate: It can taste waxy or too sweet, throwing off the flavor balance.

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What to Serve With Chocolate Orange Posset?

1. Almond Biscotti

Crunchy and mildly sweet, biscotti make a lovely contrast to the creamy texture.

2. Shortbread Cookies

Their buttery simplicity pairs beautifully with the rich posset.

3. Fresh Berries

A small handful of raspberries or blackberries adds color and tartness.

4. Espresso or Coffee

A strong coffee cuts through the richness and enhances the chocolate notes.

5. Candied Orange Peel

Doubles down on the citrus flavor and adds a chewy, sweet garnish.

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Storage Instructions

In the Refrigerator:
Keep the possets covered in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can cover them with plastic wrap or use small jars with lids. The texture remains silky and thick as long as they’re kept chilled.

Freezing:
While it’s possible to freeze possets, the texture may become grainy when thawed. If you must freeze, wrap tightly and consume within a month. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator overnight.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving, assuming 6 servings total):

• Calories: ~380 kcal
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Sugar: 18g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! It’s perfect for making the day before. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

No, milk doesn’t have enough fat to allow the posset to set properly.

What if I don’t have oranges?

Try lemons or blood oranges. Each gives a different but delicious citrus note.

Is this gluten-free?

Yes, the Chocolate Orange Posset is naturally gluten-free.

How do I know when it’s fully set?

It should jiggle slightly like custard but hold its shape when spooned.

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Conclusion

Chocolate Orange Posset is one of those desserts that feels far more luxurious than the effort it takes to make. With a bold citrus zing and a deep chocolate richness, it satisfies both light and indulgent dessert cravings. It’s quick to prepare, simple to set, and always a crowd-pleaser. If you’re looking to impress with minimal stress, this creamy creation is your go-to treat.

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