If you’re anything like us, as the weather heats up and summer parties are on the horizon, finding a light and refreshing dessert to serve our guests is key.

Originally served as a hot drink, the British posset is now served as a cold, cream-based dessert with a silky smooth texture. It’s rich enough to satisfy the need for something that feels decadent, yet light and delicate at the same time.

Top the lime posset with a simple watermelon granita and violà: the perfect summer dessert.

Lime Posset Recipe

Serves 4

Ingredients

2 cups heavy cream

2/3 cup sugar

5 tbsp freshly squeezed limejuice

Directions

Combine the heavy cream and sugar in a large pot; the pot should be much larger than you think you need to avoid the cream boiling over. Set over high heat and bring to a boil. Adjust the heat to keep boiling for another 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and whisk in the limejuice. Place in the serving vessel of your choice (a shallow bowl works best). Let cool for about 15 minutes or so before placing in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.

Watermelon Granita Recipe

Serves 4-6

Ingredients

4 cups cubed seedless watermelon

½ cup sugar

1 tbsp limejuice

Directions

Puree all ingredients in a blender until super smooth, and then strain through a fine sieve or chinois. Then place in a large metal baking pan about 9 x 9 x 2 that will allow the granita to freeze quickly and evenly. 

As the watermelon begins to freeze, take a fork and rake the liquid about every 30 minutes over a span of 3 or so hours. Before serving, rake the ice one more time with the fork and serve immediately or store in the freezer for later use.

For plating:

Serve the watermelon granita over top of the lime posset and garnish with chocolate that you can pipe into dots or in the shape of watermelon seeds.

Story by Star Laliberte / Recipe by Kristin Butterworth / Styling by Keith Recker / Photography by Dave Bryce

Here are a few more summery recipes that feature watermelon.

Watermelon Sandwiches

Peak Summer: Watermelon Steak Salad

Watermelon Spritz

Don’t miss a single delicious thing:

Subscribe to TABLE Magazine here!