Watermelon Ice Cream Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a cold, creamy scoop of ice cream on a hot day—especially when it’s made from juicy, refreshing watermelon. This Watermelon Ice Cream is light, fruity, and unbelievably smooth, making it the perfect summer treat. No fancy ice cream maker? No problem! This recipe is simple, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal effort. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never look at watermelon the same way again!
Why You’ll Love Watermelon Ice Cream
Versatile Whether you enjoy it in a cone, a bowl, or as a frozen fruit popsicle, this ice cream is a refreshing treat for any occasion.
Budget-Friendly Made with just a handful of affordable ingredients, this recipe is a great way to turn a simple fruit into a gourmet dessert.
Quick and Easy No complicated steps or ice cream machines—just blend, freeze, and enjoy!
Customizable Want to switch things up? Add chocolate chips, lime zest, or even a swirl of coconut milk for extra flavor.
Crowd-Pleasing A favorite for both kids and adults! It’s fruity, naturally sweet, and has that smooth, creamy texture everyone loves.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Watermelon Ice Cream
This ice cream is made with fresh, simple ingredients that highlight the natural sweetness of watermelon. Here’s what you’ll need:
Watermelon The star of the show! Use ripe, seedless watermelon for the sweetest flavor and smoothest texture.
Heavy Cream Adds richness and creaminess to balance the lightness of the fruit.
Sweetened Condensed Milk Helps create a smooth, scoopable texture while adding a touch of sweetness.
Vanilla Extract Enhances the overall flavor, making the watermelon taste even more vibrant.
Lemon or Lime Juice A little acidity brightens up the sweetness and enhances the watermelon’s natural flavor.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this refreshing masterpiece:
Blend the Watermelon
Cut the watermelon into cubes and blend until completely smooth. If there are any small bits left, strain the juice through a sieve for an ultra-smooth texture.
Mix the Base
In a large bowl, whisk together the blended watermelon, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and lemon or lime juice until fully combined.
Whip the Cream
In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. This will give the ice cream a light, airy texture.
Fold Everything Together
Gently fold the whipped cream into the watermelon mixture, being careful not to deflate the cream. This step is key to keeping the ice cream creamy and not icy.
Freeze to Perfection
Pour the mixture into a loaf pan or any freezer-safe container. Cover with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 6 hours, or until firm.
Serve and Enjoy
Scoop into bowls or cones, and enjoy a refreshing, creamy, and fruity ice cream experience!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 220
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Freeze Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
How to Serve Watermelon Ice Cream
This ice cream is delicious on its own, but here are some fun ways to serve it:
- Top with fresh watermelon chunks for an extra burst of fruitiness.
- Drizzle with chocolate sauce for a watermelon-chocolate twist.
- Garnish with mint leaves to enhance the refreshing flavor.
- Serve in a waffle cone for a classic summer treat.
- Blend with milk to turn it into a watermelon milkshake!
Additional Tips
- Use very ripe watermelon for the best sweetness and flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk.
- Want a firmer texture? Let the ice cream sit out for 5 minutes before scooping.
- Make it extra creamy by adding a little Greek yogurt to the mix.
- Freeze in popsicle molds for easy grab-and-go treats.
FAQ’s
1. Can I make this without condensed milk?
Yes! You can substitute it with honey or maple syrup and a bit of Greek yogurt for creaminess.
2. Do I need an ice cream maker?
Nope! This recipe is no-churn, so all you need is a blender and a freezer.
3. Can I use frozen watermelon?
Yes! Just blend it straight from frozen for an instant soft-serve texture.
4. How long does this ice cream last in the freezer?
It stays fresh for up to 2 weeks if stored in an airtight container.
5. Can I use a different fruit?
Absolutely! Try this recipe with mango, strawberries, or peaches for a fruity variation.
6. Why is my ice cream icy instead of creamy?
Make sure to whip the cream well before mixing it with the watermelon puree. This helps maintain a creamy texture.
7. Can I make this keto-friendly?
Yes! Use heavy cream, a sugar-free sweetener, and skip the condensed milk for a low-carb version.
8. Can I add chocolate chips?
Yes! Mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate make a great addition.
9. How do I make it extra smooth?
Strain the blended watermelon to remove any fibers before mixing with the other ingredients.
10. Can I make this into popsicles?
Yes! Just pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for a fun frozen treat.
Conclusion
This Watermelon Ice Cream is the ultimate summer dessert—cool, creamy, and bursting with fresh watermelon flavor. It’s easy to make, requires no special equipment, and is guaranteed to be a crowd favorite. Try it today, and beat the heat with every scoop!
PrintWatermelon Ice Cream Recipe
A refreshing and vibrant summer treat, this Watermelon Ice Cream is made from fresh watermelon puree combined with cream and milk. Its light, fruity flavor is perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 quart
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
– 4 cups seedless watermelon cubes
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon lemon juice
– Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Puree the watermelon cubes in a blender until smooth.
2. In a large bowl, combine the watermelon puree, heavy cream, milk, sugar, lemon juice, and salt. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.
3. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
4. Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn for 20-25 minutes until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
5. Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up.
6. Serve and enjoy your refreshing Watermelon Ice Cream!
Notes
– Garnish with fresh mint leaves or small watermelon balls for an extra burst of flavor.
– If you don’t have an ice cream maker, freeze the mixture in a shallow container and stir every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals.
– Adjust the sugar level based on the natural sweetness of your watermelon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
