Frosty Watermelon Ice Cream Recipe: Summer’s Sweet Delight

Summers heat up with a delightful watermelon ice cream that promises cool refreshment.

Blending sweet fruit and creamy textures creates magic in every scoop.

Sweet memories of childhood picnics dance through this simple dessert.

Homemade treats always feel more special when crafted with love and fresh ingredients.

Chilling ingredients ahead ensures the smoothest, most luxurious consistency possible.

Local farmers markets offer perfect watermelons for this delectable summer sensation.

You’ll want to whip up this recipe and share its vibrant, fruity charm with everyone around you.

Watermelon Ice Cream That Feels Like Summer

• The watermelon ice cream recipe delivers refreshing delight with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
• Crafting this dessert requires just a few simple steps, making it perfect for home cooks of all skill levels who want a fast and delicious treat.
• Kids and adults will love the natural sweetness and vibrant color of this watermelon-based ice cream, guaranteeing smiles around the dinner table.
• Without needing an ice cream maker, this recipe lets anyone create a creamy, homemade dessert using basic kitchen tools and minimal ingredients.

What Goes into Watermelon Ice Cream Recipe

• Watermelon: Sweet summer fruit that provides the main flavor and natural sweetness for the ice cream, best when ripe and juicy.

• Heavy Cream, Sweetened Condensed Milk: Creamy base that adds richness and helps create smooth, scoopable texture, full-fat versions recommended for best results.

• Mini Chocolate Chips: Optional add-in that provides delightful crunch and contrasting flavor to the watermelon, dark or semi-sweet varieties work well.
• Salt: Tiny amount that helps balance and boost overall flavor profile of the dessert.

Steps for Making Watermelon Ice Cream

Step 1: Prepare Watermelon Chunks

Wash the watermelon thoroughly. Cut into bite-sized cubes, removing any seeds. Spread cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place in freezer and let freeze completely until solid (about 4-6 hours or overnight).

Step 2: Create Smooth Base

• Heavy cream
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Vanilla extract

Blend until ultra-smooth and creamy, stopping occasionally to scrape down sides of blender.

Step 3: Add Delightful Mix-Ins

• Mini chocolate chips
• Chopped mint leaves
• Crushed pistachios

Gently fold chosen mix-ins into the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Freeze Into Perfect Texture

• Loaf pan
• Freezer-safe container

Smooth top with spatula. Cover surface with plastic wrap. Freeze for 4-6 hours until firm and scoopable.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Remove from freezer. Let sit at room temperature for 5-7 minutes. Scoop into bowls. Garnish with fresh mint or extra chocolate chips if desired. Savor your homemade watermelon ice cream!

Tips for a Smooth Watermelon Ice Cream Batch

• Freeze Wisely: Use a baking sheet when freezing watermelon cubes to prevent sticking and ensure even freezing for smoother blending.
• Boost Creaminess: Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk to enhance texture and prevent ice crystals from forming during freezing.
• Chocolate Chip Hack: Partially freeze chocolate chips before folding into the mixture to prevent them from sinking and distribute evenly.
• Storage Secrets: Transfer ice cream to a shallow, wide container for faster and more even freezing, which helps maintain a scoopable consistency.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a vegan-friendly version that maintains a rich, creamy texture.

How to Keep Watermelon Ice Cream Chilled Right

• Store watermelon ice cream in an airtight container for up to 1 week to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
• Cover surface with plastic wrap before sealing container to minimize ice crystal formation.
• Remove from freezer 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly, making scooping easier and smoother.
• Once thawed, consume within 24 hours for best taste and consistency to prevent texture degradation.

Pair Watermelon Ice Cream with These Treats

• Pair the watermelon ice cream with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc, its light and zesty notes perfectly balancing the sweet, fruity dessert.
• Sprinkle fresh raspberries or blueberries around the ice cream scoop to enhance the summer-like flavor profile and add a vibrant color contrast.
• Crush some dark chocolate mint cookies and sprinkle them over the watermelon ice cream for a delightful textural and flavor combination that elevates the dessert.
• Create a refreshing watermelon mojito alongside the ice cream, using similar watermelon notes to create a cohesive and sophisticated dessert experience.

Different Spins on Watermelon Ice Cream

• Dairy-Free Dream: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for a vegan-friendly version that's creamy and tropical.
• Protein Power Scoop: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to boost nutritional value and create a post-workout treat.
• Tropical Berry Blend: Mix in fresh raspberries or strawberries during blending for a vibrant, fruity flavor profile.
• No-Sugar Option: Substitute honey or agave with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a low-carb, sugar-free alternative that keeps the refreshing taste intact.

Watermelon Ice Cream FAQs

• Can I use a different type of milk instead of cream?

Yes, you can substitute cream with coconut milk, almond milk, or full-fat yogurt for a lighter version of the ice cream.

• Do I need an ice cream maker for this recipe?

No, this is a no-churn recipe that doesn’t require an ice cream maker. You can easily make it using a blender and your freezer.

• How ripe should the watermelon be?

Choose a very ripe, sweet watermelon with deep red color and no white or pale sections for the best flavor and natural sweetness.

• Is this recipe suitable for people with lactose intolerance?

You can make it dairy-free by using non-dairy alternatives like coconut cream or almond milk, making it friendly for those with lactose sensitivities.

Watermelon Ice Cream Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 35 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cool summer vibes meet sweet watermelon ice cream, blending fresh fruit with creamy richness. Homemade dessert perfection delivers refreshing delight with each smooth, chilled spoonful you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Watermelon:

• 4 cups (960 milliliters) seedless watermelon, cubed and frozen

Dairy and Sweeteners:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) sweetened condensed milk
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) full-fat coconut milk (dairy-free alternative)

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lime juice
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
• 1 pinch salt
• Optional: mini chocolate chips (to mimic watermelon seeds)

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Instructions

1. Meticulously dice ripe watermelon into uniform cubes, spreading them evenly on a freezer-safe tray to ensure quick and thorough freezing for approximately 4-6 hours until completely solid.
2. Transfer the frozen watermelon chunks into a high-powered blender, carefully combining with creamy ingredients to create a silky smooth base, pausing occasionally to scrape down the sides and guarantee a consistent texture.
3. Pulse the mixture until it reaches a luxurious, soft-serve consistency, ensuring no large ice crystals remain and the blend appears uniformly incorporated.
4. For added excitement, gently fold miniature chocolate chips throughout the mixture, distributing them evenly to create delightful flavor bursts.
5. Transfer the luscious watermelon cream into a sleek, freezer-safe container, smoothing the surface with a spatula to eliminate air pockets and promote even freezing.
6. Place the container in the freezer, allowing the mixture to set completely for approximately 2-3 hours until it reaches a perfect scoopable consistency.
7. When ready to indulge, remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it rest at room temperature for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to soften slightly for effortless scooping and optimal flavor release.

Notes

• Freezing watermelon completely solid ensures a smoother, creamier texture that mimics traditional ice cream consistency.
• Adding a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk helps create a richer, more indulgent mouthfeel without overpowering the delicate watermelon flavor.
• Experiment with mix-ins like chopped mint, crushed pistachios, or white chocolate chips to elevate the basic recipe and add unexpected crunch.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute coconut cream or cashew cream to maintain the creamy texture while accommodating different dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 hours
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg