Watermelon Ice Cream Recipe
Take a scoop of pure summer delight to beat the heat! This naturally sweet, delicious, and light watermelon ice cream is ideal for cooling down on a hot day. Both children and adults will enjoy this playful take on classic ice cream because of its vivid colour and cool taste. The best part is that you only need a few basic ingredients and no specialised equipment to prepare it at home. Prepare yourself for a frozen delight that tastes like a bowl of sunshine.
This creamy, refreshing, and naturally sweet watermelon ice cream is the perfect summer treat. It’s easy to make, requires just a few ingredients, and can be made with or without an ice cream maker. The natural sweetness of watermelon combines with cream for a smooth and delightful dessert!
Ingredients:
3 cups fresh watermelon (seedless, cubed)
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
½ cup sweetened condensed milk (or honey for a natural sweetener)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice (enhances flavor)
Pinch of salt
Optional: Chocolate chips (for a “watermelon seed” effect)
Instructions:
Without Ice Cream Maker:
Blend – Puree watermelon in a blender until smooth.
Strain – Remove excess pulp using a fine mesh strainer (optional).
Mix – In a bowl, mix watermelon puree, heavy cream, condensed milk, vanilla, lemon juice, and salt.
Freeze – Pour into a freezer-safe container and freeze for 4-6 hours. Stir every 30 minutes for the first 3 hours to prevent ice crystals.
Serve – Let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping.
With Ice Cream Maker:
Blend & Strain – Follow steps 1 & 2 above.
Churn – Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (about 20-30 minutes).
Freeze – Transfer to a container and freeze for an additional 2 hours for a firmer texture.
Tips for the Best Watermelon Ice Cream:
Choose a ripe watermelon – The sweeter, the better!
Strain the puree – This prevents icy texture.
Use full-fat ingredients – For the creamiest results.
Freeze watermelon first – Freezing the cubes before blending can speed up the process.
Add mix-ins – Chocolate chips, coconut flakes, or even mint for extra flavor!
Servings & Nutritional Info
Servings: 4-6 people
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
Calories: ~180
Carbs: 25g
Fat: 9g
Protein: 2g
Sugar: 22g
Fiber: 1g
(Varies depending on ingredients used.)
Health Benefits of Watermelon Ice Cream:
Hydrating – Watermelon is 92% water!
Rich in Antioxidants – Contains lycopene, which fights inflammation.
Supports Digestion – Contains fiber and natural electrolytes.
Heart-Healthy – Rich in potassium and vitamins.
Dairy-Free Option Available – Great for those with lactose intolerance.
FAQs
1. Can I make this vegan?
Yes! Use coconut cream and replace condensed milk with maple syrup or agave.
2. How long does homemade ice cream last?
About 2 weeks in an airtight container in the freezer.
3. My ice cream is too hard! What should I do?
Let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping. Adding a tablespoon of alcohol (like vodka) can help keep it softer.
4. Can I use frozen watermelon instead of fresh?
Yes! It will speed up the freezing process, but you may need to adjust the blending time.
5. What can I pair this with?
It pairs well with waffle cones, fresh berries, or a drizzle of honey.
Enjoy your homemade Watermelon Ice Cream—a perfect, refreshing summer dessert! 🍉🍦 Let me know if you want variations! 😊