Looking for a sweet and refreshing summer treat? Look no further than homemade watermelon ice cream, made with fresh watermelon and creamy yogurt. This easy, no-churn recipe is the perfect way to cool off on a hot day, and will quickly become your new favorite indulgence. So why wait? Grab a watermelon and get started on this delicious treat today!
Whether you’re craving something sweet or looking for a healthy alternative to traditional ice cream, this watermelon ice cream is sure to hit the spot. Packed with sweet, juicy watermelon flavor and creamy Greek yogurt, this frozen dessert is sure to delight your taste buds. Grab a watermelon and get started on this delicious treat today!
This lovely dessert is light and fluffy and not overly sweet, simply delicious with no fancy ingredients! And the best part is, you can make it in your blender, no ice cream maker needed. Great tasting, easy to make snack!
Watermelon Ice Cream recipe
Ingredients you need
For this delicious and easy recipe I used:
- Seedless watermelon fruit, diced
- Raw honey
- Full fat Greek Yogurt
- A bit of lemon juice
- Some water as my watermelon was a bit dry.
- Optional – you can add 1 banana to give your ice cream an extra creamy texture, or a few drops of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Instructions to make watermelon ice cream
- Puree watermelon in a blender, in batches, pulsing until smooth.
- Pour into a large bowl.
- Whisk in honey, yogurt and lemon juice until completely smooth.
- Pour the mixture through a fine sieve into a large freezable recipient, whisking to release all juice. Discard pulp.
- Freeze for 1 hour then remove from recipient into a blender and pulse until smooth.
- Repeat every half hour for the next couple of hours, freeze for 1 extra hour, then serve.
- If freezing for more than 2 hours, remove from freezer and thaw for 5 minutes. Break into chunks and process into a blender, in batches, just before serving.
Tips for Making Homemade Watermelon Ice Cream Perfect Every Time
1. Use ripe watermelons: Ripe watermelons are not only sweeter, but they are also softer and easier to blend. If your watermelon is not ripe, you may need to add in additional sweetener to taste.
2. Don’t over-blend: Once the watermelon and yogurt are blended together, stop the blender and give it a good stir to ensure that everything is well combined. Over-blending may result in a watery consistency.
3. Serve and store your watermelon ice cream right away: Because it contains fresh fruit, homemade watermelon ice cream should be eaten as soon as possible for maximum flavor and freshness. If you need to store it, be sure to do so in an airtight container in the freezer.
4. Use high-quality honey: Not all honey is created equal! Be sure to use a good quality honey for best results.
5. Taste and adjust as needed: Before freezing your watermelon ice cream, give it a taste and adjust the flavor as needed. You may want to add in more sugar or honey, depending on your preferences.
With these tips in mind, you can easily make delicious watermelon ice cream that is perfect every time!
Freezing and Scooping the Ice Cream
Once your watermelon ice cream is ready, it’s time to freeze and scoop it. To do this, simply pour the mixture into a freezer-friendly container, such as an airtight glass or plastic container. Place the container in the freezer for 1 hour then remove from recipient, add too a blender and pulse until smooth. Repeat every half hour for the next couple of hours. Freeze for 1 extra hour (for a total of 4 hours).
When you’re ready to serve the ice cream, scoop it into bowls or cones. If the ice cream is too hard to scoop, simply let it sit out on the counter for a few minutes to soften slightly.
Dipping the scooper into hot or warm water can also help to easily scoop the watermelon ice cream without it sticking.
Tips for blending and cutting the ice cream chunks
You can either blend the frozen ice cream chunks in a food processor or a blender. In any case, add just a few chunks at a time as it’s difficult to blend it all at once. Unless you have a very high power food processor or blender.
Another tip would be to pour the ice cream blend into ice cube trays before freezing. When processing the frozen ice cream you won’t waste any time or energy cutting into cubes.
Recipe variations
There are many different ways you can customize your watermelon ice cream recipe to make it your own. Some of our favorite variations include:
- Adding in fresh mint leaves or basil for a refreshing twist
- Mixing in chopped or sliced fruit, such as kiwi, strawberries, or peaches
- Using coconut milk instead of yogurt for a dairy-free option
- Adding in a splash of lime or lemon juice for a tart flavor
- Stirring in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or sprinkles for some extra fun
No matter how you choose to customize your recipe, I’m sure you’ll love this delicious and refreshing treat!
Frequently asked questions
Can you make watermelon ice cream at home?
Yes, you can make watermelon ice cream at home! You will need a blender and some Greek yogurt to make this delicious, creamy treat. Simply blend together watermelon puree and Greek yogurt until smooth, then add in honey and blend again. Pour the mixture into a freezer friendly recipient. Serve and enjoy!
What’s the difference between ice cream and sorbet?
The main difference between ice cream and sorbet is that ice cream contains milk, cream, or both, while sorbet does not. Sorbet is made with just fruit puree and sugar, so it’s a great dairy-free option. Ice cream is richer and creamier due to the addition of milk and/or cream, while sorbet is typically lighter and more refreshing. Depending on your preferences, you may prefer one over the other, or enjoy both!
Check out my watermelon coconut sorbet here!
What are some of the best ways to eat watermelon ice cream?
There are a few different ways you can enjoy watermelon ice cream. You can eat it straight from the freezer as is, or let it soften slightly and then enjoy it like traditional ice cream. You can also use it as a topping for cakes or cupcakes, or even make watermelon ice cream sandwiches!
Nutrition and Health Benefits of Watermelon Ice Cream
Watermelon is a great source of vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants. These nutrients can help to boost your immune system and protect your body against free radicals. Watermelon is also a good source of lycopene, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Greek yogurt is also a great source of protein and calcium, and can help to keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Honey, which is often used as a sweetener in watermelon ice cream, also has many health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving gut health.
Overall, watermelon ice cream is a delicious way to enjoy the many nutritional benefits of this summertime favorite fruit. Whether you eat it on its own or use it as a topping, watermelon ice cream is a great choice for anyone looking for a healthy and tasty treat!
How to make watermelon ice cream creamier
If using Greek yogurt doesn’t make the watermelon ice cream as creamy as you like, try adding a ripe banana or two. Use fresh bananas instead of frozen ones which add more water to the mix. Adding a ripe banana would also help with making the recipe a little sweeter in case your watermelon is not sweet enough.
Another option would be to use condensed milk.
How to store watermelon ice cream
This recipe can last up to a week in the freezer if stored properly in an airtight container.
If you make a lot of this ice cream, cut it into chunks after preparing and freezing the ice cream. Process a few in a food processor and serve immediately. Divide the rest into portions and store the chunks into zip bags. When planning to serve these, take the bags out of the freezer 5 minutes before serving. Then process in a food processor and serve immediately.
A serving tip: to make things more fun add chocolate chips to your ice cream to create “watermelon seeds”. Add the chips after you’ve processed the frozen chunks.
What to serve with Watermelon Ice Cream
Watermelon ice cream is a delicious and refreshing treat that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with other foods. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy watermelon ice cream:
- Top it with whipped cream and a cherry for a classic sundae
- Serve it with a slice of watermelon for a fun and festive presentation
- Mix it into fruit salads for a sweet and tangy kick
- Add it to smoothies or milkshakes for a delicious and refreshing twist
- Use it as a topping for grilled chicken or fish for a sweet and savory flavor combination
5 Delicious Ways to Enjoy this Ice Cream This Summer
With these five delicious ways, you’ll be sure to stay cool and refreshed all summer long!
1. Watermelon Float: Mix your ice cream with lemon-lime soda or seltzer water for a refreshing float.
2. Smoothie: Stir some ice cream into your favorite smoothie for a cool and creamy treat.
3. Parfait: Layer your watermelon ice cream with fresh fruit and granola for a delightful breakfast or snack option.
4. Ice Cream Pie: Swirl your ice cream into a graham cracker crust and top with fresh fruit and whipped cream for the ultimate summer pie.
5. Ice Cream Sandwich: Create a delicious and fun sandwich by layering your favorite cookies with a scoop of this ice cream. Enjoy plain, dipped in chocolate, or topped with sprinkles for an extra special treat!
Other delicious frozen treats you will love:
- Butter pecan ice cream
- No churn peach ice cream
- Cookie dough ice cream
- Sweet and salty ice cream sandwich
- Frozen fruit ice cream
- Printable cone wrappers
Watermelon ice cream is a refreshing and delicious summer treat. This recipe is easy to make, and the finished product is both light and fluffy. Best of all, no ice cream maker is required.
So why wait? Start making this recipe today and let me know how you like it! Drop a comment below and share your experiences or any tips you may have on making this ice cream even more delicious. Enjoy!
Watermelon ice cream
Equipment
- fine sieve
- freezer friendly container
Ingredients
- 4 cups seedless watermelon diced
- 4 tbsp honey
- 1 cup Greek Yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/8 to 1/4 cup water if your watermelon is not juicy enough
- 1 banana optional - for extra creamy texture
Instructions
- Puree watermelon in a blender, in batches, pulsing until smooth.
- Pour into a large bowl. Whisk in honey, yogurt and lemon juice until completely smooth.
- Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a large freezable recipient, whisking to release all juice. Discard the pulp.
- Freeze for 1 hour, cut into cubes then move from recipient into a blender and pulse until smooth.
- Repeat every half hour for the next couple of hours. Freeze for1 extra hour, for a total of 4 hours in the freezer. Keep in the freezer covered with plastic wrap.
Kimber Spink says
I’m going to make the watermelon ice cream for my friend it’s her B-day July 28th. And the pineapple freezer cake in August for a nice cold dessert. Can’t wait to try them. Thank you for the recipes.
petro says
Thanks for letting me know, Kimber! I hope you’ll enjoy both!