Watermelon Ice Cream Recipe

Get ready for the coolest treat of the summer—Watermelon Ice Cream! This homemade delight is as refreshing as it gets, with the natural sweetness of watermelon blended into a creamy, smooth ice cream that’s perfect for hot days. Imagine biting into a scoop of creamy ice cream, and then being greeted by the bright, juicy taste of watermelon—it’s a flavor combination that’s so light, so fresh, and so satisfying, you’ll be hooked with the very first bite. It’s like summer in a bowl, and trust me, you’re going to want to make this again and again!

Why You’ll Love Watermelon Ice Cream

This isn’t just any ice cream—this is watermelon ice cream, and here’s why it’s about to become your new favorite:

• Fresh & Fruity: With watermelon as the star, this ice cream is packed with natural sweetness and a fresh, fruity flavor that’s perfect for a hot day.
• No Ice Cream Machine Needed: You don’t need any fancy equipment to make this creamy treat—just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, and you’ll have homemade ice cream ready to enjoy.
• Perfect for Summer: Whether you’re serving it at a BBQ, a pool party, or simply indulging yourself on a warm afternoon, this ice cream screams summer and sunshine.
• Light & Refreshing: Unlike heavier ice cream flavors, this watermelon version feels light and refreshing, making it the ideal treat when you want something sweet without feeling too full.
• Customizable: Want to mix it up? Try adding a swirl of honey, some lime zest, or even chunks of fresh watermelon for extra texture!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your delicious watermelon ice cream:

• Fresh Watermelon: The star ingredient! Be sure to use sweet, ripe watermelon for the best flavor.
• Heavy Cream: To give your ice cream that rich and creamy texture.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and creaminess to the base.
• Lemon Juice: A small squeeze to enhance the flavor and add a little tang.
• Vanilla Extract: For a hint of vanilla that complements the watermelon perfectly.
• A Pinch of Salt: Just a little to balance out the sweetness.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to dive in? Let’s make this easy, refreshing watermelon ice cream!

Step 1: Puree the Watermelon

Cut the watermelon into chunks and blend it in a blender or food processor until smooth. You should have about 3 cups of watermelon puree. If you want a more textured ice cream, you can leave a few small chunks, but I recommend straining it to remove any seeds or pulp for a silky-smooth base.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large bowl, combine the watermelon puree, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together until well combined. The condensed milk will add sweetness, while the cream gives the ice cream that rich, smooth texture.

Step 3: Chill the Mixture

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge to chill for at least 1-2 hours. This helps the flavors meld and ensures the mixture is cold before freezing.

Step 4: Freeze the Ice Cream

Once the mixture is chilled, pour it into a freezer-safe container. Cover it tightly and place it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes for the first 2-3 hours, use a fork to scrape and stir the mixture, breaking up any ice crystals that form. This will help achieve a creamy, scoopable texture. After the initial stirring, let it freeze completely for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!

Once the ice cream is fully frozen, scoop it out into bowls or cones and enjoy the refreshing taste of watermelon ice cream! For a fun twist, garnish with some fresh watermelon chunks or a drizzle of honey.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6-8
Calories per serving: 250
Total Fat: 15g

• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 50mg
  Sodium: 40mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 30g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 26g
  Protein: 2g
  Vitamin A: 8% DV
  Vitamin C: 20% DV
  Calcium: 4% DV
  Iron: 2% DV
  Potassium: 180mg (5% DV)

(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredient choices and serving sizes.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Freeze Time: 6 hours or overnight
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (including freeze time)

How to Serve Watermelon Ice Cream

Watermelon ice cream is already a treat on its own, but here are a few ways to enhance it:

• With Fresh Fruit: Top with fresh watermelon chunks, strawberries, or berries for an extra fruity kick.
• In a Cone: Scoop the ice cream into a waffle cone for a fun, classic ice cream experience.
• With a Drizzle: Drizzle some honey or a bit of lime juice over the ice cream for extra flavor.
• As a Sundae: Add whipped cream, a cherry, and even some chocolate shavings for a summery twist on an old favorite.

Additional Tips

• Freeze the Mixture: If you want a smoother texture, be sure to scrape and stir the mixture every 30 minutes while freezing. This prevents large ice crystals from forming and keeps it creamy.
• Sweeten to Taste: Depending on the sweetness of your watermelon, you might want to adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk. Taste the mixture before freezing and add more sugar if needed.
• No Ice Cream Maker? No Problem! This recipe doesn’t require an ice cream machine—just freeze and stir!
• Mix in Extra Fruit: You can mix in other fruit like diced strawberries or raspberries for added texture and flavor.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer. Just let it sit out for a few minutes before scooping if it’s too hard to scoop straight from the freezer.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen watermelon instead of fresh?
A1: Yes! If you have frozen watermelon on hand, that works perfectly. Just thaw it slightly before blending.

Q2: How can I make this dairy-free?
A2: Use coconut cream or almond milk instead of heavy cream and choose a dairy-free sweetened condensed milk substitute.

Q3: Can I add chunks of watermelon to the ice cream?
A3: Yes! Adding small chunks of watermelon can give your ice cream extra texture. Just be sure to stir them in after the mixture has been fully blended.

Q4: How long does this watermelon ice cream keep in the freezer?
A4: It will keep for up to 2 weeks in the freezer. After that, the texture may start to change slightly, but it’ll still taste delicious!

Q5: Can I use a sugar substitute instead of sweetened condensed milk?
A5: You can try using a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit, but keep in mind that the sweetness and texture may be slightly different.

Q6: How can I make this watermelon ice cream a bit tangier?
A6: Add a bit more lemon juice or even some lime zest to give it a nice tangy kick that complements the sweetness of the watermelon.

Q7: What can I do if the ice cream becomes too hard to scoop?
A7: Let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping. This will soften it enough to make scooping easier.

Q8: Can I use an ice cream maker for this recipe?
A8: Absolutely! You can churn the mixture in an ice cream maker instead of stirring by hand. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your machine.

Q9: How can I make the ice cream even creamier?
A9: For a super creamy texture, you can add a little bit of full-fat coconut milk or half-and-half in place of some of the heavy cream.

Q10: Can I mix in other fruits, like berries or citrus?
A10: Yes! Feel free to get creative. Blueberries, strawberries, or even a little orange zest would be wonderful additions to the watermelon ice cream base.

Conclusion

This Watermelon Ice Cream is the perfect way to cool down during the summer and satisfy your sweet tooth. It’s incredibly easy to make, packed with fresh fruit flavor, and just so creamy and refreshing. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hosting a summer BBQ, this homemade watermelon ice cream will be a showstopper. Enjoy!

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