This watermelon ice cream brings the essence of summer into every scoop. The smooth, creamy texture complements the fresh, naturally sweet watermelon, creating the perfect frozen treat for a hot day. The lime juice and vanilla extract add just the right amount of zing to balance out the sweetness.
Serve it in a bowl or cone, topped with mint leaves or a sprinkle of lime zest for an extra touch of elegance. This simple yet delightful dessert is the ultimate way to cool off while enjoying a refreshing and light treat. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or indulging in a solo dessert moment, this watermelon ice cream is sure to impress.
Full Recipe:
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Ingredients:
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4 cups fresh watermelon, cubed
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
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1/2 cup whole milk
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1 tablespoon lime juice
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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A pinch of salt
Directions:
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Begin by blending the watermelon cubes in a blender or food processor until smooth.
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Pour the blended watermelon through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the pulp, leaving just the juice.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the watermelon juice, heavy cream, whole milk, sweetened condensed milk, lime juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir until fully combined.
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Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically 20-25 minutes.
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Once the mixture has thickened, transfer it into a container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
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Scoop and serve the ice cream in bowls or cones.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes (churning) | Total Time: 4 hours and 35 minutes (includes freezing time)
Kcal: 180 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings
When the sun is high, and the heat is relentless, there’s nothing better than a cold, refreshing treat to cool you off. Enter watermelon ice cream: a delightful and healthy option that brings the perfect balance of sweetness and refreshment. This creamy dessert captures the essence of summer in every bite, combining the natural flavors of ripe watermelon with a creamy, smooth texture.
A Taste of Summer in Every Scoop
Watermelon has always been a quintessential summer fruit, known for its hydrating properties and refreshing taste. It’s a fruit that’s practically synonymous with warm days spent by the pool, picnics in the park, and backyard barbecues. But this watermelon ice cream takes it a step further, transforming this beloved fruit into a creamy frozen dessert that will undoubtedly become a staple of your summer indulgence.
Unlike store-bought ice cream that can often be loaded with artificial flavors and additives, homemade watermelon ice cream is simple, fresh, and made with just a handful of natural ingredients. Using ripe watermelon, fresh dairy, and a touch of lime juice for extra zing, this recipe is an easy way to enjoy a naturally sweetened dessert that’s light yet indulgent.
The Health Benefits of Watermelon
Watermelon isn’t just delicious—it’s also packed with health benefits, making this ice cream not only a tasty treat but a nutritious one as well. Here are a few reasons why watermelon is a great fruit to incorporate into your diet:
- Hydration: Watermelon is made up of over 90% water, which means it’s a fantastic way to stay hydrated, especially during the hot summer months. Hydration is crucial for maintaining healthy skin, digestive health, and overall well-being.
- Rich in Antioxidants: Watermelon is a great source of antioxidants like lycopene and beta-carotene. Lycopene is particularly known for its anti-inflammatory properties and has been linked to reducing the risk of certain cancers and heart disease.
- Low in Calories: Watermelon is naturally low in calories, making it a guilt-free indulgence. A cup of watermelon has just about 46 calories, which makes it perfect for those looking to enjoy a sweet treat without the extra sugar or fat.
- Packed with Nutrients: Watermelon is full of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, which is important for immune health, and vitamin A, which supports healthy vision. It also contains magnesium and potassium, both of which are beneficial for muscle function and hydration.
Why This Watermelon Ice Cream is the Best Choice for Summer
- Light Yet Indulgent: This watermelon ice cream strikes the perfect balance between a light, fruity taste and the creamy indulgence of traditional ice cream. It’s refreshing without being overly heavy, which is ideal when you’re craving a cool treat but don’t want something too rich.
- Easy to Make: The best part about this recipe is how simple it is. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch of watermelon ice cream that rivals anything you’d find in a store. It’s a fun, easy recipe for families to make together or for anyone looking to impress their guests with a homemade dessert that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.
- Naturally Sweetened: One of the most attractive features of this watermelon ice cream is that it’s naturally sweetened with watermelon and condensed milk. This means you don’t have to rely on refined sugars or artificial sweeteners, making it a healthier option than traditional ice cream.
- Customizable: While the base recipe is already fantastic, it’s easy to make variations based on your preferences. For a vegan version, you can substitute the dairy with coconut milk or almond milk and use a plant-based sweetener. You could also add in extra ingredients like chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or fresh berries for added texture and flavor.
- Fun and Colorful: The vibrant pink color of watermelon ice cream makes it an eye-catching treat at any gathering. It’s a fantastic way to brighten up your summer parties, picnics, or barbecues. Plus, it’s an easy and fun recipe to make with kids. They’ll love helping to churn the ice cream and seeing the final result.
How to Serve Watermelon Ice Cream
Watermelon ice cream can be served in a variety of ways, making it a versatile dessert for any occasion. Here are a few ideas on how to serve it:
- Classic Scoop: The simplest way to serve watermelon ice cream is in bowls or cones, just like any traditional ice cream. You can also top it with a sprig of fresh mint or a sprinkle of lime zest for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: For a fun twist, use two slices of your favorite cookie or a slice of pound cake to create an ice cream sandwich. The sweet, juicy watermelon ice cream pairs wonderfully with the soft, chewy texture of a cookie or cake.
- Ice Cream Float: For an even more refreshing dessert, serve watermelon ice cream in a glass topped with sparkling water or soda. This makes for a fun, fizzy twist on the classic float, perfect for summer.
- Frozen Popsicles: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still enjoy watermelon ice cream in the form of popsicles. Simply pour the mixture into popsicle molds, freeze, and enjoy a handheld version of this refreshing dessert.
Tips for Making Perfect Watermelon Ice Cream
- Choose Ripe Watermelon: The key to the best watermelon ice cream is choosing a sweet, ripe watermelon. Look for a melon that has a deep pink or red color, and if you’re buying it whole, make sure it has a hollow sound when tapped, which indicates ripeness.
- Strain the Watermelon Puree: For a smooth, creamy texture, be sure to strain the watermelon puree to remove any excess pulp. This will give the ice cream a cleaner texture and prevent it from being too icy.
- Chill Your Mixture: After combining all your ingredients, it’s a good idea to chill the mixture for at least an hour before churning. This will help the ice cream churn more evenly and give it a creamier texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd Your Ice Cream Maker: If you’re using an ice cream maker, be sure not to overcrowd it with the mixture. Follow your machine’s instructions for the appropriate amount of liquid to churn at once.
- Let It Set: Once your ice cream has finished churning, don’t be tempted to eat it right away! It needs time to firm up in the freezer, so let it set for a few hours before serving for the best texture.
Conclusion: A Simple, Yet Delicious Frozen Treat
This watermelon ice cream recipe is more than just a way to cool off on a hot day—it’s an opportunity to indulge in a sweet, refreshing dessert made with fresh, natural ingredients. It’s the perfect treat for anyone looking for a healthy yet indulgent dessert, and with its easy preparation and customizable options, it’s sure to become a summer favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering, enjoying it solo, or making it with your kids, watermelon ice cream is the perfect way to embrace the sweetness of summer.