Description

When summer hits and the temperature starts to soar, nothing beats the cool, refreshing taste of watermelon. Combine that with the creamy texture of homemade ice cream, and you’ve got the ultimate summertime dessert: Watermelon Ice Cream. This treat is not only naturally sweet and hydrating, but also incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re lounging in your backyard, hosting a barbecue, or just craving a fruity frozen treat, this watermelon ice cream will be your go-to.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups cubed seedless watermelon (fresh or frozen)
1 cup heavy whipping cream
½ cup sweetened condensed milk
1 tbsp fresh lime juice (optional, enhances flavor)
2 tbsp honey or sugar (optional, depending on sweetness of watermelon)
Pinch of salt
Red food coloring (optional, for color enhancement)
½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Watermelon

Cut your watermelon into cubes, ensuring you remove all seeds.
Measure out 4 cups of cubed watermelon and place it into a blender.
Blend until smooth. Strain through a fine sieve if you prefer a smoother texture without pulp.

Step 2: Sweeten and Flavor the Base

Pour the blended watermelon puree into a large bowl.
Add lime juice, honey or sugar, salt, and vanilla extract if using. Mix well.
Taste and adjust sweetness based on your preference.

Step 3: Whip the Cream

In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until it forms soft peaks.
Gently fold in the sweetened condensed milk. This adds creaminess and acts as a stabilizer.

Step 4: Combine and Mix

Slowly fold the watermelon mixture into the whipped cream base.
Stir gently to keep the mixture airy and light.
If you’d like a stronger pink color, add a few drops of red food coloring at this stage.

Step 5: Freeze

Transfer the mixture into an airtight container or loaf pan.
Smooth the top with a spatula.
Cover with plastic wrap or lid and freeze for at least 6 hours or overnight.

Notes

The texture of watermelon can lead to icy results if not properly combined with a creamy base. Whipping the cream helps retain that classic creamy ice cream texture.
For smoother ice cream, make sure to blend the watermelon well and strain it.
Always taste your watermelon beforehand—some are naturally sweeter than others, so you might not need added sugar.