Melon Sherbet

Prep: 30 min Cuisine: American

Refreshing melon sherbet with a hint of lemon and cream, perfect for hot days and light desserts, appealing to those who enjoy fruity, chilled treats.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 c. sugar
  • 6 Tbsp. lemon juice
  • 8 c. watermelon, seeded or cantaloupe
  • dash of salt
  • 2 (.25 oz.) pkg. unflavored gelatin
  • 1/2 c. cold water
  • 1/2 c. whipping cream

Instructions

  1. Combine sugar, lemon juice, and diced watermelon in a bowl.
  2. Refrigerate the mixture for 30 minutes.
  3. Spoon small amounts of the mixture into a blender and blend until smooth; set aside.
  4. Soften gelatin in cold water.
  5. Cook the gelatin on low heat until dissolved.
  6. Add the dissolved gelatin to the melon mixture, stirring well.
  7. Whip the whipping cream and fold it into the melon mixture.
  8. Pour the mixture into a 1-gallon ice cream freezer container.
  9. Freeze according to the manufacturer's directions.

Tips & Substitutions

For a smoother texture, ensure the watermelon is well-pureed before combining with the gelatin. You can substitute lemon juice with lime juice for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a creamier sherbet, increase the amount of whipping cream. Always taste the mixture before freezing to adjust sweetness or acidity to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve melon sherbet in chilled bowls or glasses for a refreshing treat. Garnish with fresh mint leaves or a squeeze of lime juice for added brightness. It pairs beautifully with Peachy Pound Cake for a delightful dessert combo. Consider serving it alongside lighter meals or as a palate cleanser between courses.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover melon sherbet in an airtight container in the freezer. To soften it for serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before scooping. This will help achieve a creamy texture when serving. For best quality, consume within a week.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Melon Sherbet contains roughly 254 calories, with 4g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of vitamin A (15% of the Daily Value), potassium (14% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1894mg per serving (82% of the Daily Value).

254 kcal 13% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.6g 7% DV
Total Fat 11.3g 15% DV
Carbs 35.9g 13% DV
Fiber 1.2g 4% DV
Sugar 10.8g 22% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1894mg 82% DV
Potassium 679mg 14% DV
Cholesterol 33.9mg 11% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 137.3mcg 15% DV
Vitamin C 12.4mg 14% DV
Vitamin D 0.5mcg 2% DV
Calcium 69.2mg 5% DV
Iron 0.6mg 3% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this sherbet without gelatin?

Yes, you can omit the gelatin for a dairy-free option; however, the texture may be less creamy. To maintain a smooth consistency, try adding a bit of corn syrup or use a high-quality blender to achieve a fine puree.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →