Watermelon Ice
A refreshing, sweet watermelon treat with a hint of lemon, perfect for hot days and gatherings, offering a cool, fruity flavor with a smooth texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend at low speed 1 cup watermelon chunks with confectioners sugar, lemon juice and salt until mixture is smooth.
- Add the remaining watermelon chunks and blend a few seconds longer, until smooth.
- Pour mixture into a 9 x 9-inch baking pan; cover with foil and freeze until partially frozen, about 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter taste, adjust the confectioners sugar to your liking. If watermelon is out of season, you can substitute with frozen watermelon chunks, which work well. To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice for a zesty twist. For a fun variation, mix in a few mint leaves before blending. This refreshing treat can be served on hot summer days or as a light dessert after rich meals like Chocolate Kahlua Cookies.
Serving Suggestions
Scoop the watermelon ice into bowls or glasses for serving. For an elegant touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves or a drizzle of honey. This dish pairs beautifully with a refreshing salad like Spinach-Orange Toss or even as a palate cleanser between courses. Enjoy it alongside a light meal or after a barbecue for a delightful finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover watermelon ice in an airtight container in the freezer. It can be kept for up to a month, but for the best texture, consume within two weeks. To serve, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping, or use a spoon dipped in warm water to easily scoop out servings.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Watermelon Ice contains roughly 18 calories, with 0g protein, 5g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1744mg per serving (76% of the Daily Value).
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 use a different fruit instead of watermelon?
Yes, you can experiment with other fruits such as cantaloupe or honeydew. Just ensure they are sweet and ripe for the best flavor. The blending process remains the same, so feel free to adjust the sugar and lemon juice according to the fruit's natural sweetness.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is already vegan as it contains no animal products. Just ensure that the confectioners sugar you use is vegan, as some brands may contain bone char. You can also add coconut milk for creaminess if desired.
What if my watermelon ice is too hard after freezing?
If the watermelon ice becomes too hard, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping. Alternatively, you can blend it briefly again to achieve a smoother texture. Adding a little bit of fruit juice during the blending process can also help prevent it from freezing too hard.
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).