I’ve always loved watermelon; that irrepressible juicy sweetness is forever the stuff of sticky fingers and sweaty 40°C days.
But now that I’m past my 30s, I’ve been eating watermelon in almost every form I can and, following a meandering path that can only be described as the journey of a woman through her salad days and then into her desserts, I’ve finally worked my way into that chilly fruity world.
From the ice-cold sorbets to the sophisticated granitas, or the more traditional watermelon cheesecake.
The research into finding the very best recipes to make the best watermelon desserts, and mastering all the techniques, has been transformative, but what I’ve found in the course of it are some seriously delicious watermelon desserts that I’ll never stop making.
And there’s more than one thing about watermelons I’ve learned to love. They pair with just about everything to create a gorgeous and seriously delicious summer dessert.
The 10 Best watermelon desserts and recipes
1. Watermelon Sorbet
This is one of my all-time desserts because every scoop is bursting with sweet, juicy flavors and feels super refreshing.
Nothing says ‘summer’ like this dessert and my favorite part is how it’s loaded with little juicy watermelon chunks, balanced with a perfect combo of sweets and coolness.
To top it off, it’s an indulgent treat with zero guilt – and hydrating, too. I think this is the ultimate summer dessert!
Ingredients
4 cups watermelon, seeded and cubed
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional: fresh mint for garnish
Instructions
Blend Watermelon: Puree the watermelon cubes in a blender until smooth.
‘Simple Syrup’: Bring to a boil the water with the sugar. Let it cool.
Once cooled, add simple syrup and lemon juice to the watermelon puree. Blend to combine.
Freeze Mixture: Pour into a shallow dish and freeze. Stir every half hour until sorbet consistency, about 2-3 hours.
Serve: Scoop the sorbet into the bowls and garnish with fresh mint, if you like. Serve immediately.
2. Watermelon Salad
This is a quick summer dish: the sweet juicy watermelon with the sharp salty cheese – I make my mix of feta and ricotta, add the fresh mint and the balsamic glaze and voilà.
It’s the perfect summer dish – light but chilling at the same time.
It only works cold, but I find it highly appealing, both to my palate and to my mind. Every time I indulge in this combination, I go: ‘Yum, yum, yum!’
Ingredients
4 cups watermelon, cubed
1/2 cup feta and ricotta cheese, crumbled
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Place the cubed watermelon in a large serving bowl.
Add the crumbled feta cheese and chopped mint leaves to the bowl.
Drizzle the lime juice and olive oil over the mixture.
Gently toss all ingredients together to combine.
Serve immediately or chill for 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
3. Watermelon Granita
What better to chill my cravings then this refreshing icy treat. It is wonderful how the sweetness of watermelon and a touch of tart splashiness can go together so well.
A lovely chilled fruity confection for steaming summer days. Keeping It Simple Is The Key.
Ingredients
4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Pinch of salt
Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Puree the watermelon cubes in a blender until smooth.
Strain Mixture: Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl to remove pulp.
Add Sweeteners: Stir in the sugar, lime juice, and salt until well combined.
Freeze Mixture: Pour the liquid into a shallow baking dish and freeze until solid, stirring vigorously with a fork every half hour to break up ice crystals, about 3-4 hours.
Serve: Rake the granita with a fork to make a fluffy top of ice shavings and serve immediately, with a sprig of mint if you wish.
4. Watermelon Popsicles
There’s nothing that I love more than things that are fabulously cooling and deliciously refreshing and delicious. So I think that my undisputed favorite for kids has to be these beautiful summer snacks.
I think, the thing that makes them extra special is, like, their intense, natural sweetness, and their beautiful, vibrant color, too, it just wins.
I love that they’re cool on a hot day, but they’re also so simple to make, too.
Ingredients
4 cups watermelon, cubed and seeds removed
2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup (optional)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/4 cup water
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Blend the watermelon chunks in a blender until smooth.
Blend in the honey or agave syrup, lime juice, water and pinch of salt, and then blend until smooth.
Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer to remove any pulp.
Fill popsicle molds with the strained watermelon mixture.
Insert sticks and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until solid.
Enjoy your refreshing watermelon popsicles!
5. Watermelon Ice Cream
There is something very refreshing about this delicious summer dish.
I like the way the cold, creamy consistence combines perfectly with the sweet, juicy taste of the water melon.
I love having it on a hot afternoon laying by the pool, it really brings back deep memories of my childhood. No matter whether I make it myself at home or buy it in a local shop, I always loved it.
Ingredients
4 cups watermelon, cubed and seeds removed
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Watermelon Juice: Puree the watermelon cubes in a blender until smooth; strain the juice through a fine-mesh sieve, discarding the fibrous pulp.
Mix Base: In a mixing bowl, combine watermelon juice, sugar, lemon juice and vanilla extract.
Stir well, allowing the sugar to dissolve.
Whip Cream: Whip the heavy cream in a separate bowl until soft peaks form.
Combine: Gently fold the whipped cream into the watermelon mixture until fully incorporated.
Freeze: Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze for at least 4 hours, stirring with a fork every 30 minutes until smooth and creamy.
6. Watermelon Cake
I find watermelon cake the most cool and surprising dessert I have ever tasted. I like the way it combines a fresh, thirst-quenching sweetness of watermelon with the richness of a classic cake.
For me, watermelon cake is an ideal dessert for summertime meals, or a great way to use fruit in the form of a creative cake. My friends and family smile when they discover that I serve them this unique and delicious dessert.
Ingredients
1 medium-sized seedless watermelon
2 cups of heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Fresh fruits (berries, kiwis, etc.) for garnish
Instructions
Carve the Watermelon: Cut the top and bottom off the watermelon to make flat surfaces, then scrape out the rind, leaving you with a cylindrical cake.
Whip the Cream: Using an electric mixer, beat the heavy whipping cream with the powdered sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form.
Frost the Watermelon: Using paper towels, pat the watermelon dry as thoroughly as possible.
Thickly spread the whipped cream all over the watermelon to cover it completely. – Garnish: If you have some fresh fruits..
So, you need to clean the fruits and cut it into several pieces. Place them on the top of the cake and at other side in straight form.
Chill and Serve: Place the watermelon cake in the fridge for at least one hour before serving to allow the cream to set. Slice and serve!
7. Watermelon Mojito
There is nothing more refreshing than the taste of a watermelon and mint juice. For me, it tastes like summer on a glass.
Ingredients
2 cups fresh watermelon, cubed
10-12 fresh mint leaves
2 tablespoons lime juice
1-2 tablespoons simple syrup (to taste)
Club soda (to top off)
Instructions
Watermelon Puree: Blend the watermelon cubes until smooth.
Optionally, strain to remove pulp. Muddle Mint: Put the mint leaves in a glass; muddle them with lime juice and simple syrup.
Combine: Add the watermelon juice to the glass.
Ice and Top: Fill the glass with ice and top off with club soda.
Garnish and Serve: Stir gently, garnish with a sprig of mint or a lime wedge, and serve.
8. Watermelon Tart
The touch of sweetness and the freshness work together beautifully.
It’s so easy to make and it’s really hard to eat only one bite. It’s my favorite summer fruit in its most fun and creative form.
Ingredients
1 small seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch thick slices
1 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup granola
1/4 cup honey
Fresh berries and mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Watermelon Base: Slice the watermelon and cut it into tart shapes with a round cookie cutter that is about 5-6 inches in diameter.
Spread yogurt: Coat with a thin layer of Greek yogurt.
Add Granola: Sprinkle granola generously over the yogurt layer on each tart.
Drizzle Honey: Drizzle honey lightly over the granola for added sweetness.
Garnish: Decorate with fresh berries and mint leaves for a fresh, colorful finish.
9. Watermelon Pudding
I reach out for watermelon pudding when I need a cool treat. It’s like my brain tries to mix the juiciness of watermelon with the smoothness of pudding.
And to me, watermelon pudding hits the mark. I love how the natural sweetness of the fruit is amplified without it being super sugary.
No matter if I eat it during a hot summer afternoon or a chilly evening, it’s always the best treat to have in my mouth. It has to be one of the most refreshing watermelon experience for me.
Ingredients
4 cups watermelon juice (seedless)
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 tsp lemon juice
Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
Blend and Strain: Blend watermelon chunks using blender to make juice and then strain to eliminate pulp.
Mix In a pot, mix watermelon juice, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
Cook: Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the texture is thick, up to 5-7 minutes.
COOL: take off the heat, stir in the lemon juice, and let it cool to room temperature, then chill.
Serve: Pour into serving bowls, chill until set, then garnish with fresh mint before serving.
Enjoy your delightful and refreshing watermelon pudding!
10. Watermelon Smoothie
There is nothing I like more than mixing up healthy, tasty and refreshing drink full of vitamins that you can drink at any time. Especially when it’s a hot sunny days it is always great to try this sweety and refreshing natural juice recipe.
Ingredients
4 cups watermelon, cubed and seeded
1 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup ice cubes
1 tablespoon honey
Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Place the watermelon cubes in a blender.
Add the Greek yogurt, ice cubes, and honey to the blender.
Blend until smooth and well combined.
Pour the smoothie into glasses and garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy!