Watermelon is often savored on its own for its sweet and refreshing flavor, paired with a satisfying crunch. The fruit is closely tied to summer vibes, evoking memories of biting into a cool slice while basking in the sun’s warmth.
But what about desserts? Watermelon’s versatility shines when transformed into a wide range of sweet treats. If you ever find yourself with an abundance of watermelons, instead of letting them go to waste, consider whipping up one of these fruity delights.
In this article, we’ve curated 28 mouthwatering watermelon recipes that are sure to inspire your next baking adventure.
Fresh Watermelon Cake With Summer Berries
When the occasion calls for something lighter than a traditional cake, this refreshing dessert comes into its own. We’re talking about a whole, peeled watermelon – a sweet and tangy treat that’s perfect for sizzling summer days. Top it with a mix of juicy summer berries and freshly whipped cream for an indulgent delight that’s sure to impress at outdoor gatherings like barbecues, potlucks, or even kids’ birthday parties. And the best part?
It’s surprisingly easy to prepare, requiring only a few minutes and a trusty knife to carve it into a stunning centerpiece.
Sicilian Watermelon Pudding
Achieving a silky-smooth texture in your watermelon pudding requires some effort, but the end result is well worth the extra steps. While an industrial-strength blender would make quick work of it, most of us don’t have such equipment at our disposal. Instead, you’ll need to purée the watermelon and then strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to extract every last bit of juice.
The resulting liquid should be heated slowly with a mixture of cornstarch, lemon juice, and sugar until it thickens to your liking. After one final straining, you’ll be left with a luscious and refreshingly sweet pudding that’s sure to impress – all in the span of just 15 minutes.
Watermelon Cake Pops
These vibrant green cake pops with striking red centers are sure to delight kids! While they may not capture the exact taste of watermelon, their unique appearance will surely impress. For an added twist, consider incorporating watermelon essence into your recipe, allowing you to bring out the true flavor of this refreshing summer treat.
Watermelon Slice Cookies
Making watermelon-themed cookies that require three distinct colors may seem daunting, but the process is surprisingly straightforward once you understand a few key factors. Chief among these is the importance of chilling the cookie dough, which will make it much easier to roll out and work with. Additionally, the colors won’t bleed or run together when layered on top of one another, ensuring that your finished cookies look crisp and clean.
When served at any summer celebration, these colorful treats are sure to be a hit – and despite their watermelon appearance, they actually taste deliciously of almonds, with a pleasant crunch from the added chocolate chips.
Watermelon Yogurt Pops
Indulge in these delightful and healthy yogurt pops that require just three simple ingredients: sweet watermelon, tangy Greek yogurt, and a squeeze of citrus. If using Greek yogurt with honey, you can omit the added sugar altogether. Additionally, the natural sweetness of the melon may render the honey unnecessary, depending on the ripeness of your chosen fruit.
Not only do these treats satisfy human cravings, but they also make for an excellent reward or snack for your furry friend – just be sure to use plain Greek yogurt and pour the mixture into ice cube trays before freezing. After a fun-filled afternoon in the sun, your dog will surely appreciate this refreshing and tasty treat.
Frozen Watermelon Lemon Cream Tarts
Savoring each bite of these effortless watermelon lemon cream tarts is an experience that will leave you feeling revitalized. The sublime balance of flavors, with the zesty lemons expertly complemented by the sweetness of the watermelon, ensures that you’ll be craving more. A subtle hint of almond from the toasted almonds used as garnish adds a delightful depth to the overall taste sensation.
However, the most challenging part of this recipe lies in the patience required to allow the tarts to set properly.
Watermelon Ice Cream
To create this indulgent dairy-free watermelon ice cream, you’ll first need to soak cashews in preparation for a creamy consistency. While an ice cream maker isn’t required, it’s crucial to have a reliable blender that can efficiently grind the nuts without overheating. This refreshing treat not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also happens to be gluten-free, vegan, and surprisingly easy to prepare. Try making this delightful dessert today!
Frozen Watermelon Lime Bars
Lime juice plays a starring role in many of these desserts, as its citrus flavor has the power to elevate taste profiles. Much like salt, it’s a natural enhancer that can add depth without overpowering other ingredients. This is why lime is often the go-to choice when you want to inject some zest into your baked goods – and avoid the brightness of lemon. The combination of tequila-infused watermelon and sweet whipped cream in these no-bake bars is nothing short of magical.
Without an ice cream maker, simply freeze and blend the fruit for a smooth sorbet base, then top it with a decadent mixture of whipped cream, lime juice, and condensed milk.
Watermelon Fruit Leathers
While sizzling summer days call for refreshing treats, Watermelon Fruit Leathers emerge as the perfect healthy indulgence. This delectable delight requires only two key ingredients and a dash of patience. Yes, you read that right – patience! The process of baking these fruit leathers at a low temperature for an extended period can be quite time-consuming, especially when working with a watery fruit like watermelon. Nevertheless, the end result is well worth the wait.
With this recipe, you’ll be rewarded with a naturally sweet and scrumptious fruit leather that’s perfect as a dessert or a quick snack to curb your cravings.
Watermelon Sorbet
Sorbet, a dairy-free frozen treat, is a refreshing option for vegans seeking a creamy-free alternative to sherbet or gelato. Its flavors are often defined by the sweetness of sugar and the tanginess of fruit juice, resulting in a truly flavorful experience. This watermelon sorbet recipe is perfect for beating the summer heat without requiring an ice cream machine. Simply chop up fresh watermelon, freeze it, and blend it with lime juice to create a smooth, scoopable treat.
Watermelon Ice Cream Floats
Indulge in a refreshing twist on the classic ice cream float by substituting traditional soda with sweet and healthy watermelon juice. This unique dessert offers a guilt-free treat that’s quick to prepare – you can have it ready in just minutes. Perfect for hot summer days or anytime you crave a cool and satisfying treat.
Watermelon Milkshakes
At first glance, combining watermelon with creamy elements might seem unusual, but trust us, this unique recipe will surprise and delight you. One key factor is that freezing watermelons thickens their consistency, making them an ideal base for a milkshake. Additionally, the natural sweetness of the melon means you won’t need to add any extra sugar. You’re free to experiment with different types of milk, from almond milk to your preferred dairy or non-dairy alternative.
However, keep in mind that watermelons do contain a significant amount of water, which can affect the consistency and overall milk-to-watermelon ratio of your milkshake. This is something to consider when making your recipe, but rest assured, it’s an excellent treat for hot summer days.
Salted Watermelon Sherbet Bars
Imagine sinking your teeth into a refreshing summer treat that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. The Salted Watermelon Sherbet Bars are a three-layer masterpiece that combines the crunch of crushed waffle cones with the coolness of watermelon sherbet and the creaminess of whipped topping. The base of this delightful dessert is formed by a thick crust of crushed waffle cones, providing a satisfying textural contrast to the sweet and tangy flavors that follow.
The middle layer is a vibrant and fruity watermelon sherbet, crafted with fresh watermelon, sugar, salt, lime juice, and half-and-half. Finally, a generous dollop of whipped topping adds a lush and creamy finish, balancing out the tartness of the watermelon. With its unique flavor profile and eye-catching appearance, it’s no wonder that these Salted Watermelon Sherbet Bars are sure to be a hit at your next summer gathering.
Watermelon Mango Floats
Our go-to summer treat has officially been dethroned from its pedestal, and that’s saying something given the stunning ice cream floats we previously showcased. However, this mango sorbet recipe, infused with Tajin chili lime seasoning and watermelon juice flavor, has won us over. The combination of sweet and spicy sensations is nothing short of revolutionary. These refreshing drinks will leave you weak in the knees – in the best possible way!
And for those looking to add a touch of sophistication, a dash of tequila can take this float to new heights.
Strawberry Watermelon Popsicles
When it comes to watermelon, it’s easy to get stuck in a routine. However, by incorporating strawberries into the mix, you can not only enhance the natural sweetness but also achieve a more even consistency as the mixture freezes. This simple trick adds a pop of flavor and color to your watermelon creation.
One of the best things about this recipe is its ability to breathe new life into leftover watermelon that’s lost its crunch.
With just three ingredients, you can create a refreshing summer treat that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Simply follow the recipe and enjoy!
Watermelon Salsa With Cinnamon Tortilla Chips
Savor the sweetness of summer with a refreshing twist on traditional desserts. Watermelon salsa, infused with strawberry, lime, and mint, is a revelation when paired with warm cinnamon tortilla chips. The unexpected harmony between the two creates a delightful flavor experience that will leave everyone wanting more. With its ease of preparation in advance, this unique dessert is perfect for hot summer gatherings.
Watermelon Chia Parfait
While their unassuming exterior might suggest otherwise, chia seeds pack a nutritional punch in the form of fiber, antioxidants, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids. Some may choose to soak them, which causes an increase in volume and a subsequent loss of crunch. However, this doesn’t diminish their potential as a versatile ingredient. In fact, one of the most appealing aspects of chia seeds is their ability to absorb flavors by soaking directly in your chosen food or liquid.
This property allows for unique and intriguing flavor combinations, such as when they’re paired with lime and watermelon juice, creating a refreshing treat.
Sour Watermelon Fruit Chews
Without adding any refined sugar, this recipe derives its tangy flavor from a combination of citric acid, a hint of honey, and the natural sweetness of watermelon. The vibrant pink color is solely attributed to the juice of the star ingredient itself – refreshing watermelon! What’s more impressive is that these fruit-based chews can be whipped up in just 20 minutes using mostly wholesome ingredients.
This simplicity makes it an effortless yet delightful dessert that your little ones are sure to devour with glee.
Watermelon Granita
Granitas and sorbet may share some similarities in terms of their preparation methods, as they both rely on the combination of fruit juice and sugar. However, the texture is where these two frozen treats truly diverge. Granitas possess a light, airy quality reminiscent of shaved ice, whereas sorbets are typically smooth and creamy.
Despite the simplicity of the granita-making process, which involves puréeing watermelon with sugar and lime juice before freezing and then scraping it to achieve its signature fluffy texture, there’s a certain charm to this frozen delight. Whether you’re in the mood for something refreshing and unique or simply looking for a sweet treat to beat the heat, granitas are sure to satisfy. And the best part? They’re incredibly easy to make!
Watermelon Basket
This understated watermelon basket is sure to be a showstopper at your next gathering, and its practicality is just as impressive as its presentation. Not only does it provide a convenient serving vessel for a refreshing fruit salad, but it also eliminates the need for multiple dishes. And let’s not forget the added bonus of using the extra watermelon juice as a perfect dressing for the remaining fruits!
Simply remove the rind, squeeze in some lime juice, and combine with your other favorite fruits for a delicious and stress-free snack.
Chocolate Covered Watermelon Bites
When working with chocolate, a common challenge is combining it with water-based ingredients like watermelon. To successfully incorporate this refreshing fruit into your recipe, it’s essential to freeze the watermelon first. Start by cutting the fruit into small cubes and then place them in the freezer until they’re thoroughly chilled. Next, dip the frozen watermelon cubes in premium dark chocolate for a delicious and visually appealing treat.
Watermelon Cupcakes
Indulge in the delightful combination of vibrant watermelon frosting and green cake, making these cupcakes an irresistible treat. If you prefer to keep things simple, feel free to use a box cake mix. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability – tweak the green coloring to suit your taste, from bold to subtle. For an added layer of excitement, incorporate watermelon Kool-Aid into the icing for a unique flavor and mesmerizing hue.
Alternatively, opt for a classic vanilla buttercream with a touch of pink food coloring for a timeless look. Finish off these sweet treats with a sprinkle of tiny chocolate chips for an added crunch.
Watermelon Pizza
Why not mix things up by crafting a refreshing watermelon pizza, perfect for your next barbecue or summer gathering? With just a few simple ingredients – including store-bought Greek or coconut yogurt and some luscious berries for topping – you can create a show-stopping dessert tray that rivals those found in restaurants. And the best part? It comes together quickly, making it an ideal option for last-minute entertaining.
Watermelon Pie
Despite its striking appearance, watermelon Jell-O pie often flies under the radar – a culinary injustice given its many advantages. This refreshing dessert is perfect for hot summer days when you need something quick and easy to follow up a meal.
What sets this pie apart from others is its no-bake requirement and rapid preparation time of approximately 10 minutes. To take it to the next level, we like to add a few micro chocolate chips just before serving, giving it a more authentic look.
This pie truly shines with its unparalleled coolness, creaminess, and revitalizing qualities. Each bite is a flavor explosion thanks to the generous use of fresh watermelon chunks and watermelon gelatin.
Watermelon Mousse
When serving a crowd, being prepared with recipe cards can be a lifesaver. Our light and airy watermelon mousse is a unique delight that will likely have guests initially guessing strawberry – but the flavor’s distinctiveness will quickly win them over. This refreshing treat is not only easy to prepare but also boasts the added benefit of being egg-free, making it accessible to anyone. For vegan variations, you can substitute coconut milk and agar-agar for an equally enjoyable experience.
Watermelon Lemonade
When it comes to enjoying lemonade, the level of sweetness can be a matter of personal preference. For those who find traditional lemonade too tart, adding another fruit is a simple way to balance out the flavors. One excellent option is watermelon, which not only adds natural sweetness but also contributes a unique flavor profile that complements the lemon rather than overpowering it. The result is a refreshing and visually appealing beverage perfect for warm summer days.
Conclusion
Watermelon’s adaptability is truly impressive, offering a world of possibilities for creative culinary endeavors.
Its refreshing essence makes it the quintessential summer treat, perfect for hot days when a cool and revitalizing snack is just what you need.
Whether blended into a smoothie, frozen into a popsicle, or baked into a tart, watermelon’s unique flavor profile and satisfying texture make it an unbeatable choice.
Barbara is an enthusiastic food-exploring person that goes through different culinary experiences. She got inspired by creating a pizza blog post after she tasted one of the best-selling pizzas in Toledo.