Watermelon Ice Cream – Creamy, Refreshing & Easy to Make!

There’s nothing quite like a cold, creamy scoop of ice cream on a hot summer day, and when it’s homemade watermelon ice cream, it’s even better! This recipe is a perfect blend of juicy watermelon, rich creaminess, and a hint of vanilla—creating a refreshing, fruity treat that’s both light and indulgent.

If you love making homemade frozen desserts, this one will quickly become a favorite. It’s easy to prepare, requires just a few simple ingredients, and tastes like pure summer in a bowl. Ready to make your own? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Ice Cream

• Incredibly Refreshing – Watermelon is naturally hydrating and cooling, making this ice cream perfect for warm days.
• Super Easy to Make – No complicated steps, just blend, chill, churn, and freeze!
• Creamy & Fruity – The mix of heavy cream and milk ensures a smooth, luscious texture while keeping the fresh watermelon flavor front and center.
• Minimal Ingredients – Only seven basic ingredients, most of which you probably already have at home!
• Kid-Friendly & Crowd-Pleasing – A fun, naturally sweet treat that both kids and adults will love.

What Does Watermelon Ice Cream Taste Like?

This ice cream has the light and refreshing essence of fresh watermelon but with a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The vanilla enhances the sweetness, while the lemon juice adds a subtle tang that balances the flavors beautifully. Unlike store-bought watermelon ice creams that often taste artificial, this homemade version is bursting with real fruit flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious homemade watermelon ice cream, gather the following:

this Recipe

• 4 cups watermelon, pureed – Use ripe, seedless watermelon for the best natural sweetness.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Provides richness and a smooth texture.
• 1/2 cup milk – Helps lighten the consistency while keeping it creamy.
• 3/4 cup sugar – Enhances the natural sweetness of the watermelon.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds a warm depth of flavor.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – A hint of acidity that brightens up the flavors.
• Pinch of salt – Balances and enhances all the flavors.

Tools You’ll Need

• Blender or food processor
• Mixing bowl
• Ice cream maker
• Freezer-safe container
• Spatula

Ingredient Substitutions & Additions

Want to mix things up? Try these variations!

• Dairy-Free Version – Swap the heavy cream and milk for full-fat coconut milk to make a delicious vegan version.
• Extra Fruity – Add a handful of fresh strawberries or raspberries to the puree for a berry twist.
• Chocolate Swirl – Drizzle in some melted dark chocolate before freezing for a chocolate-watermelon combo.
• Minty Freshness – Stir in finely chopped fresh mint for an extra refreshing flavor.

How to Make Watermelon Ice Cream

1. Blend the Ingredients

In a blender or food processor, combine the pureed watermelon, heavy cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend until everything is fully combined and smooth.

2. Chill the Mixture

Pour the blended mixture into a bowl, cover it, and place it in the refrigerator for about an hour. This helps develop the flavors and ensures a better texture when churning.

3. Churn the Ice Cream

Transfer the chilled mixture to your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The goal is to reach a soft-serve consistency, which usually takes about 20-30 minutes.

4. Freeze Until Firm

Scoop the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container, smooth the top, and cover it tightly. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until the ice cream is firm and scoopable.

5. Serve & Enjoy!

Once the ice cream is fully set, scoop it into bowls or cones, and enjoy this creamy, refreshing watermelon treat!

What to Serve with Watermelon Ice Cream

This ice cream is fantastic on its own, but here are a few serving ideas to take it to the next level:

• Topped with fresh fruit – Try diced watermelon, strawberries, or blueberries.
• With a drizzle of honey or chocolate sauce – A little extra sweetness never hurts!
• Between cookies – Make watermelon ice cream sandwiches with sugar cookies or shortbread.
• Alongside a slice of cake – Pairs wonderfully with vanilla or lemon cake.

Tips for the Best Watermelon Ice Cream

• Use the ripest watermelon – The sweeter the watermelon, the better the flavor.
• Strain the puree (optional) – If you prefer a super smooth texture, strain out any pulp before blending.
• Don’t skip the chilling step – This helps the ice cream freeze properly and churn to the right consistency.
• Store properly – Keep in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.

Storage Instructions

• In the Freezer – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
• For Best Texture – Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?

Yes! After blending and chilling the mixture, pour it into a freezer-safe dish and freeze. Stir every 30 minutes for the first 3 hours to break up ice crystals and create a creamy texture.

Why is my watermelon ice cream icy instead of creamy?

Since watermelon has a high water content, it can freeze harder than traditional ice cream. Adding heavy cream and churning properly helps reduce iciness.

Can I use frozen watermelon instead of fresh?

Yes! Just let the frozen watermelon thaw slightly before blending to ensure a smooth mixture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This watermelon ice cream is naturally gluten-free.

Enjoy the Sweet Taste of Summer!

With its light, fruity flavor and creamy texture, homemade watermelon ice cream is the perfect way to cool down on a hot day. Whether you enjoy it in a bowl, cone, or as part of a fun dessert, this easy recipe is a must-try.

If you loved this recipe, let me know in the comments! And don’t forget to snap a pic and share it on Pinterest—I’d love to see your creations.

Looking for more delicious homemade ice creams? Try these next:

• Homemade Passion Fruit Ice Cream – A tropical, tangy, and creamy delight!
• Homemade Butter Pecan Ice Cream – Rich, nutty, and absolutely irresistible.

Happy scooping! 🍉🍦

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