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There’s something magical about the combination of juicy watermelon and crunchy pistachios. This Watermelon Pistachio Ice Cream is the ultimate summer treat—creamy, refreshing, and bursting with flavor! It’s an easy no-churn recipe, so you don’t need an ice cream maker. Just a handful of ingredients, a little patience while it freezes, and you’ll have a homemade ice cream that tastes like a dream.
Let’s dive into this delightful recipe and get ready to savor every spoonful!
Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Pistachio Ice Cream
- No Ice Cream Maker Required! You don’t need any fancy equipment—just mix, freeze, and enjoy.
- Light & Refreshing. Watermelon gives this ice cream a naturally sweet and refreshing taste.
- Perfectly Creamy. Thanks to the heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk, the texture is ultra-smooth.
- Nutty Crunch. Pistachios add the perfect contrast with their crunchy texture and slightly salty bite.
- Unique & Impressive. A flavor combination that will wow your friends and family!
What Does Watermelon Pistachio Ice Cream Taste Like?
Imagine the sweet, juicy freshness of watermelon blended into a velvety ice cream, perfectly balanced with a hint of vanilla and a pinch of salt. The chopped pistachios add a satisfying crunch and a nutty depth that complements the fruitiness. It’s creamy, slightly nutty, and incredibly refreshing—ideal for those hot summer days!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this dreamy Watermelon Pistachio Ice Cream, gather these simple ingredients:
- 2 cups pureed watermelon – Fresh, sweet watermelon is the star of this recipe.
- 1 cup heavy cream – Adds richness and a smooth, creamy texture.
- 1 cup sweetened condensed milk – Sweetens the ice cream while keeping it ultra-creamy.
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios – Provides a delicious crunch and nutty flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the sweetness and aroma.
- A pinch of salt – Balances the flavors and makes the sweetness pop.
Tools You’ll Need
- A blender or food processor (to puree the watermelon)
- A mixing bowl
- A spatula or whisk
- A freezer-safe container with a lid
- An ice cream scoop
Can I Customize This Recipe? Absolutely!
- Make it dairy-free – Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use sweetened condensed coconut milk.
- Add a citrus twist – A squeeze of lime juice enhances the watermelon’s freshness.
- Boost the crunch – Add some white chocolate chips or extra pistachios on top before freezing.
- Make it extra fruity – Stir in small chunks of watermelon or even raspberries for more texture.
How to Make Watermelon Pistachio Ice Cream
Follow these simple steps to make this no-churn ice cream:
Step 1: Blend the Watermelon
Start by pureeing fresh watermelon in a blender or food processor until completely smooth. You want a silky texture with no chunks.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large bowl, combine the watermelon puree, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir or whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Fold in the Pistachios
Gently fold in the chopped pistachios, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the ice cream mixture.
Step 4: Freeze the Mixture
Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap.
Step 5: Let It Set
Place the container in the freezer and let it chill for at least 4-6 hours, or until it’s firm enough to scoop.
Step 6: Scoop & Enjoy!
Once frozen, scoop out generous servings and enjoy your homemade Watermelon Pistachio Ice Cream!
What to Serve with Watermelon Pistachio Ice Cream
This ice cream is amazing on its own, but if you want to get creative, try these serving ideas:
- With fresh fruit – Serve with extra watermelon cubes or berries for a fruity boost.
- Drizzled with honey – A drizzle of honey enhances the natural sweetness.
- In a waffle cone – For the ultimate summer treat!
- Topped with more nuts – Sprinkle extra chopped pistachios for added crunch.
- Paired with cookies – Enjoy alongside shortbread cookies or almond biscotti.
Tips for the Best Homemade Ice Cream
- Use ripe, sweet watermelon. The better the fruit, the better the flavor!
- Chill the mixture before freezing. Letting the ice cream base sit in the fridge for 30 minutes before freezing can help improve texture.
- Cover well to avoid ice crystals. A tightly sealed container prevents freezer burn.
- Let it sit before scooping. If the ice cream is too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving.
How to Store Watermelon Pistachio Ice Cream
- Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
- Press a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen watermelon instead of fresh?
Yes! If using frozen watermelon, let it thaw slightly before pureeing for a smoother consistency.
Will this ice cream be super hard after freezing?
Since it’s a no-churn ice cream, it might freeze a bit firmer than store-bought versions. Let it sit for a few minutes before scooping for the best texture.
Can I use other nuts instead of pistachios?
Absolutely! Almonds, cashews, or macadamia nuts would also pair beautifully with watermelon.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! This ice cream is naturally gluten-free, making it a great dessert option for those with gluten sensitivities.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Try Summer Ice Cream!
This Watermelon Pistachio Ice Cream is the perfect way to cool down on a hot day. It’s easy to make, full of fresh flavors, and packed with creamy goodness. Whether you’re enjoying it on a sunny afternoon or serving it at a backyard BBQ, this unique ice cream will impress everyone!
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below, share your photos on Pinterest, and let me know how you enjoyed it.
Looking for More Homemade Ice Cream Recipes? Try These!
- Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream – Rich, Creamy, and Irresistible
- Homemade Butter Pecan Ice Cream
- Cooking for Beginners – Easy & Fun Recipes
Now, grab a scoop and enjoy this homemade masterpiece! 🍉🍦💚
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Watermelon Pistachio Ice Cream – A Creamy, Refreshing Summer Delight!
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (minimum)
- Yield: About 4 servings 1x
Description
This Watermelon Pistachio Ice Cream is the perfect no-churn summer dessert! It’s creamy, refreshing, and naturally sweet with a nutty crunch from pistachios. With just a few ingredients and no ice cream maker required, this homemade ice cream is simple to make and bursting with fresh flavor. Cool off with a scoop of this delightful frozen treat!
Ingredients
2 cups pureed watermelon
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup chopped pistachios
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Instructions
Puree the watermelon in a blender or food processor until smooth.
Mix the base by combining the watermelon puree, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt in a large bowl. Stir until well combined.
Fold in the pistachios gently to distribute them evenly.
Pour into a freezer-safe container and smooth the top with a spatula. Cover tightly.
Freeze for at least 4-6 hours or until firm.
Scoop & enjoy your homemade watermelon pistachio ice cream!
Notes
For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and sweetened condensed coconut milk.Add a squeeze of lime juice for a citrusy twist.
If the ice cream is too firm, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping.
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Freeze Time: 4-6 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Churn
- Cuisine: American