Watermelon Gelato
Watermelon Gelato creates a light, refreshing dessert with sweet watermelon flavor blended into a smooth, icy treat that’s perfect for warm days.
This watermelon gelato recipe highlights fresh watermelon combined with simple ingredients like sugar, citrus and cream for a smooth, flavorful frozen dessert.
Plus, this lighter and better-for-you solution has about half the fat and fewer calories than traditional ice cream recipes but with equally mouthwatering flavor.
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Whether your family’s ideal summer day consists of swimming, hiking, biking or simply enjoying the sunshine, all that time in the heat calls for a sweet way to cool off.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Gelato
Watermelon Gelato delivers a refreshing texture, bright flavor and simple prep that makes it perfect for summer treats.
- Light and refreshing: Watermelon creates a naturally hydrating, cooling dessert.
- Smooth, creamy texture: A blend of fruit and cream gives it a soft, scoopable consistency.
- Simple ingredients: Uses a handful of easy-to-find ingredients.
- Perfect for hot days: A cool, fruity dessert that’s not too heavy.
Watermelon Gelato delivers a smooth, refreshing bite with naturally sweet flavor and a light, summery finish.
What Goes With Watermelon Gelato
This light and fruity dessert pairs well with simple additions that enhance its refreshing flavor while keeping the dish balanced and enjoyable:
- Fresh mint: Adds a bright, cooling contrast that enhances the watermelon flavor.
- Chocolate chips: A fun topping that adds a slight crunch and mimics watermelon seeds.
- Fresh berries: Strawberries or blueberries add texture and a complementary fruity sweetness.
- Shortbread cookies: A crisp, buttery side that balances the light gelato texture.
- Lime wedges: A squeeze of citrus brightens the flavor and adds a tangy finish.
These pairings make Watermelon Gelato perfect for summer desserts or light, refreshing treats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Gelato
“Gelato” is simply the Italian word for ice cream.
While they’re similar, gelato is usually lower in fat and has a denser texture.
For an extra boost of flavor, stir in chocolate chips during the last few minutes of churning, or sprinkle them on top before serving.
Benefits of Watermelon
These sweet, flavorful desserts also offer a refreshing boost of hydration, thanks to watermelon, which is about 92% water.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that daily fluid intake includes water from foods as well as beverages, so hydration doesn’t come only from what you drink.
Since fruits and vegetables contribute a meaningful amount of fluids, options like watermelon help keep everyone hydrated through busy summer days.
A special thanks to Watermelon.org for this sweet summer recipe idea!
Watermelon Gelato Recipe
Watermelon Gelato blends fresh watermelon with simple ingredients, then churns into a smooth, refreshing frozen dessert.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Chill/Freeze time: 2–4 hours
Total time: About 2–4 hours
Servings: 6–8
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To prepare Watermelon Gelato, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients.
- Blender: To puree the watermelon until smooth.
- Mixing Bowl: To combine all ingredients evenly.
- Ice Cream Maker: To churn the gelato to a smooth consistency.
- Freezer-Safe Container: To store and firm up the gelato.
These tools make it easy to create watermelon gelato with a smooth texture, refreshing flavor and perfectly scoopable consistency every time.
Gelato ingredients
- watermelon
- sugar
- cornstarch
- fat-free half-and-half
- lemon juice
- whipping cream
How to Make Watermelon Gelato
In blender, blend watermelon, sugar, cornstarch, half-and-half, lemon juice and whipping cream until smooth.
Using ice cream maker, process gelato according to manufacturer’s instructions.
To make whipped cream: When crust and curd are completely cooled, in large bowl, whip cream until stiff peaks form.
Gently push cream to one side of bowl and pour in watermelon curd. Using spatula, gently fold cream and watermelon curd together until no streaks are visible.
Pour creamy watermelon mixture over graham cracker crust. Freeze dessert completely, 4-6 hours or overnight.
When ready to serve, loosen sides with small spatula or butter knife. Turn out onto cutting board and use large spatula to flip so graham cracker crust is on bottom.
Cut into eight bars and top each with basil leaf.
More Watermelon Recipes
Enjoy more refreshing watermelon recipes, perfect for summer snacking, salads, and sweet treats!
- Watermelon Salad with Feta and Lime-Cilantro Vinaigrette
- Frozen Watermelon Daiquiri
- Watermelon Popsicles
- Mini Watermelon Cakes
- Watermelon Juice
- Watermelon Brie Bites
- Watermelon Mint Lemonade
- Simple Watermelon Radish Salad with Asian Vinaigrette
- Watermelon Water
- Watermelon Pizza
Fun Ways to Serve Watermelon to Your Kids gives you fun summer ideas!
Watermelon Gelato
It's hard to beat homemade Watermelon Gelato loaded with favorite summertime flavors that's as cold and creamy as it is sweet and delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 cups pureed watermelon
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup fat-free half-and-half
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup whipping cream
Instructions
- In blender, blend watermelon, sugar, cornstarch, half-and-half, lemon juice and whipping cream until smooth.
- Using ice cream maker, process gelato according to manufacturer's instructions.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 135Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 18mgSodium: 36mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 0gSugar: 17gProtein: 1g
Nutrient values are only estimates provided by online calculators. Various factors can change the nutritional information in any given recipe.
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