Watermelon’s refreshing sweetness has made it a staple in summer desserts. Its unique flavor profile – a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and juicy – makes it a crowd-pleaser, whether served simply sliced or incorporated into intricate creations. From smoothies to sorbets, cakes to parfaits, watermelon’s versatility knows no bounds. To help you tap into its full dessert potential, we’ve curated this list of tips and tricks for making delectable watermelon treats that everyone will love.
Best Varieties For Watermelon Desserts
When it comes to watermelon-based desserts, having the right variety can make all the difference. A good watermelon should be characterized by its sweetness, juiciness, and vibrant color. Here are some excellent options that will elevate your desserts: Sugar Baby, with its small size and deep red flesh, is perfect for individual treats like fruit salads and sorbets. The Crimson Sweet variety offers a well-balanced flavor profile, making it ideal for granitas, fruit salads, and sorbet.
Charleston Gray’s sweet pinkish-red flesh makes it an excellent choice for watermelon bowls or desserts that incorporate other fruits. If you want to add some uniqueness to your creations, the Yellow Doll variety with its yellow flesh and tangy sweetness is a great option. Finally, Orangeglo stands out with its striking orange color and tropical flavor, making it perfect for visually stunning desserts like smoothie bowls, salsas, and parfaits.
Best Watermelon Desserts
Fruit Watermelon
The Instagram-worthy Fruit Watermelon dessert has taken the TikTok world by storm, showcasing the simplicity and sweetness of fresh fruit paired with unflavored gelatin. By layering these ingredients inside a hollowed-out watermelon rind, the natural flavors of the fruit take center stage, offering a refreshing treat that’s as visually appealing as it is tasty.
Watermelon Sherbet
In a surprisingly simple yet delightful recipe, only two main ingredients are required, making it accessible to all. By blending frozen watermelon with yogurt, you’ll craft a rich, rejuvenating, and indulgent sherbet that’s sure to quench your thirst on a hot summer day.
Fresh Mint Ice Cream With Salted Watermelon Granita
A refreshing summer treat is born when the coolness of mint ice cream, crafted with fresh mint and cream, meets the sweetness of watermelon granita, subtly seasoned with sugar and salt. The two are expertly layered and finished with a touch of sea salt, resulting in a harmonious balance of sweet and salty flavors that will leave you craving more.
Suback Hwachae (Korean Watermelon Punch)
Beat the scorching summer heat with this timeless Korean dessert drink, a harmonious blend of refreshing watermelon and creamy milk. The addition of soda gives it a delightful fizziness, making each sip a symphony of sweet and fruity flavors that will leave you wanting more.
Watermelon Mousse
Crafted from a refreshing blend of watermelon juice, gelatin, sugar, and whipped cream, this luscious mousse is a showstopper that’s sure to delight. Its radiant pink color and authentic watermelon flavor make it a crowd favorite at parties and social gatherings, where its light-as-air texture and sweet taste are sure to win over even the most discerning palates.
Watermelon Macarons
A refreshing and vibrant dessert, this sweet treat comprises three colorful macaron shells, encasing a delightful watermelon buttercream filling. What’s more, the recipe employs the Swiss macaron method, renowned for its user-friendly approach in comparison to the French method.
Candied Watermelon Tanghulu
In the world of Chinese snacks, Candied Watermelon Tanghulu stands out as a delightful treat. The classic version features refreshing watermelon cubes served on skewers and smothered in a sweet candy coating. Feel free to elevate this sweet experience by adding crunchy nuts, nutritious seeds, or rich chocolate for an added layer of flavor.
Fresh Watermelon Cake
Indulge in a refreshing treat by layering juicy watermelon slices with a dollop of creamy yogurt and a sprinkle of plump berries. For an added indulgence, consider topping it off with a fluffy cloud of whipped cream, a handful of rich chocolate chips, or a crunchy mix of nuts.
Watermelon Pizza
Elevate the humble dessert game with this refreshing recipe that cleverly reimagines the traditional sweet treat. At its core lies a surprising yet delightful use of juicy watermelon, which serves as the foundation for a delectable crust. The real showstopper, however, is the rich and creamy cream cheese glaze that perfectly complements the sweetness of the melon, accompanied by your preferred selection of fruits.
Summer Dessert Watermelon Pie
The versatility of this recipe lies in its ability to accommodate personal preferences. The incorporation of gelatin within the filling plays a crucial role in shaping the pie’s unique character, as it acts as an adhesive, uniting the mixture into a silky, velvety smoothness.
Watermelon Whip
What’s more delightful than a sweet treat that reimagines the juiciest watermelon? This refreshing dessert takes ripe watermelon and turns it into a velvety whip, expertly balancing its natural sweetness with the creaminess of yogurt and milk. A hint of lemon juice adds a tangy depth to the flavor profile, making this dessert a perfect way to cool off on a warm day.
Salted Watermelon Sherbet Bars
Beat the heat with this revitalizing summer treat that’s perfect for sweltering days. The crispy waffle cone base provides a satisfying texture, beautifully complemented by the fluffy whipped cream and judiciously added salt, which harmoniously balance out the sweetness in a delightful sweet and salty symphony.
Kiwi Watermelon Fruit Popsicles
With minimal effort and only three essential ingredients, you can create refreshing watermelon-flavored popsicles. Simply blend the fruit mixture, pour it into your preferred molds, and let the magic happen as they freeze to perfection in just a few hours. Once set, indulge in these sweet treats and beat the heat.
Watermelon Cupcakes
Beyond their vibrant pink hue, these delectable cupcakes boast a symphony of flavors, thanks to the incorporation of watermelon puree. This clever twist imbues each bite with a revitalizing essence that’s as invigorating as it is delicious.
Watermelon Fudge
Combining the refreshing sweetness of watermelon with the creamy richness of white chocolate, this unique dessert boasts a vibrant pink and green color scheme courtesy of watermelon extract and subtle food coloring enhancements, resulting in a playful and indulgent treat that’s sure to delight.
Sicilian Watermelon Pudding
Imagine sinking your spoon into a creamy delight that perfectly balances the sweetness of summer. This innovative pudding combines the refreshing essence of watermelon with the brightness of lime and the warmth of vanilla, all wrapped up in a light-as-air texture courtesy of arrowroot starch. The key to this treat’s success lies in its thoughtful blend of natural sweeteners, including coconut sugar, which adds just the right amount of indulgence without overpowering the fruit’s flavor.
As you take your first bite, the watermelon taste explodes on your palate, a true celebration of summer’s sweetness.
Watermelon Cheesecake Milkshake
On scorching summer afternoons or when a sweet indulgence is in order, this milkshake truly shines. By blending it until silky smooth, you can elevate its natural charm even further. For added textural contrast and a delightful surprise, consider sprinkling graham cracker crumbs around the rim of the glass or using them as a topping – a thoughtful touch that’s sure to put a smile on your face.
Sea Salt Dark Chocolate Watermelon Slices
Indulge in this intriguing treat, where the harmonious union of sweet, salty, and refreshing flavors takes center stage. The juicy essence of watermelon melds seamlessly with the deep richness of dark chocolate, while a subtle whisper of sea salt adds an unexpected layer of complexity to the palate, elevating the overall taste experience.
Watermelon Tequila Lime Bars
The dessert bars’ trifecta of textures and flavors starts with a foundation of juicy watermelon, followed by a layer of gelatin that provides a delightful contrast. The addition of tangy lime cream and crunchy crushed vanilla wafers adds depth to the composition. Meanwhile, the subtle infusion of tequila subtly enhances the sweetness of the watermelon and lime, creating a harmonious balance that will leave you wanting more.
Watermelon Fruit Cake
A show-stopping dessert, the cake is crafted by carefully layering juicy watermelon slices to mimic the look of a traditional tiered cake. The crowning glory is a delicate arrangement of fresh fruit atop this sweet and refreshing masterpiece. This visually stunning dessert is sure to be the star attraction at any summer soiree or gathering.
Watermelon Smoothie
Indulge in this revitalizing smoothie, a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients that effortlessly satisfy your daily dose of fruits and veggies. The star-studded combination of juicy strawberries brings a delightful harmony of sweet and tangy flavors, beautifully complemented by the rich, velvety texture imparted by the vanilla Greek yogurt, creating a truly indulgent treat.
Summer Watermelon Parfait
Savoring the essence of summer, this delightful treat combines succulent watermelon with crispy granola and zesty yogurt to create a revitalizing escape from the heat. The addition of fermented glutinous rice brings an intriguing depth, elevating this sweet and savory fusion to new heights.
Sicilian Watermelon Tart
The tart’s foundation is built upon a pre-baked shortcrust pastry crust that provides a sturdy base for the sweet and refreshing filling. This blend of watermelon, sugar, and cornstarch comes together to create a harmonious balance of flavors, while the addition of confectioners’ sugar on top adds a delicate touch of sweetness.
Sandía Loca (Mexican-Style “Crazy” Watermelon)
Indulge in the perfect harmony of sweet and spicy flavors with this one-of-a-kind recipe. By combining succulent watermelon chunks with a tangy fusion of chamoy sauce, Tajín seasoning, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice, every bite is a delightful surprise.
Grilled Peach & Watermelon Kabobs With Ice Cream
Indulge in the sweet harmony of warm and cold, as this effortless recipe combines juicy peach and watermelon slices on skewers, grilled to perfection, and served with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the caramelized fruit and the chilled dessert is nothing short of heavenly, making for a truly delightful treat.
Chocolate Covered Watermelon
Indulge in this crowd-favorite treat by transforming watermelon into bite-sized masterpieces. Begin by dicing the fruit into cubes, then flash-freeze them to preserve their crisp texture. Next, dip each cube into a rich pool of melted chocolate for an indulgent coating. To add a touch of sophistication, sprinkle a pinch of salt over the top, allowing the sweet and savory flavors to harmoniously meld together.
Watermelon Shaved Ice
To indulge in this refreshing summer treat, start by creating a sweet watermelon syrup. Simply blend together fresh watermelon and sugar until you achieve a smooth, syrupy consistency. Next, take some shave ice and fluff it up to a light, airy texture that resembles snow. Finally, drizzle the watermelon syrup over the shave ice and enjoy the perfect combination of cool and sweet.
Watermelon Meringue Cookies
For optimal results when baking these delicate cookies, it’s crucial to use superfine sugar to achieve a silky-smooth meringue. To prevent any sticking issues, make sure to bake on a dry day and ensure that both your bowl and beaters are thoroughly cleaned and free of any grease or residue.
Watermelon Granita
This refreshing summer dessert combines the sweet and tangy flavors of watermelon, sugar, and lime juice by freezing them together until they form a slushy treat. To add an extra layer of freshness, mint leaves are incorporated into the mix. For those who want to take their taste buds on an adventure, feel free to mix in some strawberries or blueberries for added flavor and texture.
Strawberry-Watermelon Shortcake
For a sweet and refreshing summer treat, this dessert recipe is a must-try. To bring out the best in the strawberries and watermelon, make sure they’re ripe and let the mixture infuse its flavors for at least 30 minutes before assembling the shortcakes.
Tips When Making Watermelon Desserts
Indulge in the sweetness of watermelon by creating delectable desserts that showcase its natural charm. To get started, follow these expert tips for crafting unique and refreshing treats:Select the perfect melon by opting for a heavy, dull-skinned fruit with a creamy spot – a sign of ripeness. Take it to the next level by chilling your watermelon in the refrigerator, amplifying its refreshing properties.
Embrace freshness by incorporating high-quality ingredients like mint, berries, or citrus into your creations. Elevate presentation by shaping your watermelon into visually appealing forms that invite curiosity. Remove any bitterness by carefully removing the black seeds – a crucial step in unlocking the melon’s full potential. Let nature do its thing and let the watermelon’s sweetness shine through, but don’t be afraid to add a touch of sugar or honey if needed to strike the perfect balance.
Experiment with textures by incorporating crunchy elements like coconut or nuts into your recipes. Take it to the extreme and freeze your creation to transform it into popsicles, granitas, or sorbet. Finally, add a hint of acidity by introducing a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of zest, which will not only enhance the flavor but also bring out the watermelon’s inherent sweetness.
The bottom line
The sweetness of watermelon is elevated by its vibrant color and hydrating properties, making it an excellent addition to a wide range of desserts. From enjoying it as a refreshing solo treat to transforming it into a fruity sorbet or incorporating it into elaborate creations, watermelon’s natural flavor adds a burst of summer essence to any dessert table.
Its adaptability in pairing with various flavors has earned it a special place in the world of culinary delights, allowing us to relish the taste of summer at any time.
More About Watermelon
Indulge in the sweet and refreshing world of watermelon-based desserts, where vibrant flavors and stunning presentations come together. From decadent cakes to revitalizing parfaits and fruity sorbets, these treats are sure to delight your senses and leave a lasting impression on your guests.
Instructions
Take a look at our curated selection of refreshing watermelon desserts. Pick the one that tickles your fancy and gather all the essential ingredients. And if you’re as delighted with the treat as we are, be sure to give us a shout-out on where you discovered it – we’d love to hear from you!
