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When it’s too hot to turn on the oven and you have half a watermelon sitting on the counter, this watermelon sorbet is the answer. It’s icy, refreshing, naturally sweet, and tastes like summer in frozen form. Best of all, you only need 2 ingredients and a blender or food processor to make it.
Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Sorbet
- Made with simple ingredients – Frozen watermelon keeps this sorbet naturally refreshing without heavy cream or complicated ingredients.
- Great for leftover watermelon – Cube and freeze extra watermelon so you can make this easy frozen treat anytime.
- No ice cream maker required
- Perfect for the whole family
- Refreshing for hot summer days – Watermelon’s high water content makes this especially cooling and hydrating.
- Easy to customize – Add berries, mango, mint, or extra citrus for different flavor variations.
- Allergy-friendly and dairy-free – Vegan, paleo, gluten-free, and dairy-free which makes it a great option for a variety of food allergies and sensitivities.
“My 5 year old love watermelon. This was a bomb thank you 😊” – Victoria Osoba
Looking for more easy, summer-friendly recipes for a hot summer day? Don’t miss this refreshing strawberry sorbet or this creamy frozen peach yogurt. Both require minimal effort and little equipment!
Related: Easy and Healthy Frozen Dessert Recipes
Table of Contents
Key Ingredients
- Watermelon – Make sure to freeze beforehand. Check out this creamy banana watermelon smoothie where I give step-by-step instructions on how to freeze watermelon.
- Lime juice – balances the sweetness of watermelon and the acidity in lime juice can help preserve the sorbet, preventing it from crystallizing too quickly in the freezer. This can result in a smoother texture and better consistency when serving.
- Honey or maple syrup (optional) – depending on the sweetness of your watermelon you can add to your liking.
How to Make Watermelon Sorbet
Step 1: Slice watermelon into small cubes. Place in a single layer on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and freeze for at least 4 hours.
Step 2: Add the watermelon along with lime juice into a food processor or high-speed blender. Allow for the watermelon to thaw slightly so they blend more easily.
Step 3: Blend until smooth. You will need to stop and scrape down the sides a few times to make sure everything is well combined.
Step 4: Pour the mixture into a shallow dish or airtight container. Cover and freeze for at least 2 hours.
Recipe Tips
- Use a ripe watermelon – Since watermelon is the main ingredient, flavor matters. An underripe watermelon can lead to bland sorbet.
- Don’t overblend – Blend just until smooth. Overblending can warm the mixture too much and make it melt quickly.
- Taste before serving – Depending on the sweetness of your watermelon, you may want to add a little honey or maple syrup. Keep in mind that freezing naturally dulls sweetness slightly.
- Add water if needed – If your watermelon sorbet mixture is icy and not blending smoothly, add some water (one tablespoon at a time) to help achieve a smoother consistency.
- Serve immediately for the best texture – It is best to enjoy immediately or freeze for up to 4 hours. Homemade fruit sorbet freezes firmer than store-bought versions because it contains less sugar and no stabilizers.
Variations
- Strawberry Watermelon Sorbet – Blend in frozen strawberries for a slightly sweeter and berry-forward flavor. Here are instructions on how to freeze strawberries. Other berries like raspberries and blueberries would work too!
- Watermelon Lime Sorbet – Add extra lime zest and juice for a brighter citrus flavor.
- Watermelon Mint Sorbet – Blend in a few fresh mint leaves for an ultra-refreshing summer dessert. You could also add basil or rosemary as well.
- Coconut Watermelon Sorbet – Add a splash of canned coconut milk for a creamier texture and subtle tropical flavor.
- Watermelon Mango Sorbet – Use frozen mango along with the watermelon for a naturally sweeter and smoother sorbet. Peaches would also be great!!
Watermelon Sorbet FAQs
Sorbet is a frozen dessert made primarily from sweetened water and fruit puree or juice. Unlike ice cream, it contains no dairy or eggs, making it a lighter, often more refreshing option.
While both are fruit-based, sorbet contains no dairy, whereas sherbet includes a small amount of dairy, giving it a creamier texture.
Transfer the sorbet to a freezer-safe container. Smooth the surface and add a layer of plastic wrap or parchment paper on top to minimize ice crystals from forming. Close the lid and freeze for up to a month.
When ready to enjoy, let the sorbet sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to soften. This will make it easier to scoop.
Watermelon naturally contains a lot of water, so some iciness is normal. Using fully frozen watermelon, a little citrus juice, and optional sweetener helps improve the texture.
For best results, freeze the watermelon first. Using fresh watermelon will create more of a smoothie consistency rather than sorbet.
Yes, this can be a fun frozen treat for toddlers and older babies when served in an age-appropriate texture. For younger children, serving it immediately after blending creates a softer consistency that may be easier to eat.
More Frozen Treats
Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!
Watermelon Sorbet
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen diced watermelon
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- (optional) maple syrup or honey
Instructions
- Place the watermelon and lime juice into the bowl of your food processor. Blend everything together until smooth and creamy. You will need to stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is well combined. Don't blend too long though. Otherwise the sorbet will get too soft.
- Once you have a smooth creamy texture, taste it and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more honey. Enjoy immediately or freeze for 3-4 hours, or until ready to serve.
Notes
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- If your watermelon sorbet mixture is icy and not blending smoothly, add some water (one tablespoon at a time) to help achieve a smoother consistency.
- The ripeness of your watermelon will also affect the how icy your sorbet is, so be sure to use a nice ripe watermelon!
- It is best to enjoy immediately or freeze for up to 4 hours.
- Be sure to use a high-powered food processor or blender to break up the frozen watermelon! No ice cream machine needed!
Can you use fresh watermelon or only frozen?
You can use fresh but you’ll need to freeze them first!
Since I am a fan of sweet/spicey, I would add tiny amount of chili. Yum!
(Yes, my friends doubt my sanity. 🤣)
Can Lemon be used in place of Lime? If yes?, the same quantity?
Sure and yes!
can I use lemon juice instead of lime?? excited to try this recipe!
My 5year old love watermelon. This was a bomb thank you 😊
So happy to hear that!
Ottimo!!!!
Can’t wait to try this!!! Love all the alternative options too!!!
Yes try them all!! So easy and refreshing! 🙂