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Whip up this refreshing Watermelon Sorbet with just two ingredients—it’s perfect for a summer cooldown, and you don’t even need an ice cream maker!
Watermelon sorbet is delicious and a healthier option compared to traditional ice cream. It is made mainly from frozen fresh watermelon with no added sugar or artificial ingredients so you can enjoy the natural sweetness of this tasty summer fruit.
Safe for those with food allergies and sensitivities, this sorbet is vegan, paleo, gluten-free and dairy-free.
Check the variations below to see how you can add some unique and flavorful twists to this sweet treat.
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
Ingredients
- Watermelon – Make sure to freeze beforehand.
- 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.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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 lemon 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
- 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.
- It is best to enjoy immediately or freeze for up to 4 hours.
Variations
- Milk – if you desire a creamy consistency, add a splash of coconut milk.
- Herbs – Enhance your sorbet with a variety of herbs, such as mint, basil, or rosemary, to add a refreshing and unique flavor.
- Fruits – Add a variety of fruits, such as strawberries, mangoes, peaches, raspberries, or blueberries, to create a delicious and flavorful treat.
Equipment
You don’t need an ice cream machine to make this watermelon sorbet! But you do need a high-powered food processor or blender to break up the frozen watermelon.
I highly recommend using a food processor if you have one as the wider and more shallow bowl makes it easier to scrape down the sides during processing. My husband got me this food processor for Christmas two years ago because I want to start making more bliss balls for snacks, and since then I’ve been using it multiple times a week.
Storage
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.
FAQ
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.
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
-
- 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 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! 🙂