Watermelon ice cream is a refreshing and delicious treat, especially during the warmer months. It’s a perfect way to capture the essence of summer in a frozen dessert. Here’s a simple and easy recipe for making watermelon ice cream at home:
Ingredients:
- 4 cups watermelon, cubed and seeds removed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or more heavy cream for richer ice cream)
- 3/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (optional, but adds brightness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Watermelon Puree:
- Place the cubed watermelon in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and pureed, then strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove any excess pulp and seeds. You should have about 2 1/2 to 3 cups of watermelon juice.
2. Mix the Ice Cream Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the watermelon puree, heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, lemon juice (if using), vanilla extract (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Chill the Mixture:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1-2 hours, or until it’s well chilled. The colder the mixture, the better the texture when churning.
4. Churn the Ice Cream:
- Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your machine. Typically, it will take about 20-30 minutes for the mixture to turn into a soft-serve consistency.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can pour the mixture into a shallow pan and place it in the freezer. Stir the mixture every 30-60 minutes to break up ice crystals until it reaches the desired consistency (about 4-6 hours).
5. Freeze and Firm Up:
- Once the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency, transfer it into an airtight container and freeze for an additional 2-3 hours, or until firm.
6. Serve:
- Scoop the watermelon ice cream into bowls or cones, and enjoy the refreshing, fruity flavor!
Tips:
- For a creamier texture, you can add a tablespoon or two of cornstarch or gelatin to help thicken the mixture, or swap some of the milk for more heavy cream.
- Customize the flavor: You can mix in chocolate chips, nuts, or a drizzle of honey for added texture and sweetness.
This homemade watermelon ice cream is a delightful treat with the sweet, natural flavor of watermelon and a creamy texture, perfect for hot summer days!