Watermelon Ice Cream

As the sweltering summer heat rolls in, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a frozen treat to cool you down and invigorate your taste buds. When it comes to summer fruits, watermelon reigns supreme. Bursting with juicy sweetness and hydration properties, watermelon is a staple of the society. That juicy vibrant fruit meets the cool creaminess of ice cream, a match made in frozen dessert heaven is born. Watermelon ice cream is not only a delightful treat but also a celebration of the season. Here’s how to make this gluten-free, no churn ice cream without an ice cream maker. You can make this ice cream dairy free by using non-dairy cream.

How to choose a fresh watermelon:

Choosing a ripe watermelon can be a challenging task. Here are some tips to help you pick the best watermelon:

  • Color checking: A shiny watermelon is unripe, while a good watermelon is dark and matte in color.
  • Look for yellow: avoid unblemished green melons. Instead look for bright yellow mark- the field spot at the bottom of the watermelon. The larger and more yellow the field spot, the riper and more flavorful the watermelon will be.
  • Tap the watermelon: Pick up the entire watermelon and give it a tap. A ripe watermelon will make a hollow sound, while unripe watermelon will produce a flat “smack” sound.
  • Feel the weight: The heavier the watermelon, the riper it is. A heavy watermelon is a full of flavorful juice.

Health benefits of watermelon:

  • Hydrating: Due to high water contain (92%), watermelon helps in hydrating the body and maintaining proper fluid balance during hot summer months.
  • Rich in Lycopene: Watermelon is rich source of another carotenoid called lycopene. Lycopene is believed to be effective in reducing the risk of cancers, heart disease and promoting eye health.
  • Aid in digestion: watermelon is rich in fiber, which can aid in digestion and promote a healthy digestive system.
  • Nutrient-rich: Watermelon is a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium and magnesium.
  • Blood sugar management: Watermelon may also support in managing blood sugar levels due to its low glycemic index and high-water content.

How to prepare Watermelon Ice cream:

  • For making watermelon ice cream first you need to make the delicious watermelon caramel. Blend watermelon cubes along with the seeds into a blender and puree until smooth.
  • Strain the juice to remove the outer part of the seeds.
  • Pour the juice in a pan and let it simmer until it’s reduced by 50%.
  • Add sugar to the reduced juice and let it further reduce by 30%-40%.
  • Turn off the heat and keep the watermelon caramel aside.
  • Now for the Ice Cream base, grab a cold bowl and chill your heavy cream before beginning, as cold creams whip better.
  • Place ice in a bowl with little water and place another bowl with cream over the ice bowl.
  • Whip the cream by using hand whisk or electric whisk till it thickens to soft peak stage. Make sure the cream is chilled all the time.
  • Now add the caramel little by little in the cream and mix well. Once all the caramel is added and the cream is whipped till fluffy firm peaks. Keep aside the ice cream base. Do not over whip the cream or it will start to split.
  • Now arrange the Ice Cream. Pour a part of the ice-cream mixture in the mold, then layer the ice-cream mixture with 1-2 tbsp of watermelon caramel drizzle and spread sliced almond, continue the layering process three times, altering ice cream mixture and caramel drizzle with almonds.
  • Place the mold in the freezer for 24 hours to freeze completely.
  • Once ready, scoop out the ice cream and garnish with watermelon caramel and sliced almond on top.

 

Ingredients:

Watermelon caramel:

  • 3 cups watermelon, cubed
  • 150 gm granulated sugar

Ice-cream base:

  • 2 cups whipping cream
  • Handful of sliced almond

Preparation:

Watermelon Caramel:

  • Step 1: Blend watermelon cubes along with the seeds into a blender and puree until smooth.
  • Step 2: Strain the juice to remove the outer part of the seeds.
  • Step 3: Pour the juice in a pan and let it simmer until it’s reduced by 50%.
  • Step 4: Add sugar to the reduced juice and let it further reduce by 30%-40%.
  • Step 5: Turn off the heat and keep the watermelon caramel aside.

Ice-cream base:

  • Step 1: Grab a cold bowl and chill your heavy cream before beginning, as cold creams whip better. Place ice in a bowl with little water and place another bowl with cream over the ice bowl. 
  • Step 2: Whip the cream by using hand whisk or electric whisk till it thickens to soft peak stage. Make sure the cream is chilled all the time.
  • Step 3: Now add the caramel little by little in the cream and mix well.
  • Step 4: Once all the caramel is added and the cream is whipped till fluffy firm peaks. Keep aside the ice cream base. Do not over whip the cream or it will start to split.

Arrange the Ice-cream:

  • Step 1: Pour a part of the ice-cream mixture in the mold, then layer the ice-cream mixture with 1-2 tbsp of watermelon caramel drizzle and spread sliced almond.
  • Step 2: Continue the layering process three times, altering ice cream mixture and caramel drizzle with almonds.
  • Step 3: Place the mold in the freezer for 24 hours to freeze completely.
  • Step 3: Once ready, scoop out the ice cream and garnish with watermelon caramel and sliced almond on top.

By following the simple steps outlined above, you can create your own homemade watermelon ice cream without the need for specialized equipment. So go ahead and indulge in this frozen dessert that celebrates the season and all the benefits of this nutritious and delicious fruit.

About Me

IMG_0284

DEBJANI MONDAL

Hi there

Welcome to Kitchenstagram, the home of delicious recipes, culinary inspiration and cooking adventures. I’m Debjani and I’m thrilled to be your guide through the wonderful world of food. I’m a self-taught professional baker, home chef, recipe developer, author of Kitchenstagram and an aspiring YouTuber.

 My passion for food and cooking began at a very young age, when I would watch my mom and dad cook for me and my brother. My dad, in particular is a great cook whose culinary skills made a lasting impression on me. My dad would  cook up a storm on special occasions by cooking variety of dishes, from delicious biriyani to samosa, fish fry, rasgullas and kachoris (sweet & spicy deep fried pastry with filling of lentils, meat or fish…>>>>>

FOLLOW ME

My Latest Posts

  • post 1
  • post 2

Watermelon Caramel: