Watermelon Italian Ice is a refreshing, naturally sweet frozen treat that’s perfect for hot summer days. Made with fresh watermelon and a touch of sweetness, this easy recipe is a healthier alternative to store-bought ice creams and sorbets. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a light and delicious dessert that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing and Hydrating – Made with juicy watermelon, it’s the perfect way to cool down.
- Easy to Make – Only a few ingredients and no special equipment needed.
- Naturally Sweet – Uses fresh fruit and minimal added sugar.
- Dairy-Free and Vegan – A great option for those with dietary restrictions.
- Perfect for Summer – A light and cooling treat for warm weather.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Fresh watermelon, seedless and cubed
- Lemon juice
- Sugar or honey (optional)
- Water
- Mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Blend the Ingredients – In a blender, combine watermelon, lemon juice, sugar (if using), and a little water. Blend until smooth.
- Strain (Optional) – For a smoother texture, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve.
- Freeze – Pour into a shallow dish and freeze for 30 minutes.
- Scrape and Repeat – Using a fork, scrape the mixture every 30 minutes until it forms a fluffy, icy texture (about 3-4 hours).
- Serve – Scoop into bowls and garnish with mint leaves if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Freezing Time: 3-4 hours
Variations
- Lime Twist – Swap lemon juice for lime for a tangier flavor.
- Berry Blend – Add strawberries or raspberries for extra sweetness.
- Coconut Infusion – Mix in coconut water for a tropical taste.
- Spicy Watermelon – Add a pinch of chili powder for a unique kick.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week.
- Reheating: Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scraping and serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen watermelon?
Yes! Just blend frozen watermelon directly and skip some of the freezing time.
Do I need an ice cream maker?
No, this recipe is made using the freeze-and-scrape method.
Can I use a sugar substitute?
Yes, you can use stevia, monk fruit, or agave syrup.
How do I make it smoother?
Blend the mixture well and strain it before freezing.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store in the freezer and scrape before serving for the best texture.
What other fruits can I use?
Try cantaloupe, honeydew, or mango for a twist.
Why is my Italian ice too hard?
It may need a few minutes to soften before scraping.
Can I make this without sweetener?
Yes! If your watermelon is sweet enough, you can skip the added sugar.
What’s the best way to serve this?
Serve in chilled bowls with fresh mint for a refreshing touch.
Is this the same as granita?
Yes, Italian ice and granita are very similar, both using the scraping technique.
Conclusion
Watermelon Italian Ice is a simple, refreshing, and healthy frozen dessert that’s perfect for summer. With its vibrant color and naturally sweet taste, it’s a treat that both kids and adults will love. Try it today and enjoy a cool and fruity delight!
PrintWatermelon Italian Ice
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Frozen Treats
- Method: Blended & Frozen
- Cuisine: Italian, American
Description
This homemade Italian ice is a light and refreshing frozen treat made with fresh watermelon, a touch of citrus, and just the right amount of sweetness. It’s dairy-free, naturally sweet, and easy to make with just a few ingredients!
Ingredients
- :
- 4 cups fresh watermelon, cubed and seedless
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or honey/agave for a natural option)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- :
- Blend the Ingredients: In a blender, combine the watermelon, sugar, lemon juice, lime juice, and water. Blend until completely smooth.
- Strain (Optional): If you prefer a super smooth texture, strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp.
- Freeze: Pour the mixture into a shallow dish or baking pan and place it in the freezer.
- Scrape & Stir: Every 30 minutes, use a fork to scrape and stir the mixture, creating a fluffy, icy texture. Repeat this process for about 3 hours until fully frozen and granita-like.
- Serve: Scoop into bowls or cups and enjoy immediately!
Notes
- :
- For a smoother, sorbet-like texture, blend the frozen mixture once more before serving.
- You can adjust sweetness based on the ripeness of your watermelon.
- Want a fun twist? Add a splash of coconut water or blend in fresh mint!
Nutrition
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
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