Watermelon Mint Ice Cream is a bright, creamy treat that blends refreshingly sweet watermelon with fragrant mint in a silky, scoopable frozen dessert. It’s the perfect way to capture summer flavors in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Light & refreshing – watermelon’s natural sweetness creates a cooling summer flavor
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Herbaceous twist – fresh mint adds brightness and sophistication
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Naturally sweetened – no refined sugar needed when watermelon is ripe
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Simple & fast – just blend, churn, and freeze—no custard base required
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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2 cups ripe watermelon, cubed and seeds removed
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1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
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½ cup whole milk (or additional coconut milk)
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¼ cup honey or maple syrup (optional, depending on watermelon sweetness)
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2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
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Pinch of salt
directions
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Blend the base
In a blender, combine watermelon cubes, milk, heavy cream, honey or maple syrup (if using), lemon juice, and salt. Blend until smooth. -
Add mint
Stir in chopped mint leaves. For a subtler herbal flavor, steep mint in the liquid base for 15 minutes before blending, then strain and add a few leaves back in. -
Chill mixture
Cover and refrigerate the mixture until well chilled (at least 1 hour or up to overnight). Cold base gives better churning results. -
Churn
Pour chilled mixture into an ice cream maker. Churn according to manufacturer’s instructions (usually about 20–25 minutes) until it reaches soft‑serve consistency. -
Freeze to set
Transfer to a freezer-safe container, smooth the top, and freeze at least 2 hours to firm up for scoopable texture.
Servings and timing
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Servings: ~6 (½-cup servings)
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Prep time: 10 minutes active
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Chill time: 1 hour
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Churn time: ~25 minutes
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Freeze time: 2 hours
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Total time: ~3 hours 35 minutes (mostly hands-off)
Variations
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Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream and coconut milk instead of dairy.
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Herbal upgrade: Infuse mint and add a teaspoon of chopped basil or lime zest for complexity.
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Sorbet style: Omit cream and use double the milk for a lighter, dairy-free sorbet.
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Chunky swirl: Stir in small watermelon cubes or chocolate chips during the last few minutes of churning.
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Spicy kick: Add a pinch of ground chili or Tajín for a sweet‑heat twist.
storage/reheating
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Freezer: Store in a tightly sealed container for up to 2 weeks—press plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing to prevent ice crystals.
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Before scooping: Let ice cream sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to soften slightly for easy scooping.
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Not suitable for reheating: Best served chilled or at scoopable texture after softening—do not microwave.
FAQs
Can I make this without an ice cream maker?
Yes—pour the blended mixture into a shallow dish, freeze, and stir vigorously every 30 minutes until smooth and creamy.
How do I prevent icy texture?
Use enough cream (or coconut cream) and mix well to incorporate air. Keep mixture cold before churning, and stir during freezing.
Can I adjust sweetness?
Absolutely—taste the base before chilling. Add more honey or syrup if your watermelon isn’t very sweet.
Is this vegan-friendly?
Yes—simply use coconut-based cream and milk, and maple syrup as the sweetener.
How minty will it be?
Fresh mint provides a gentle hint. For stronger flavor, add more leaves or increase chopped mint before churning.
Can I use mint extract instead?
Yes, use ½ teaspoon mint extract, but fresh leaves give a cleaner, more natural taste.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes—for up to 2 weeks in a freezer-safe container. Let sit 5–10 minutes before scooping to soften.
Can I add other fruit?
Yes—blend in berries, mango, or lime juice for additional fruity notes.
What scoop garnish works best?
Top with fresh mint leaves, watermelon balls, or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
Can I make it sugar-free?
Yes—use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or erythritol, but adjust quantity and tasting before freezing.
Conclusion
Watermelon Mint Ice Cream is a refreshing, effortlessly elegant frozen dessert that captures the essence of summer in every scoop. With its clean, bright flavors and simple preparation, it’s sure to become a seasonal favorite. Enjoy the cooling combination of juicy watermelon and crisp mint anytime!
