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Creating a spectacular Watermelon Sorbet is easier than you might think! This Cool Summer Treat combines the natural sweetness of ripe watermelon with a hint of tart lemon juice, making it a perfect dessert for any hot day. Whether you’re cooling off by the pool or hosting a summer barbecue, Watermelon Sorbet is sure to impress your friends and family. The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques to achieve this creamy delight. With just a few simple steps, you can transform juicy watermelon into a delicious, chilled dessert that everyone will love. Get ready to enjoy the vibrant flavors of summer right in your bowl!

Why You’ll Love Watermelon Sorbet

This Watermelon Sorbet shines as a Cool Summer Treat:

Refreshing Burst: Juicy watermelon flavor in every scoop.
Light and Airy: Perfectly smooth with a creamy texture.
Simple Ingredients: Made with just a few fresh staples.
Summer Vibes: Ideal for hot days or festive gatherings.
I served this at a picnic, and it was a refreshing hit with everyone!

Ingredients for Watermelon Sorbet

Here’s what you’ll need for Watermelon Sorbet (makes ~1 quart):

For the Sorbet:

8 cups ripe watermelon, cubed and seeded
¾ cup granulated sugar (or caster sugar)
1 cup water
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Equipment:

Medium saucepan
Blender or food processor
Fine mesh sieve
Ice cream maker (optional)
Airtight freezer-safe container

Ingredient Tips:

Watermelon: Choose a ripe, seedless variety for ease; look for heavy fruit with a hollow sound when tapped.
Sugar: Granulated works fine; caster sugar dissolves faster for smoother syrup.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for bright flavor; avoid bottled for best taste.
Water: Filtered water ensures a clean taste in the syrup.

Directions for Watermelon Sorbet

Let’s create this refreshing Watermelon Sorbet!

Make the Sugar Syrup

In a medium saucepan, I combine 1 cup water, ¾ cup sugar, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. I stir over low heat for 5 minutes until the sugar fully dissolves. I then increase the heat to high, boil for 5 minutes to thicken slightly, and remove from heat to cool for 30 minutes.

Puree the Watermelon

I cube 8 cups of ripe watermelon, removing seeds if needed. Using a blender or food processor, I puree the watermelon until smooth, enjoying the sweet summer aroma.

Strain the Puree

I pour the watermelon puree through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing gently to extract the juice. This removes pulp for a silky texture, ensuring a smooth sorbet base.

Combine Mixtures

I stir the cooled sugar syrup into the strained watermelon juice until fully blended, creating a vibrant, pinkish mixture ready for chilling.

Chill the Mixture

I cover the mixture and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to chill thoroughly. This step ensures even churning and a creamy texture.

Churn the Sorbet

I pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn per the manufacturer’s instructions, typically 20–30 minutes, until it reaches a soft, airy consistency. If no ice cream maker, I pour into a shallow dish, freeze, and stir every 30 minutes for 3–4 hours.

Freeze and Set

I transfer the churned Watermelon Sorbet to an airtight container, smoothing the top. I freeze for 4–6 hours, or overnight, until firm.

Serve

I let the sorbet sit at room temperature for 5 minutes for easy scooping, then serve in chilled bowls with mint leaves or a lime wedge for extra zing.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Churn Time: 30 minutes
Chill/Freeze Time: 6–8 hours
Total Time: ~8 hours 45 minutes
Yield: ~1 quart (8 servings)
Calories: ~100 kcal per serving (½ cup)
Macros per Serving: 25g carbs, 0.5g protein, 0g fat, 0.5g fiber

Variations for Watermelon Sorbet

Try these twists on Watermelon Sorbet:

Tropical Twist: Add ½ cup coconut milk for a creamy Cool Summer Treat.
Berry Blend: Mix in 1 cup pureed strawberries for a fruity Cool Summer Treat.
Herbal Infusion: Blend in 5–6 fresh mint or basil leaves during pureeing.
Citrus Pop: Swap lemon juice for lime juice for a zesty kick.
Spiked Sorbet: Add 2 tbsp vodka or tequila before churning for an adult version (note: may soften texture).

Serving Ideas:

Pair with Layla Cooks’ Best Hamburger Patty Recipe for a summer barbecue spread.
Serve in hollowed-out watermelon halves for a stunning Cool Summer Treat presentation.
Add to sparkling water for a refreshing sorbet float.

Storage

I store Watermelon Sorbet in an airtight, shallow freezer-safe container at 0°F (-18°C) for up to 1 month, ideally enjoying it within 2 weeks for peak freshness.
I press plastic wrap onto the surface before sealing to prevent ice crystals.
I label with the date and soften at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping.
I avoid frequent thawing to maintain smooth texture.

FAQs About Watermelon Sorbet

Here are answers to some common questions about this recipe:

Can I use seedless watermelon for this sorbet?
Yes! Seedless watermelon is perfect for this recipe and will yield a smoother sorbet.

How long does it take to churn the sorbet?
Churning usually takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on your ice cream machine.

Can I make this sorbet without an ice cream machine?
Absolutely! Just freeze the mixture in a shallow dish, stirring every 30 minutes until it’s fully frozen.

How can I tell when the watermelon is ripe?
A ripe watermelon should feel heavy for its size, have a uniform shape, and produce a hollow sound when tapped.

Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! This watermelon sorbet is entirely dairy-free, making it suitable for vegan diets.

More Summer Dessert Ideas You’ll Love

Conclusion

Indulging in homemade Watermelon Sorbet is more than just enjoying a tasty treat; it’s about capturing the essence of summer in every spoonful. Fresh watermelon, enhanced with a bit of lemon, creates a refreshing experience that can lift spirits and cool off even the hottest days. Make it as a delightful dessert or a light refreshment for gatherings, and cherish the joy it brings to your table!