No-Churn Watermelon Ice Cream is a refreshing, fuss-free treat made with just 4 simple ingredients—no ice cream maker needed! Just blend everything until smooth, freeze, and enjoy a creamy, fruity dessert that’s ready whenever the craving strikes.
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🗝️ Recipe's key points
- You don't need any fancy equipment to make this no churn watermelon ice cream.
- Whip up this homemade watermelon ice cream with just 4 base ingredients - it couldn't get easier than that!
- Easily double this recipe with the use of two pans when hosting a larger crowd over the summer.
This frozen watermelon dessert with sweetened condensed milk is luxuriously smooth and creamy with bright summer flavors!
🛒 Ingredients
This is an overview of the frozen dessert ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
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- Watermelon - Make sure to use seedless watermelon to avoid any unwanted surprises in the assembled ice cream.
- Sweetened condensed milk - The condensed milk not only sweetens the ice cream mixture, but makes it creamy and thick which is really important for no-churn watermelon ice cream.
- Fresh lime juice - Always use freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor. The acidity balances the sweetness in this watermelon ice cream and enhances the watermelon flavor.
- Kosher salt - Just as you'd add salt to your sweet baked treats to enhance and balance flavors, so too is it required for this homemade watermelon ice cream.
- Vodka - While this boozy addition is optional, it does add a delicious adult twist to this 4-ingredient ice cream and also acts as a natural anti-freeze, helping to maintain a smooth and scoopable consistency.
🗒 Instructions
This is an overview of the watermelon dessert instructions. Full instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Arrange the seedless watermelon cubes evenly on a large rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the cutes for 4-24 hours, until frozen.
- Add the frozen watermelon cubes to a blender or food processor.
- Pour in the condensed milk, lime juice, and salt.
- Process the ingredients for 3-4 minutes to achieve a completely smooth consistency. Working in batches, if needed, process frozen watermelon, condensed milk, lime juice, and salt in a food processor until completely smooth, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Transfer the ice cream mixture to a large sealable container. Cover and freeze until firm, about 4 hours.
🥫 Storage
Store this watermelon ice cream in a standard 9x5-inch loaf pan or an airtight freezer container specially made to hold ice cream.
Homemade ice cream typically lasts for up to one month in the freezer since it doesn't contain preservatives and stabilizers that are normally added to commercial ice cream. I recommend that you finish this homemade watermelon within 1-2 weeks.
Make sure that you don't fill the ice cream pan right to the top as you'll need to stretch a sheet of plastic wrap across the top of it to prevent freezer burn.
📚 Variations
- Dairy-free: If you don't want to make this no churn watermelon ice cream with condensed milk, try full-fat coconut milk (from a can) and sweeten the ice cream with honey or maple syrup.
- Fruity twists: Instead of watermelon, use other fruits, such as cantaloupe, honeydew, peaches, or strawberries.
- Add-ins: Mix in mini chocolate chips to mimic watermelon seeds. Add some lime zest, or include toasted nuts for some crunch.
- No-Alcohol: Omit the vodka if you don't want the alcohol in your no churn watermelon ice cream.
- Flavored Liqueur: Try vanilla vodka in your watermelon ice cream for added flavor.
👩🏻🍳 Tips
- It's important to adequately freeze the watermelon cubes for this easy homemade watermelon ice cream recipe, otherwise you could end up with watery or icy ice cream.
- You may need to process your watermelon ice cream ingredients in batches in the food processor or blender, depending on the size and capacity of your food processor/blender.
- Take your no churn watermelon ice cream out of the freezer 15 minutes before serving for easy scooping.
- This 4-ingredient ice cream doesn't include a lot of ingredients so it's important to use what is in the recipe card. Don't try to substitute lower fat or lower sugar ingredients, where possible.
- When adding additional ingredients, make sure they are chopped up. Large pieces such as chocolate chips and nuts get very hard when frozen.
🤔 FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Whether it’s your first time making no-churn ice cream or you’re wondering about fruity swaps and freezer tips, here are a few quick answers to help make your Watermelon Ice Cream turn out just right.
Sweetened condensed milk adds sweetness and creaminess, so it’s essential to the texture. If you need a dairy-free option, try using full-fat coconut milk and sweeten it to taste with maple syrup or honey.
After blending, freeze the mixture for at least 4 hours or until firm enough to scoop. Overnight works great if you’re making it ahead for a party!
Absolutely! Cantaloupe, honeydew, peaches, or even strawberries make great substitutes. Just be sure to freeze the fruit first for the best texture.
Nope! This is a no-churn recipe—just a blender or food processor and your freezer will do the trick.
It’s best enjoyed within 1–2 weeks for the freshest flavor and creamiest texture. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
Still curious? Don’t be shy—leave a comment or send me a message if you need help with this recipe. I’m always happy to chat, especially if we’re talking about ice cream! 🍦💕
📗 Related Recipes
Do you love the idea of making your own no-churn ice cream from the comfort of your kitchen? If so, you'll likely also enjoy these other fruit-inspired ice cream recipes:
- Cherry Amaretto No-Churn Ice Cream with Almonds: This creamy no-churn ice cream comes together effortlessly with cherry pie filling and a splash of amaretto, giving it a rich, sophisticated flavor. It's topped with crunchy almonds - perfect to complete any meal.
- Caramel Apple Pie No-Churn Ice Cream: Enjoy all the cozy flavors of caramel apple pie in a smooth, fuss-free no-churn ice cream with canned caramel apple pie filling!
- Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream: This strawberry ice cream is made with just two base ingredients and your choice of fresh or frozen berries. Another easy and delicious ice cream for summer.
🍽 What to serve with No Churn Watermelon Ice Cream
Serve your homemade watermelon ice cream as a pretty pink ice cream for bridal showers or a summer fruit ice cream for baby showers, parties, and other social gatherings. It's great as is in a bowl, served in sugar cones, or in recyclable hand-held cups to enjoy by the pool.
You could drizzle some chocolate sauce over it or serve it with fresh fruit, fruit skewers, or as a tasty topping to waffles and pancakes.
Turn leftover watermelon ice cream into a delicious smoothie with the addition of milk.
🔪 All Our Way recommends the following
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You’ll need the following items to make this recipe successfully.
- Food processor or blender - An important piece of kitchen equipment that will create smooth and silky watermelon ice cream with no fuss.
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Rimmed baking sheet - This helps to keep the cubed watermelon from sliding off when transferred to and from the freezer.
- Liquid measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
- Citrus juicer - It's always best to use freshly squeezed lime juice for this ice cream recipe, and a citrus juicer makes it so much easier.
- Loaf pan or ice cream freezer container - A standard 9x5 inch loaf pan works great, but you can also use ice cream freezer containers that come with lids.
- Ice cream scoop - I like to dip my ice cream scoop in a mug of warm water between servings for clean scoops of ice cream.
📞 Chiacchierata (chat)
I have to admit, amici—this anguria (watermelon) ice cream stole my heart at first scoop! 💕 There’s something magical about how the anguria dolce (sweet watermelon) blends with the creamy condensed milk and that zing of lime. And the rosa (pink)color? Just wait till you see it. It’s a showstopper at parties and showers and downright dreamy on a hot afternoon.
I love serving it in waffle cones for that nostalgic ice cream shop feel, but even a simple scoop in a bowl feels special. Want to switch it up? Try it with peaches, cantaloupe, or honeydew for a fruity twist!
So go ahead and freeze those watermelon cubes—because your next favorite summer dessert is just a blender or food processor away. Buon appetito and happy scooping! 🍉🍦
Tutti a tavolo, è pronto!
If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.
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📖 Recipe
Refreshing Watermelon Ice Cream — A Sweet, Creamy Summer Dream
Equipment Needed
- Cuisinart Food Processor or blender
- Loaf Pan 9X5 or large sealable container
Ingredients
- 7 cups cubed seedless watermelon from 1 small watermelon
- 14 oz Can sweetened condensed milk
- ⅓ cup fresh lime juice from about 3 limes
- ¼ tsp. kosher salt
- 2 Tablespoons Vodka prevents freezing too hard, this is optional if you don’t want to add liquor to the ice cream.
Instructions
- Freeze watermelon: Arrange watermelon cubes evenly on a large rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until frozen, at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours.
- Make ice cream mixture: Working in batches, if needed, process frozen watermelon, condensed milk, lime juice, vodka, and salt in a food processor until completely smooth, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Freeze ice cream: Transfer mixture to a large sealable container. Cover and freeze until firm, about 4 hours.
Notes
👩🏻🍳 Tips
- It's important to adequately freeze the watermelon cubes for this easy homemade watermelon ice cream recipe, otherwise you could end up with watery or icy ice cream.
- You may need to process your watermelon ice cream ingredients in batches in the food processor or blender, depending on the size and capacity of your food processor/blender.
- Take your no churn watermelon ice cream out of the freezer 15 minutes before serving for easy scooping.
- This 4-ingredient ice cream doesn't include a lot of ingredients so it's important to use what is in the recipe card. Don't try to substitute lower fat or lower sugar ingredients, where possible.
- When adding additional ingredients, make sure they are chopped up. Large pieces such as chocolate chips and nuts get very hard when frozen.
Nutrition
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Marisa Franca
This no-churn watermelon ice cream is a total breeze to make! Just freeze, blend, and refreeze for the smoothest summer scoop!