Make this easy watermelon sorbet using just three ingredients and without an ice cream maker! Plus get tips on how to pick the sweetest watermelons this summer!
Can I just say how much I love summer?
I mean, really. Isn't it just the best time of year?
Even at almost 39 weeks pregnant, I gotta say there's something about summer that is so free, kicked back, and peaceful for me that I don't mind that heat...that much.
Thankfully, this watermelon sorbet has my back right now, too.
I mean, c'mon now... Vibrant flavor. Beautiful color. Easy to make. Simple and delicious. It's perfect for summer!
How To Make Watermelon Sorbet Without An Ice Cream Maker
A lot of people think they need an ice cream maker in order to make ice cream or homemade watermelon sorbet, when it's actually not the case. All you need is some sort of heavy duty blender, like this food processor or a kitchen blender and you're good to go. Personally, I prefer using my food processor to make a sorbet recipe because it's easier to process the frozen fruit evenly.
How to Freeze Watermelon for Sorbet
Watermelon is a great fruit to make into a sorbet without an ice cream maker because it freezes so well - all you have to do it remove the rind and dice it into chunks. Then, lay the chunks out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and freeze. I usually place mine in my freezer overnight, but it'll be good to use within 4-5 hours for sure. You want the frozen watermelon to be fully frozen so it doesn't turn to a slushy as you blend it for the sorbet.
Is Watermelon Sorbet Healthy?
This watermelon sorbet is free from processed ingredients and refined sugar, which instantly makes it healthier than any other sorbet or ice cream you’ll find in the stores. It's what I love so much about making any easy fruit sorbet this way. It's the perfect frozen dessert!
The great thing about this sorbet is that it uses the naturally sweet and hydrating flavors of watermelon, optionally enhanced with a bit of raw honey, and the squeeze of fresh lime juice or even lemon juice gives it that tart and tangy flavor and makes the watermelon pop. Super delicious and screams (a healthy!) summer. Also: a big bonus is that this easy watermelon sorbet recipe is paleo, dairy free, and clean eating since it only contains a few simple, natural ingredients!
How To Pick The Sweetest Watermelon for Watermelon Sorbet
The easiest way to make the best watermelon sorbet is to pick the sweetest watermelon available. When you freeze watermelon, it will taste slightly less sweet than it does when it's fresh, so the sweeter the better. Here are some of my best tips for how to pick the sweetest watermelon at the store:
- When you pick up the watermelon, whether it's small, medium, or large, it should feel heavy for it's size.
- Check to see if the yellow spot is a creamy yellow color. Watermelons develop a yellow-ish spot on the bottom where they rest on the ground while they grow. If this spot is creamy yellow, it's nice and ripe.
- Gently tap the bottom of the watermelon. If you hear a deep, hollow sound, the watermelon is ripe. If you hear a dull sound, the watermelon is likely either under- or over-ripe.
Follow these steps and you'll be certain to pick the very best watermelon of the bunch, making your sorbet all the better.
If you happen to not have a very sweet watermelon, you can always add a little raw honey into the mixture to sweeten things up.
More Fruit Sorbet & Ice Cream Recipes
One of my favorite things to make during the summer is sorbet and healthy ice creams using fresh fruit. Now that you've made this homemade watermelon sorbet, here are some of my absolute favorite frozen fresh fruit recipes that I hope you try:
- Cantaloupe Sorbet
- Lemon Blueberry Sorbet
- Chocolate Banana Ice Cream
- Peach Frozen Yogurt
- Banana Ice Cream
Plus, all of these recipes are made without using an ice cream maker, so once you learn how to make watermelon sorbet, you'll know how easy it is to make all of these frozen sweet treats.
Watermelon Sorbet
Equipment
*This post may contain affiliate links for products I use often and highly recommend.
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups fresh seedless watermelon chunks, (about ½ medium watermelon)
- 2 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- ¼ cup warm water, as needed
- raw honey (optional), to taste (if watermelon isn't very sweet)
Instructions
- Freeze watermelon chunks overnight. I lay mine out on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Place the frozen watermelon chunks in food processor or heavy duty blender, along with lime juice, and allow to sit for 5 minutes to slightly thaw.
- Blend until smooth. You may need to add some of the warm water and press down with a spatula to help the process along.
- Eat immediately for a softer texture, or transfer into a freezer-safe container and freeze for 3-4 hours or until firm.
sue
Hi-sweet pea chef (love the name by the way). I'm going to attempt the watermelon sorbet but I haven@t got an icecream maker...what can I use instead?
Lacey Baier
Hi Sue! I recommend checking out not without salt's recommendations for how to make sorbet without an ice cream maker. Good luck!
Elisa
Love this recipe! I'm going to try it out while visiting my sister in law this weekend.
Would you mind if I link back to your blog and post this recipe on my site?
Also, GREAT PICTURES!
Lacey Baier
Of course not, Elisa! I hope you enjoy the recipe and I'd love it if you could send me the link once you're done 🙂
Elisa
Hi Lacy,
I've posted this recipe. It's on the front page! It turned out great, but it is definitely sweet. I think next time I'll use less sugar and perhaps throw in some lemon and lime juice.
Lacey Baier
Hi Elisa! I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe. Yes, it is sweet, but we really enjoyed it. The sweetness will also vary with your watermelon.
Harriet
Hi just wondering how many people this would serve as i am having a dinner party and am wanting to make it. thanks Harriet
Lacey Baier
Hi Harriet! It doesn't make a ton, but it should serve 4-6 with hefty portions or 6-8 with lesser portions. Have a great party! Oh -- and, if you're making it ahead of time, I'd recommend adding a few tablespoons of vodka so it doesn't freeze all the way, too!
Matthew
Sounds delicious.
I will try this out. I have a different recipe.
When i serve watermelon sorbet I add a small amount of watermelon salsa (diced watermelon, sugar syrup and mint julienne) under it.
Tastefully yours,
Matthew
Lacey Baier
Matthew, your watermelon salsa sounds delicious. Thanks for sharing!
Dan
I have made some watermelon sorbet myself, but never with the lime juice. Is this something that changes the texture? How does it change the flavor?
Lacey Baier
Hi Dan! I've found that lime juice actually makes the watermelon flavor pop. If added in the correct amount (not too much), you actually don't even taste the lime juice -- it just leaves a fresh, very watermelon taste.
Elise Uphoff
I made this a few days ago and it was fantastic! I did make a little substitution... instead of the lime juice I added peach liquor. In my experience, if I wanted the sorbet to remain smooth and not harden in the freezer after a day, the alcohol would keep it from doing so. Did you have any problems with this sorbet hardening too much? Or did it even last that long??
Lacey Baier
Oh, I am so glad you liked it, Elise! Wow, what a great substitution: I bet the peach liquor went really well with the watermelon. You're right that it freezes to a solid without the addition of alcohol. I had to let it set out in the open air for about 15 minutes for it to become the right texture after it had frozen. But, you're also right that it really didn't last that long anyways! Thanks for commenting!
Syleanna
This sounds delicious. I was just wondering if the ice cream maker was necessary, or if there was any other way to achieve the last step. I would love to make this, but I don't an ice cream maker. Thank you!
Lacey Baier
Hi Syleanna. I've never tried to make sorbet or ice cream without an ice cream maker, but not without salt gives a bunch of options for how to do it. I'd recommend taking a look at that link. I'm thinking you could freeze the watermelon chunks first, blend it all together in a food processor or blender and then freeze until mostly solid. Please let us know if you try it out. Good luck!
Peggy
Watermelon sorbet absolutely scream summer! I made a watermelon-basil sorbet a little while back and it was so refreshing and delicious! This sounds like a winner too!
Lacey Baier
Oooh, Peggy, watermelon basil sorbet sounds really good, too. Yes, this sorbet recipe will be a keeper for many summers for sure.
delicieux
The photos are so beautiful and the sorbet looks SO delicious!!
I can't wait for summer to start here so I can make sorbet and ice cream (it's still a little too cold here).
You really have me craving this sorbet!! Mmmm
Lacey Baier
Thanks, delicieux! Love your name. I hope summer comes soon for you. Thanks for stopping by!
marla {family fresh cooking}
Your watermelon sorbet looks so light and refreshing. I am all about watermelon these days. I recent posted watermelon frozen yogurt pops.
Lacey Baier
Hi Marla! I've been really into watermelon lately too. Watermelon frozen yogurt pops sound yummy! Thanks for commenting!
Joanne
The idea of watermelon IN sorbet sounds miraculously refreshing!
Lacey Baier
Right? It totally is!
Kathy - Panini Happy
This sounds so wonderfully refreshing!
Lacey Baier
Hi Kathy! It really is refreshing. Thanks for commenting!
Betty @ scrambled hen fruit
I love the color of this. To me, watermelon just screams summertime! I have a watermelon, so this might not be on "my list" for much longer. Thanks!
Lacey Baier
Hi Betty! I agree with you about watermelon. Happy summer 🙂
Much to My Delight
Hey Lacey! Wow--that sorbet turned out beautifully! And congrats on getting 1,000 hits the other day. I'm just getting started too, and I can't imagine getting that much traffic. You've got a really beautiful blog!
Lacey Baier
Hi Jenn! Thanks so much! Yea, it was pretty exciting to have that many people visit my site. Most of the traffic was from tastespotting and foodgawker, which is always nice. Good luck with your blog!
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Daniel
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Michelle
Very pretty and sounds delicious. I've been making watermelon agua fresca and a watermelon ginger drink all summer but now I think I'll try this. Thanks.
Lacey Baier
Thanks, Michelle! Hmmm...I'm intrigued by your watermelon-ginger drink. Thanks for commenting!