Learn how to make watermelon ice cream without an ice cream maker in just a few easy steps. Frozen watermelon cubes are pureed with heavy cream, almond extract, and a pinch of salt, then frozen to create a creamy, refreshing ice cream perfect for hot summer days.

This 4 ingredient ice cream recipe is always a big hit with kids! They get a kick out of being able to make ice cream from scratch at home. A fun way to experiment with watermelon. Makes for the perfect kid friendly activity to create during the day, after school or on the weekends.

For more delicious kid approved dessert ideas, check out Dirt Pudding Cups, Banana Boats, Gluten-Free Apple Cider Donuts and Rainbow Popsicles. Each idea is so fun and allows kids’ creativity to shine!

Our recipe for watermelon ice cream is completely gluten-free. For more gluten-free recipes, try our Gluten-Free Apple Cake, Air Fryer Baked Apples (Gluten-Free), Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins, Gluten-Free Baked Ziti with Sausage and Banana Spring Rolls.

A food processor or blender can be used to make this recipe along with either 2 small loaf pans or 1 large. Find the full equipment and ingredient lists below as well as a printable recipe card.

Equipment

• Food processor or blender
• 2 small bread loaf pans or 1 large
• measuring cups and spoons
• large baking sheet or 2 medium
• parchment paper

Ingredients

• 1 small watermelon cubed
• 8 ounces heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• pinch of coarse salt

How To Make

You will be amazed at how quick and easy it is to make homemade ice cream without an ice cream maker.

Prep the watermelon

First, place cubed watermelon onto parchment-lined baking sheets. The parchment paper will help the watermelon from sticking to the pan making it easier to remove once frozen.

Freeze the watermelon cubes for about 2 hours, or until firm.

Related: How To Cube A Watermelon

Puree the watermelon

Next, add the frozen watermelon cubes to a food processor or blender. Add the almond extract, whipping cream, and a pinch of salt. Puree until smooth.

If you have kids at home that enjoy helping in the kitchen, let them be in charge of turning the food processor or blender on and off. For younger kids, have them turn on the blender, count to 10 then turn off. Repeat until pureed. This helps keep young chefs engaged while learning how to use a blender.

Pour ice cream into the loaf pans

Pour the pureed watermelon ice cream into 2 small loaf pans or one large pan.

Mix It Up: Stir in mini chocolate chips before freezing to resemble watermelon seeds.

Freeze for 2-3 hours or until firm. If frozen overnight, let the ice cream sit out 30-40 minutes prior to scooping to allow it to soften.

Pro Tip: Run the ice cream scoop under hot water then scoop to easily remove the ice cream from the pan.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Summer Fruit Recipes

Keep the summer fun going by adding any of these fruit recipes to the list. All simple, tasty and refreshing!

• Easy Summer Fruit Salad Recipe (with a dressing)
• Summer Fruit Kabobs
• Fruit Salsa
• Apple Fruit Salad with Cool Whip
• Fruit Flan
• Fruit Spring Rolls
• Summer Fruit Tarts
• Frozen Yogurt With Fruit
• Orange Smoothie Recipe