Easy Watermelon Sorbet Recipe (No Machine Needed)
Make this incredibly refreshing, homemade watermelon sorbet with just a few ingredients. This simple recipe delivers a perfect, light frozen treat for hot weather.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 4 hr 15 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Food Processor
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 cups cubed, seedless watermelon, frozen
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon vodka (optional, for smoother texture)
Instructions
- Freeze the watermelon cubes on a baking sheet until solid, about 4 hours or overnight.
- Combine the frozen watermelon, sugar, lime juice, and vodka (if using) in a strong food processor or high-powered blender.
- Process the mixture, stopping frequently to scrape down the sides. Continue processing until the mixture is smooth and resembles soft-serve ice cream. This may take several minutes.
- If the mixture is too soft, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 1 to 2 hours to firm up slightly.
- Serve immediately for a soft texture, or freeze for 3 to 4 hours for a firmer scoopable sorbet.
Notes
- For the best texture, use very ripe watermelon. The higher water content helps prevent the sorbet from becoming rock-hard.
- If you do not have a high-powered machine, you can make this as a granita: spread the blended mixture in a shallow pan and scrape with a fork every 30 minutes until frozen.
- Add 1/4 cup of fresh mint leaves to the food processor with the other ingredients for a lime-mint watermelon sorbet variation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. Let it sit on the counter for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 5
- Fat: 0.2
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.2
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 21
- Fiber: 0.5
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 0