No-Churn Watermelon Sorbet
There’s nothing quite like watermelon in the summertime, and turning it into a frozen sorbet makes it even better. This No-Churn Watermelon Sorbet is wonderfully refreshing, naturally sweet, and takes just a few ingredients. It’s the kind of easy dessert you’ll want to keep on repeat during hot July and August days.
When the summer heat rolls in, a simple and refreshing dessert like sorbet hits the spot. This naturally sweet frozen treat comes together with just a few healthy ingredients. Just juicy watermelon, bright lime, and a touch of honey. No ice cream maker needed! It’s perfect for cookouts, gatherings, backyard dinners, or any super hot day that calls for something cool.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Watermelon lime sorbet is not only simple to make, it’s light and refreshing, too. Each ½-cup serving comes in at around 70 to 90 calories, depending on how much honey or agave you use. It is a perfect guilt-free summer treat!
No ice cream maker needed
Naturally dairy-free and gluten-free
Light and hydrating
Great for cookouts or weeknight treats
Easily customizable
Simple Ingredients
You’ll need just a handful of basics:
Watermelon
Limes
Honey or agave
Pinch of salt
How It Tastes
Watermelon Lime Sorbet is unique, light, juicy, and wonderfully refreshing. The natural sweetness of ripe watermelon shines through, while a splash of fresh lime juice adds just the right touch of tangy brightness. A bit of honey or agave smooths it all out with gentle sweetness, balancing the tartness without overpowering the fruit. The texture is soft and icy, almost like a frozen fruit slush, but smoother and silkier thanks to the no-churn method.
It’s not too sweet, not too tart. Just clean, and cool, especially on a hot day.
Ideal Lime Juice Amount for Watermelon Sorbet
1 tablespoon gives a mild, refreshing tang that enhances the watermelon without overpowering it.
2 tablespoons gives a brighter, more pronounced citrus flavor – ideal if you want a zestier sorbet.
If your watermelon is ultra-sweet, the extra lime can balance it beautifully.
You can also start with 1 tablespoon, taste after blending, and then add more as needed.
How to make No-Churn Watermelon Sorbet
Begin by cutting your watermelon into 1-1 1/2-inch cubes, measuring 5 cups. This size freezes quicker and will not overwhelm the food processor.
Spread the cubed watermelon on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 4–6 hours, or overnight, until solid.
Make-Ahead Tip
No need to cover the tray while freezing the watermelon. Leaving it uncovered helps the cubes freeze quickly and evenly. Just be sure to use them within a day to prevent freezer odors or excess frost.
Want to keep some on hand for later?
Once the cubes are fully frozen (after 4–6 hours or overnight), transfer them to a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container, label, and store for up to 1–2 months. You’ll have sweet, juicy watermelon ready anytime you’re in the mood for a cool and healthy treat!
Zest 1 lime then juice it. Start with the juice of 1 lime, then taste and add more if you’d like a bolder citrus flavor. Watermelon has a delicate sweetness that can be easily overshadowed.
Add the frozen watermelon to a high-powered blender or food processor.
Add the lime juice and the zest.
Pour in 2 tablespoons honey and add a pinch of salt.
Blend the mixture, stopping frequently to scrap down the sides.
Continue blending until smooth and creamy. Taste and add more lime or sweetener to your liking, if desired.
Transfer the sorbet to a ceramic or metal dish. (You can serve the sorbet immediately for a soft-serve consistency.)
Spread the top smooth.
Cover with plastic wrap pressing onto the surface to prevent ice crystals. Freeze for 1–2 hours for a scoop-able sorbet.
Faster Freezing:
To speed up the process and help the sorbet set more evenly, place your dish in the freezer while the watermelon cubes are freezing. A pre-chilled container gives the blended mixture a head start, reduces ice crystal formation, and results in a smoother texture, especially helpful for no-churn sorbets like this one.
Tips for the Best Flavor and Texture
Freeze your watermelon in small cubes so they blend easily.
Use very ripe watermelon—it will be sweeter and more flavorful.
Let firmed-up sorbet sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before scooping.
Serving Ideas
Serve in small bowls or glasses with:
A sprig of mint
A lime wedge
A drizzle of honey
A sprinkle of Tajín or sea salt for a fun twist. For a fun twist, try a sprinkle of Tajín (pronounced tah-HEEN) an easy-to-find Mexican seasoning made from mild chili peppers, lime, and salt. It gives the sorbet a tangy-salty spark that pairs perfectly with the sweet fruit and citrus.
Try Other Fruit Combos!
Once you try this easy watermelon lime sorbet, you might want to experiment with other fruits too! Mango, pineapple, strawberries, or even cantaloupe work beautifully using the same method. Just cube, freeze, and blend with a touch of lime and honey. It’s a refreshing way to enjoy whatever fruit is ripe and ready.
Flavor Variations to Try
Most high-water-content fruits can be used the same way:
Strawberries: naturally sweet and vibrant
Mango: tropical and creamy
Pineapple: tart and tangy
Peaches or nectarines: summery and soft
Cantaloupe or honeydew: light, mellow, and refreshing
Use ripe fruit, freeze the cubes until solid, and blend with lime juice and sweetener to taste. That’s it!
Special Fruit Notes
Want to try bananas, berries, or grapes?
These fruits need slight tweaks:
Bananas: add creaminess but may need less liquid
Blueberries or raspberries: consider straining to remove seeds
Grapes: often sweet enough without added honey
No-Churn Watermelon Sorbet
Ingredients
- 5 cups cubed seedless watermelon frozen
- Juice of 2 limes
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 - 3 tbsp honey or agave to taste
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Freeze the watermelon:
- Spread cubed watermelon on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 4–6 hours, or overnight, until solid.
Blend:
- Add frozen watermelon, lime juice, zest, honey, and a pinch of salt to a high-powered blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the sides as needed.
Taste and adjust:
- Taste and add more lime or sweetener to your liking.
Enjoy soft or freeze to firm:
- Serve immediately for a soft-serve consistency or transfer to a container and freeze for 1–2 hours for a scoop-able sorbet.
Notes
- 1 tablespoon gives a mild, refreshing tang that enhances the watermelon without overpowering it.
- 2 tablespoons gives a brighter, more pronounced citrus flavor – ideal if you want a zestier sorbet.
- If your watermelon is ultra-sweet, the extra lime can balance it beautifully.
- You can also start with 1 tablespoon, taste after blending, and then add more as needed.
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