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Refreshing and easy to make, this vegan Watermelon Sorbet is naturally sweet and dairy-free. It’s perfect for a healthy summer or year-round treat and requires only three simple ingredients!
This sorbet is anything but difficult to make—it’s incredibly simple, with just a few ingredients and no special techniques required.
The taste is naturally sweet and refreshing, with the juicy watermelon offering a burst of summer flavor and the lime juice adding a tangy zing that perfectly balances the sweetness.
The texture is smooth and light, like a perfectly chilled scoop of fruity goodness that melts in your mouth.
It offers a satisfying blend of creamy and icy without any dairy or additives. You’ll love how easy it is to create such a delightful dessert that’s both healthy and delicious!
My daughter absolutely loves watermelon, not just in summer but all year long. Since watermelon is available year-round in most grocery stores, she asks for this sorbet frequently—it’s become a family favorite! And I hope you love it too!
WHAT ALLERGENS IS FREE FROM?
This recipe is not only vegan, but it’s also:
- Dairy-free.
- Gluten-free.
- Nut-free.
- Soy-Free.
- Whole Food Plant-Based (WFPB)
- Refined sugar-free – Sweetened naturally with watermelon and optional maple syrup.
WHY WATERMELON IS GOOD FOR YOU
Watermelon is more than just a refreshing fruit—it’s also packed with health benefits!
It is hydrating (hello, 90% water content), rich in vitamins A, C, and B6, and low in calories.
Watermelon is also a great source of antioxidants, such as lycopene, which is linked to heart health and anti-inflammatory benefits.
So, not only are you cooling down with this sorbet, but you’re nourishing your body, too.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS AND IT’S GOOD FOR YOU
Simple ingredients are the key to this sorbet’s success.
Watermelon brings the bulk of flavor and natural sweetness, while lime juice adds a refreshing zing that takes this dessert to the next level.
The optional maple syrup is there in case you have a watermelon that’s a bit less sweet.
Together, they create a light, fruity sorbet that’s as healthy as delicious.
HOW TO PREPARE THIS SORBET
(Please read the printable recipe card below for detailed ingredients, measurements, steps, and notes).
To make this Watermelon Sorbet, freeze cubed watermelon and blend it with lime juice and optional maple syrup for a smooth, refreshing treat.
With just three easy-to-find ingredients and minimal prep, this healthy, vegan sorbet is quick and simple to prepare!
Let’s explore kitchen tools, the required ingredients, and the steps with helpful pictures if needed.
USEFUL KITCHEN EQUIPMENT
To make this sorbet, you’ll need:
- Food processor or high-speed blender: You’ll need one of these to blend the frozen watermelon into a smooth sorbet. A high-speed blender works best for achieving that perfect creamy texture.
- Baking Sheet & Parchment Paper: Freezing the watermelon cubes on a baking sheet ensures they freeze individually and are easier to blend later.
- Scoop or Ice Cream Container (Optional): For those who like a firmer texture, freezing the sorbet for a bit longer in an ice cream container will give you that classic scoopable consistency.
Now, let’s review the list of ingredients and potential substitutions in some cases.
INGREDIENTS NOTES
Here is a list of everything you will need to prepare this delicious sorbet:
- Watermelon: The star of the recipe, naturally sweet and hydrating.
- Lime Juice: Adds a bright, tangy contrast to the sweetness of the watermelon; substitute with lemon juice for a similar effect.
- Maple Syrup (optional): Balances the flavor if your watermelon isn’t sweet enough; it can be substituted with date syrup or omitted if the fruit is naturally sweet.
- Mint Leaves (for garnish): Adds a refreshing finish to the sorbet;
DIRECTIONS WITH PICTURES
To prepare this sorbet, follow these steps:
Freeze the Watermelon: Cube the watermelon, remove the seeds, and freeze on a lined baking sheet for 3-4 hours.
Blend: Add frozen watermelon, lime juice, and optional maple syrup to a blender. Blend until smooth, adding water or more lime juice if needed.
Serve: Scoop immediately for soft-serve or freeze for 1-2 hours for a firmer texture.
Garnish: Top with fresh mint leaves and enjoy!
WHAT WILL YOU LOVE ABOUT THIS RECIPE?
- It’s Healthy! No refined sugar, no dairy, and no unnecessary additives—just pure, whole ingredients.
- It’s Easy! With only three main ingredients and minimal prep time, this sorbet is super simple to make.
- It’s Allergy-Friendly! Perfect for anyone avoiding gluten, soy, nuts, or dairy.
- It’s Refreshing! Nothing beats a cold, fruity sorbet on a warm day, and watermelon’s natural hydration makes it extra cooling.
Let’s prepare this delicious sorbet!
OTHER SWEET TREATS TO TRY!
PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD
EASY WATERMELON SORBET (VEGAN, REFINED SUGAR-FREE)
Equipment
- 1 Blender/Food processor
Ingredients
- 5 cups watermelon (750g fresh watermelon, cubed and seeds removed)
- 2 Tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1-2 Tbsp pure maple syrup (optional; adjust based on the sweetness of the watermelon)
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Watermelon: Cut the watermelon into cubes and remove any seeds. Place the watermelon cubes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring they are spread out evenly. Freeze the watermelon cubes for 3-4 hours or until they are fully frozen.
- Blend the Sorbet: Add the frozen watermelon cubes, lime juice, and maple syrup (if using) into a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend on high, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides. It may take a few minutes to achieve a smooth sorbet texture. Add a splash of water or more lime juice to help the blending process.
- Serve or Store: Serve immediately for a soft-serve consistency. If you prefer a firmer sorbet, transfer the mixture to a container and freeze for 1-2 hours.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Scoop the sorbet into bowls and garnish with fresh mint leaves. Enjoy this refreshing, light, and naturally sweet sorbet!
Notes
- Watermelon Sweetness: If your watermelon is naturally sweet, feel free to skip the maple syrup. Adjust sweetness based on your preference.
- Freezing Tip: Spread the watermelon cubes in a single layer on the baking sheet to prevent them from sticking together.
- Consistency: For a softer texture, serve immediately after blending. For a firmer, more scoopable sorbet, freeze for an additional 1-2 hours.
- Storage: Any leftover sorbet can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before serving.
WAYS TO ENJOY THIS RECIPE
- As a Dessert: This sorbet is a perfect light dessert after a meal. It’s sweet but not overly indulgent, leaving you feeling refreshed.
- As a Snack: Enjoy a scoop as a cooling snack in the middle of the day, especially during hot weather.
- Paired with Fresh Fruit: For an extra fruity experience, serve your sorbet with a side of fresh berries or sliced tropical fruits.
- In a Smoothie: Want a chilled drink? Blend the sorbet with a splash of plant-based milk or water to create a frosty smoothie.
- Watermelon popsicles: Pour the blended sorbet mixture into popsicle molds, freeze for a few hours until firm, and you’ll have delicious, refreshing watermelon popsicles perfect for hot days!
- As watermelon slushie: To make a refreshing watermelon slushie, simply blend 4 cups of cubed watermelon, 1 tablespoon of lime juice, 1 tablespoon of optional maple syrup, and 1-2 cups of ice until smooth, then serve immediately!