Grilled Watermelon Ice Cream

Beat the heat this summer with a scoop of Grilled Watermelon Ice Cream, a delicious and refreshing twist on a classic favorite. This unique dessert combines the juicy sweetness of grilled watermelon with rich cream and coconut milk, creating a creamy treat that's perfect for backyard barbecues and dinner parties alike. Our easy-to-follow recipe guides you through selecting the right watermelon, grilling it to perfection, and crafting a delightful ice cream base. Elevate your summer gatherings and impress your friends with this stunning dessert that’s as creative as it is tasty.

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Ingredients

1 medium-sized seedless watermelon

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup coconut milk

3/4 cup granulated sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Juice of 1 lime

Pinch of salt

Fresh mint leaves (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Watermelon: Begin by slicing the watermelon into thick, even wedges, about 1 inch thick. If you prefer easier handling on the grill, you can remove the rind beforehand.

Grill the Watermelon: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the watermelon wedges directly onto the grill grates. Grill each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until grill marks form and the watermelon becomes slightly softened. Remove from the grill and set aside to cool.

Blend the Watermelon: When the grilled watermelon is cool enough to handle, scoop the flesh away from the rind and place it into a blender or food processor. Blend until you achieve a smooth watermelon puree, which should yield about 2 cups.

Mix the Ice Cream Base: In a sizable mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, coconut milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Use a whisk to mix the ingredients thoroughly until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

Combine: Gently fold the watermelon puree into the cream mixture, ensuring everything is well combined and uniform in texture.

Chill the Mixture: Cover the blended mixture with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until it is thoroughly chilled.

Churn the Ice Cream: Once chilled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, generally for about 20-25 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.

Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container. Freeze for a minimum of 4 hours, or until the ice cream is firm and scoopable.

Serve: Scoop the delightful grilled watermelon ice cream into bowls or cones. For an added touch, garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired. Enjoy your refreshing summer treat!

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 7 hrs | Servings: 6