10 Refreshing Watermelon Desserts for Cool, Fruity Summer Treats

Few summer desserts capture the season’s spirit quite like a cold, crunchy bite of watermelon. With its juicy sweetness and refreshing texture, it doesn’t take much to feel like a treat. These watermelon desserts, featuring whipped pies with a citrusy cream, frozen sorbets and smoothies, highlight that natural appeal.

The textures vary from creamy to icy, with most recipes leaning on simple prep methods that require just a few ingredients and minimal effort. Many of these healthy summer desserts with watermelon rely on staples like yogurt, fresh fruit and a quick chill. You’ll find easy watermelon dessert recipes that build body with frozen yogurt or call for a few drops of lemon juice for brightness. Others go even simpler—freezing watermelon juice in ice trays adds an easy twist to chilled summer patio drinks.

If you’ve served watermelon only in wedges, these chilled desserts and other fun things you can do with a watermelon will offer new takes on an old favorite.

1/10

Watermelon Pie

From the Recipe Creator:
This simple pie is so refreshing that it never lasts long on warm summer days. Watermelon and a few convenience items make it a delightful dessert that doesn’t take much effort. —Velma Beck, Carlinville, Illinois

Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 272 calories, 12g fat (8g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 147mg sodium, 36g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 1g fiber), 2g protein.

2/10

Strawberry Watermelon Slush

From the Recipe Creator:
We like to relax on the back porch with glasses of my slush after a long, hot day. Strawberries and watermelon blend up with lemon juice and sugar for an instant refresher. —Patty Howse, Great Falls, Montana

Nutrition Facts:
1-1/4 cups: 112 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 4mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (27g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.

3/10

Watermelon Sherbet

Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 120 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 18mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (25g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.

4/10

Mojito Marinated Fruit

From the Recipe Creator:
All the flavors of the popular mojito cocktail are featured in this fantastic salad. After you eat the fruit, you’ll want to sip the luscious syrup! —Marcy Griffith, Excelsior, Minnesota

Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 128 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 8mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.

5/10

Watermelon Sorbet

Nutrition Facts:
1 cup: 184 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 7mg sodium, 52g carbohydrate (49g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.

6/10

Sonoran Sunset Watermelon Ice

From the Recipe Creator:
If you didn’t think watermelon and cilantro could go together in a dessert, this recipe will be a pleasant surprise! Sprinkle pomegranate seeds and a sprig of cilantro on top for extra flair. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota

Nutrition Facts:
1/2 cup: 100 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 246mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (24g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1-1/2 starch, 1/2 fruit.

7/10

Creamy Watermelon Smoothie

From the Recipe Creator:
I love this refreshing watermelon smoothie recipe and the bright, summery flavor. The key is to freeze the watermelon cubes just a little. Otherwise it’ll be too difficult to blend. —Sarah Dennis-Scott, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 100 calories, 1g fat (1g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 29mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 starch.

8/10

Frosty Watermelon Ice

From the Recipe Creator:
Here’s a fun twist on watermelon. It’s so refreshing on a summer day, and you don’t have to worry about seeds while you’re enjoying it. —Kaaren Jurack, Manassas, Virginia

Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 81 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (18g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1 fruit, 1/2 starch.

9/10

Watermelon Popsicles

Nutrition Facts:
1 popsicle: 33 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 0 protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 1/2 starch.

Watermelon Desserts FAQ

What are some easy watermelon desserts for kids?

Easy watermelon dessert recipes for kids often focus on minimal prep and basic ingredients. Frozen watermelon pops are a popular option—just puree fresh melon and freeze it in molds. Blended watermelon slushies made with fruit juice or a touch of honey offer a naturally sweet alternative. You can also use cookie cutters to shape watermelon slices into stars, hearts or circles and thread them onto skewers with berries or grapes for kid-friendly fruit kabobs. Or, set up a mini sugar cookie fruit pizza counter with different fruits, yogurt, and ingredients like granola, shredded coconut or chopped nuts.

Can I make healthy summer desserts with watermelon?

Watermelon is a naturally hydrating fruit that works well in healthy desserts because it’s low in calories and high in water content. It pairs easily with whole foods like citrus, berries or herbs. Try blending it with strawberries for a naturally sweet frozen treat or cube it into fruit salads with lime juice and mint. For creamier options, use unsweetened yogurt or light coconut milk to create frozen pops and chilled parfaits.

What are some creative no-bake watermelon treats for leftover watermelon?

Leftover watermelon is ideal for blended or frozen desserts. You can freeze the chunks and blend them into smoothies or sorbet-style bowls for a cold treat. You can also puree the melon to make homemade popsicles. Slightly overripe pieces work well in granitas, slushies or icy drinks, where the texture matters less. If your watermelon is firm, layer it into a no-bake pie or stack slices to create a watermelon “cake” with whipped cream or yogurt as frosting. For something different, puree the fruit with a bit of vinegar and fruit pectin to make a quick watermelon jelly.