These fun fresh watermelon ice lollies have just three ingredients and are super simple to make. With no added sugar they are the perfect healthy snack or treat.
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Is there anything better than a big slice of juicy, fresh watermelon on a hot summer's day? These watermelon popsicles might be. Made with fresh ripe watermelon and zingy kiwi fruit they are fun treat with no added sugar and are naturally gluten-free and vegan. The perfect treat or snack of both kids and adults alike.
These watermelon ice blocks do have a secret ingredient, pectin. Why the pectin? Have you ever made icy poles only to find they separate once frozen? A little pectin helps solve this and keeps them looking and tasting great. Pectin is a type of starch that's found naturally in many fruit and vegetables such as citrus fruit. Its commonly used to set jams and jellies and is available from supermarkets, canning stores and online.
How to tell if a watermelon is ripe
There are a few simple ways to tell if a watermelon is ripe:
1. Tap it - some say a ripe watermelon will make a hollow sound when tapped lightly on the bottom.
2. Look for the spot - a ripe watermelon will usually have a white or yellow spot on the bottom when it's rested on the ground while it ripened. If it's missing the melon may have been harvested before it had a chance to fully ripen.
3. Pick it up - the simplest way to tell if a melon is ripe is to pick it up. It should feel heavy in your hands, regardless of what size it is.
Looking for more fresh popsicles? Why not try making my simple jello popsicles, juicy pineapple cherry popsicles or homemade melon ice cream (recipe coming soon!).
Ingredients
Watermelon: I use ripe red seedless watermelon in this recipe for maximum sweetness and prettiness. You could use yellow melon or mix things up with other types of melon such as cantaloupe or honeydew.
Kiwi: also known as kiwifruit or occasional Chinese gooseberries. Look out for ripe fruit or they will be acidic and sour.
Jam set or pectin: is used to set jam, funnily enough. It contains pectin which helps stabilize the ingredients in the ice lollies and stop the ingredients from separating as they freeze. If you've ever made watermelon ice lollies without pectin you will likely see the mix has separated a bit. Still tastes good, but not as pretty. You can make it without the jam set if you prefer.
How to make watermelon ice lollies
Cut the watermelon into large slices, cut off the white and green rind and cut into large chunks.
Add to a food processor and blend well. Add the pectin and blitz until well combined. Strain the mix, pressing down on the flesh with a spatula or spoon to push through the flesh and leave any seeds behind.
Hot tip: make sure there in enough room on your freezer for the molds Before filling them, or there will be tears!
Pour the watermelon into molds, leaving about half an inch at the top. If you are using silicon popsicle molds like mine I have found the stick holders have become a little loose over time, which can result in the sticks moving and ended up slightly skewed in the finished ice lollies.
If this bothers you you can freeze the ice lollies for about two to three hours before adding the sticks, which will hold them in place and give you straight sticks. If you're not bothered add sticks at the start.
Allow the watermelon to freeze for about four to six hours.
Remove the skin from the kiwi fruit and cut it into large chunks. Blitz until smooth. If your kiwis aren't quite ripe or are a little sour you can add a little sugar to make them sweeter.
Strain the kiwi to remove most of the black seeds.
Remove ice lollies from the freezer and fill the remaining space at the top with blitzed kiwi fruit. If you want you can add a drop or two of food coloring to the very top to give a darker green color to make it look more like watermelon rind.
Otherwise return to the freezer and freeze for a further four hours, or until solid.
How to serve
To serve remove from mold and enjoy!
How to store
These popsicles will store well in an airtight container with some parchment paper between them to stop them from sticking together for up to a month but I doubt they will last that long!
Have you made this recipe? Tell me how it went in the comments below and tag me on instagram so I can see your delicious creations! @keep_calm_and_eat_icecream
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📋 Recipe
Watermelon ice lollies
Equipment
- Popsicle molds and sticks
- Food processor or chopping attachment to a stick or immersion blender
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (950gms) ripe red seedless watermelon
- 3 large ripe kiwi fruit
- ½ tablespoon jam set or pectin
Instructions
- Cut the rind and white off the watermelon and cut into large chunks.
- Add to a food processor and blitz until smooth. Add the jamset and blitz until well combined.
- Strain the watermelon, pressing down on the flesh with a spatula to push through the watermelon flesh but leaving behind any small seeds.
- Pour into popsicle molds, leaving about a half inch (1.25cm) gap at the top. Add sticks. Freeze for about four hours, or until firm.
- Peel the kiwi fruit and cut into chunks.
- Add to food processor and blitz until smooth.
- Strain the blitzed kiwi fruit to remove most of the black seeds.
- Fill the remaining gap in the molds on top of the watermelon with kiwi fruit.
- Freeze for about four hours, or until firm.
- To serve remove from freezer, eat and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate based on an online database. The nutritional content of ingredients may vary by brand. If you require accurate nutritional information, you should calculate this based on the specific brands and products you are using.
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Sylvie
These icicles are almost too cute to eat... almost!!
Sarah Brooks
Thanks Sylvie. They are super easy for something that looks so good!