Mint Watermelon Frozen Duo Recipe

Refreshing Mint Watermelon Frozen Duo Recipe for Summer Bliss

Cool summer days call for refreshing treats that blend vibrant mint with juicy watermelon in a frozen duo that dances across your taste buds.

Crisp and light, this delightful recipe captures the essence of seasonal freshness.

watermelon natural sweetness mingles perfectly with cool mint leaves, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Each bite promises a burst of refreshing coolness that melts smoothly on your tongue.

Simple ingredients come together to craft a dessert that feels both elegant and effortless.

The combination of mint and watermelon transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary summer sensation.

Chill out and savor this delectable frozen duo that’ll become your new warm-weather obsession.

Mint Ice Cream Granita Coolest Qualities

  • Burst with Summer Freshness: Combine the cool, crisp watermelon granita with refreshing mint ice cream for an ultimate summer dessert that screams sunshine and relaxation.
  • Master Culinary Techniques: Learn advanced cooking skills like infusing cream, tempering eggs, and creating granita texture while impressing family and friends with your gourmet dessert-making prowess.
  • Customize Your Treat: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting mint intensity, experimenting with salt levels, or adding extra garnishes to make this dessert uniquely yours.
  • Sensory Dessert Experience: Enjoy contrasting textures between icy granita and creamy ice cream, creating a delightful sensory journey with every spoonful that tingles taste buds and cools you down.

What to Use for Mint Ice Cream Granita

Fruit Base:
  • Watermelon: A sweet and refreshing fruit that forms the primary component of the granita.
Sugar and Seasoning:
  • Sugar, Lemon Juice: Essential ingredients that balance the watermelon's flavor and enhance its natural sweetness.
  • Sea Salt: A finishing touch that adds a subtle savory contrast to the sweet granita.
Dairy and Mint Components:
  • Milk, Heavy Cream: Rich dairy ingredients that create a smooth and creamy texture for the mint ice cream.
  • Egg Yolks: Provide a luxurious richness and help create a smooth custard base.
  • Mint Leaves: Fresh herb that infuses the ice cream with a cool, aromatic flavor.

Creating Mint Ice Cream Granita Step by Step

Step 1: Create Watermelon Granita Base

Combine watermelon, sugar, and lemon juice in a food processor. Blend until the mixture is silky smooth.

Step 2: Freeze Granita Mixture

Pour the watermelon puree into a shallow freezer-safe container. Place it in the freezer to begin freezing.

Step 3: Develop Granita Texture

After 30 minutes, use a fork to scrape and break up ice crystals around the edges, pushing them toward the center.

Repeat every 30 minutes for 3-4 hours until the granita is fully frozen and flaky.

Step 4: Craft Mint Cream Infusion

In a saucepan, warm milk, sugar, and heavy cream over medium heat until bubbles form around the edges.

Remove from heat and add fresh mint leaves. Cover and steep for 1-2 hours to infuse flavors.

Step 5: Prepare Egg Yolk Base

Whisk egg yolks in a bowl until smooth and slightly pale.

Step 6: Build Custard Foundation

Reheat the mint-infused cream. Slowly drizzle about one-third of the warm mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.

Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan.

Step 7: Transform Mixture into Custard

Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon with a smooth, velvety texture.

Step 8: Strain and Smooth Base

Strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl. Stir in remaining heavy cream to create a silky smooth base.

Step 9: Churn Mint Ice Cream

Chill the custard completely. Churn in an ice cream maker according to instructions until creamy and soft-serve in texture.

Step 10: Assemble and Serve

Sprinkle watermelon granita with a pinch of sea salt.

Serve the flaky granita alongside the freshly churned mint ice cream for a refreshing summer dessert.

Tips and Tricks for Mint Ice Cream Granita

  • Use a shallow dish to help granita freeze faster and create better ice crystal formation.
  • Let mint leaves infuse slowly to extract maximum flavor without turning bitter.
  • Slowly add warm cream to egg yolks to prevent scrambling and ensure smooth custard texture.
  • A pinch of sea salt enhances watermelon and mint flavors, creating a more complex taste profile.
  • Ensure complete cooling of both granita and ice cream base before final processing to achieve optimal texture.

Mint Ice Cream Granita New Variations to Explore

  • Tropical Paradise Granita: Replace watermelon with mango or pineapple for a tropical flavor explosion.
  • Herb Garden Delight: Swap mint leaves with basil or lavender for an aromatic herbal ice cream variation.
  • Dairy-Free Dream: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and almond milk for a vegan-friendly version.
  • Citrus Zest Edition: Add orange or lime zest to the granita for a bright, tangy twist on the original recipe.

Ways to Enjoy Mint Ice Cream Granita

  • Fresh Summer Cooling Station: Create a stunning dessert bar with watermelon granita and mint ice cream beautifully arranged on a chilled platter, garnished with fresh mint leaves and a sprinkle of sea salt.
  • Cocktail Companion Twist: Transform the dessert into an adult treat by adding a splash of vodka or white rum to the granita, creating a refreshing boozy summer dessert perfect for evening gatherings.
  • Textural Delight Plating: Layer the granita and mint ice cream in clear glasses, creating beautiful striped patterns that showcase the different textures and vibrant colors of this cool dessert.
  • Brunch Elegance Presentation: Serve the dessert in small shot glasses or mini martini glasses for an elegant brunch appetizer or palate cleanser, topped with a delicate mint sprig and tiny sea salt crystals.

Keeping Mint Ice Cream Granita at Its Best

  • Keep the mint ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent ice crystals from forming.
  • Use a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain the ice cream's smooth texture and prevent freezer burn.
  • Wrap the granita tightly in plastic wrap or store in a sealed container to keep its crisp, icy texture for 3-4 days.
  • Remove the ice cream from the freezer 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly, allowing for easier scooping and optimal flavor release.

FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients for the Mint Ice Cream Watermelon Granita?

The main ingredients include watermelon, sugar, lemon juice, milk, heavy cream, mint leaves, egg yolks, and a pinch of sea salt for garnishing.

  • How long does it take to make this dessert?

The total preparation time is approximately 5-6 hours, including freezing the granita (3-4 hours) and preparing the mint ice cream.

  • Do I need special equipment to make this recipe?

You’ll need a food processor, a freezer-safe dish, an ice cream maker, and basic kitchen tools like a saucepan and whisk.

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Mint Watermelon Frozen Duo Recipe

Mint Watermelon Frozen Duo Recipe


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4.8 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Cool summer nights find sweet relief with mint watermelon frozen duo, a refreshing dessert blending crisp watermelon and cool mint into delightful frozen treats. Smooth and light, this recipe promises instant palate pleasure for those seeking a simple, elegant chilled indulgence.


Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Mint Ice Cream:

Dairy and Dairy Alternatives:

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk

Sweeteners and Seasonings:

  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 pinch of salt

Fresh Ingredients:

  • 2 cups fresh mint leaves
  • 5 egg yolks

Salted Watermelon Granita:

Fresh Ingredients:

  • 3 cups watermelon, cubed
  • 1 lemon, juiced

Sweeteners and Seasonings:

  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 teaspoon flaked sea salt

Instructions

  1. Transform watermelon into a silky puree by blending with sugar and lemon juice in a food processor until completely smooth.
  2. Transfer the liquid mixture into a shallow freezer-safe container, ensuring an even distribution for consistent freezing.
  3. Position the container in the freezer and allow initial freezing for 30 minutes.
  4. Extract the partially frozen mixture and vigorously scrape with a fork, redirecting crystallized edges toward the center to create a uniform texture.
  5. Repeat scraping process every 30 minutes for approximately 3-4 hours until granita reaches a delicate, icy consistency.
  6. Warm milk, sugar, and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until tiny bubbles emerge around the edges.
  7. Remove from heat and introduce fresh mint leaves, covering the pan to allow robust flavor infusion for 1-2 hours.
  8. Whisk egg yolks until they transform into a smooth, pale mixture.
  9. Gently reheat the mint-infused cream, then carefully temper the egg yolks by slowly streaming one-third of the warm liquid while continuously whisking.
  10. Return the combined mixture to the saucepan, cooking slowly until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
  11. Strain the custard through a fine mesh sieve into a clean bowl, incorporating the remaining heavy cream.
  12. Completely chill the mixture before churning in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s guidelines.
  13. Plate the fresh mint ice cream alongside the granita, finishing with a delicate sprinkle of sea salt for enhanced flavor complexity.

Notes

  • Choose ripe, sweet watermelons for the most vibrant and refreshing granita flavor.
  • Strain mint leaves thoroughly to prevent fibrous textures in the creamy ice cream base.
  • Adjust sugar levels depending on watermelon’s natural sweetness and personal taste preferences.
  • Use fresh mint leaves for an intense, authentic herbal essence in the ice cream.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Snacks, Mocktails
  • Method: Steeping
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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