On those sticky summer afternoons when the air hums with heat and the kids are running barefoot through the sprinkler, I reach for the freezer and my blender. A big bag of frozen watermelon cubes and a can of silky coconut milk are all I need to turn the day into something special.
In just minutes, we’re digging into creamy scoops of watermelon coconut ice — sweet, refreshing, and light enough that no one feels weighed down. It’s the kind of treat that reminds me of summers at my grandma’s, when dessert was always fresh, cold, and made with whatever was ripe that week.
Quick Recipe Snapshot
⏱ Prep Time: 15 minutes
❄ Freezing Time: 3 hours
🍽 Servings: 6
Perfect for hot summer days, backyard cookouts, or when you want a make-ahead dessert that’s as pretty as it is refreshing.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
Watermelon – 4 cups, cubed, seedless preferred for smoother texture
Coconut milk – 1 cup, full-fat for creaminess; light coconut milk works for fewer calories
Lime juice – 1 tablespoon, fresh-squeezed for best flavor
Ginger – 1 teaspoon, grated, optional for a subtle zing
Honey – 1 to 2 tablespoons, optional, adjust to taste; maple syrup works too
Fresh mint leaves – For garnish, optional for a fresh aroma
Pro Tip: For a sugar-free version, skip the honey or use a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
Watermelon Coconut Ice
Equipment
- Blender
- Loaf pan or ice cube molds
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
- 4 cups watermelon cubed, seedless
- 1 cup coconut milk full-fat
- 1 tablespoon lime juice fresh-squeezed
- 1 teaspoon ginger grated (optional)
- 1 –2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish optional
Instructions
- Cut the watermelon into cubes and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, about 2 hours.
- Add the frozen watermelon cubes, chilled coconut milk, lime juice, ginger, and honey to a blender. Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the mixture into a loaf pan or ice cube molds. Place in the freezer for 1 to 2 hours, until it reaches a scoopable consistency.
- Scoop into bowls, add a dollop of coconut cream if desired, and garnish with fresh mint leaves. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Notes
Nutrition
(Nutrition is estimated and will vary based on actual ingredients used)
How to Make Watermelon Coconut Ice
Step 1 – Freeze the watermelon
Cut the watermelon into cubes and spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until firm, about 2 hours.
Step 2 – Blend until smooth
Add the frozen watermelon cubes, chilled coconut milk, lime juice, ginger, and honey to a blender. Blend on high until smooth and creamy.
Step 3 – Freeze again
Pour the mixture into a loaf pan or ice cube molds. Place in the freezer for 1 to 2 hours, until it reaches a scoopable consistency.
Step 4 – Serve and enjoy
Scoop into bowls, add a dollop of coconut cream if desired, and garnish with fresh mint leaves. Serve immediately for the best texture.
Why Watermelon and Coconut Are a Perfect Pair
Watermelon brings crisp, juicy sweetness while coconut adds creamy richness and a mellow tropical flavor. Together, they create a balanced, refreshing treat that feels indulgent without being heavy.
Do watermelon and coconut go together?
Yes — they complement each other beautifully. The hydrating quality of watermelon pairs perfectly with the smooth texture and natural sweetness of coconut, making them a favorite combination in many tropical-inspired dishes.
A Sweet Bit of History
Traditional coconut ice is a British confection made from desiccated coconut and sugar, often colored pink and white. While our version is completely different in texture and flavor, it shares the same spirit of simple, sweet pleasure.
Frozen coconut and fruit desserts have deep roots in tropical regions. In the Philippines, ice buko combines young coconut with milk or cream for a refreshing treat, while in Indonesia, es kelapa muda pairs coconut water and tender coconut flesh with ice for a cooling drink. This watermelon coconut ice takes inspiration from those traditions, using fresh fruit and natural sweetness to create something light and modern.
Is Watermelon-Coconut Water Good for You?
Absolutely. Both watermelon and coconut water are naturally hydrating, making them a powerhouse combination for hot days. Watermelon is rich in vitamins A and C, lycopene, and antioxidants that support skin health and immunity. Coconut water adds potassium and electrolytes, helping your body replenish what it loses through sweat.
When blended together — or enjoyed in this frozen dessert — you get a light, refreshing treat that satisfies your sweet tooth while giving your body a gentle boost of nutrients. It’s a feel-good choice for post-workout recovery, beach days, or anytime you need a cool pick-me-up.
Serving Ideas & Variations
- Layered red and white: Alternate layers of blended watermelon and coconut milk mixture in a clear dish for a festive Fourth of July look.
- Add texture: Stir in shredded coconut before the final freeze for a chewy surprise.
- Popsicle fun: Pour the mixture into popsicle molds for a kid-friendly treat that’s easy to grab from the freezer.
- Sugar-free option: Replace honey with stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-carb dessert.
- Mint twist: Add a few fresh mint leaves to the blender for a cooling herbal note.
Watermelon Coconut Ice – Frequently Asked Questions
Do watermelon and coconut go together?
Yes. Watermelon’s juicy sweetness and coconut’s creamy flavor complement each other perfectly, creating a refreshing tropical pairing loved in many cuisines.
What country is coconut ice from?
Traditional coconut ice is a British confection made with sugar and coconut, but frozen variations are popular in tropical countries like the Philippines and Indonesia.
Is watermelon-coconut water good for you?
Yes. This combination is naturally hydrating, rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and electrolytes, making it a healthy and refreshing choice.
Can we eat watermelon and coconut water together?
Yes. They pair well both in taste and nutrition, offering a light, cooling treat perfect for summer days.
Conclusion
There’s something almost magical about the way this watermelon coconut ice disappears from the bowl — one spoonful leads to another, and before you know it, everyone’s grinning with pink-stained smiles. It’s simple, it’s fresh, and it’s the kind of dessert you can feel good about serving on a lazy summer afternoon.
So the next time the heat is pressing in and you want something cold, creamy, and just a little bit tropical, you’ll know exactly what to make. Scoop it up, share it with the people you love, and let this sweet, frosty treat be your little pause button in the middle of a sun-soaked day.
