Refreshing Watermelon Gelato Pops
Transform your leftover watermelon into a delightful treat with these Refreshing Watermelon Gelato Pops! Ideal for warm summer days, this recipe makes the most of the juicy sweetness of ripe watermelon while adding a touch of zesty brightness from lemon or lime juice. The incorporation of gelatin not only enhances the texture, giving it a smooth, creamy consistency, but also helps prevent melting, making these ice pops easy to enjoy. Using 5-oz paper bath cups as molds, these pops are simple to prepare and fun for the whole family. Enjoy a fruity bite of summer anytime!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
gelatin
1 tablespoon ((1/4 oz or 7 g packet))
boiling water
1/4 cup
seedless watermelon
1/2 (flesh scooped out)
granulated sugar
1/2 cup
fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon (or lime juice)
Instructions
1
Begin by sprinkling the gelatin over the boiling water in a small bowl, stirring immediately until completely dissolved (about one minute). Set aside to cool slightly.
2
Using an ice cream scoop, remove the flesh of the watermelon from half of the seedless watermelon, measuring approximately 4 cups. Make sure to include any juice that collects in the hollow watermelon half.
3
In a blender, combine the watermelon flesh, granulated sugar, and fresh lemon or lime juice. Blend until smooth, ensuring the mixture is well incorporated.
4
Strain the watermelon mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl, pressing with the back of a spoon to extract all the juice while leaving any pulp behind. You should have about 4 cups of liquid.
5
Stir the cooled, dissolved gelatin thoroughly into the strained watermelon juice until fully combined.
6
Pour the mixture evenly into 5-oz paper bath cups or ice pop molds, then insert sticks or plastic spoons into the center of each cup.
7
Place the filled cups in the freezer and freeze for several hours until fully set.
8
Once frozen, these pops can be stored in a sealed freezer-weight plastic bag for up to 2 weeks for later enjoyment.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Refreshing Watermelon Gelato Pops?
They are a frozen treat made from blended watermelon, sugar, citrus juice, and gelatin, frozen in small cups for a smooth, refreshing snack.
How much watermelon do I need for this recipe?
You will need half of a seedless watermelon, which should yield approximately 4 cups of scooped flesh.
What is the role of gelatin in these pops?
Gelatin enhances the texture by giving the pops a smooth, creamy consistency and helps prevent them from melting too quickly.
How much gelatin should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of gelatin, which is typically one 1/4 oz or 7 g packet.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
Yes, you can use 1 tablespoon of either fresh lemon juice or lime juice depending on your preference.
How do I dissolve the gelatin properly?
Sprinkle the gelatin over 1/4 cup of boiling water and stir immediately for about one minute until it is completely dissolved.
What type of molds are recommended for these pops?
The recipe suggests using 5-oz paper bath cups, which make for easy removal and serving.
Should I strain the watermelon mixture?
Yes, straining the mixture through a fine mesh sieve ensures a smooth liquid and removes any remaining pulp.
How long can I store the Watermelon Gelato Pops?
Once fully frozen, they can be stored in a sealed freezer-weight plastic bag for up to 2 weeks.
What can I use for sticks if I don't have official popsicle sticks?
You can use plastic spoons as a convenient alternative to traditional wooden sticks.
How much sugar is required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of granulated sugar to sweeten the watermelon base.
Is it necessary to use a seedless watermelon?
A seedless watermelon is recommended for convenience, though you would need to remove all seeds manually if using a seeded variety.
How much liquid should I have after straining?
After straining the blended watermelon, you should have approximately 4 cups of juice.
At what stage do I add the gelatin to the watermelon juice?
Stir the cooled, dissolved gelatin into the strained watermelon juice after the blending and straining process is complete.
Can I use an ice cream scoop to prep the watermelon?
Yes, an ice cream scoop is a great tool for removing the watermelon flesh from the rind.
Do I include the juice that pools in the watermelon shell?
Yes, you should include any juice that collects in the hollow watermelon half when measuring your 4 cups of fruit.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Absolutely, these pops are simple to prepare and a fun, family-friendly treat for warm summer days.
What texture can I expect from these pops?
Thanks to the gelatin and blending process, the texture is smoother and creamier than a standard ice pop, resembling a gelato.
How long do the pops need to freeze?
They should be placed in the freezer for several hours until they are completely set and firm.
What is the best way to extract the most juice when straining?
Press against the pulp in the sieve with the back of a spoon to extract every bit of liquid.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe uses 5 main ingredients: gelatin, boiling water, watermelon, sugar, and lemon or lime juice.
Can I make these if I don't have a blender?
A blender is needed to ensure the watermelon and sugar are perfectly smooth and well incorporated.
Are these pops considered a healthy snack?
They are a fruity, homemade alternative to store-bought treats, using fresh fruit and no artificial colors.
Should the gelatin water be hot when added to the juice?
The gelatin should be dissolved in boiling water but allowed to cool slightly before being stirred into the cold watermelon juice.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to dissolve the gelatin in boiling water so it has time to cool while you prep the fruit.
Can I use this recipe for other types of fruit?
While this specific recipe is for watermelon, the gelatin technique can often be adapted for other juicy fruits.
Is the sugar added before or after blending?
The granulated sugar is added to the blender with the watermelon and lemon juice before blending.
How do you store them so they don't get freezer burn?
Place the frozen pops into a sealed freezer-weight plastic bag to protect them from air and odors.
Does this recipe contain any dairy?
No, this recipe is dairy-free, relying on fruit juice and gelatin for its consistency.
What are the common tags for this recipe?
Common tags include watermelon, frozen treats, dessert, ice pops, summer recipe, and refreshing.