There’s something absolutely magical about biting into a spoonful of homemade watermelon gelato on a hot summer afternoon. The vibrant pink color, the refreshing sweetness, and the creamy texture make it feel like a little bowl of sunshine.

I first tried making this recipe during a heatwave when my fridge was overflowing with watermelon. With just two simple ingredients, I managed to whip up a frozen treat that not only cooled us down but also became an instant family favorite. Now, this 2-Ingredient Watermelon Gelato is a must-have in our home every summer.
Let me show you exactly why you’ll fall in love with this recipe!
Why You'll Love This 2-Ingredient Watermelon Gelato
Get ready to discover your new go-to summer dessert. This 2-Ingredient Watermelon Gelato checks all the boxes for taste, simplicity, and convenience.
First of all, it’s unbelievably easy to make. With only two ingredients and a blender, you can have this ready to freeze in just 10 minutes. No fancy equipment or complicated steps are required, making it perfect even for kitchen beginners.
Secondly, it’s incredibly budget-friendly. Watermelon is one of the most affordable fruits, especially in peak season, and the second ingredient—sweetened condensed milk—is a pantry staple for many. You get a luxurious frozen treat without breaking the bank.
Another reason to love this gelato is how light and refreshing it feels. Unlike heavier ice creams, this watermelon gelato is naturally hydrating and not overly sweet, making it the perfect palate cleanser or afternoon snack on a scorching day.
Finally, it’s wonderfully versatile. You can enjoy it as-is, or dress it up with toppings like fresh mint, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of honey. You can even swap the sweetener or experiment with add-ins to create your own custom version.
Now that you’re tempted, let’s talk about what you’ll need.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its minimal ingredient list. But while simple, each ingredient plays an important role in achieving that creamy, smooth, and delicious gelato texture.
The star of the show is the watermelon. You’ll want to choose a ripe, seedless watermelon for the best flavor and texture. Look for one that feels heavy for its size and has a deep, hollow sound when tapped. The natural sweetness of a perfectly ripe watermelon means you won’t need any additional sugar.
The second ingredient is sweetened condensed milk. This gives the gelato its creamy consistency and helps prevent ice crystals from forming, resulting in a smoother texture. Its rich, sweet flavor perfectly complements the fresh, fruity taste of the watermelon.
While these are the only required ingredients, some people like to add a splash of lime juice to brighten the flavor or a teaspoon of vanilla extract for extra depth. These are entirely optional but worth experimenting with if you want to personalize your gelato.
You won’t need any fancy equipment for this recipe, but a high-speed blender or food processor is essential to puree the watermelon smoothly and incorporate the condensed milk evenly. A good airtight freezer-safe container will also help maintain the gelato’s creamy texture during storage.
How To Make This 2-Ingredient Watermelon Gelato

Creating this delightful gelato couldn’t be simpler. Let’s walk through each step so you can get it just right.
Start by cutting your seedless watermelon into cubes, removing any stray seeds you may find. Place the cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer and freeze them for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. Freezing the watermelon chunks beforehand ensures a thick, creamy consistency when blended.
Once your watermelon cubes are completely frozen, transfer them to your high-speed blender or food processor. Work in batches if necessary, depending on the size of your appliance, to prevent it from being overloaded.
Add the sweetened condensed milk directly into the blender with the frozen watermelon. Start blending on low speed, then gradually increase as the mixture begins to break down. Use a tamper or spatula to occasionally scrape down the sides and help the mixture blend evenly.
Continue blending until the mixture becomes completely smooth and creamy. This may take a couple of minutes, depending on your equipment. Don’t worry if it looks a bit soft at this stage—that’s perfectly normal.
Transfer the blended gelato mixture into an airtight freezer-safe container. Smooth the top with a spatula, cover tightly, and freeze for at least 2-3 hours to firm up before serving. When ready, let it sit at room temperature for a couple of minutes to soften slightly, making it easier to scoop.
From start to finish, you’re looking at around 10 minutes of active prep time, plus freezing. The result is a perfectly creamy, refreshing watermelon gelato that tastes like summer in every bite.
Storage Options
Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your watermelon gelato for several days without sacrificing its texture or flavor.
Store the gelato in an airtight container in your freezer. This helps prevent ice crystals from forming and keeps the texture smooth and creamy. You can store it for up to two weeks, although it’s usually gone much sooner in our house!
If you want to keep it longer, make sure to press a piece of plastic wrap directly against the surface of the gelato before sealing the lid. This extra layer minimizes air exposure and helps preserve freshness.
When it’s time to serve, take the container out of the freezer and let it sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes. This softens it just enough to scoop easily while maintaining its creamy texture.
Avoid frequent thawing and refreezing, as this can lead to ice crystals and a grainy texture over time.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can adapt it to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
For a dairy-free version, swap the sweetened condensed milk with coconut condensed milk or full-fat coconut cream mixed with maple syrup. This gives a tropical twist that pairs beautifully with the watermelon.
If you want to reduce the sweetness, use unsweetened condensed milk substitute or simply use less sweetened condensed milk. The natural sugars from the watermelon still shine through, even with a lighter hand.
Add-ins like fresh mint leaves can be blended right in to give the gelato a cooling, herbal note that’s perfect for hot summer days.
For a bit of extra zing, a squeeze of fresh lime juice added to the blender brightens the flavors and balances the sweetness beautifully.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with other fruits, too. Combining frozen watermelon with frozen strawberries or mango chunks can create fun new flavor combinations that are equally refreshing.
With just a bit of creativity, you can transform this simple recipe into a whole lineup of frozen treats that your family and friends will love.
Print2-ingredient Watermelon Gelato Recipe
This simple 2-ingredient Watermelon Gelato recipe delivers a refreshing, creamy, and naturally sweet dessert perfect for summer. Using only fresh watermelon and sweetened condensed milk, you can whip up this healthy treat in no time. Perfect for hot days or light after-dinner indulgence.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
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4 cups watermelon (cubed, seedless)
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1 cup sweetened condensed milk
Instructions
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Cut watermelon into small cubes and remove any seeds.
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Place the cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for at least 3-4 hours or until solid.
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Once frozen, place the watermelon cubes into a blender or food processor.
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Add the sweetened condensed milk.
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Blend until smooth and creamy.
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Serve immediately for soft-serve consistency or freeze for 1-2 hours for a firmer gelato.
Notes
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Use very ripe watermelon for the best natural sweetness.
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Adjust condensed milk for desired sweetness level.
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Can substitute condensed milk with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 50mg
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