Meet your new summertime obsession: Vegan Watermelon Gelato (Only 2 Ingredients!). This refreshingly simple dessert is proof that summer flavors are best enjoyed in their purest form. Sweet, juicy watermelon and luscious banana whirl together for a scoop that’s both creamy and incredibly hydrating, all without dairy, refined sugar, or hours spent churning. If you’re in the mood for a frozen treat that’s as nourishing as it is nostalgic, this is one recipe you’ll want to keep in your pocket all season long!

Vegan Watermelon Gelato (Only 2 Ingredients!) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a couple of ingredients to capture the essence of ripe summer fruit in every bite. Each one plays a vital role in creating the gorgeous color, silky texture, and irresistible sweetness that set Vegan Watermelon Gelato (Only 2 Ingredients!) apart from your average freezer treat.

Frozen Cubed Watermelon: The juicy star of the show, watermelon gives this gelato its bright pink hue and naturally sweet flavor. Freeze your cubes in advance for ultra-creamy results.
Sliced Overripe Banana (frozen or room temp): Banana acts as our “cream,” lending body and a touch of natural sweetness. Overripe bananas will blend in easily and add a subtle richness you’ll love.
Coconut Nectar or Cassava Syrup (optional): If your fruit isn’t quite as sweet as you hoped, a drizzle of natural sweetener will bring it right back to life. Adjust to taste, or leave it out for a pure fruit experience.
Raw Cashew Butter (optional): For extra creaminess, add a spoonful or two of cashew butter—this creates a scoopable texture that rivals classic gelato. Completely optional, but totally worth it!

How to Make Vegan Watermelon Gelato (Only 2 Ingredients!)

Step 1: Prepare and Freeze the Fruit

Cut your ripe watermelon into bite-sized cubes and peel and slice your banana. Freeze the watermelon cubes for several hours (or overnight) on a baking sheet lined with parchment to prevent sticking. If your banana isn’t already frozen, don’t worry—room-temperature banana works too, but freezing both fruits gives the gelato even more creaminess!

Step 2: Blend Until Minced

Add your frozen watermelon cubes and banana into your food processor. If you don’t have a food processor, a high-speed blender will work, but you may need to pause and scrape more frequently. Pulse in short bursts until the mixture is chopped into small bits that resemble icy slivers, scraping down the sides as needed.

Step 3: Puree into Creamy Gelato

Once the fruit is minced, keep processing—this time blending until the mixture transforms into a silky, pink gelato. Stop a few times to scrape the bowl, ensuring everything blends evenly. If you want extra creaminess, add raw cashew butter now.

Step 4: Taste and Sweeten

Sample a spoonful! Depending on how ripe your fruit is, you may want to add a little coconut nectar or cassava syrup for more sweetness. Add a tablespoon at a time, blending and tasting as you go. Pure fruit lovers can skip this step!

Step 5: Serve or Freeze for Scoopable Gelato

You can serve your Vegan Watermelon Gelato (Only 2 Ingredients!) immediately for a soft-serve vibe, or scoop it into a container and freeze for an hour or two to let it firm up into a classic gelato texture. Either way, it’s pure magic.

How to Serve Vegan Watermelon Gelato (Only 2 Ingredients!)

Garnishes

Brighten up each bowl of Vegan Watermelon Gelato (Only 2 Ingredients!) with a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, fresh mint leaves, or a scatter of edible flowers for a touch of elegance. Crushed pistachios or cacao nibs are wonderful for crunch, and a few extra watermelon balls really celebrate the sunny flavors.

Side Dishes

This gelato is practically a party on its own, but it pairs beautifully with other summer treats. Serve it alongside grilled pineapple, a fruit salad, or a slice of vegan pound cake. For a show-stopping brunch, spoon it over overnight oats or chia pudding—the contrast in textures is a dream.

Creative Ways to Present

Think outside the bowl! Try scooping Vegan Watermelon Gelato (Only 2 Ingredients!) into small hollowed-out watermelon halves for an adorable individual presentation. Or, sandwich scoops between vegan cookies for a dreamy ice cream sandwich. You can even freeze the mixture in popsicle molds for homemade vegan gelato pops—perfect for kids and grown-ups alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover gelato keeps well in an airtight container in the freezer for up to five days. To help prevent freezer burn and preserve the creamy texture, press a piece of parchment directly onto the surface of the gelato before sealing the container.

Freezing

If freezing for later, note that Vegan Watermelon Gelato (Only 2 Ingredients!) will firm up quite a bit due to its fruity base. Letting it sit out at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before scooping will return it to that perfect, creamy consistency.

Reheating

While you definitely don’t want to “reheat” gelato, you can soften it for easier scooping by transferring the container to the fridge for 20–30 minutes or simply letting it rest on the counter. A warm ice cream scoop does wonders for serving up those perfect balls!

FAQs

Can I use other fruits besides watermelon and banana?

Absolutely! While Vegan Watermelon Gelato (Only 2 Ingredients!) is a summertime staple, you can try frozen mango, strawberries, or pineapple for fun tropical twists. Just keep the banana for creaminess.

How do I get a perfectly smooth texture?

Start with fully frozen fruit and use a food processor for the most even blend. If your gelato isn’t coming together, let the fruit thaw for a few minutes, then continue blending. Adding a bit of cashew butter makes it even silkier!

Is there a way to make this nut-free?

Of course! Simply leave out the cashew butter or swap it for sunflower seed butter or coconut cream. The gelato will still be deliciously smooth and entirely nut-free.

Can I make this gelato without any added sweetener?

Definitely! If your watermelon and banana are ripe, Vegan Watermelon Gelato (Only 2 Ingredients!) will be perfectly sweet on its own. Sweeteners are just an option for those who like an extra treat.

What do I do if my gelato is too icy or hard?

Simply let the gelato sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving, and always blend thoroughly to get that classic creamy texture. A quick stir after it’s slightly thawed makes a big difference!

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dessert that’s equal parts fun, beautiful, and simple, Vegan Watermelon Gelato (Only 2 Ingredients!) will steal your heart. Whether shared at a summer gathering or enjoyed as a solo treat on a hot afternoon, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try—your taste buds are in for a fresh and frosty delight!

Vegan Watermelon Gelato (Only 2 Ingredients!) Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 27 reviews

Author: Chef
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Blend, Freeze
Cuisine: N/A
Diet: Vegan

Print Recipe

Description

This Vegan Watermelon Gelato is a refreshing and simple frozen treat made with just 2 main ingredients. It’s a delightful dairy-free dessert perfect for hot summer days.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

5 cups frozen cubed watermelon
1 cup sliced overripe banana (frozen or room temp)
1/2 – 1 tbsp coconut nectar or cassava syrup (OPTIONAL)
1–2 tbsp raw cashew butter (OPTIONAL)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Add watermelon and banana to a food processor: If you prefer to use a blender, make sure it is high-speed. Pulse to first mince the frozen fruit, and then puree until smooth, scraping down the sides of the processor occasionally.
Taste and adjust sweetness: If desired, add coconut nectar or cassava syrup for sweetness. Puree again to mix well.
Serve or freeze: Enjoy the gelato immediately, or for a firmer texture, transfer to the freezer for at least an hour before serving.