Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita Recipe: A Perfect Summer Treat

Fresh mint ice cream awakens summer’s most vibrant sensations with its cool, invigorating essence.

Green-leafed herbs change ordinary frozen treats into extraordinary culinary experiences that dance across your palate.

Delicate mint whispers subtle notes of brightness against smooth, silky textures that melt effortlessly.

Mediterranean gardens inspire this elegant dessert, blending botanical freshness with simple sophistication.

watermelon natural sweetness complements the mint crisp undertones, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

Each spoonful promises a sophisticated yet playful journey through seasonal ingredients and innovative techniques.

Summer’s most enchanting dessert awaits your delighted taste buds.

Creative Twists on Fresh Mint Ice Cream and Watermelon Granita

• Herbal Honey Mint Fusion: Replace sugar with local honey in both watermelon granita and mint ice cream for a natural sweetness and deeper flavor profile.
• Tropical Mint Splash: Add coconut milk to ice cream base and incorporate diced mango into granita for a Caribbean-inspired summer dessert.
• Lavender Mint Cool Down: Infuse mint ice cream with dried lavender buds and sprinkle lavender salt on watermelon granita for an elegant herbal experience.
• Spicy Mint Chill: Mix a pinch of ground cardamom into ice cream and add chili powder to watermelon granita for a bold, unexpected flavor combination.

Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita: A Refreshing Dessert Combo

• Harvest Fresh Flavors: Celebrate summer's bounty with a dessert that transforms simple watermelon and mint into an elegant, refreshing treat that bursts with natural sweetness and cooling sensations.
• Master Sophisticated Technique: Learn a professional-level dessert technique that turns basic ingredients into a gourmet experience through precise freezing methods and careful infusion, making you feel like a professional pastry chef.
• Create Textural Contrast: Enjoy the exciting interplay between the smooth, creamy mint ice cream and the crystalline, icy watermelon granita – a sensory adventure that delights both your palate and visual senses with its stunning layers and complementary textures.

Key Ingredients for Fresh Mint Ice Cream and Salted Watermelon Granita

Fresh Mint Ice Cream Ingredients:

• Milk: Creamy foundation for the ice cream with rich flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Provides smooth texture and luxurious mouthfeel.
• Egg Yolks: Creates rich, custard-like base with silky consistency.

• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create smooth ice cream texture.
• Fresh Mint Leaves: Provides bright, aromatic herbal flavor for the ice cream.

• Sea Salt: Small pinch can enhance overall flavor complexity.

Salted Watermelon Granita Ingredients:

• Watermelon: Fresh, sweet fruit that creates the granitas primary flavor and texture.

• Sugar: Balances watermelons natural sweetness and helps create smooth texture.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and prevents fruit from browning.

• Sea Salt: Sprinkled on top to create flavor contrast and enhance sweetness.

How to Make Fresh Mint Ice Cream with a Refreshing Watermelon Granita

Step 1: Prepare Watermelon Mixture

• Blend watermelon, sugar, and lemon juice in a food processor until completely smooth.

Step 2: Freeze and Crystalize

• Pour the mixture into a shallow freezer-safe dish.
• Place in freezer for 30 minutes.
• Remove and scrape mixture with a fork to break up ice crystals.
• Repeat scraping process every 30 minutes for 3-4 hours until fully frozen and flaky.

Step 3: Finish Granita

• Sprinkle sea salt over granita just before serving for a delightful flavor contrast.

Fresh Mint Ice Cream

Step 1: Infuse Mint Flavor

• Combine milk, sugar, and heavy cream in a saucepan.
• Heat until edges start to bubble.
• Remove from heat.
• Add fresh mint leaves.
• Let steep for 1-2 hours to develop rich mint flavor.

Step 2: Prepare Egg Mixture

• Whisk egg yolks in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Temper Egg Yolks

• Reheat the mint-infused mixture.
• Slowly drizzle 1/3 of hot mixture into egg yolks while whisking continuously.

Step 4: Create Custard Base

• Pour tempered egg mixture back into saucepan.
• Heat gently until mixture thickens.
• Strain to remove mint leaves and ensure smooth texture.

Step 5: Chill and Churn

• Stir in remaining heavy cream.
• Refrigerate mixture until completely chilled.
• Churn in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions.

Assembly

Step 1: Create Delightful Layers

• Scoop frozen watermelon granita into serving dishes.
• Top with fresh mint ice cream.
• Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing combination.

Tricks for Making Smooth, Creamy Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Watermelon Granita

• Choose Peak Watermelons: Select ripe, deep red watermelons with no soft spots to ensure maximum sweetness and flavor in your granita.
• Steep Mint Carefully: Allow mint leaves to infuse slowly at room temperature to extract maximum essential oils and create a robust, fresh mint profile.
• Prevent Ice Crystals: Consistently scrape the freezing granita mixture every 30 minutes to create a light, fluffy texture instead of hard, chunky ice.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh mint leaves directly from the garden or farmers market for an intense, vibrant mint flavor in the ice cream.
• Salt Strategically: Sprinkle high-quality sea salt just before serving to enhance the watermelon's natural sweetness and create a sophisticated flavor contrast.

Storing Fresh Mint Ice Cream and Watermelon Granita for Later Enjoyment

• Refrigeration: Transfer remaining mint ice cream to an airtight container, pressing plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals. Store in the freezer for up to 1 week.
• Freezing Granita: Keep salted watermelon granita in a sealed container for 3-4 days. Scrape with a fork before serving to restore its light, fluffy texture.
• Reheating Tips: Allow ice cream to soften at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping. Avoid microwaving, which can create uneven melting and compromise the creamy consistency.

Best Complementary Flavors for Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Watermelon Granita

• Elevate with Sparkling Wine Pairing: Crisp prosecco or champagne perfectly complements the refreshing mint and watermelon flavors, cutting through the creamy sweetness of the ice cream.
• Boost Dessert with Herbal Liqueur: Add a splash of green chartreuse or mint liqueur alongside the dish to enhance the fresh mint notes and create a sophisticated dessert experience.
• Enhance with Citrus Garnish: Sprinkle some lime zest or add a small candied orange slice to brighten the dessert's overall flavor profile and provide a tangy contrast to the sweet and salty elements.
• Match with Light Summer Cookies: Serve delicate almond tuile or lavender shortbread cookies on the side to add textural crunch and complement the smooth ice cream and icy granita.

Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Salted Watermelon Granita Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mint-infused ice cream meets salty watermelon granita in this refreshing summer dessert. Cool waves of fresh mint dance with crisp watermelon crystals, creating a delightful contrast that cools and awakens palates from first spoonful to last.

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Ingredients

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Fresh Mint Base:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup fresh mint leaves
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Watermelon Granita:

• 3 cups watermelon
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 1 lemon, juiced

Finishing Ingredient:

• 1 teaspoon flaked sea salt

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Instructions

1. Crush ripe watermelon into a silky puree using a food processor, incorporating granulated sugar and fresh lemon juice until the mixture transforms into a smooth, vibrant liquid.
2. Transfer the watermelon liquid into a wide, shallow freezer-safe container, ensuring an even distribution for consistent freezing.
3. Place the container in the freezer and allow the mixture to partially set for approximately 30 minutes.
4. Remove the partially frozen watermelon and vigorously rake a fork across the surface, breaking emerging ice crystals into delicate, feathery shards.
5. Return the container to the freezer and repeat the fork-scraping technique every 30 minutes for 3 to 4 hours, gradually developing a light, granular texture.
6. Infuse milk, granulated sugar, and 236 milliliters () of heavy cream in a saucepan, heating gently until tiny bubbles form around the edges.
7. Remove the dairy mixture from heat and introduce fresh mint leaves, allowing them to steep and release their aromatic essence for 1 to 2 hours.
8. Whisk egg yolks in a separate bowl until they achieve a smooth, uniform consistency.
9. Gently reheat the mint-infused dairy mixture and gradually incorporate approximately one-third of the warm liquid into the egg yolks, whisking continuously to prevent curdling.
10. Carefully pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan, heating slowly and stirring consistently until the custard thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
11. Strain the mint custard through a fine-mesh sieve to ensure a silky-smooth texture, then blend in the remaining 236 milliliters () of heavy cream.
12. Chill the custard thoroughly in the refrigerator, then churn in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.
13. Sprinkle the watermelon granita with a delicate pinch of sea salt just before serving.
14. Artfully layer scoops of the salty-sweet watermelon granita and creamy mint ice cream in elegant serving dishes, creating a visually stunning and refreshing dessert.

Notes

• Watermelon selection matters – choose ripe, deep red fruits for maximum sweetness and vibrant color.
• Freezing technique creates delicate, snow-like granita texture by consistently breaking ice crystals during freezing process.
• Fresh mint leaves transform standard ice cream into an aromatic, refreshing summer dessert with elegant herbaceous notes.
• Sea salt enhances watermelon’s natural sweetness, creating surprising flavor complexity in the granita.
• Egg yolk custard base ensures smooth, creamy ice cream texture that prevents unwanted ice crystals from forming.
• Steeping mint leaves allows intense, natural flavor extraction without using artificial extracts or overwhelming the delicate dessert.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Drinks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 140 kcal
• Sugar: 32g
• Sodium: 460mg
• Fat: 0g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 1g
• Cholesterol: 0mg