On hot summer days, nothing sounds better than a cool, refreshing, sweet treat.
In the sweltering heat, I tend to crave fresh fruit, smoothie bowls, lite ice cream, and even frozen watermelon chunks.
Watermelon is an excellent choice for a healthy summertime treat. It’s a nutrient-dense fruit, low-calorie food. A one-cup serving of raw, diced watermelon contains 46 calories and about 0.9 grams of protein.
When I’m looking for a guilt-free, lower-calorie option, I love making sorbet in my Ninja CREAMi.
Today, I’m introducing you to one of my favorite recipes, the Ninja CREAMi sorbet recipe.
About the Ninja CREAMi
The Ninja CREAMi is a powerful blender (similar to a food processor) that can be used to make frozen treats at home. Here are a few things you can make with it:
- Ice cream
- Sorbet
- Gelato
- Milkshakes
- Smoothie Bowls
- Italian Ice
- Frozen Drink
Traditional Sorbets
Traditional sorbets are icy treats made with fruit, sugar, and sometimes honey for sweetness and texture.
They’re a lighter and brighter alternative to ice cream. It’s a perfect treat for cleansing the palate between courses or enjoying on a hot day.
Watermelon Sorbet Ingredients
Sorbet is easily made with just a few ingredients.
Seedless Watermelon Chunks: You’ll need about half a watermelon for this recipe.
Lime Juice: I strongly prefer fresh lime juice, but bottled will do fine in a pinch.
Maple Syrup: I use just a little bit of sweetener. Agave syrup works well here, too.
I love how the watermelon flavor shines through in this recipe. Because you’re mixing it with just two ingredients, you really get the true watermelon test. Nothing overshadows it!
Steps for Making Ninja CREAMi Watermelon Sorbet
- Blend it up! Using a blender or food processor, blend the watermelon chunks until smooth.
- Taste and adjust: Add a little maple syrup or agave and blend it again. Give it a taste. Add more until you’ve reached your desired sweetness level.
- Freeze it up! Pour the watermelon mixture into your Ninja CREAMi pint container, right below the max fill line. Tip: Want a wider container for a larger batch? Check out these deluxe pint containers!
- Freezing process: Attach the lid assembly and place it in the freezer for at least 24 hours.
- Ninja CREAMi magic! Once frozen, remove the storage lid from the pint container. Place it in the outer bowl lid, then position the bowl assembly in your Ninja CREAMi machine. Tip: Make sure the handle is attached right!
- Sorbet Function: Select the “Sorbet” function and let the Ninja CREAMi work its magic.
- Re-spin for creaminess: Use the “Re-spin” button for extra creamy sorbet.
- Enjoy! Using an ice cream scoop, scoop sorbet and place in an ice cream bowl.
There you have it, a cool, refreshing treat!
Now Try Watermelon Sherbet!
For a slightly richer option, try this making watermelon sherbet. All you need to do is blend 3 cups of fresh, seedless watermelon chunks with ½ cup sweetened condensed milk and 1 tablespoon of lime juice. Follow the steps in the watermelon sorbet recipe to finish it off.
No More Leftover Watermelon!
This is the perfect way to use up leftover watermelon and turn it into a delicious frozen treat. It’s a great way to cool down on a hot summer day, and it’s so much fun to make with the Ninja CREAMi!
Tips and Variations:
- Sweetness control: Taste your watermelon before adding any sweetener. The sweetness of the watermelon can vary depending on the variety and how ripe it is.
- Less sugar: Looking for a lighter option? You can skip the maple syrup or sweetened condensed milk altogether and rely on the natural sweetness of the watermelon.
- Experiment with flavors! Next time, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of fresh mint for a different flavor twist. The Ninja CREAMi community is full of inspiration, so don’t be afraid to experiment!
- Add Herbs: Add fresh herbs like mint or basil for a flavorful twist.
- Nice Cream Option: For a thicker, “nice cream” consistency, use frozen watermelon cubes instead of fresh chunks.
If you’ve got a Ninja CREAMi and some fresh watermelon, I insist you whip up a batch of refreshing sorbet or sherbet! I just love the slushy texture and natural sweetness. With its simple ingredients and delicious results, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
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How to Make Watermelon Sorbet and Sherbet in a Ninja CREAMi
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh, seedless watermelon chunks (about half a watermelon) [affiliate link to watermelon on a grocery store website?]
- 2–3 tablespoons lime juice (depending on the sweetness of your watermelon)
- 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Using a high-powered blender or food processor, blend the watermelon chunks until smooth.
- Give your watermelon puree a taste. If it’s a bit too tart, add some maple syrup a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired sweetness.
- Pour the watermelon mixture into your Ninja CREAMi pint container, filling it to just below the max fill line.
- Attach the lid assembly to the pint container and place it in the freezer for at least 24 hours.
- After freezing, take your pint container out and remove the storage lid. Place it in the outer bowl lid, then position the bowl assembly in your Ninja CREAMi machine.
- Select the “Sorbet” function and let it rip.
- Use the “Re-spin” button for a second spin.
- Scoop your delicious watermelon sorbet into bowls and enjoy.
