Make a Fresh Watermelon Cake – easy, delicious and beautiful
I recently tried for the first time making a watermelon cake out of fresh fruit for our pastor’s 50th birthday.
It was Hawaii 5-0 them so I thought the fresh fruit alternative fit perfectly. Plus the bright colors are outstanding
The “cake” was a big hit and came out super cute I think. It was also really easy.
Creating a fresh watermelon cake is a healthy alternative to traditional baked desserts, and to me, it just screams SUMMER!!! It’s perfect for a pool day snack.
This unique cake is not only a great idea to make, but it’s also refreshing and nutritious. Made with a juicy, seedless watermelon as the base and adorned with an array of fresh fruits, whipped cream, or yogurt, it offers a burst of flavors and vibrant colors.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to craft your own watermelon cake, ensuring it’s as delicious as it is beautiful.
Ingredients Needed
- The most important thing here is the watermelon. After that, you can get as creative or customized as you like with the other fruit and items that you add to embellish the fresh fruit cake.
- Fresh watermelon (large and seedless)
- Fresh fruits for decoration (berries, kiwi, pineapple, strawberries etc.)
- Skewers and toothpicks for making the fruit stay put
- Whipped cream or yogurt (optional for in-between layers). You can use store-bought or make your own as there is recipe after recipe online and you usually only need like three ingredients – heavy cream sugar and vanilla extract.
- Optional: nuts, mint leaves, edible flowers
Step-by-Step Guide
- Selecting the Perfect Watermelon
- I like to use a large one because I think it makes a bigger impact (literally) and it’s easier to work with if you make mistakes. Plus your friends love the extras. I did not pick a seedless one because I forgot but I’d advise getting a seedless one.
- Preparing the Watermelon – Wash the watermelon before slicing.I cut mine in half first and then cut each section of the rinds off one by one. I kept shaving each section slowly making it more and more rounded.If you’re watermelon is extra full of water you can always dab it with paper towels to dry it up a bit.
- Create a stable base for the watermelon cake by putting it on a platter. I used my grandmother’s glass one but you can use whatever you like.
- I did two layers of watermelon and then freehand cut a 5 and 0 out of a pineapple for a cake topper. I sliced the pineapple vertically so I had plenty to work with to make the numbers.
Once I had cut out the 50 for the top, I put skewers in each number vertically and then put those into the watermelon. The skewers held the two layers together.
Arrange fresh fruits attractively poking each piece in with a toothpick and pushing the toothpick in so it’s hidden.
Add optional decorations like sliced almonds, mint leaves, or edible flowers. I didn’t have herbs – I actually would have loved to use basil- so I snagged some leaves from my potted yellow flower plant out back and added those to my fresh watermelon cake.- Another great idea is to make a whipped topping that you put in between the watermelon layers.
- I think you should slice it like you would a regular cake.
- You could put your watermelon fruit cake in the fridge overnight or serve it immediately.
- This can be intimidating for guests because they’re not sure how to get into it.
- I suggest cutting it for them, once they’ve had a chance to “ewww…. and ahhhhhh” over it and putting it on plates for guests to easily grab.
- Create a stable base for the watermelon cake by putting it on a platter. I used my grandmother’s glass one but you can use whatever you like.
Tips and Tricks
- Store properly – your fresh fruit cake in the fridge until it’s time to display and serve.
- Pair with Light Sides:
- Serve the watermelon cake with light sides like a fruit salad or a refreshing sorbet to complement its fresh and juicy flavors.
- Keep Extra Toppings on the Side:
- Offer extra toppings like coconut whipped cream, yogurt, or additional fruit on the side so guests can customize their slices to their liking.
- You can always make your own delicious whipped cream at home using heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. You just need a hand mixer that can spin at high speed to make the whipped topping for your friends.
- Or you could just buy Cool Whip and call it a day.
Health Benefits of Serving a Fresh Fruit Watermelon Cake
- Low in Calories:
- Watermelon is naturally low in calories compared to traditional cake ingredients like flour, sugar, and butter. A slice of watermelon cake provides a sweet treat without the high-calorie count, making it a guilt-free and gluten-free dessert option.
- Rich in Hydration:
- Watermelon has a high water content, around 92%, which helps keep you hydrated, especially during hot weather. This makes a watermelon cake a refreshing and hydrating alternative to traditional cakes.
- Packed with Nutrients:
- Watermelon is rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential for skin health and immune function. It also contains antioxidants like lycopene, which can help reduce inflammation and protect against certain diseases.
- Low in Sugar:
- While traditional cakes are often loaded with refined sugars, a watermelon cake relies on the natural sweetness of the fruit. This results in a lower glycemic index, making it a better option for maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
- High in Fiber:
- Fresh fruits used in watermelon cake, such as berries, kiwi, and pineapple, are high in dietary fiber. Fiber aids in digestion, helps maintain a healthy gut, and can contribute to a feeling of fullness, reducing the likelihood of overeating.
- Free of Processed Ingredients:
- Traditional cakes often contain processed ingredients, preservatives, and artificial additives. A fresh fruit watermelon cake is made from natural, whole foods, which are healthier and easier for your body to process.
- Supports Weight Management:
- The combination of low calories, high water content, and fiber makes watermelon cake a great option for those looking to manage their weight. It satisfies sweet cravings without adding unnecessary calories or unhealthy fats.
- Boosts Antioxidant Intake:
- Fruits used to decorate watermelon cake are rich in antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Antioxidants also support overall health and well-being.
- Promotes Heart Health:
- Watermelon contains citrulline, an amino acid that may help improve blood flow and reduce blood pressure. Lycopene, also found in watermelon, has been linked to lower cholesterol levels and a reduced risk of heart disease.
Conclusion
Serving a fresh watermelon cake is a great and healthy choice for any occasion.
This unique dessert not only satisfies sweet cravings with natural sugars but also offers a hydrating, low-calorie, and nutrient-rich alternative to traditional cakes.
- Perfect for summer gatherings, health-focused events, or simply enjoying a guilt-free treat, a watermelon cake is sure to impress your guests and promote a healthier lifestyle.
- If you have a variation I should try, I’d love to hear about it!
Hi I’m Erica! TV news anchor and mom to 4 littles. I’m obsessed with creating those “wow” moments in life through crafting at home, cool travel adventures and special celebrations with loved ones. Thanks for joining me on this adventure!
