Salted Watermelon Sherbet Bars

Name: Salted Watermelon Sherbet Bars
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: PT-486544H15M1S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 to 8 cups cubed seedless watermelon; 1 cup sugar; 1/4 cup fresh lime juice; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 2 cups half-and-half; 4 cups waffle cone crumbs; 14 tablespoons melted butter; 1 container (8 ounces) frozen whipped topping

Published: May 28, 2025

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Refreshing Flavor: The combination of sweet watermelon and zesty lime creates an incredibly fresh dessert.
Easy to Make: With just a few steps, you can whip up these tasty bars without any complicated techniques.
Versatile Dessert: Ideal for summer gatherings, birthdays, or simply as a cool treat on hot days.
Three Layers of Yum: Enjoy the contrast of textures with a crunchy crust, smooth sherbet, and creamy topping.
Make Ahead: These bars can be made in advance and stored in the freezer for later enjoyment.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make it even more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Blender
Fine-meshed sieve
Bowl
Ice cream maker
13×9-inch freezer-safe baking dish
Offset spatula

Importance of Each Tool

Blender: Essential for creating a smooth watermelon base; ensures no lumps remain.
Ice Cream Maker: Churns the mixture to achieve that perfect sherbet texture.
Offset Spatula: Helps to spread the sherbet evenly over the crust and makes serving easier.

Ingredients

Salted Sherbet Watermelon Bars make the perfect summer dessert. Three delicious layers including a waffle cone crust and Cool Whip topping.

For the Sherbet

6 to 8 cups cubed seedless watermelon
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 cups half-and-half

For the Crust

4 cups waffle cone crumbs (about 22-24 cones)
14 tablespoons butter (melted (1 3/4 sticks))
1/4 cup sugar

For Topping

1 (8-ounce) container frozen whipped topping (thawed)

How to Make Salted Watermelon Sherbet Bars

Step 1: Prepare the Watermelon Base

Place watermelon in a blender and blend until smooth.
Pour through a fine-meshed sieve set over a bowl. Discard solids.

Step 2: Mix in Sugar and Lime

Measure out 4 cups of watermelon puree and pour into blender.
Add sugar, lime juice, and salt.
Blend until sugar dissolves, about 1 minute.

Step 3: Combine with Half-and-Half

Pour watermelon mixture into a large bowl.
Add half-and-half and whisk to combine.
Refrigerate for 1-2 hours.

Step 4: Freeze the Mixture

Freeze mixture in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Step 5: Prepare the Crust

In a bowl, stir together waffle cone crumbs, melted butter, and sugar.
Press mixture into the bottom of a greased 13×9-inch freezer-safe baking dish.
Optionally line with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 6: Assemble the Bars

Spoon sherbet over crust smoothing with an offset spatula.
Spread whipped topping evenly over sherbet.

Step 7: Freeze and Serve

Freeze overnight or up to 3 weeks.
Cut into squares and serve chilled.

Enjoy your delicious Salted Watermelon Sherbet Bars!

How to Serve Salted Watermelon Sherbet Bars

Salted Watermelon Sherbet Bars are a delightful summer treat that can be served in various ways to enhance their flavor and presentation. Here are some fun serving suggestions for these refreshing bars.

Individual Servings

Serve the bars cut into squares on small dessert plates for easy handling.
Add a sprig of mint on top for a pop of color and extra freshness.

Gourmet Touch

Drizzle with a bit of chocolate sauce or caramel before serving for an indulgent twist.
Sprinkle some sea salt on top just before serving to enhance the salty-sweet flavor.

Pairing Suggestions

Serve with fresh fruit salad for a colorful, healthy addition to the dessert table.
Accompany with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for added creaminess and richness.

How to Perfect Salted Watermelon Sherbet Bars

To ensure your Salted Watermelon Sherbet Bars turn out perfectly every time, follow these expert tips.

Use ripe watermelon: Select a sweet and juicy watermelon for the best flavor in your sherbet bars.
Chill your mixture: Make sure to refrigerate the watermelon mixture before freezing for optimal texture.
Blend thoroughly: Ensure all ingredients are well-blended to create a smooth and creamy sherbet base.
Press crust firmly: Pack the waffle cone crust tightly in the baking dish to prevent it from crumbling when served.
Freeze completely: Allow the bars to freeze overnight for best results and easier cutting.
Cut with a warm knife: Dip your knife in hot water before slicing the bars for clean cuts.

Best Side Dishes for Salted Watermelon Sherbet Bars

These Salted Watermelon Sherbet Bars pair wonderfully with various side dishes. Consider these options to complement your dessert.

Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds brightness and balances sweetness.
Minty Cucumber Salad: The coolness of cucumbers paired with fresh mint provides a refreshing contrast.
Grilled Pineapple Skewers: Sweet grilled pineapple enhances the tropical vibe of the sherbet bars.
Chilled Lemonade: A tangy lemonade refreshes and balances the sweetness of the dessert.
Savory Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses pairs nicely, offering a savory counterpoint to the sweet bars.
Tortilla Chips with Salsa: The crunch and zestiness of chips and salsa create an interesting flavor pairing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Salted Watermelon Sherbet Bars can be fun, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

Ignoring the watermelon texture: Ensure you blend the watermelon thoroughly and strain it. This prevents a grainy texture in your bars.
Skipping the refrigeration step: Allowing the mixture to chill for 1-2 hours is crucial. It helps flavors meld and results in a smoother sherbet.
Not pressing the crust firmly: Pressing the waffle cone mixture into the dish is important. A well-packed crust holds the bars together when served.
Overmixing after adding half-and-half: Mix gently to maintain a light texture. Overmixing can cause the sherbet to become dense.
Not using enough salt: The right amount of kosher salt enhances the flavor. Taste your mixture before freezing to ensure it’s balanced.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover bars in an airtight container.
They can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Salted Watermelon Sherbet Bars

Wrap bars tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
They can be frozen for up to 3 weeks without losing quality.

Reheating Salted Watermelon Sherbet Bars

Oven: Not recommended, as it can melt and ruin the texture of the sherbet.
Microwave: Use sparingly if you need to soften; heat in short bursts of 10 seconds.
Stovetop: Not suitable for these bars, as they should be enjoyed frozen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Salted Watermelon Sherbet Bars?

Salted Watermelon Sherbet Bars are a refreshing summer dessert featuring layers of watermelon sherbet, a crunchy waffle cone crust, and fluffy whipped topping.

How do I achieve the best flavor balance?

To make sure your Salted Watermelon Sherbet Bars taste great, use fresh lime juice and adjust salt carefully. A pinch too much can enhance your flavors beautifully.

Can I use other fruits?

Yes! While this recipe focuses on watermelon, feel free to experiment with other fruits like strawberries or peaches for different flavors in your sherbet bars.

How long does it take to prepare?

The total time for making Salted Watermelon Sherbet Bars is about 130 minutes, including preparation and freezing time.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare these bars up to three weeks in advance. Just store them properly in the freezer until you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Salted Watermelon Sherbet Bars are not only refreshing but also versatile, making them an excellent addition to summer gatherings. Their delightful layers and unique flavor combination are sure to impress any crowd. Feel free to customize your bars by adding different fruits or toppings based on your preference!

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