Best 4 Watermelon Basket Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

**Indulge in a Refreshing Watermelon Basket: A Culinary Masterpiece for Summer Gatherings**

As the summer sun radiates its warmth, it's time to embrace the vibrant flavors of the season's bounty. Among the delightful treats that grace our tables, the watermelon basket stands out as a refreshing and visually stunning centerpiece. This culinary creation combines the juicy sweetness of watermelon with the tangy zest of fresh berries and the creamy richness of whipped cream, resulting in a symphony of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds.

This article presents a collection of mouthwatering watermelon basket recipes, each offering unique variations and delightful surprises. From the classic combination of watermelon, berries, and whipped cream to innovative twists featuring tropical fruits, tangy citrus, or even a touch of mint, these recipes cater to a wide range of palates. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue, a summer picnic, or simply seeking a sweet treat to beat the heat, these watermelon baskets are sure to impress and delight. Dive into the recipes and discover the art of crafting this refreshing masterpiece that will make your summer gatherings truly memorable.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

WATERMELON BASKET



Watermelon Basket image

To make a watermelon basket, start by cutting the watermelon into shape. Then, fill it with melon balls to serve with a creamy dip. -Christine Johnson, Ricetown, Kentucky

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 32 servings (about 1-1/3 cups dip).

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 large watermelon (10 pounds)
1 medium honeydew, cut into balls
3 cups white cranberry juice
1 cup light corn syrup
2 tablespoons lime juice
FRUIT DIP:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup 2% milk
3 tablespoons sugar
3 tablespoons lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

Steps:

  • Cut a thin slice from the bottom of watermelon with a sharp knife so it sits flat. Mark horizontal cutting line 2 in. above center and around the melon. , For handle, score a 1-1/2-in.-wide strip across the top of melon, connecting both sides to the horizontal line. With a long sharp knife, cut all the way through the rind above the cutting line in a zigzag pattern., Carefully lift off the side pieces. Remove fruit from both sections and cut into balls. Refrigerate the basket., In a large bowl, combine watermelon and honeydew balls. In another bowl, whisk cranberry juice, corn syrup and lime juice until blended; pour over melon balls. Cover and chill for 3 hours., Drain; spoon melon into watermelon basket. In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese and milk until smooth. Beat in sugar, lemon juice and cardamom; serve with melon.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 127 calories, Fat 3g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 8mg cholesterol, Sodium 41mg sodium, Carbohydrate 25g carbohydrate (22g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.

WATERMELON FRUIT BASKET CAKE



Watermelon Fruit Basket Cake image

Everyone will want a serving of this fruit salad: It's sitting in a bowl of cake! To make the faux watermelon, we dyed cake batter pinkish red and added chocolate chips to look like seeds. We baked it in a bowl to get the right shape, then we painted the icing with green and yellow food coloring to look like the rind.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     dessert

Time 3h10m

Yield 12 to 14 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

Cooking spray
2 16-to-18-ounce boxes white cake mix (plus required ingredients)
Red, yellow and green food coloring
1/4 cup chocolate chips
2 16-ounce tubs vanilla frosting
Juice of 1 lemon
Fresh fruit, for topping

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Coat a 4-quart ovenproof bowl with cooking spray. Prepare the cake mixes as directed; fold in 2 teaspoons red food coloring and the chocolate chips.
  • Transfer the batter to the prepared bowl; bake until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean, about 1 hour 30 minutes. Let cool slightly, then invert onto a rack to cool completely.
  • Put the cake flat-side down on a small cardboard circle. Trim 2 opposite sides with a serrated knife to make an oval shape.
  • Cover the sides of the cake with a thick layer of frosting; cover the top with a thin layer (this will be the bottom of the cake). Reserve about 1/2 cup frosting for the inside of the cake. Freeze until the frosting is firm, at least 20 minutes.
  • Gently pat the sides of the cake with a smooth paper towel to even out any bumps in the frosting.
  • Mix 1/2 teaspoon yellow food coloring with a drop of green food coloring and a splash of lemon juice in a small bowl. Paint the yellow-green food coloring all over the side of the cake with a pastry brush.
  • Mix 1/2 teaspoon green food coloring with a splash of lemon juice in another bowl. Paint green stripes on the cake, then blend the edges of the stripes with the tip of the pastry brush.
  • Put another small cardboard circle on the cake and flip it over. Carve out the center of the cake, about 1 inch deep, leaving a 1-inch border. Cover the center with frosting, leaving the border unfrosted. Freeze the cake 20 minutes.
  • Use a paring knife to make zigzag cuts around the rim of the cake. Mound the fruit in the center, covering the frosting completely.

WATERMELON BASKET



Watermelon Basket image

For a dessert you can serve in "fruitful" bowls, fill hollowed-out watermelon halves with slices of papaya, honeydew, and cantaloupe, as well as balls of the watermelon -- all sprinkled with lime zest. Choose from a trio of toppings: Berry sauce with lime and ginger adds flavorful color, coconut brittle lends richness, and pink Hawaiian sea salt supplies savory contrast.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Lunch Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 medium oblong seedless watermelon, (10 to 12 pounds)
5 to 6 pounds mixed cantaloupe and honeydew melons, seeds and rinds removed, cut into 1/2-to 1-inch-thick wedges (32 to 36 slices)
3 pounds red papaya, seeds and skin removed, cut into 1-inch-thick wedges (8 to 10 slices)
Lime zest, for sprinkling
Pink Hawaiian sea salt
Raspberry-Lime Ginger Sauce
Toasted Coconut Brittle

Steps:

  • Trim ends off watermelon, then cut watermelon in half at an angle. Remove flesh from each half with a melon baller; set aside. Scrape out any excess flesh with a spoon for a clean, smooth interior.
  • Stand watermelon baskets upright on trimmed ends. Fill bottom third of each basket with about 40 watermelon balls. Place assorted melon and papaya slices on top of watermelon balls against the back of the basket, evenly dividing fruit between baskets. Fill in front with remaining watermelon balls. Sprinkle with lime zest. Serve with sea salt, sauce, and brittle as accompaniments.

MINTED WATERMELON BASKET



Minted Watermelon Basket image

An eye-catching centerpiece for any brunch, this four-fruit salad features the delicate flavor of mint.

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Side Dish

Time 1h15m

Yield 16

Number Of Ingredients 8

1 whole watermelon, about 17 inches long
1 cup green grapes
3 cups cantaloupe balls
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh mint leaves
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup fresh strawberries
Additional fresh mint leaves

Steps:

  • Using long sharp knife, cut a thin slice from end of watermelon, being careful not to cut into flesh of watermelon. Stand watermelon on cut end. Using a washable marker, mark handle at top of basket by drawing 2 parallel lines that are 2 1/2 inches apart, starting at top of watermelon and drawing lines about 6 inches down each side.
  • Using a sharp knife, cut out a wedge-shaped piece of watermelon from each side, leaving the handle intact. Using a large spoon, gently scoop out watermelon flesh, leaving about 4 inches of flesh at bottom of watermelon.
  • With a small knife or garnishing tool, make "V" or scallop cuts about 2 inches apart on cut sides and handle of watermelon basket.
  • Cut watermelon into 1-inch chunks or use melon ball tool to make balls of watermelon. Measure 3 cups of watermelon and place in large bowl. Refrigerate remaining watermelon for another use.
  • Add grapes and cantaloupe to watermelon in bowl. Gently mix in 1/4 cup mint, the lemon juice and sugar. Refrigerate fruit mixture and watermelon basket separately until ready to use. Just before serving, fill watermelon basket with fruit mixture. Garnish with strawberries and additional mint leaves.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 45, Carbohydrate 10 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fiber 0 g, Protein 0 g, SaturatedFat 0 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 5 mg, Sugar 9 g, TransFat 0 g

Tips:

  • Choose a ripe watermelon: A ripe watermelon will have a deep red color, a firm rind, and a hollow sound when you tap it.
  • Cut the watermelon carefully: Use a sharp knife to cut the watermelon in half, then use a melon baller or a spoon to scoop out the flesh, leaving a 1-inch thick shell.
  • Chill the watermelon before serving: This will help to keep it cool and refreshing.
  • Get creative with your fillings: You can fill the watermelon basket with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and cheeses. Some popular fillings include berries, melon, cucumber, feta cheese, and prosciutto.
  • Garnish the watermelon basket: Add a few fresh herbs or flowers to the top of the watermelon basket for a finishing touch.

Conclusion:

A watermelon basket is a fun and festive way to serve fruit or other snacks. It's also a great way to use up any leftover watermelon. With a little creativity, you can create a watermelon basket that is both beautiful and delicious.

Related Topics