The Ultimate Watermelon & Strawberry Ice Block: A Taste of Pure Summer Bliss

The searing heat of July always brings back a flood of memories, most of them involving my grandmother’s sun-drenched garden and the sweet, sticky scent of ripe fruit. More than any other treat, it’s the memory of her homemade watermelon and strawberry ice blocks that truly transports me back. She’d whip them up with an almost magical simplicity, the vibrant colours of the fruit bleeding together in their moulds, promising a cool, sweet escape from the oppressive afternoon sun. There was a profound joy in that simple, unadulterated flavour, a pure distillation of summer that I’ve spent years trying to replicate.

This recipe, a cherished gem from the “Great Casual Food” cookbook, captures that essence perfectly. It’s a testament to the power of minimal ingredients and maximum flavour, proving that sometimes, the most extraordinary delights are the simplest to create. Forget complicated techniques or exotic ingredients; this is about celebrating the inherent sweetness of perfectly ripe fruit, transformed into a frozen sensation that will have you reaching for a second, and maybe even a third, before the day is out.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 minutes
• Total Time: Overnight freeze time + 17 minutes active time
• Servings: 4
• Yields: 4 ice blocks
• Dietary Type: Vegan, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

This recipe sings with the natural sweetness of its core ingredients. The beauty lies in its simplicity, allowing the pure flavours of watermelon and strawberry to shine through.

• 1⁄3 cup water
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 250 grams watermelon, peeled, seeded, and chopped coarsely
• 100 grams strawberries, chopped coarsely
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

A Note on Sweetness: Before you commit to freezing, give your fruit mixture a taste. The sweetness of both watermelon and strawberries can vary wildly with the season and ripeness. If it doesn’t quite hit the mark for your palate, this is your chance to adjust. You might need a touch more sugar or even a tiny squeeze more lemon juice to balance the flavours.

Equipment Needed

To create these delightful ice blocks, you’ll need a few basic kitchen tools:

• Small saucepan
• Small bowl
• Blender or food processor
• Four 1/3 cup ice block moulds

Instructions

Crafting these refreshing ice blocks is a wonderfully straightforward process, perfect for even the most novice of cooks. The key is in the careful preparation and allowing ample time for the freezing process.

1. Prepare the Sweetening Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the 1/3 cup water and 2 tablespoons sugar. Stir these together over low heat until the sugar dissolves completely. You don’t want any grainy texture left behind.
2. Simmer the Syrup: Once the sugar is dissolved, increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it boil uncovered for about 2 minutes, or until you notice the mixture has thickened slightly. This brief simmer helps to create a more stable syrup base.
3. Chill the Syrup: Carefully transfer the hot syrup into a small bowl. Place this bowl in the refrigerator and allow it to chill completely. It needs to be cold before you proceed to the next step.
4. Blend the Flavours: Once the syrup is thoroughly chilled, it’s time to bring the fruits into the picture. Add the cold syrup, the 250g of peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped watermelon, the 100g of coarsely chopped strawberries, and the 2 teaspoons of lemon juice into your blender or food processor.
5. Achieve Smoothness: Blend or process all the ingredients until they are smooth and well combined. You want a uniform texture, with no large chunks of fruit remaining.
6. Portion and Freeze: Pour the fruit mixture evenly into four 1/3 cup ice block moulds. Ensure you don’t overfill them, leaving a little space for expansion as they freeze. Place the moulds in your freezer and let them freeze overnight, or until completely firm.

Expert Tips & Tricks

To elevate your ice block game, consider these simple yet effective tips:

• Fruit Quality is Key: The success of this recipe hinges on the quality of your watermelon and strawberries. Opt for the sweetest, ripest fruit you can find. A flavourless fruit will yield a flavourless ice block.
• Seedless Watermelon Shortcut: If you can find seedless watermelon, it will save you a few precious minutes during preparation.
• Gentle Thaw: When it’s time to enjoy your ice blocks, run the outside of the mould under warm (not hot) water for a few seconds. This should help them slide out easily without melting too much.
• Layering for Visual Appeal: For a more striking visual, you could blend the watermelon and syrup first, pour half into the moulds, then blend the strawberries and syrup, and pour that on top. This creates distinct layers.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These Watermelon & Strawberry Ice Blocks are best enjoyed on a hot day, directly from the freezer. They are designed to be a single-serving treat that provides instant refreshment.

Storage: While these are at their absolute best when freshly made, any leftovers can be stored in the freezer. Ensure they are well-sealed in their moulds or transferred to an airtight freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. They should remain delicious for up to 1-2 months.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional content per ice block. Please note that these values can vary based on the exact sweetness and size of your fruit.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	51.8	–
Total Fat	0.2 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	1.3 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	13.2 g	4%
Dietary Fiber	0.8 g	3%
Sugars	11.4 g	45%
Protein	0.6 g	1%

Note: Percentages are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Variations & Substitutions

While the classic combination of watermelon and strawberry is hard to beat, feel free to experiment and make these your own!

• Berry Blast: Swap out the strawberries for other berries like raspberries or blueberries. A mix of berries also works wonderfully.
• Tropical Twist: Add a splash of coconut milk to the blender for a creamier texture and a hint of tropical flavour.
• Melon Medley: Combine watermelon with other melons like cantaloupe or honeydew for a more complex melon profile.
• Herbal Infusion: For a sophisticated touch, try steeping a few fresh mint or basil leaves in the hot syrup before chilling it. Strain them out before blending.

FAQs

Q: My watermelon and strawberries aren’t very sweet. Can I add more sugar?
A: Absolutely! Taste the blended mixture before freezing and adjust the sweetness to your preference. You can dissolve more sugar in a tiny bit of hot water and add it, or add a touch of honey or maple syrup for a different flavour profile.

Q: How can I get the ice blocks out of the moulds easily?
A: Run the outside of the mould under warm (not hot) water for a few seconds. This will loosen the ice block enough to slide it out. Alternatively, you can use reusable ice pop sticks that often have a release mechanism.

Q: Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen fruit, but you may need to adjust the freezing time. Thaw the fruit slightly before blending to ensure a smooth mixture.

Q: How long do these ice blocks typically take to freeze solid?
A: They generally require at least 4-6 hours, but overnight is best to ensure they are completely firm and easy to handle.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time for a party?
A: Yes, these are perfect for making ahead! They can be stored in the freezer for up to a couple of months.

Final Thoughts

There’s a certain magic in the simplicity of a perfectly ripe fruit transformed into a frozen delight. This Watermelon & Strawberry Ice Block recipe is more than just a dessert; it’s an invitation to savour the fleeting sweetness of summer. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most profound flavours come from the earth, requiring only a gentle hand and a little patience. I encourage you to gather your freshest fruits, embrace the simple joy of creating something beautiful and delicious, and share these vibrant frozen treats with loved ones. They’re not just a way to beat the heat; they’re a taste of pure, unadulterated summer bliss.