22 *Really* Refreshing Watermelon Desserts to Last You All Summer

There’s no denying that watermelon is the unofficial fruit of summer. It’s tasty cut into chunks, sliced, frozen into ice cubes, and even charred on a piping hot grill. What’s more, it’s so refreshing it can *instantly* cool you down on those scorching, summer days. But, lucky for all of us, they’re more versatile than they’re given credit for. Read on for 22 creative watermelon dessert recipes that will keep your body hydrated and your sweet tooth satisfied all season long.

Easy Watermelon Jerky: These dehydrated watermelon strips are spritzed with lemon juice and cooked low and slow for a tender snack. (via Brit + Co )

Watermelon Popsicles Dip watermelon slices in melted chocolate and top with the sprinkles for a quick but festive treat. (via How Sweet Eats)

Watermelon Fruit Leathers: These natural fruit leathers are made with dehydrated fruit and your sweetener of choice. (via Domestically Beautiful)

Watermelon Salsa With Cinnamon Tortilla Chips: Chips and dip get a sweet upgrade with this recipe. It’s tasty enough for kids, but the mint and lime combo make it more than suitable for adults. (via Frugal Mom Eh)

Salted Watermelon Sherbet Bars: Pack up this three-layer cake for community pool parties or barbecues. The dreamy dessert combines watermelon sherbet with crushed waffle cones and homemade whipped cream. (via Spicy Southern Kitchen)

Fruit Dip: Dip into a heart-shaped pool of marshmallow fluff; it's pure delight. (via Brit + Co )

Five Ingredient Fresh Fruit Salad: Start to rethink dessert with this colorful and creative snack. (via Grounded & Surrounded )

Creamy Watermelon Coconut Milkshake: We’ve never had a watermelon milkshake, but this recipe has us in the mood for one ASAP. If the unique combination isn’t enough, it’s also made with chocolate. (via Cook Nourish Bliss)

No-Bake Watermelon Cupcakes: Trying to win over a crowd? Top the ultimate summer fruit with whipped cream and berries for a portable snack that will keep them afloat the entire pool day. (via Carolina Girl Cooks)

Honey Drizzled Watermelon and Yogurt Parfait: Two things you can never go wrong with — watermelon and Greek yogurt — come together in this ultra-light dessert. For added sweetness, just add honey. (via Hungry Couple)

Watermelon Pizza: Slice into summer one tasty coconut whipped cream and berry-topped piece at a time. The fresh mint leaves deserve an honorable mention, giving this cool dessert a whole new meaning. (via Domestically Blissful)

Chewy Watermelon Fries With Whipped Coconut Dip: For your chewing pleasure, you’ll need to dehydrate watermelon for eight to 12 hours. Don’t forget to dredge each piece in the sweetened dip made with canned coconut milk. (via Domestically Blissful)

Fruit Cake: Your taste will be elevated all summer long with this cake that’s way too cool for icing. (via Brit + Co )

Watermelon Lemonade Popsicles: Get ready for summer on a stick with this two-ingredient popsicle made with lemonade concentrate and blended watermelon. (via Handmade Charlotte)

Homemade Watermelon Fruit Chews: A handful (or two) of adorable gummy bears totally counts as a light dessert. Grab your silicone mode, gelatin, citric acid, and watermelon juice to make these cuties. (via Love and Zest)

Ruby Red Granita: Grapefruit lovers, prepare your taste buds because watermelon found a new partner in crime. Together, they’ve stolen our hearts with this sweet and tart combination. (via Sunkissed Kitchen)

4 Ingredient Watermelon Cherry Popsicles: How do sweet dark cherries, creamy yogurt, and refreshing watermelon all in one cool popsicle sound to you? We can’t contain ourselves either. (via Bunsen Burner Bakery)

Watermelon Coconut Water Popsicles: As if watermelon isn’t refreshing enough, in this recipe it’s paired with coconut water to aid in beating the summer’s heat. Cheers to staying hydrated all season long. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Strawberry and White Chocolate Panna Cotta: Upgrade your summer desserts with this fancy AF panna cotta made with white chocolate liqueur. Take it to all of those Independence Day events. (via Tara’s Multicultural Table)

Watermelon Bites With Whipped Cream Cheese: This dessert is for all of those times you want “just a little bite.” Fun watermelon cutouts are topped with dreamy whipped cream and, for a bit of decadence, a drizzle of chocolate. (via Mommy’s Home Cooking)

Boozy Watermelon Granita: Pull this recipe out for those sweltering days when you want an icy treat that's spiked ever so slightly. (via How Sweet Eats)