Fresh Watermelon Cake

This easy recipe for Watermelon Fruit Cake takes a fresh watermelon and turns it into a refreshing cake with the help of a homemade whipped cream frosting. It’s the perfect celebration treat to bring to a summer party or BBQ and will keep everyone cool and hydrated. Prep in 30 minutes!

two layer watermelon cake

Watermelon is the perfect snack during warmer weather. Not only is it perfectly sweet and refreshing, but it also helps with hydration when you’ve been outside in the sun making it the perfect summer fruit. One of the most creative and fun ways to use watermelon is to turn it into a fresh watermelon cake!

You’ll first cut up a fresh watermelon by removing the rind, then you’ll shape it into a classic cylinder cake shape. Frost it with a super-easy whipped cream frosting. Garnish, then slice it up and serve at a summer party or poolside. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Great for when you need a gluten-free cake during the warmer months. 
  • There’s no baking involved, so you won’t need to heat up the oven in the summer. 
  • It’s a fun way to use fresh watermelon.
  • This cake won’t weigh you down making it a light and refreshing treat. 
  • Kids and adults love this summer treat!
all of the ingredients for watermelon cake on a white countertop

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Heavy Cream – Gives a fluffy texture and creamy taste to the frosting. 
  • Granulated Sugar – Helps to sweeten up the frosting. You can substitute with powdered sugar, if desired.
  • Vanilla Extract – Adds a hint of vanilla flavor to the whipped cream frosting. 
  • Fresh Watermelon – A 15-20 lb watermelon is the perfect size to make this fruit cake. 
  • Berries – You’ll need blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries to garnish the cake. 
  • Fresh Mint – Adds a pop of green color and pairs well with the flavor of watermelon. 
cutting the watermelon for cake

How To Make Fresh Watermelon Cake

Step 1. Make the whipped cream icing. Add the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla to a large mixing bowl and mix using a stand mixer or electric and mixer until stiff peaks form. Set aside.

Step 2. Cut the watermelon into a cake shape. Remove the ends of the watermelon with a sharp knife. Then carefully remove the rind and discard. Take the remaining watermelon flesh and form it into a large cylinder shape being careful not to remove too much watermelon. 

Step 3. Assemble and garnish the cake. Slice the watermelon cylinder in half evenly, then place the first piece onto a cake stand. Add a layer of whipped cream frosting on top, then add the second piece of watermelon. Using a paper towel, blot any excess water off before frosting the rest of the cake with the remaining whipped cream frosting. Garnish with berries and fresh mint. Serve cold. 

EXPERT TIP: The best thing about this watermelon cake is that it doesn’t have to be perfect. If it looks rustic and natural, that’s great. Don’t worry if the surface or frosting is a little uneven. You can double the frosting if you want even more whipped cream.

frosting the cake with whipped cream

Recipe Tips

  1. Choosing the best watermelon. You’ll want to choose a watermelon that has a creamy yellow spot on its side. Then, tap the watermelon. If it has a hollow sound, that means it’s ripe and full of juice. You want one that is about 15-20 pounds in weight with the rind to make this cake. 
  2. Pat the watermelon dry with a paper towel before coating in the frosting. This helps remove the moisture on the surface.
  3. If you’re making the frosting ahead of time, store it in the fridge to keep cool. 
  4. For best results, chill the watermelon in the fridge overnight before cutting to make an extra refreshing treat. 
  5. If the cake seems a bit unsteady, cut down a few wooden skewers and pierce them through the cake to help stabilize it. 
a whole fresh watermelon cake with fresh berries on top

Variations

  • Make mini fresh watermelon cakes by cutting each piece into smaller circles and frosting for an individual watermelon cake. 
  • Add lemon or strawberry extract to the whipped cream frosting for a fruity taste. 
  • Use fresh garden basil as a garnish for a sweet and savory flavor that pairs well together. 
  • Feel free to use your favorite toppings such as chocolate chips, dried fruit, or chopped candied nuts. 
  • Make vegan watermelon cake by using 2 cups of chilled coconut milk solids to make the frosting instead of heavy cream. 
one slice of watermelon cake on a plate

FAQs

How do you make watermelon cake?

To make this cake, simply cut a watermelon into a cake shape. Then, frost with whipped cream frosting, garnish with berries, slice it up and serve on a hot day. 

Can you frost watermelon?

If the watermelon is pat dry as much as possible, the frosting will stick to it perfectly. 

How long does a watermelon cake last?

A frosted watermelon cake should be served immediately, but any leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days while frosted. 

Can I cut the watermelon the night before?

Though cutting fresh is best, you can cut watermelon for cake the night before. Just make sure it is carefully wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container to avoid as much moisture loss as possible.

Other Watermelon Recipes

two layer watermelon cake

Fresh Watermelon Cake

Yield: 8 slices
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
This refreshing cake is the perfect dessert or snack. It's made with only a few basic ingredients!
5 from 3 votes

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons granulated or powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 (15-20 lb) watermelon
  • 3/4 cup sliced strawberries
  • 3/4 cup blueberries
  • 3/4 cup raspberries
  • Fresh mint

Instructions

  • Add the heavy cream, sugar and vanilla to a large bowl and whip for 2-3 minutes on high speed or until stiff peaks form. Then set aside for later.
    whipped cream in a bowl
  • Cut the ends of the watermelon off then set the watermelon up on its end.
    watermelon with the top and bottom cup off
  • Carefully slice the rind from off of the outside of the watermelon and form it into a cylindrical shape as best you can without cutting too much of the fruit off.
    watermelon with rind cut off
  • Lay the watermelon back down on its side then slice it in half.
    watermelon sliced in half
  • Place one half of the watermelon on a cake stand then add a layer of the whip cream on top then place the other watermelon half on top.
    half of watermelon with frosting on top
  • Blot the outside of the watermelon with a paper towel to get rid of any excess moisture then cover the outside with the remaining heavy cream.
    watermelon covered in cream
  • Add the strawberries, blueberries and raspberries to the top of the cake along with a few mint leaves then slice and serve.
    cake topped with fresh berries

Notes

This recipe makes 8 large slices. You can divide each slice in half for 16 servings.
Storing: This cake should be served immediately for best results. The whipped cream frosting can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. 
Freezing: Due to the high water content in watermelon, freezing is not recommended as thawing will change the structure of the watermelon. 

Nutrition

Calories: 379kcal, Carbohydrates: 45g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 23g, Saturated Fat: 14g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Cholesterol: 82mg, Sodium: 28mg, Potassium: 605mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 35g, Vitamin A: 3482IU, Vitamin C: 50mg, Calcium: 76mg, Iron: 1mg
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Author: Ashley C.
If you try this recipe, don’t forget to leave a review below or share a photo and tag @spoonfulofflavor on Instagram.

3 comments on “Fresh Watermelon Cake”

  1. My kids went crazy over this cake. I love it has less sugar than a real cake. Thank you!

  2. THIS IS GENIUS! So tasty and beautiful too!

  3. so clever, a great way to serve watermelon and a great 4th of July dish, thank you

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