When the summer heat hits, I'm always looking for something cool and playful to make with my kids. These watermelon donut jellies came to life one scorching Saturday when we had a watermelon that was too sweet to just slice. We turned it into the most adorable, jiggly rings that taste like a watermelon gummy but are actually good for you.
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The best part? They're incredibly easy to make. You don't even need an oven. Just puree, strain, and let the fridge do the work. My daughter calls them 'watermelon candy donuts' and asks for them every weekend now. They're a fantastic way to get kids excited about fruit.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
4 cups (about 600g) cubed seedless watermelon
Use ripe, sweet watermelon for the best flavor. If you can't find seedless, remove the black seeds before blending.
3 tablespoons (45ml) fresh lemon juice
Fresh lemon brightens the watermelon flavor. Bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but fresh is better.
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
Adjust to taste depending on watermelon sweetness. You can substitute honey or maple syrup, but reduce to 3 tablespoons.
3 tablespoons (45g) unflavored gelatin powder
This helps the jellies set. For a vegan version, use agar agar powder (about 2 tablespoons) and follow package instructions.
1/2 cup (120ml) cold water
Used to bloom the gelatin. Filtered water is best for a clean taste.
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon watermelon extract
Adds extra watermelon punch if your fruit is mild. You can omit or use a few drops of vanilla.
Tips & Tricks
Don't skip straining the puree
This ensures a smooth, clear jelly without pulp. Use a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
- Grease the donut mold lightly with neutral oil: This makes the jellies pop out easily without tearing.
- Chill for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best: The jellies need time to set firmly. If they stick, dip the mold in warm water for a few seconds.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Puree the watermelon
In a blender, puree the cubed watermelon until completely smooth. Work in batches if needed. You should have about 2 cups (480ml) of puree.
2. Strain the puree
Pour the puree through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into a large bowl. Press with a spatula to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the pulp. This step ensures a silky texture.
3. Bloom the gelatin
In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes thick and spongy. This is called blooming.
4. Heat the watermelon juice
In a small saucepan, combine the watermelon juice, lemon juice, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm but not boiling (about 140°F/60°C). Do not boil.
5. Melt the gelatin
Remove the saucepan from heat. Add the bloomed gelatin and stir until fully dissolved. If using watermelon extract, stir it in now. The mixture should be clear and smooth.
6. Fill the donut mold
Lightly grease a silicone donut mold with neutral oil. Place the mold on a baking sheet for stability. Pour the liquid mixture into the mold cavities, filling each about 3/4 full. Use a spoon or squeeze bottle for accuracy.
7. Chill until set
Refrigerate the mold for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until the jellies are firm to the touch and easily release from the mold. They should be jiggly but hold their shape.
8. Unmold and serve
Carefully pop the jellies out of the mold. Serve chilled. Garnish with tiny watermelon seeds (use chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips) if desired for a cute donut look.
Delicious Variations
Make them boozy for adults
Replace 2 tablespoons of lemon juice with vodka or coconut rum for a grown-up party treat.
Use a star or flower mold
If you don't have a donut mold, any fun shape works. Adjust setting time if shapes are thicker or thinner.
- Add a layer of coconut milk for a creamy swirl: Freeze a thin layer of coconut milk in the mold first, then pour the watermelon mixture on top.
How to Store Refreshing and fun homemade watermelon donut jellies
Refrigerator
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep them chilled until serving.
Freezer
You can freeze them for up to 2 months. Place in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Thaw in the fridge for 1-2 hours before serving.
Reheating
No reheating needed. Serve cold straight from the fridge. If frozen, thaw in the fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use agar agar instead of gelatin?
Yes, you can substitute agar agar powder. Use 2 tablespoons of agar agar, and heat the mixture to a boil for 2 minutes to activate it, then proceed as directed. The texture will be slightly firmer.
Q: Why are my jellies not setting?
Your jellies may not set because the gelatin wasn't fully dissolved or the mixture wasn't chilled long enough. Ensure you heat the mixture enough to dissolve the gelatin completely, and chill for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
Q: Can I make these without a donut mold?
Absolutely! You can use a baking dish and cut them into squares, or use any silicone mold. The setting time may vary slightly depending on the depth.
Q: How do I get the jellies out of the mold without breaking them?
Lightly grease the mold first. Once set, gently press the bottom of each cavity to release. If they stick, dip the mold in warm water for 10 seconds, then invert onto a plate.
Q: Are these suitable for vegans?
If you use agar agar instead of gelatin, yes. Just be sure to follow the agar agar instructions for the correct setting method.
I'd love to see your watermelon donut jellies! Snap a photo and tag me on social media. Try this recipe this week and let me know how your family enjoys them. Here's to small steps, big impact.
Refreshing and fun homemade watermelon donut jellies
Juicy watermelon donut jellies are a fun, refreshing no-bake snack. These cute ring-shaped treats are perfect for summer parties and kids!
🧂 Ingredients
- 4 cups (about 600g) cubed seedless watermelon
- 3 tablespoons (45ml) fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons (45g) unflavored gelatin powder
- 1/2 cup (120ml) cold water
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon watermelon extract
📋 Instructions
- 1Puree the watermelon — In a blender, puree the cubed watermelon until completely smooth. Work in batches if needed. You should have about 2 cups (480ml) of puree.
- 2Strain the puree — Pour the puree through a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth into a large bowl. Press with a spatula to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the pulp. This step ensures a silky texture.
- 3Bloom the gelatin — In a small bowl, sprinkle the gelatin over the cold water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes thick and spongy. This is called blooming.
- 4Heat the watermelon juice — In a small saucepan, combine the watermelon juice, lemon juice, and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is warm but not boiling (about 140°F/60°C). Do not boil.
- 5Melt the gelatin — Remove the saucepan from heat. Add the bloomed gelatin and stir until fully dissolved. If using watermelon extract, stir it in now. The mixture should be clear and smooth.
- 6Fill the donut mold — Lightly grease a silicone donut mold with neutral oil. Place the mold on a baking sheet for stability. Pour the liquid mixture into the mold cavities, filling each about 3/4 full. Use a spoon or squeeze bottle for accuracy.
- 7Chill until set — Refrigerate the mold for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until the jellies are firm to the touch and easily release from the mold. They should be jiggly but hold their shape.
- 8Unmold and serve — Carefully pop the jellies out of the mold. Serve chilled. Garnish with tiny watermelon seeds (use chocolate chips or mini chocolate chips) if desired for a cute donut look.
Maya writes about sustainable living and zero-waste swaps for everyday families. She focuses on small, budget-friendly changes that actually stick, tested in her own chaotic kitchen.
