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Watermelon Dream Squares Recipe

Watermelon Dream Squares Recipe

Delight in the refreshing and creamy Watermelon Dream Squares Recipe, perfect for summer gatherings and easy to make.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Cooling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 50 minutes
Servings: 12 squares
Course: Dessert Recipes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 191

Ingredients
  

Crust
  • 12 oz round vanilla wafers, finely ground
  • 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
Filling
  • 5 cups watermelon juice from about 1/2 of a large watermelon
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest from 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice from 2 large lemons
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 4 envelopes unflavored gelatin 1 oz. total
Garnish
  • 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
  • 1 cup whipped cream optional for garnish

Equipment

  • Baking Pan
  • mixing bowls
  • Microwave or stove
  • Foil

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a 13-by-9-inch baking pan with foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on the long sides of the pan. Spray the foil with cooking spray.
  2. Mix the melted butter into the finely ground vanilla wafers and add 2 tablespoons of water. Press the crumbs onto the bottom of the prepared pan, forming a crust. Bake the crust for 20 minutes and allow to cool.
Filling
  1. Set aside 2 cups of the watermelon juice in a small bowl. In a large bowl, combine the remaining 3 cups of watermelon juice with the lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, and heavy cream.
  2. Sprinkle the gelatin over the reserved 2 cups of watermelon juice. Allow to sit for 2 minutes to bloom. Heat in the microwave for 2 minutes on high, or gently in a pot over low heat, until the gelatin has completely melted.
  3. Add the watermelon juice with the melted gelatin to the larger bowl of juice. Stir to combine. Gently pour the mixture over the prepared crust and place in the freezer for 2 hours or until firm. Alternatively, refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours.
  4. Keep in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Cut into squares before serving. If desired, sprinkle with confectioners' sugar or add a dollop of whipped cream.

Nutrition

Serving: 1squareCalories: 191kcalCarbohydrates: 20gFat: 13gSodium: 19mgSugar: 18g

Notes

A sprinkle of salt can enhance the sweetness of the watermelon. Cut squares after they’ve fully chilled for clean edges.

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