Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Create a stunning Watermelon Cake that's as visually captivating as it is delicious. This unique dessert combines tiers of carved watermelon with an array of colorful fruit cutouts (and/or herbs & edible flowers!), resembling a traditional cake. Perfect for special occasions and adhering to various diets, this refreshing treat is vegan, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly. Follow our simple steps to craft your own edible masterpiece that's sure to steal the spotlight at any event.

overhead view of a watermelon cake with mint flowers

The Refreshing Delight: Crafting a Stunning Watermelon Cake for Special Occasions

This whimsical creation combines the natural sweetness of juicy watermelon with a touch of artistry, making it a delightful treat that caters to various diets and occasions. We'll guide you through the process of crafting your own show-stopping Watermelon Cake, complete with tips for selecting the perfect watermelon, essential kitchen tools, and expert decorating advice. Let's get started!

a fresh watermelon cake with mint flowers and leaves — flowering, fresh mint decorates this fresh 2-tiered watermelon cake

decorated watermelon cake — flowering, fresh mint decorates this fresh 2-tiered watermelon cake

Finding the Perfect Watermelon: How to Tell If It's Ripe:

Before you embark on your watermelon cake journey, it's essential to choose a ripe and juicy watermelon. Look for these signs of ripeness:

Uniform Shape: A well-rounded watermelon with no irregular bumps or dents is a good sign of even growth.
Deep Color: A deep green color with a matte finish indicates that the watermelon is ripe. Avoid overly shiny or dull exteriors.
Yellow Spot: The underside should have a creamy yellow spot, indicating where it ripened on the ground.
Hollow Sound: Gently tap the watermelon - a hollow sound signifies that it's ready to enjoy.

a ripe whole watermelon on a marble table in the sunlight

Kitchen Tools You'll Need:

To create your stunning watermelon cake, gather the following kitchen tools:

Large Chef's Knife
Melon Baller, optional
Paring Knife
Cutting Board
Skewers or Toothpicks
Assorted Cookie Cutters (flower shapes, if possible)
Serving Platter or Cake Stand

a cut fresh watermelon on a marble table in the afternoon sunlight

Recipe Tips for Success:

Choose a Sturdy Watermelon: Select a watermelon that's relatively firm to make the carving and decorating process smoother.
Chill Before Serving: For maximum refreshment, chill the watermelon cake in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
Layer Creatively: Carve the watermelon into tiered layers, resembling a traditional cake. The bottom layer should be wider for stability.
Experiment with Fruits: Use a variety of colorful fruits to mimic the appearance of cake decorations. Strawberries, kiwi slices, and blueberries work wonderfully.
Secure with Skewers: Use skewers or toothpicks to hold the layers together, ensuring your watermelon cake stays intact.

Our Watermelon recipes (opens in a new window)

a 2-tiered watermelon cake on a white cake stand on a marble table in the sun

Diet-Friendly and Perfect for Every Occasion:

This watermelon cake is a versatile dessert that caters to various diets and occasions:

Vegan: With its focus on fresh fruits, this dessert aligns perfectly with vegan dietary preferences.
Gluten-Free: Skip the wheat flour and enjoy a gluten-free treat that everyone can indulge in.
Paleo: The natural sweetness of fruits makes this cake suitable for those following a paleo lifestyle.

a 2-tier watermelon cake with mint flowers

Web Story

View all stories

BEST NO-KNEAD FLAXSEED BREAD STORY

DELICIOUS JIFFY CORNBREAD JOHNNY CAKE STORY

PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY SANDWICH STORY

DELICIOUS COFFEE LIMEADE STORY

DELICIOUS SAUTÉED PURSLANE STORY

the top of a watermelon cake with a mint flower

Serving at Special Events, Holidays, and Occasions:

The watermelon cake's vibrant appearance and refreshing taste make it a fantastic addition to a range of gatherings:

Summer Celebrations: Whether it's a backyard barbecue, pool party, or picnic, this cake captures the essence of summer.
Birthday Parties: Surprise your loved ones with a unique twist on the traditional birthday cake.
Mother's Day: Show your appreciation for mom with a visually stunning and healthful dessert.
Bridal Showers: Add a touch of elegance to your bridal shower spread with this light and eye-catching cake.

a red watermelon cake with flowering herbs

up close view of a mint flower on a fresh watermelon cake

Final Thoughts

The Watermelon Cake is not only a delightful dessert but also an edible work of art that's bound to impress your guests. From its fresh flavors to its stunning presentation, this creation is a true showstopper. The next time you're planning a special event or craving a unique treat, consider crafting your own watermelon cake. Your taste buds and guests will thank you!

an herby, fresh, watermelon cake in the sunlight

Latest Posts

a watermelon cake on a white cake stand with fresh, flowering mint

Watermelon Cake

Name: Watermelon Cake
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 min
Total time: 1 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 large ripe watermelon; Assorted fresh fruits (such as strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, and melon); Skewers or toothpicks; Optional: fresh mint leaves for garnish

Yield: 1 watermelon cake

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 1 minute

Total Time: 1 minute

Create a stunning Watermelon Cake that’s as visually captivating as it is delicious. This unique dessert combines tiers of carved watermelon with an array of colorful fruit cutouts, resembling a traditional cake. Perfect for special occasions and adhering to various diets, this refreshing treat is vegan, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly. Follow our simple steps to craft your own edible masterpiece that’s sure to steal the spotlight at any event.

Ingredients

1 large ripe watermelon
Assorted fresh fruits (such as strawberries, kiwi, blueberries, and melon)
Skewers or toothpicks
Optional: fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Watermelon:

Wash the watermelon thoroughly and pat it dry.
Place the watermelon on a stable surface and use a large chef's knife to carefully trim off both ends, creating flat surfaces.

Carve the Tiers:

Stand the watermelon upright on one of the flat ends. Carefully carve the watermelon into three or more layers, like cake tiers. The bottom layer should be wider for stability, and each layer should be about 2-3 inches thick.
Set the carved layers aside.

Create the Fruit Cutouts:

Wash and prepare the assorted fruits you'll be using for decoration. Slice the fruits to your desired thickness.
Use flower-shaped cookie cutters or other fun shapes to cut out decorative pieces from the sliced fruits. These will serve as the "cake" decorations.

Assemble the Watermelon Cake:

Place the widest watermelon layer on your serving platter or cake stand. If it wobbles, you can slice a small portion of the bottom to create a stable base.
Carefully layer the remaining watermelon tiers on top, aligning them to create a tiered cake structure.

Decorate with Fruit Cutouts:

Insert skewers or toothpicks through the top layers of the watermelon to help secure them in place. Arrange the fruit cutouts around the cake, using the skewers to hold them in position.

Garnish and Serve:

If desired, garnish the cake with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and added aroma.
Refrigerate the watermelon cake for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the cake to chill.
Slice and serve your masterpiece to your amazed guests!

Notes

What's the preparation time?: The prep time for making a Watermelon Cake can vary based on your experience with carving and decorating, as well as the size of the watermelon and the complexity of the decoration. On average, the prep time can range from 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Here's a breakdown of the time involved:

Carving and Layering: Carving the watermelon into tiers and layering them can take around 15-30 minutes, depending on your carving skills and the size of the watermelon.
Fruit Cutouts: Cutting out decorative shapes from assorted fruits might take an additional 15-20 minutes, depending on the complexity of the designs.
Assembling and Decorating: Assembling the cake layers, securing them with skewers, and arranging the fruit cutouts could take around 10-15 minutes.

Remember, the more you practice and familiarize yourself with the process, the quicker you'll become at creating your Watermelon Cake. It's also a fun and creative activity that can be enjoyed with friends or family members.

How many servings does this recipe make?: The number of servings for the Watermelon Cake recipe can vary depending on the size of the watermelon used and how thick the layers are cut. As a general guideline, a large watermelon with three to four tiers can serve approximately 8 to 12 people. However, you can adjust the size of the watermelon and the thickness of the layers to accommodate more or fewer servings as needed. Keep in mind that watermelon is quite hydrating and filling, so smaller slices can go a long way in satisfying your guests.

Recipe Tips:

Be cautious when carving the watermelon layers to ensure even and stable cuts.
Experiment with various fruit combinations for different color schemes and flavor profiles.
Customize the cake size and number of tiers based on your preferences and the number of guests.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. #CommissionsEarned #ad

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 23Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 0g

Please note that the Calculated Nutrition is an estimate at best. If you make this recipe and love it, remember to stop back and give it a 5-star rating – it helps others find the recipe!

First published: 9/6/2023
Updated: 9/8/2023

Author
Recent Posts

Follow me

Sara Maniez

Owner at Life's Little Sweets

Sara is an architectural designer turned work-at-home Mom. She lives in New Jersey by way of New England and New York, with her husband and 3 kids under 8. She loves design, being creative, and spending time with family and friends. She loves checking out local businesses and eats and being apart of the local farm to table community.