9 Refreshing Recipes With Watermelon

Watermelon is the ultimate summer fruit, and no other fruit can so quickly evoke images of the sun, swimming pools, and vacation as this bright pink delicacy that you're guaranteed to find at every summer BBQ and picnic. As summer slowly slips away, take advantage of watermelon season with these 9 deliciously refreshing recipes featuring —you guessed it — watermelon!

1. Light Watermelon Cake

A delicious fruit-topped cake is the perfect treat any time of year, especially summertime. But a guilty conscience can easily come knocking, especially when the fruit is buried under thick layers of cream, sugar, and chocolate. With this cake, however, nobody has to feel bad. It's not completely free of creamy goodness but because the center is made of pure fruit, you can relax and enjoy! Get the recipe here.

2. Watermelon Ice Cream Cake

This time of year, you find them in every supermarket: round, plump, enticing watermelons. Not only do they taste great when ripe, but they are also incredibly refreshing on those hot summer days. Plus, you can eat as much as you want without a guilty conscience. This new idea might not be as good for the figure, but it will certainly be worth it. Treat yourself and your guests to a delicious watermelon, made entirely out of ice cream! Get the recipe here.

3. Watermelon Kiwi Smoothie

The last days of summer are approaching, and most people are trying to soak up every sunny moment. If you're still undecided as to which seasonal beverage was your favorite, allow us to introduce one final candidate! While it's hard to beat frosé and the coffee smoothie, this watermelon-kiwi cocktail is perfect for those last summer gatherings. It is simply delicious with or without alcohol, so even the little ones can lift their glasses to say: "Farewell!" Get the recipe here.

4. Melon Shark

There's nothing better than bringing joy to your children's faces with a nice surprise — and you can do that easily with the following idea, which is also perfect for a party buffet. Turn your watermelon into a fun animal cutout while you simultaneously turn every child's birthday into an unforgettable experience for your little one. Get the recipe here.

5. Watermelon Lemonade

You can't beat a refreshing drink on a hot day. Unfortunately, many ready-made lemonades (or limeades!) are either too sweet, or really expensive. And even though water is thirst-quenching, sometimes you just need something fruity. With this recipe, you can make a delightful summer drink at home with very simple ingredients, and no artificial sweeteners. Get the recipe here.

6. Watermelon Cookies

Cookies were first brought to America around 400 years ago by Dutch emigrants arriving in New Amsterdam, which is now modern-day New York City. Over time, the Dutch word "koekje" was then Anglicized to "cookie," but the cookies we know today weren't common until the late 18th century, when they were made by creaming butter and sugar. And while these watermelon cookies certainly didn't exist back then, it's not a stretch to assume that the Dutch emigrants and American settlers would have loved them! Get the recipe here.

7. Watermelon Macarons

You've probably already seen them colorfully lined up somewhere in a store window or at the market: delicately prepared macarons — a French creation made from an almond meringue mix. But what isn't obvious from looking at these little delicacies is that you don't need much to make them yourself. However, we do recommend a little patience, care and — in this case — a steady hand. Get the recipe here.

8. Watermelon Cake

Maybe it feels like you've had your fill of watermelon for the summer, or maybe you want something a bit more indulgent. But there's no denying you still want to savor the taste of this delicious fruit while you still have the chance. Whatever the reason, you will love this watermelon-flavored cake that actually looks like a slice of watermelon — what could possibly be sweeter? Get the recipe here.

9. Grilled Watermelon

Smoky flavor, the smell of charcoal burning and the promising sizzle of meat dripping into the embers — all of these things turn a nice evening into a perfect one. Have a sudden desire to roll your grill out from wherever it's been hiding? Before you do, be sure to make a trip to the fruit section of the grocery store. Although you won't believe it, there's a fruit that's perfect for the grill. It's time to rearrange your steaks, hot dogs, and ears of corn and make room for watermelon! Get the recipe here.