Watermelon Dream Squares

MAKES: 20

CHILL TIME: 5 Hr 30 Min

These dessert bars are made with summer's juiciest fruit! Our Watermelon Dream Squares are a real dream come true. From the buttery crust to the fresh-tasting layer of watermelon cream, there's nothing you won't love about this potluck-perfect dessert.

What You'll Need

2 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup sugar, divided
1 1/2 stick butter, melted
5 cups watermelon juice, divided
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1 (1-ounce) package unflavored gelatin

What to Do

In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup sugar, and the butter; mix well. Press crumb mixture evenly into a 9- x 13-inch baking dish and refrigerate.
In a large bowl, combine 3 cups watermelon juice, the lemon juice, milk, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, and lemon zest; mix well until sugar dissolves, then set aside.
Place remaining 2 cups watermelon juice in a medium microwave-safe bowl and sprinkle gelatin over juice. Let sit 2 minutes, or until gelatin is absorbed. Microwave 1-1/2 minutes, or until liquid is smooth after stirring. Stir gelatin mixture into watermelon mixture. Slowly pour over prepared crust.
Place in freezer 1-1/2 hours, or until mixture is set. Remove from freezer and place in refrigerator 4 hours, or until firm. Cut into squares. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

Notes

When ready to serve, garnish each bar with a dollop of whipped cream and a mint leaf.

For more info and great recipe ideas using watermelon, check out www.watermelon.org.

Nutritional InformationShow More

Servings Per Recipe: 20

Amount Per Serving % Daily Value *
Calories 162
Calories from Fat 72
Total Fat 8.0g 12 %
Saturated Fat 4.4g 22 %
Trans Fat 0.3g 0 %
Protein 2.7g 5 %

Amount Per Serving % Daily Value *
Cholesterol 19mg 6 %
Sodium 117mg 5 %
Total Carbohydrates 22g 7 %
Dietary Fiber 0.5g 2 %
Sugars 15g 0 %

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toniretman 5006408

Jun 27, 2017

mine never set completely. ended up watering down my crust

Test Kitchen Team

Jun 29, 2017

We're sorry to hear that these bars never set for you. It's hard to say why that may have been without knowing all the details, but if you'd like to give these another try, we do suggest adding an extra packet of gelatin. It won't change the flavor and may help them set up better.

kmcartoonity 62072 74

Jun 26, 2017

You don't really see watermelon being utilized in a pie form, so this recipe is very unique and surprising! You can easily find the large seedless varieties anywhere nowadays, so you don't even have to deal with the sticky messy chore of trying to remove the big black seeds. The watermelon cream mixture is so tasty, I might even try using this stuff in a popsicle mold, for a fruity and creamy warm weather treat!

kai6003 7932773

Jun 21, 2017

Looks fun! Any suggestion on the simplest way to acquire the juice of the melon?

Test Kitchen Team

Jun 22, 2017

Hi there! The Test Kitchen suggests cutting the watermelon into chunks and blending in a blender or food processor until juicy. :) Enjoy!