What to Do With Watermelon: 4 Italian Desserts

When the heat really sets in, Italian cooks reach for watermelon and turn it into the most refreshing desserts. These recipes are all about bright flavor, cold textures, and minimal effort.

From a silky Sicilian pudding scented with cinnamon and jasmine to a no-bake cheesecake and an eye-catching watermelon "pizza," each one makes the most of summer’s sweetest fruit. Keep them in your rotation whenever watermelon season is in full swing.

Sicilian Watermelon Pudding (Gelo di Melone is a classic Italian dessert that turns fresh watermelon into a silky, spoonable pudding. It’s delicately scented with cinnamon and jasmine, which give this summery sweet an elegant, almost perfumed character.

Pro tip: serve the pudding well chilled in small glasses and garnish with a light sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a few edible flowers to echo the jasmine aroma.

Watermelon Sorbet is a fresh, light, and clean-tasting summer dessert that really lets the fruit shine. It comes together quickly and is a great option when you want something icy and not too rich after a warm-weather meal.

Pro tip: pour the churned sorbet into a shallow pan and freeze, then scrape with a fork before serving for an easy granita-style texture that feels extra refreshing.

Watermelon pizza is a playful way to serve sliced watermelon that’s fresh, colorful, and fun at any cookout. Think of it as a chilled fruit platter with a twist, ideal as a light summer dessert or an afternoon snack that feels special but is still healthy.

Pro tip: slice the watermelon into rounds, chill them well, then top just before serving so any fruit or toppings you add stay crisp and vibrant.

Watermelon Cheesecake is a no-bake cold dessert made for hot summer days. Fresh watermelon pulp, cream cheese, and yogurt come together in a creamy, chilled cake that feels both light and satisfying.

Pro tip: refrigerate the cheesecake until firmly set, then garnish the top with thin watermelon wedges or small cubes right before serving for added color and freshness.

The pudding and cheesecake both need overnight — make them the day before and they're ready when you need them. The sorbet takes an afternoon. The watermelon pizza is the one to assemble five minutes before serving, when everything is cold and the fruit is at its best.