This is a fun dessert to make because of all the delicious fruit and the way it is presented in a watermelon. I remember when I first made this for one of my husband’s friends youngest son and his wife. He had built our deck for us down by the lake and this dessert was a part of a special meal to thank him for all of his hard work, so that was in 1990… prior to a big family reunion in 1991! Back then I used large watermelons and not baby ones – but this one was perfect for 2 people!
Watermelon Fruit Bowl
- any size watermelon
- variety of fruit such as melons, grapes, strawberries, blueberries, peaches, pineapple, kiwi, bananas or any fresh fruit that is in season
- Tang (an orange powdered drink mix)
- good quality honey (I used a lavender honey)
- handy tools – sharp knife, melon baller, serrated spoon (if you make a scalloped edge, smooth out with a vegetable peeler) pretty kitchen towel
- add a rafia bow for an extra special touch
Cut a thin slice from the bottom so it will sit flat, being careful not to cut through the melon. You can also sit it on a towel to carve and to serve. With a pencil or water soluble marker, draw the basket handle at least 1-1/4-inch wide depending on the size of your watermelon. Draw a horizontal line around the watermelon. Being careful, use a sharp knife to cut through your design. Gently lift out the sections.
Scoop out the remaining melon to make a bowl. Save the melon and add it to the salad.
You can wrap your bowl in foil to keep it moist and refrigerate until ready to assemble.
Fill your watermelon one-third of the way with fruit, sprinkle with Tang and drizzle with honey. Repeat layering until your basket is full.
Topping:
- 2 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
- 1 orange rind, grated
- juice from 1 orange
- 3/4 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup orange breakfast drink (Tang)
- 1 tbsp. brown sugar
Blend the above ingredients until creamy. Serve over individual bowls of fruit. the topping is delicious over all this fresh fruit.
Recipe by cookingwithauntjuju.com
I know the party goers over at Fiesta Friday will appreciate this cute idea and get their minds going on what they could make with a watermelon. Thanks to Angie (host), Quinn and me (co-hosts) for bringing this party to you. Please stop and say hello.
I made a very simple basket but you could scallop the edges, shape the basket differently, leave off the handle, make a whale and use celery stalks for the water spout, design a baby carriage for a shower, the possibilities are endless. You could also score outside of melon in an interesting design.
Another good suggestion is to cut off only 1/3 of the top (especially with large watermelons) and not have a handle, I did that frequently as the kids use to help me. This way you can make the edge any way you want.
How about a jagged edge?
Sweet, orange topping for the fruit.
So beautiful and delicious.
Thanks Suzanne – fruit is so colorful and makes for great pictures. It’s tasty too!
very beautiful!!! lovely idea!
Thanks Lyn!
Hi AUnt JuJu, I recall my Mom doing this on many occasions-so pretty and delicious!!! Cheryl
Thanks Cheryl – this is kid friendly (except for cutting the watermelon) so I am surprised you never did this yourself. With melon ballers and water-proof magic markers, and unlimited imaginations, the kids had fun in designing their watermelon.
Ha-my children love small seedless watermelons that are chilled and sliced for them! No need for fancy fruit baskets here Aunt JuJu! Mom loves to make them still! Xo Cheryl
This is absolutely awesome😊
Thanks – they are fun to make – I made a small one, wish I had pictures of the larger ones we use to make.
Every one in my family likes Tang and I never thought of adding it to fruits. Thank you for this excellent idea Judi 👍☺
That’s great Ana – then this idea is for you. I did not make anything fancy this time, but it’s fun to make – kids really like it. I also use Tang in Fruit Compote Three Ways if you’re interested 🙂
Yeah I would love to learn how ☺
What a beautiful way to serve fruits! Thank you for the inspiration and for hosting FF!
Thanks Naina – it really is. It looks beautiful on a buffet table (even when kids help make it ha!ha!) and everyone loves it.
This is amazing, Judi. I just love it! )
Thanks Linda – watermelon is easy to carve and the large ones are quite impressive 🙂
What a great idea and a great way to serve fresh fruit. I love the jagged edge – I’d have to do that for my kids!
Thank you Corina – everyone loves the idea. Let your kids get involved with the design using washable magic markers or help cut up the fruit with a melon baller 🙂
Love this, Judi. My son’s boy scout leader is a chef & he has made this in a giant watermelon for the boys. Such a fabulous presentation!
That’s exactly what I use to do Josette – the big ones are very impressive – I left off the handle. Very easy to do and perfect to serve a crowd 🙂 I just made this little one for demonstration purposes – I wish I had pictures of ones I made before 🙂
The little ones are fabulous!!