Cold Watermelon Jelly Cake

Name: Cold Watermelon Jelly Cake
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 10
Ingredients: Digestive biscuits 2 cups; Butter 0.67 cup; Mint to garnish the surface to taste; Cream cheese 1.9 cups; Fresh liquid cream 1 ¼ cup; Greek yogurt 0.6 cup; Powdered sugar 6 ½ tbsp; Gelatin in sheets 0.5 oz; Chocolate drops 1.75 oz; Watermelon 2.6 lbs; Cornstarch 4 ½ tbsp; Sugar 2 tbsp; Cinnamon powder tip of a teaspoon 1

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Difficulty: Average
Prep time: 50 min
Cook time: 10 min
Serving: 10
Cost: Average

PRESENTATION

So here's the thing, in Sicily, the chilled watermelon cake known as "gelo di mellone" is not just a dessert. It is like a symbol of summer, you know? This watermelon jelly dessert is a must-have at gatherings, where its sweet and refreshing flavor delights everyone from kids to adults. Really, everyone loves it. The dish has fresh watermelon cooked and thickened into a soft, almost jelly-like filling. And look, for generations, Sicilian families have passed down this recipe—it's a cherished part of their culinary traditions. It's often topped with crushed pistachios or chocolate chips, adding a crunchy surprise that makes it even better.

Kids enjoy big slices after playing in the sun while adults savor the nostalgia of community picnics filled with laughter. This dessert really really captures the heart of Sicilian summer, making it a star of watermelon jelly dessert traditions. No question.

Also, modern twists on this classic dish add excitement and variety. Nowadays, a no-bake watermelon cake with a creamy cheesecake base is popular at parties. It merges American-style cheesecake with Sicilian vibes—so, so refreshing. I mean, some even create a crostata version with a crumbly cookie crust, providing more texture. And the dessert's versatility? Pretty amazing. These adaptations reflect how the dish has evolved, incorporating new ingredients while keeping the core tangy watermelon flavor intact.

Whether served at a backyard cookout or a family lunch, this cake fits seamlessly among other summer dessert recipes. In Sicily, they say nothing cools you off quite like a slice of this watermelon jelly dessert. It's not just a treat, but a piece of tradition that shares memories and the golden warmth of the Sicilian sun. And enjoying it is like tasting a bit of history. Really. It connects past and present through a dish that continues to unite communities and bring joy to countless summer days. For sure.

INGREDIENTS

Ingredients for a 9-inch mold: Digestive biscuits 2 cups (340 g); Butter 0.67 cup (160 g); Mint to taste - to garnish the surface

For the cream cheese: Cream cheese 1.9 cups (450 g); Fresh liquid cream 1 ¼ cup (300 g); Greek yogurt 0.6 cup (150 g); Powdered sugar 6 ½ tbsp (50 g); Gelatin in sheets 0.5 oz (14 g); Chocolate drops 1.75 oz (50 g)

For the watermelon jelly: Watermelon 2.6 lbs (1.2 kg); Cornstarch 4 ½ tbsp (35 g); Sugar 2 tbsp (25 g); Cinnamon powder 1 - tip of a teaspoon

Preparation

How to prepare Cold Watermelon Jelly Cake

To prepare the cold watermelon jelly cake, start by lining the base of a 9-inch mold with parchment paper, both at the base and around the circumference. Melt the butter in the microwave or on the stove, and in the meantime, pour the cookies into the mixer 1. Activate the blades to obtain a sandy mixture, transfer it to a bowl, and pour the butter 2. Stir with the spoon 3

and pour into a 9-inch mold lined with parchment paper 4, level carefully with the back of the spoon 5. Meanwhile, focus on the cream, leave the ingredients out of the fridge, and soak the gelatin in cold water 6.

Then pour the cream into a bowl and operate the whisk at medium-high speed while pouring the sugar in little by little 7. Gradually increase the speed and whip until almost stiff; set aside 8. Heat the yogurt in a saucepan, without bringing it to a boil 9.

As soon as it is warm, drain the gelatin 10 and dip it into the saucepan, stir until completely dissolved and turn off the burner 11. Let it cool for a few minutes, in the meantime, pour the cream cheese into a large bowl and work it with a spatula 12.

Combine the yogurt with the dissolved gelatin 13, mix, and then gently fold in the cream 14. Finally, add the chocolate chips, keeping a handful aside for decoration 15.

Transfer the cream into the mold 16, level to obtain a smooth surface 17, and let it set in the fridge for at least 1 hour 18.

For the watermelon jelly and composition

Meanwhile, prepare the watermelon jelly, cut the fruit into slices 19, remove the rind 20, and get large pieces. Pour them into the mixer and activate the blades until you obtain a puree 21.

Filter everything through a sieve placed over a bowl 22 and sift carefully 23 to discard unfiltered pulp and seeds 34. You should obtain 2 cups of juice.

Pour the juice into a saucepan 25 and add the sugar 26, cinnamon 27

and, while stirring with the whisk, also pour in the cornstarch 28. Mix well to avoid lumps and then place the saucepan on the flame. Cook at medium-high temperature until you have obtained a sauce like custard 29. Transfer to a bowl and let cool completely, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on the surface 30.

As soon as it is at room temperature, the first hour of the cake's setting should have passed, pour the watermelon jelly over the surface 31. Level 32 and garnish with the remaining chocolate chips, put it back in the fridge for at least another 3 hours 33.

After the time has passed, detach the mold and the parchment paper 34, place the cake on the serving plate, and garnish the circumference by overlapping mint leaves, they will resemble the fruit's rind 35. Here is your cold watermelon jelly cake, serve it very cold 36!

Storage

The cold watermelon jelly cake can be stored in the fridge for 3 days, better if covered with plastic wrap or a cake dome. Freezing is not recommended if you've poured the watermelon jelly, alternatively, you can freeze it.
The watermelon jelly can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days but not in the freezer.

Tip

Instead of chocolate chips, you can add chopped chocolate, which will make the filling and surface of your cold watermelon jelly cake much crispier.
Garnish the surface with chopped pistachios or mint leaves.

For the translation of some texts, artificial intelligence tools may have been used.