If summer could be turned into candy, it would look exactly like this, jewel-toned, refreshing, and impossible to eat just one. These watermelon coconut candies can turn a casual afternoon snack into a mini celebration. They are sweet, tender, and can be served during parties or picnics.
What Are Watermelon Coconut Candies?
Watermelon coconut candies are a fruit-based treat made by blending fresh watermelon pulp with sugar, a hint of food coloring, and thickened with cornflour for a jelly-like bite. Once cooled and shaped, they’re rolled in fluffy grated coconut and garnished with mint for a fresh finish.
Unlike dense chocolates or hard sweets, these candies have a refreshing, juicy center, a nod to tropical desserts and the kind of sweets you’d find at summer fairs in warmer climates. They are similar to traditional Turkish delights, but lighter, juicier, and with a refreshing finish.
Pro Tips for the Best Watermelon Coconut Candies
- Pick ripe watermelon. The sweeter and more fragrant your watermelon, the more naturally delicious your candies will be.
- Don’t forget to add the cornflour mix. It’s the key to achieving that soft, chewy texture that holds its shape.
- Cool completely before slicing. Rushing this step will cause the candies to lose their form. Go generous with the coconut. A thick coat ensures they don’t stick together and adds a lovely texture contrast.
- Experiment with shapes. Instead of slices, try small cubes or fun molds for a playful presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do watermelon coconut candies last?
They’re best enjoyed fresh but will last up to 3–4 days in the fridge if stored properly in an airtight container.
Can I make them without food coloring?
Yes! Your candies will still have a beautiful natural blush from the watermelon itself, though the color may be softer.
Can I use desiccated coconut instead of fresh grated?
Absolutely, though fresh grated coconut has a moister texture and sweeter taste, desiccated works fine.
Do they taste like coconut or watermelon more?
Watermelon is the star here, with coconut acting as a complementary coating rather than overpowering the flavor.
How to Store Watermelon Coconut Candies
Store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and slightly firm. If stacking, separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. However, don’t freeze them as this will make the texture change once thawed, becoming watery and losing its delicate chew.
Ingredients
How to Make Watermelon Coconut Candies
Cut the watermelon into small cubes, discarding seeds. Blend until smooth to create a vibrant juice base.
Cut the watermelon into small cubes, discarding seeds. Blend until smooth to create a vibrant juice base.
Pour the watermelon juice into a pot, add sugar, and a few drops of red food coloring. Stir over medium heat until it comes to a gentle boil.
Pour the watermelon juice into a pot, add sugar, and a few drops of red food coloring. Stir over medium heat until it comes to a gentle boil.
In a separate small bowl, mix cornflour with water until smooth. Slowly pour this into the boiling watermelon liquid, stirring until thickened to a jelly-like consistency.
In a separate small bowl, mix cornflour with water until smooth. Slowly pour this into the boiling watermelon liquid, stirring until thickened to a jelly-like consistency.
Let the mixture cool slightly, then pour into plastic cups. Smooth the tops and refrigerate for about 1 hour until set.
Let the mixture cool slightly, then pour into plastic cups. Smooth the tops and refrigerate for about 1 hour until set.
Once firm, remove from the cups and cut into candy-sized slices.
Once firm, remove from the cups and cut into candy-sized slices.
Roll each piece generously in grated coconut. Place the candies on a serving plate, add fresh mint leaves for a pop of green, and enjoy your bite-sized tropical sweets.
Roll each piece generously in grated coconut. Place the candies on a serving plate, add fresh mint leaves for a pop of green, and enjoy your bite-sized tropical sweets.
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