Irresistible Homemade Watermelon Bread

Posted on July 4, 2025 · By Elisa

When you think of watermelon, you probably picture a refreshing summer fruit, juicy and perfect for a picnic. But have you ever thought about baking it into bread? This homemade watermelon bread recipe is a creative, mouthwatering twist on a classic quick bread that you’ll absolutely love. Not only is it moist and flavorful, but it also delivers a subtle sweetness and delicate crumb that makes it perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dessert.

Whether you’re looking for a fun baking project, a unique treat for your family, or simply a way to use up leftover watermelon, this recipe is sure to impress. The vibrant hue of the bread (with optional red food coloring) and the fruity undertones make it stand out on any table. Even better, it’s surprisingly simple to make, requiring just a few pantry staples and about an hour in the oven.

Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Bread Recipe

There are countless reasons why this recipe is a must-try. First of all, it’s a wonderful way to surprise your guests with something different yet familiar. The bread is incredibly moist thanks to the watermelon puree, while the butter adds richness and the eggs provide structure.

In addition, this Watermelon Bread is versatile. You can make it with or without raisins, adjust the level of sweetness to your taste, and even enhance the color with a little red food coloring if you’d like it to resemble an actual watermelon. It’s also a great way to introduce kids to baking, as the recipe is straightforward and the results are fun and delicious.

Lastly, watermelon bread is perfect for just about any occasion. Serve it as part of a summer brunch, enjoy a slice with your morning coffee, or bring it to a potluck and watch it disappear.

What Is Watermelon Bread?

Watermelon bread is a quick bread—similar in texture to banana bread or zucchini bread—that incorporates pureed fresh watermelon into the batter. The watermelon gives the bread a light, fruity flavor and keeps it incredibly moist. While it doesn’t taste exactly like biting into fresh watermelon, the subtle melon notes combined with the tender crumb create a uniquely delightful treat.

The addition of optional raisins can even mimic watermelon seeds for a whimsical touch, and the optional red food coloring helps give the loaf a vibrant pinkish-red hue.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Watermelon Bread:

1 ½ cups watermelon chunks
½ cup butter (1 stick), softened
2 eggs
¾ cup sugar
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup raisins (optional)
1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)

These simple ingredients come together beautifully to create a soft, flavorful loaf with a hint of summer sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

You don’t need any special skills to make this delightful bread. Just follow these easy steps for perfect results.

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×5 inch non-stick loaf pan with cooking spray. Set aside.

Step 2: Puree the Watermelon

Place the watermelon chunks into a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth. Measure out 1 cup of puree. If you end up with more, use only 1 cup. If you have less, simply add a little water to reach 1 cup.

Step 3: Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the watermelon puree until fully incorporated. If you’re using red food coloring for a more vibrant color, add it now and mix well.

Step 4: Add the Dry Ingredients

Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the bread dense.

Step 5: Add the Raisins (Optional)

If you’d like to include raisins for a fun “watermelon seed” effect, fold them gently into the batter now.

Step 6: Bake the Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Watermelon Bread

Use fresh, ripe watermelon for the sweetest flavor.
Be sure to measure the watermelon puree carefully to avoid adding too much liquid.
Do not overmix the batter; stir just until the flour disappears for a light texture.
Let the bread cool completely before slicing for the cleanest cuts.
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Why Bake with Watermelon?

Baking with watermelon might seem unusual, but it’s actually a clever way to add moisture and natural sweetness to baked goods. The fruit is more than 90% water, which means it keeps the bread from drying out while adding a subtle melon flavor. Plus, it’s a great way to use up extra watermelon before it spoils.

Serving Suggestions

This Watermelon Bread is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it in a variety of ways:

Toasted with a little butter for breakfast.
As a sweet treat alongside afternoon tea or coffee.
With a dollop of whipped cream or cream cheese frosting for dessert.
Cut into cubes and served as part of a brunch buffet.

It’s also a charming addition to picnics, potlucks, or summer parties.

Delicious Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are a few ideas:

Swap raisins for mini chocolate chips for a fun twist.
Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a deeper flavor.
Top the loaf with a sprinkle of coarse sugar before baking for a crunchy crust.
Stir in a handful of chopped nuts for added texture.

How to Store and Freeze

To store, wrap the cooled bread in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Keep at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

To freeze, wrap the loaf (or individual slices) tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature before serving.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Here are the tools you’ll need:

Blender or food processor
Mixing bowls
Hand or stand mixer
9×5 inch non-stick loaf pan
Wire cooling rack

These basics make the process easy and enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it actually taste like watermelon?
Not exactly—it has a subtle fruity sweetness but doesn’t taste just like biting into a fresh watermelon.

Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, try substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative and the eggs with flax eggs.

Can I skip the food coloring?
Absolutely—it’s optional and doesn’t affect the flavor.

Can I use frozen watermelon?
Yes, but thaw and drain it first to avoid excess water in the batter.

If you enjoy this Watermelon Bread, check out these other sweet and creative bakes:

Each one is delicious and perfect for a treat!

Conclusion: A Fun and Flavorful Baking Adventure

This Irresistible Homemade Watermelon Bread Recipe is proof that you can turn almost anything into a delicious baked good. With its moist crumb, delicate sweetness, and charming appearance, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Perfect for summer and beyond, it’s a creative way to bring a little sunshine into your kitchen.

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