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At 9 months pregnant in the dead of summer, watermelon is one of my biggest cravings! I got creative a few weeks ago with these 3-ingredient watermelon gummies, and can’t wait for the day I can have one of my frozen watermelon margaritas again. But for now, fresh watermelon sounds the best – and fresh watermelon happens to be the only ingredient in this watermelon shaved ice recipe. Just fresh watermelon, cut into spears, frozen solid, then shaved into a bowl. This healthy frozen treat couldn’t possibly get any easier (or more delicious)!

frozen watermelon spears on a baking sheet.

Why You’ll Love This Watermelon Shaved Ice

  • Only 2 ingredients – You don’t need any added sugar, syrups, or flavorings.
  • Naturally hydrating – Watermelon is over 90% water and rich in antioxidants like lycopene.
  • Perfect for summer – Cold, sweet, and incredibly refreshing.
  • Vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free – Great for nearly every dietary preference.
  • Fun to make – Grating frozen watermelon turns it into a fluffy, icy treat that’s just as fun to prepare as it is to eat.

Can I Make This With Any Other Fruit?

Yes! This recipe works well with frozen mango, pineapple, or cantaloupe. Just make sure the fruit is firm enough to grate after freezing. Watermelon works especially well because of its high water content and natural sweetness, but feel free to experiment with other frozen fruits for different flavors and colors.

watermelon shaved ice in a small bowl with a spoon.

Recipe Variations and Toppings

  • Tajin or chili lime seasoning – Add a spicy, tangy twist!
  • Coconut milk drizzle – For a creamy, tropical flavor.
  • Fresh mint or basil – Chopped herbs elevate the flavor beautifully.
  • Fruit syrup or honey – Optional if you want it a little sweeter.
  • Top with berries or shredded coconut – Adds texture and color.
watermelon shaved ice in a small bowl with a sprig of fresh mint.
5 from 1 vote

Viral Watermelon Shaved Ice

This viral watermelon shaved ice is the ultimate healthy summer treat made with just frozen watermelon and a splash of fresh lime juice! It’s refreshing, naturally sweet, and perfect for hot days when you want something light and hydrating. This easy 1-ingredient recipe is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and ready in minutes – no ice cream maker needed!
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Equipment

  • 1 cheese grater

Ingredients

  • 1 whole watermelon
  • fresh lime wedges

Instructions

  • Cut the watermelon into spears, then freeze the spears for at least 2 hours.
  • Once the watermelon is frozen solid, use a cheese grater to shave the watermelon into a bowl. Top the shaved watermelon with fresh lime juice.

At nearly 8 months pregnant, there are unfortunately no cocktails in my near future. But that won’t stop me from enjoying the occasional mocktail! My go-to since my last pregnancy was my sunset spritz mocktail, but recently I’ve reallyyyyy been craving a spicy margarita. Spicy margs are my absolute fave in the summer and with summer right around the corner, this craving made total sense. So I didn’t hesitate when it came to finding a way to enjoy my seasonal fave, without the alcohol. This spicy margarita mocktail in perfectly spicy, light, and refreshing – it’s basically everything I love about a spicy marg just without the alcohol (which also means without the hangover 😉)!

spicy margarita mocktail in a glass with fresh lime and jalapeno slices on the side.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Margarita Mocktail

  • Non-Alcoholic: All the flavor of a classic margarita without the alcohol.
  • Light & Refreshing: Perfect for hot summer days or as a palate cleanser.
  • Simple Ingredients: Made with just 5 easy-to-find ingredients.
  • Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to your preference.
  • Versatile: Great for parties, brunches, or a relaxing evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add tequila?
Absolutely. To make this a traditional spicy margarita, add 1½ ounces of your preferred tequila before topping with club soda.

How do I make this less spicy or not spicy at all?
For a milder version, use fewer jalapeño slices or remove the seeds before muddling. To eliminate the spice entirely, omit the jalapeño.

What can I use instead of agave syrup?
Honey or simple syrup are great alternatives to agave syrup! Adjust the quantity to taste.

club soda being poured into a spicy margarita mocktail glass.

Sam’s Mocktail Tips

  • Chill Your Glass: Place your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before preparing the drink for an extra refreshing experience.
  • Experiment with Citrus: Try adding a splash of grapefruit juice for a different twist.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare the muddled mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Add ice and club soda when ready to serve.
spicy margarita mocktail in a glass with a spicy tajin rim and a lime slice on top.
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Spicy Margarita Mocktail (Non-Alcoholic)

This Spicy Margarita Mocktail is a refreshing, non-alcoholic drink made with fresh jalapeño, lime juice, and a splash of orange. It’s light, zesty, and perfect for hot summer days or your next mocktail happy hour. Made with just 5 simple ingredients and no alcohol, it's an easy, flavorful twist on the classic margarita!
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Prep Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 3 minutes
Servings: 1 serving

Equipment

  • 1 cocktail glass

Ingredients

  • 2-3 slices fresh jalapeño
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (one ounce)
  • 1 tablespoon agave syrup (half ounce)
  • 1/2 tablespoon orange juice (just a splash!)
  • 1 cup club soda or sparkling water (8 ounces)

For the spicy rim:

  • lime wedge
  • tajin

Instructions

  • For a spicy rim, run a lime wedge around the outside of the glass, then dip the glass in the tajin coating the entire rim in the seasoning.
  • Add the fresh jalapeño slices, lime juice, agave syrup, and orange juice to the bottom of the glass. Then, using either a muddler or the handle of a wooden spoon, muddle the jalapeño to release some of its flavor.
  • Fill the glass with ice, then top off the margarita with the club soda or sparkling water. Cheers!

It’s finally strawberry season and I’m SO excited to celebrate with this incredible gluten-free strawberry shortcake recipe! There’s just something about this warm spring air (after a VERY long winter) that makes me wanna whip out all the fresh fruit recipes I can think up. I kicked berry season off a couple weeks ago with my 5-ingredient triple berry crisp, then kept the party going with my new healthy strawberry peanut butter cups. And now – this absolutely flawless gluten-free strawberry cake! It’s a light and tender cake topped with a single-ingredient homemade whipped cream and ultra sweet strawberries. This is another one of those gluten-free cake recipes everyone (and I mean everyone) will LOVE!

a slice of gluten-free strawberry shortcake on a plate with whipped cream and strawberries on top.

Why You’ll Love This Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake

  • It’s made with just 6 easy-to-find, wholesome ingredients.
  • Fluffy, soft, and sweet with the perfect balance of fresh fruit and homemade whipped cream!
  • Naturally gluten-free, with easy swaps to make it dairy-free or even keto-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I store this gluten-free strawberry shortcake?
Store any leftover cake separately from the whipped cream and strawberries in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Once topped, store in the fridge for up to 1 day for best texture.

Can I use a different kind of fruit?
Absolutely! Try blueberries, raspberries, peaches, or a mix of berries depending on the season.

What can I substitute for almond flour?
If you need a nut-free option, try oat flour. Note that texture and flavor may vary slightly.

gluten free strawberry shortcake on a table with whipped cream and strawberries on top.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Be sure to beat the eggs and sugar until they’re superrrr airy and fluffy – this gives the cake its light, sponge-like texture.
  • Let the cake cool completely before adding the whipped cream to prevent it from melting!
  • Make the whipped cream just before serving for the fluffiest, creamiest texture.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

  • Make it Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream or your favorite non-dairy whipped topping in place of heavy whipping cream.
  • Make it Keto: Replace the sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol.
the inside cut of gluten free strawberry shortcake.

What Makes This the BEST Gluten-Free Strawberry Shortcake Recipe

This gluten-free strawberry shortcake is soft, simple, and super impressive. It’s a breeze to whip up in under an hour and delivers the perfect combination of sweet cake, whipped cream, and fresh fruit – no one will ever believe it’s gluten-free! Whether you’re hosting brunch or celebrating something special, this shortcake has your back.

gluten-free strawberry shortcake on a table with whipped cream and fresh strawberries on top.
5 from 1 vote

6-Ingredient Gluten Free Strawberry Shortcake

This gluten-free strawberry shortcake is the easy, light, and summery dessert you’ll want to make again and again! With just 6 simple ingredients, it’s fluffy, naturally gluten-free, and topped with a generous layer of whipped cream and sweet, juicy strawberries. It's perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any warm-weather gathering, this shortcake is a no-fuss, totally delicious crowd-pleaser!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Equipment

  • 2 large bowls
  • 1 small bowl

Ingredients

  • 4 large eggs at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups almond flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the whipped cream:

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

For the strawberries

  • 1 cup fresh strawberries sliced
  • 1 tablespoon sugar

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit and grease a 6-inch cake pan.
  • Beat together the eggs and sugar with a hand or stand mixer on high speed until pale and thick, about 5 minutes.
  • Add in the almond flour and baking powder. Beat for another 30 seconds to one minute, until batter is just combined.
  • Transfer the batter to your prepared cake pan. Bake the cake 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted down the center of the cake comes out clean.
  • Remove cake from the pan and transfer it to a wire cooling rack to cool. While the cake cools, add the sliced strawberries and a tablespoon of sugar to a bowl, and stir until the strawberries are coated in sugar. Set the strawberries aside while you make the whipped cream.
  • Pour the heavy whipping cream into a large bowl and use a hand or stand mixer to beat the cream until it’s super light and fluffy and stiff peaks have formed (about 5 minutes).
  • Once the cake has completely cooled, top it with the homemade whipped cream then the strawberries. This cake is best served immediately!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 16g | Sugar: 6g

Everyone needs a good berry crisp recipe in their back pocket! I’ve made a few berry crisps in my day, but to be completely honest – none were quite right. They were either too dry, didn’t have enough berries, or overly sweet. But this triple berry crisp recipe?? Well… I don’t mean to brag but, she’s just PERFECT! Made with 5 ingredients, in one bowl, with frozen berries (so you can bake it year-round!). I drew some inspo from my healthy apple crisp which was a huge hit last fall! And also my 4 ingredient peach cobbler which I can’t wait to break back out this upcoming peach season.

Why You’ll LOVE This Triple Berry Crisp with Frozen Berries

  • Super Easy to Make: With just 5 simple ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly for a stress-free dessert.​
  • Versatile and Adaptable: Easily customize the recipe to suit gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free, or vegan diets without compromising on flavor.​
  • Deliciously Healthy: Made with wholesome ingredients, this crisp offers a guilt-free indulgence that’s both satisfying and nutritious.​
close up image of triple berry crisp with frozen berries in a baking dish.

Can I Use Fresh Berries?

Yes, you can use fresh berries in this recipe. However, frozen berries are convenient and available year-round, providing consistent quality and flavor. If using fresh berries, you may need to adjust the baking time slightly, as they release less juice than frozen ones.

Can I Make Ahead and Freeze This Recipe?

Absolutely! This berry crisp can be prepared ahead of time and frozen either before or after baking:​

  • Before Baking: Assemble the crisp, cover it tightly, and freeze. When ready to bake, remove from the freezer, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and bake as directed.​
  • After Baking: Allow the crisp to cool completely, then cover and freeze. To reheat, warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through.​
triple berry crisp with frozen berries on a plate with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

  • Make it Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats and gluten-free all-purpose flour or almond flour for the crisp topping.
  • Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with a non-dairy alternative like coconut oil or a plant-based butter.​
  • Make it Nut-Free: Ensure all ingredients, including oats and flour, are free from cross-contamination with nuts.​
  • Make it Vegan: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan-friendly sugar.
Overhead image of triple berry crisp with frozen berries in a baking dish with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
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5-Ingredient Triple Berry Crisp with Frozen Berries

Effortless and delicious 5-Ingredient Triple Berry Crisp, crafted with frozen mixed berries and a simple, wholesome crisp topping! This fruit crisp is not only simple to make, but also easy to adapt to a variety of diets, making it a perfect treat for any occasion. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious and healthy dessert!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Equipment

  • 1 9-inch baking dish
  • 1 large bowl

Ingredients

For the berries:

  • 4 cups frozen mixed berries
  • 1/4 cup cane sugar or coconut sugar
  • 1/4 cup gluten-free all purpose flour or regular all purpose flour
  • 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice optional
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional

For the crisp:

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 3/4 cup gluten-free all purpose flour or almond flour
  • 1/2 cup cane sugar or coconut sugar
  • 6 ounces butter cut into 1-inch cubes

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350° Fahrenheit.
  • Add all berry ingredients to a 9-inch baking dish and toss together until evenly coated, then spread the berries into an even layer around the dish.
  • Add all crisp ingredients to a large bowl. Use a fork to mix together, until a crumbly mixture forms. Sprinkled the crisp topping evenly over the berries.
  • Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the berries are super soft, then let cool slightly before serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. YUM!
    berry crisp with frozen berries step 3

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 18g | Sugar: 24g

A few weeks ago, my mom had her first watermelon paloma while out to lunch, and she was hooked! She even texted me about it, and almost immediately got to working on recreating it. I feel like now’s a good time to mention, especially if you’re new around here, that my Mom is the cocktail queen! Last year she shared her BEST-ever daiquiri recipe with us, and she makes a mean aperol spritz. And guess what? Her version turned out even better than the one she had a brunch!

It’s a refreshing blend of watermelon and tequila, finished off with fizzy grapefruit soda. But not just any grapefruit soda, Mom tested a few and found her favorite, which I outline in the ingredients below! This watermelon paloma is a must, especially as the warm weather lingers. It’s perfect for sipping with brunch, or at your next summer party. I’ll surely be cheers-ing to the last days of summer with this refreshing cocktail in hand!

overhead image of watermelon paloma with fresh mint for garnish.

What Makes this the BEST Watermelon Paloma

This Watermelon Paloma stands out because it perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and refreshing flavors. The use of fresh watermelon juice brings a vibrant, natural sweetness, while the lime juice adds a necessary tartness. Tequila is the perfect base, and the Fever Tree grapefruit soda takes it over the top! The salted rim is the final touch, and my favorite part, but feel free to leave it out if that’s not your thing. Mom actually doesn’t include a salted rim in her original recipe, she prefers no salt.

What You’ll Need to Make It

  • Fresh Watermelon Juice: The star of the show! Use ripe, juicy watermelon for the best flavor. You can find watermelon juice at some grocery stores, like Trader Joe’s!
  • Fresh Lime Juice: Adds a tangy kick, and is signature to a classic paloma recipe. Mom always recommends using fresh limes rather than bottled juice for maximum flavor.
  • Simple Syrup: Easily made at home by dissolving equal parts sugar and water. You can also purchase it from most grocery stores, or use agave instead!
  • Tequila: The quality of your tequila matters. Opt for a good silver tequila, like Patron Silver or Casamigos Blanco, for a smooth finish.
  • Fever Tree Grapefruit Soda: This soda is light, fizzy, and not too sweet, making it a perfect addition to the cocktail. You can find it at specialty grocery stores, most liquor stores, or online. However, if you can’t find Fever Tree grapefruit soda, feel free to use whatever grapefruit soda you can get your hands on.

How to Make Fresh Watermelon Juice

Making fresh watermelon juice is simple. Cut your watermelon into chunks, removing the seeds. Then, blend the chunks until smooth. Strain the juice through a fine mesh strainer to remove the pulp, and you’re ready to go! Fresh watermelon juice can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.

watermelon paloma in a glass with a lime slice and watermelon slice.

How to Make It

  1. Prepare the Glass: Rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass. Dip the rim in salt, then fill the glass with ice.
  2. Mix the Cocktail: In a cocktail shaker, combine the watermelon juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and tequila. Add ice and shake vigorously for 30 seconds to a minute until the drink is well chilled.
  3. Pour and Serve: Pour the mixture into your prepared glass, then top it off with Fever Tree grapefruit soda. Garnish with a lime wedge or a small watermelon slice.

Switch Up the Flavor

  • Use Vodka Instead of Tequila: If you’re not a tequila fan, swap it out for vodka for a lighter, less intense flavor.
  • Experiment with Other Juices: While watermelon is Mom’s favorite (mine too!), you can try other fresh fruit juices like pineapple, strawberry, or peach for a different twist.
  • Make it a Mocktail: Simply leave out the tequila for a light and refreshing non-alcoholic watermelon paloma mocktail!

By following these tips and using high-quality ingredients, you’ll create the perfect watermelon paloma that everyone will love. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag me on Instagram—I can’t wait to see how you enjoy this drink!

watermelon paloma in a glass with a lime slice and a small slice of watermelon.
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Mom’s Watermelon Paloma

This easy watermelon paloma recipe was developed by none other than my Mom! Consider her our resident bartender, and the only person I trust to make a really REALLY good drink. With fresh watermelon juice, a splash of lime, and a fizzy finish, this watermelon paloma will become your go-to summer cocktail!
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Ingredients

  • 3 ounces watermelon juice
  • 1 ounce fresh lime juice
  • 1 ounce simple syrup, or agave
  • 2 ounces tequila
  • 2-3 ounces grapefruit soda (Mom recommends Fever Tree grapefruit soda)

Instructions

  • Rub a lime wedge around the edge of a glass, then dip the rim of the glass in salt and fill the glass with ice.
  • Add the watermelon juice, lime juice, simple syrup, and tequila to a cocktail shaker with ice. Secure the shaker with a lid, then shake for 30 seconds to a minute, or until the drink is very cold.
  • Pop the lid off the shaker and pour the drink into your prepared glass. Then, fill the glass the rest of the way with grapefruit soda.