Watermelon Hwachae Recipe (Korean Fruit Punch) - Easy Summer Dessert

Korean Fruit Punch, Watermelon Hwachae – The Best Summer Dessert Recipe!

Cooking time : 5 mins

There’s truly nothing better than enjoying a refreshing watermelon hwachae on a hot summer day. Whether you’re looking for a cool Korean dessert or a way to enjoy your favorite seasonal fruits, this easy hwachae recipe is the perfect way to beat the heat.

In this post, I’ll walk you through how I make Korean watermelon hwachae with using a mini watermelon and a few simple ingredients. This Korean-style fruit punch is not only beautiful but also incredibly easy to make and customize with your favorite fruits and drinks. Let’s dive in!

What Is Hwachae?

Hwachae (화채) is a traditional Korean fruit punch that has been enjoyed for centuries. It’s typically made with fruits, sweet drinks like honey water, milk, or soda, and sometimes even edible flower petals. It’s a classic Korean summer dessert that’s both hydrating and sweet, making it the ideal treat for hot, humid weather.

There are many variations of hwachae, such as subak hwachae (watermelon punch) and cheongju hwachae (punch with Korean rice wine), but today we’re focusing on the super easy, modern fruit-based version using watermelon, frozen milk, and Sprite.

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Ingredients for Korean Watermelon Hwachae

To make this easy watermelon hwachae, you only need a few basic ingredients. Here’s what we used:

Main Ingredients

• 1 mini watermelon (or a small seedless watermelon)
• 1 can of fruit cocktail (in syrup or juice)
• Milk of your choice (regular, strawberry milk, banana milk, etc.)
• Sprite (or any lemon-lime soda)
• Optional: ice cubes, mint leaves, strawberries, blueberries, or any other fruit you love

You can use any fruit that you like!

Prepping Frozen Milk – The Secret Ingredient!

Before you start slicing that watermelon, there’s one key step that makes all the difference in this creamy fruit punch recipe:

How to Prepare Frozen Milk for Hwachae:

1. Pour your choice of milk (regular, banana, or strawberry milk) into a freezer-safe container.
2. Freeze for 1 to 2 hours until it’s slushy but not rock solid.
3. You want the milk to be soft and scoopable, kind of like a frozen smoothie texture.

This slushy milk gives your hwachae a creamy, cool, and milky flavor that blends beautifully with the fruit and soda. It’s a game-changer!

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Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Watermelon Hwachae

Step 1: Cut the Watermelon in Half

• Take your mini watermelon and cut it in half horizontally.
• Use a melon baller or a spoon to scoop out the fruit inside.
• Save the scooped watermelon balls or chunks for later.

Step 2: Make the Watermelon Bowl

• To keep your watermelon bowl stable, cut a thin slice off the bottom of one half so it sits flat.
• This not only looks cute but also makes a perfect natural serving bowl!

Step 3: Add Fruits and Milk

• Put the watermelon chunks back into the hollowed-out watermelon bowl.
• Add your canned fruit cocktail and any other fruits you like.
• Scoop in your slightly frozen milk.

Step 4: Pour Sprite Over Everything

• Add cold Sprite or any lemon-lime soda to the fruit and milk mixture.
• Gently stir everything together to combine.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

• Add some ice cubes if desired, garnish with mint leaves, and serve your homemade Korean fruit punch right away!

Tips for Customizing Your Hwachae

One of the best things about hwachae is how customizable it is. Here are a few ideas to make your watermelon hwachae your own:

• Use strawberries, kiwi, mango, or grapes instead of fruit cocktail.
• Try coconut milk or almond milk if you’re dairy-free.
• Add boba pearls or jelly cubes for a fun texture twist.
• Sprinkle with crushed ice for an even cooler bite.
• Want it less sweet? Use unsweetened soda water or sparkling water instead of Sprite.

How to Pick a Sweet Watermelon (Bonus Tip!)

Choosing the right watermelon is key to making a delicious hwachae. Here’s how to pick a sweet and juicy watermelon:

Look for These Signs:

• A creamy yellow spot on the bottom (field spot): this shows it ripened in the sun.
• The smaller the belly button (the bottom dot), the sweeter the melon.
• A deep hollow sound when tapped means it’s nice and ripe.
• Dark green stripes and a dull (not shiny) outer skin are also good signs.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Korean Dessert

• No cooking required – just cut, scoop, and mix!
• Perfect for summer parties or picnics
• Healthy and hydrating thanks to all the fruit
• Can be made vegan or dairy-free
• Looks beautiful when served in the watermelon bowl!

This easy Korean dessert recipe is not just delicious. It’s also a fun and memorable dish to share with friends and family.

Storage Tips

If you have leftover hwachae (though that’s rare because it’s so good!), you can store it in the refrigerator:

• Keep it in an airtight container for up to 1 day.
• Stir well before serving again, as the milk and soda may separate slightly.
• It’s best consumed fresh, especially while the milk is still semi-frozen.

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Final Thoughts – Why You Should Try This Korean Watermelon Hwachae Recipe

If you’ve been searching for a no-bake Korean dessert, a cold fruit punch recipe, or simply want to impress guests with a beautiful summer treat, this watermelon hwachae is the answer. It’s fast, fun, and full of flavor, just what you need on a sunny day!

Plus, making it together with someone, like I did with my boyfriend, makes it even more special. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a shared experience and a taste of Korean food culture in its sweetest form.

Try it out this weekend, and let me know what fruits you used to customize your own version!