Vegan watermelon rind candy made with simple ingredients. Moreover, it’s sweet, chewy, and a fun zero-waste dessert.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need (Makes ~2 cups)
- 4 cups watermelon rind (white part only), peeled and cubed
- 2 cups sugar or coconut sugar
- 1½ cups water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
🔪 Preparing the Watermelon Rind
First, remove the green skin and any pink flesh.
Then, cut the white rind into small, even cubes.
Afterward, rinse thoroughly and set aside.
🍬 Cooking the Candy
To begin, add watermelon rind and water to a pot.
Then, bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes until tender.
After that, drain and return the rind to the pot.
Next, add sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon.
Finally, simmer on low heat for 45–60 minutes until translucent and syrupy.
❄️ Drying & Storing
Now, remove rind pieces and let them cool.
Then, allow to air-dry for a chewier texture or refrigerate for firmness.
Finally, store in an airtight container.
⭐ Tips for Perfect Vegan Watermelon Rind Candy
- Firstly, cut rind evenly for uniform cooking.
- Moreover, simmer slowly to avoid burning.
- Additionally, coat lightly in sugar after drying.
- Finally, store chilled for longer freshness.
🔄 Variations to Try
- Citrus: Add orange or lime zest
- Spiced: Add cloves or cardamom
- Ginger: Add fresh grated ginger
- Low-Sugar: Use monk fruit sweetener
- Colorful: Add beet juice for natural color
💚 Health Benefits
Watermelon rind is rich in fiber and antioxidants.
Moreover, it contains citrulline, which supports circulation.
Because this candy is vegan, it contains no gelatin.
As a result, it’s a more mindful sweet treat.
🧒 Kid-Friendly Version
- Cut into bite-size cubes
- Skip strong spices
- Add vanilla for sweetness
- Serve chilled as candy pieces
🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per ¼ Cup – Approx.)
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
