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Cozy Halloween Fruit Tray with Watermelon Pumpkin Bowl

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A festive and healthy Halloween treat featuring a carved watermelon pumpkin bowl filled with fresh fruit. Perfect for parties and gatherings, this easy recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large seedless watermelon (about 8–10 pounds)
  • 2 cups green grapes
  • 2 cups red grapes
  • 1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1 cup fresh blackberries
  • 1 cup cantaloupe or honeydew melon balls
  • 1 cup pineapple chunks
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate arils (optional)
  • Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry the watermelon thoroughly. Pat it dry with paper towels.
  2. Cut a thin slice off the bottom of the watermelon (about 1/2 inch) so it sits flat.
  3. Using a paring knife, lightly score a stem shape on top of the watermelon. Carve a small circle around it for the pumpkin stem, cutting about 1/4 inch deep into the rind.
  4. Lightly draw two triangle eyes and a jagged mouth with the tip of your knife. Score the rind first to adjust if needed.
  5. Once happy with the face, cut along the scored lines at a slight angle, about 1/2 inch deep. Use the tip of the paring knife to lift out the rind pieces.
  6. Cut the top of the watermelon off (about 2 inches from the top) to create a lid. Angle the knife slightly inward so the lid sits back on snugly. Set the lid aside.
  7. Use a large spoon or melon baller to scoop out all the watermelon flesh. Leave about 1/2 inch of pink flesh attached to keep the bowl sturdy.
  8. Using the melon baller, scoop the watermelon flesh into balls. Alternatively, cut into bite-sized cubes. Place in a large mixing bowl.
  9. Wash and prepare the rest of the fruit: halve strawberries, wash berries, and cut cantaloupe or honeydew into balls if using. Add everything to the bowl with the watermelon.
  10. Gently toss all the fruit together, being careful not to crush the berries.
  11. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fruit into the hollowed watermelon bowl, piling it high.
  12. Place the lid on top of the fruit at a slight angle, or set it off to the side for a more open display. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
  13. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready. The fruit tray stays fresh for about 2-3 hours at room temperature.

Notes

Choose an oval watermelon for a more pumpkin-like shape. Carve no more than 1/2 inch deep to avoid hitting the pink flesh. If the watermelon wobbles, cut a thin slice off the bottom to stabilize. For best results, carve the bowl up to 6 hours ahead and fill just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween fruit tray, watermelon pumpkin bowl, healthy Halloween snack, fruit platter, festive fruit bowl

Find it online: https://vexifood.com/cozy-halloween-fruit-tray-with-watermelon-pumpkin-bowl/