Accidentally Crunchy

  • Home
  • About
  • My Crunchy Kitchen
  • Recipes
  • Resources
  • Contact Me
The content on this site may contain affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy for more details.

How to Make a Watermelon Shark

April 1, 2016 By Sarah 11 Comments

A step by step guide on how to carve your own watermelon shark!

This week my son had to do a presentation to his preschool class (yes, homework already and he’s just 4) on an animal of his choice. He and his co-presenter chose the shark. My instinctual response was a combination of “Cool!” and “Yay, he didn’t choose a wussy animal”, and then as I read through the requirements page I saw that we needed to bring a cake or cookies in the shape of the chosen animal for him to share with his classmates. Boo. My mind jumped through the significance of this – I have no shark shaped cookie cutters; I’m pretty sure cutting a slab cake into a shark will look like a dolphin and possibly not leave enough cake for 35 kids; I still haven’t mastered my royal icing recipe and certainly don’t know how to make varying shades of gray; I don’t think I can get allergy-safe candy fish/sharks…  Bottom line – I wasn’t so thrilled. That is, until I remembered seeing a watermelon shark online.

How to carve a watermelon shark | find more how to guides and recipes at accidentallycrunchy.com

Carving a watermelon shark is something that I had wanted to do for years, but shelved the thought of since who buys a whole watermelon for only 3 people? But now that I was catering to 35 hungry kids, it suddenly felt it was meant to be. So, instead of sending some junky store bought snack or trying to hack up one of one of my favourite cake recipes and somehow ice it to resemble a shark, I finally did it. I sent my son to preschool with a watermelon shark fruit platter. And it was a HUGE success (HUGE!), inspiring my soft-spoken son with confidence to proudly speak in front of the class and driving questions and enthusiasm from the rest of the kids.

I’m a firm believer that we don’t need cookies and candies to celebrate and try to take the opportunity, whenever possible, to reinforce this idea through the foods I organize for my son’s preschool (as part of the parent committee), like fun veggie platters, fruit kebabs, and now this watermelon shark. This isn’t just a food allergy thing, though obviously you can’t get much more allergy-friendly than a platter of fruits or veggies. At least in the country I live in, there is a huge focus on having junk food at parties – chips, cookies, marshmallows, toffees, lollipops – even for 3 and 4 year olds! And I feel like it is such a negative impression to teach kids, that these are the ingredients of a good party, and is actually one context in which I’m grateful for my son’s allergies and how they have given me a reason to say no and force a change.

And it really is easy to do! I took pictures as I went so that I could walk you through how to make a watermelon shark, for those of you interested in trying it yourself. Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect – every shark is different!

How to Make a Watermelon Shark – A Step by Step Picture Guide

You will need a large watermelon (try to find one with one side slightly tapered for a more realistic result!), some grapes (at least 2 for the eyes, and for additional filling if needed), at least 4 toothpicks, a good chef’s knife for the large cuts and a paring knife for the finer work.

Step One: Wash and Dry the Watermelon

This is particularly important because you will be cutting through the peel into the melon – you don’t want to push any dirt into the flesh of the melon as you cut.

Wash and dry the watermelon

Step Two: The First Cuts

Choose the rounder/flatter end of the watermelon for the base and cut roughly 1/3 of the melon, on a diagonal (this will make the shark look like it is surfacing from the water).

Next, take your paring knife and gently etch the cut you want to make for the mouth. You can also mark this with a marker first, like you would a pumpkin.

I marked two lines – the bottom and top of the teeth, essentially – and then cut along the inner line to be able to form the start of the mouth.

How to Make a Watermelon Shark - Step 2

Step Three: Exposing the Rind

Next I cut away the peel, up to the second line I had drawn for the top of the teeth, being careful to preserve as much of the white rind as possible.

I have seen some suggestions to use box cutters to do this, but I managed fine with a paring knife.

How to Make a Watermelon Shark - Step 3

Step Four: Gut and Then Cut

Don’t go cutting the teeth yet! First, use the paring knife to cut a border round the flesh of the watermelon, from both the top and bottom. Then cut a grid into it and use a spoon to push the chunks of watermelon out. Use the spoon to scoop out whatever you cannot remove easily, but try to keep it in big chunks so you have lots to cube for eating.

Why clean out the flesh of the melon before cutting the teeth? You’ll have less risk of accidentally breaking the rind and ending up with a gap-toothed shark.

Once you have finished cleaning out the watermelon, cut your teeth, being careful to make them large enough that they will stay sturdy.

Use a paring knife to cut out your watermelon shark's teeth

Step Five: Set the Eyes

You can use a melon baller or the paring knife to remove the peel and form a base for the shark’s eyes. Try to keep them evenly spaced for the best results.

Use a paring knife or <a rel=”nofollow” href=melon baller to mark and remove the peel to mark the eyes.” width=”1024″ height=”535″ />

Step Six: Attach the Eyes and Fin

Use a toothpick to pre-poke holes in the watermelon rind where you want to attach the eyes and fin, so that it will be easier to assemble. Then attach the grapes each to a toothpick and fit them in place.

Cut a triangular wedge from either the piece of watermelon you removed from the bottom or the mouth area and slice out the watermelon flesh. Mount the “fin” on two toothpicks, being careful to make sure they line up with the holes you prepared on the back of the watermelon, and fit it in place.

Use a clean cloth or paper napkin to wipe down the watermelon shark (inside and out) and place it on a platter. I lined a platter with blue crepe paper and then covered it with plastic wrap to simulate water.

Use toothpicks to attach grapes for the eyes and the back fin

Step Seven: Add the Edible Fruit

Cube the watermelon flesh into bite-sized pieces and add any extra (washed) grapes or other cut fruit to fill the mouth of the shark and the platter around it.

You can consider adding a small paper fish on a toothpick and planting it in its teeth, or even stage a shark attack scene with a (partial or whole) barbie doll to achieve different effects, depending on your audience.

Cut cubes from the remaining watermelon flesh to fill and surround your watermelon shark. Add additional fruits as desired.That’s it! Hope you find this How to Guide useful and will take a minute to share it on Pinterest – maybe you’ll inspire someone to make a healthier choice for their next party!

5.0 from 4 reviews
How to Make a Watermelon Shark
 
Print
Prep time
1 hour
Total time
1 hour
 
Step by step guide on how to carve an impressive, fun watermelon shark.
Author: Accidentally Crunchy
Recipe type: Dessert
Ingredients
  • 1 large whole watermelon
  • 1-2 cups grapes (or alternative fruit of your choice)
  • 4-6 toothpicks
Instructions
  1. See the step-by step picture tutorial included in the post.
3.5.3208

 

Filed Under: Appetizers, Brunch, Dairy & Egg-Free (Vegan), Dairy & Nut-Free, Dairy-Free, Desserts, Egg & Nut-Free, Egg-Free, Gluten-Free, Healthy Snacks, How To Guides, Kid-Friendly Meals, Party Foods, Soy-Free, Top 8-Free, Vegan & Gluten-Free, Vegan & Nut-Free, Vegan & Soy-Free Tagged With: food allergies, food centerpieces, fruit carving, fruit platter, fruit platter ideas, healthy desserts, healthy party foods, how to guide, kids party ideas

« Vegan, Gluten-Free Quinoa Pancakes
Quinoa Pizza Crust | Vegan & Gluten-Free Pizza Crust »




Comments

  1. Deborah Genovesi says

    April 4, 2016 at 5:50 pm

    That is simply adorable and what a great healthy snack to offer to kids!

    Reply
  2. Tiffany deSilva says

    April 9, 2016 at 4:08 pm

    This is the most creative thing I have ever seen! 🙂 You are so creative! I love that it is allergy-friendly AND healthful. Kids get enough cookies, cakes, and sweets at parties. Way to go! You rock!

    Reply
  3. Robin McMahon says

    June 13, 2016 at 4:58 pm

    I’m making this for a BBQ tonight! Thanks for the great idea!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      June 16, 2016 at 9:12 am

      How did it turn out Robin? If you’re on instagram, share a pic and tag us – @accidentallycrunchy. Would love to see it! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Ruth says

    November 17, 2016 at 8:20 am

    Just made this for a children’s party- looks great!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      November 17, 2016 at 8:30 am

      I bet those kids are going to love it! Hope it is a great party Ruth! 😀

      Reply
  5. Terra walker says

    May 29, 2017 at 6:33 pm

    Oh, I love watermelon. I think I’ll make my nephew a watermelon shark. Thank you for posting!

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      June 8, 2017 at 10:17 am

      What a great Aunt you are! lucky kid! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Stefania says

    June 7, 2017 at 5:35 am

    I love this shark!!

    Reply
  7. Gus E Schmidle says

    June 23, 2019 at 5:14 pm

    Made the shark. Easier than I thought.
    Turned out great. Everybody loved the looks and the taste of the watermelon and assorted fruits.
    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Sarah says

      December 15, 2019 at 8:12 am

      Thanks for taking the time to share your feedback Gus! Yes, I agree – it is surprisingly easy to make, and I think it is pretty forgiving skills-wise so is a great way to impress and a healthy alternative to other desserts!

      Bests,
      Sarah

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate this recipe:  

Welcome! I'm Sarah, mom to
a little boy with multiple food
allergies. Adjusting to life with
allergies wasn't easy, but with
a bit of creativity you can adapt your favourite recipes to be allergy-friendly! Accidentally Crunchy is your source for delicious, allergy-friendly, plant-based recipes. Read More
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Don’t Miss a Recipe!

FIND ALLERGY SAFE RECIPES

  • Dairy & Egg-Free (Vegan) (51)
  • Dairy & Nut-Free (44)
  • Dairy-Free (51)
  • Egg & Nut-Free (44)
  • Egg-Free (51)
  • Gluten-Free (37)
  • Soy-Free (49)
  • Top 8-Free (12)
  • Vegan & Gluten-Free (37)
  • Vegan & Nut-Free (44)
  • Vegan & Soy-Free (50)

LIFE WITH ALLERGIES

  • How To Guides (2)
  • Life With Food Allergies (12)
  • Resources (12)
  • Top 8-Free (12)

What You May Have Missed

This simple pear crisp recipe includes citrus flavours to re-invent the traditional crisp or crumble recipe. Find the recipe for this gluten-free vegan dessert at accidentallycrunchy.com
This delicious, red lentil, sweet potato and pumpkin soup is naturally Top 8 allergen-free, gluten-free, vegan | find the recipe at accidentallycrunchy.com
These oven-roasted brussel sprouts are a delicious, healthy side dish to upgrade any meal | find more healthy recipe ideas at accidentallycrunchy.com
Say I love you with a food pun! These adorable printable valentine cards are free to download and are the perfect way to tell your friends and family you care for them this Valentine's Day | download the full set from accidentallycrunchy.com
This fresh salsa recipe will be a hit at your superbowl party! Make your pico de gallo as hot as you dare and heat up your superbowl menu! Find more recipes at accidentallycrunchy.com
These deliciously moist and fluffy lemon blueberry muffins are gluten-free, vegan and nut-free, so that everyone can enjoy them! | Find more allergy friendly recipes at accidentallycrunchy.com

Accidentally Crunchy on the Web

Certified Yummly Recipes on Yummly.com
find me on Blogher
my healthy aperture gallery

my finding vegan gallery

Accidentally Crunchy

About Accidentally CrunchyWelcome!
I'm Sarah, and I started this
blog after seeing (and feeling
the frustration from) the lack
of resources for allergy-safe recipes. Caring for a child with food allergies is stressful enough, so I hope that this site will not only be a source for wholesome and delicious recipes, but that it will also spare a few tears and make some lives a bit easier! read more
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Google+
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
Top Mommy Blogs
activate by bloglovin
Food Advertising BrandBacker Member

FIND RECIPES BY DISH

  • 30 Minute Meals (9)
  • Appetizers (11)
  • Breads and Crackers (3)
  • Breakfast To Go (9)
  • Breakfasts (11)
  • Brunch (15)
  • Desserts (25)
  • Drinks (1)
  • Healthy Snacks (18)
  • How To Guides (2)
  • Kid-Friendly Meals (13)
  • Lunch and Dinner Mains (10)
  • Party Foods (8)
  • Seasoning & Sauces (3)
  • Side Dishes (13)
  • Top 8-Free (12)

Copyright © 2025 · Accidentally Crunchy · Privacy