Print

Easy Pumpkin-Shaped Melon Fruit Tray for Halloween

pumpkin-shaped melon fruit tray - featured image
Print Recipe

A stunning Halloween centerpiece made from a hollowed cantaloupe filled with fresh fruit. This easy, no-bake recipe looks impressive but comes together in just 20 minutes, perfect for last-minute party planning.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large cantaloupe or orange-fleshed melon (about 3–4 pounds)
  • 1 small cucumber or celery stalk
  • 2 cups green grapes, seedless
  • 1 cup blueberries, fresh
  • 3–4 clementines or mandarin oranges, peeled and separated
  • 1 cup cubed cantaloupe (from inside the melon)
  • 1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate arils (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and dry all fruit thoroughly. Pat everything dry with paper towels.
  2. Place the cantaloupe on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut off the top quarter of the melon (about 1-2 inches from the stem end) to create the lid. Set the lid aside.
  3. Use a large spoon to scrape out all the seeds and stringy pulp from the center of the melon. Be gentle to avoid puncturing the bottom or sides. Rinse the inside with cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
  4. Using a spoon or melon baller, scoop out the remaining cantaloupe flesh from inside the shell, leaving about 1/2 inch of flesh attached to the rind. Set aside about 2 cups of cantaloupe chunks for the filling.
  5. Take the cucumber or celery stalk and cut a 2-inch piece. Using a paring knife, carve a small hole in the center of the melon lid. Insert the cucumber piece so it stands upright like a pumpkin stem. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
  6. Optional: Use a paring knife to cut small triangle eyes and a jagged mouth into the melon shell for a jack-o-lantern look.
  7. Halve large grapes. Hull and halve strawberries. Peel and separate clementines. Cube reserved cantaloupe into bite-sized pieces. Keep everything in separate bowls.
  8. Place the hollowed melon shell on a serving platter. Fill it with the mixed fruit, layering different colors for visual appeal. Overfill slightly so it looks abundant.
  9. Arrange extra fruit around the base of the melon on the platter for a fuller look and easy access.
  10. Place the stem-topped lid slightly askew on top of the filled melon.
  11. Refrigerate the finished tray for at least 30 minutes before serving. Can be made up to 4 hours ahead.

Notes

Choose a round, slightly underripe cantaloupe for best structural integrity. Leave at least 1/2 inch of flesh inside the rind to prevent cracking. Dry fruit thoroughly after washing to avoid sogginess. Can be assembled up to 4 hours ahead. For transport, assemble on the serving platter and wrap with plastic wrap, keeping level.

Nutrition

Keywords: Halloween fruit tray, pumpkin melon, fruit platter, Halloween appetizer, healthy Halloween, cantaloupe pumpkin, party fruit tray

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/easy-pumpkin-shaped-melon-fruit-tray-for-halloween/