Indulge in the tropical flavors of coconut and lime with this refreshing ice cream recipe. Perfect for a hot summer day or as a delightful dessert after a meal, this coconut lime ice cream is both creamy and tangy, offering a unique twist on traditional ice cream flavors.
If you don't usually stock coconut milk in your pantry, you'll need to pick up a couple of cans from the supermarket. Make sure to get the full-fat version for the creamiest texture. Fresh limes are essential for both their zest and juice, providing that vibrant citrus flavor. Everything else should be fairly common and easy to find.
Ingredients For Coconut Lime Ice Cream
Coconut milk: Provides the creamy base for the ice cream, with a rich and smooth texture.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the lime.
Zest of limes: Adds a burst of citrus flavor and a bit of texture.
Juice of limes: Infuses the ice cream with a fresh, tangy taste.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of warmth and complexity.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When zesting the limes, be sure to only remove the bright green outer layer, avoiding the white pith underneath, as it can add a bitter taste to your ice cream. Using a microplane grater can help achieve a fine zest that will blend seamlessly into the coconut milk mixture, enhancing the overall flavor.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
2 cans full-fat coconut milk - Substitute with 2 cans full-fat oat milk: Oat milk provides a creamy texture similar to coconut milk and is a good alternative for those who prefer a different flavor profile.
0.5 cup sugar - Substitute with 0.5 cup maple syrup: Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that adds a rich, complex flavor and is a great vegan-friendly option.
2 zest of limes - Substitute with 2 zest of lemons: Lemon zest can provide a similar citrusy brightness and aroma, though it will slightly alter the flavor.
2 juice of limes - Substitute with 2 juice of lemons: Lemon juice offers a comparable tartness and acidity, making it a suitable replacement for lime juice.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Substitute with 1 teaspoon almond extract: Almond extract gives a different but pleasant nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients well.
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How to Store or Freeze This Ice Cream
Ensure your coconut lime ice cream is completely churned and has reached a soft-serve consistency before moving on to the next steps. This will help in achieving the best texture when frozen.
Transfer the freshly churned ice cream into an airtight container. Opt for a container that is shallow and wide, as this will allow the ice cream to freeze more evenly and quickly.
Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container with its lid. This helps prevent ice crystals from forming on the surface, ensuring a smoother texture.
Label the container with the date of preparation. Homemade ice cream is best enjoyed within 2-3 weeks for optimal flavor and texture, although it can be stored for up to a month.
Store the container in the coldest part of your freezer, typically the back, to maintain a consistent freezing temperature. Avoid placing it near the door where temperature fluctuations are more common.
When ready to serve, let the coconut lime ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes. This will make it easier to scoop and enhance its creamy texture.
Use a warm ice cream scoop or spoon to serve. Running the scoop under hot water before use can help you achieve perfectly rounded scoops.
If you notice any ice crystals forming over time, simply scrape off the top layer before serving. This will help maintain the creamy consistency of your ice cream.
For an added burst of flavor, consider garnishing your coconut lime ice cream with fresh lime zest or a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes just before serving.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Allow the coconut lime ice cream to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This will soften it just enough to scoop easily without melting it completely.
- Use a microwave-safe bowl and microwave the ice cream on a low power setting for 10-20 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can cause it to melt unevenly.
- Place the container of ice cream in a warm water bath for a few minutes. Ensure the water level is below the lid to prevent water from seeping in.
- If you have a defrost setting on your microwave, use it in short bursts of 5-10 seconds, checking frequently to avoid over-melting.
- For a more controlled thaw, transfer the ice cream to the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to an hour before serving. This method ensures even softening without the risk of melting.
Best Tools for Making This Ice Cream
Blender: To mix all the ingredients until smooth.
Ice cream maker: To churn the mixture according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Container: To transfer the churned ice cream mixture for freezing.
Spatula: To scrape down the sides of the blender and transfer the mixture.
Measuring cups: To measure the coconut milk and sugar accurately.
Measuring spoons: To measure the vanilla extract precisely.
Zester: To zest the limes for added flavor.
Juicer: To extract the juice from the limes efficiently.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Measure and zest the limes and juice them ahead of time. This will streamline the blending process.
Use pre-chilled coconut milk: Store the coconut milk cans in the fridge overnight to ensure they are cold, which helps the ice cream churn faster.
Quick blend: Use a high-speed blender to mix all ingredients quickly and smoothly, reducing prep time.
Efficient freezing: Pour the mixture into a shallow container for faster freezing, cutting down the wait time before enjoying your coconut lime ice cream.
Coconut Lime Ice Cream
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cans full-fat coconut milk
- 0.5 cup sugar
- 2 Zest of limes
- 2 Juice of limes
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Transfer to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses
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