Coconut & Lime Ice Cream

Coconut & Lime Ice Cream

I’m not a huge fan of Thai desserts such as sticky rice. Coconut ice cream on the other hand is one of my all time favourite sweet treats. It reminds me of ‘Splice’ ice blocks from my childhood. The best news is that you don’t need an ice cream maker for this recipe.

serves 3-4
1 can coconut milk or cream (400mL 1 1/2 cups)
3-4 tablespoons icing sugar (powdered sugar)
2-3 tablespoons lime juice

1. The night before, whisk together coconut milk or cream and sugar. Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray and pop in the freezer overnight or for at least 8 hours.

2. The next day, remove the frozen cubes and pop in a food processor with the lime juice and a few tablespoons water.

3. Whizz for about 5 minutes or until you have a smooth creamy soft serve like mixture.

4. Divide the mixture between 3-4 small glasses or chinese tea cups and return to the freezer to firm up. Serve within 3 hours.

Leftover Potential?

Ok. Will keep in the freezer for a few weeks but the longer you keep it the icier it will become so you may want to let it soften in the fridge for 20 minutes or so before eating.

Variations for Serving Sizes

Can easily halve, double or triple – just make sure you have enough ice cube trays. If you triple the mixture you may need to process it in the food processor in 2 batches to make sure you don’t burn out your motor.

Variations

sugar-free – skip the sugar and sweeten the coconut milk to taste with stevia or another natural sweetener.

more substantial – serve scoops of the ice cream with mango cheeks or other tropical fruit.

no limes? – replace with lemon juice or water.

can’t find coconut milk or cream? – replace with regular whipping cream.

Problem Solving Guide

too icy – add a little water or cream to get things moving in the food processor.

too soft – there’s a fine line between ice cream perfection and melted slush. Next time process less and eat more quickly. Freezing your serving containers for an hour or two before hand can also help.

coconut ice cubes won’t come out of the tray – keep running hot water over the back of the tray until those suckers budge. Twisting can help loosen as well.

colour slightly blue – I’ve had this problem with some brands of coconut milk – generally the cheaper ones which don’t contain as much fat! I’m not sure what causes the colour but the best solution is to try another brand next time.

Serving Suggestions

Lovely in little teacups with small spoons. Or serve with tropical fresh fruit.
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