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Who doesn’t love the tropical sweetness of coconut, especially when it’s transformed into a creamy, homemade ice cream? This Coconut Ice Cream recipe is the perfect treat for anyone who adores coconut. It’s incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients. The star of the show is the toasted coconut flakes, which add a delightful crunch and intensify the flavor. This recipe uses an ice cream maker, ensuring a smooth, professional-quality texture. Ideal for a warm day or whenever you crave a little tropical escape in a bowl!
Explore our delightful collection of small batch and single serving ice cream recipes! Discover the classic taste of our single serve Vanilla Ice Cream, the refreshing single serve Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, the nutty small batch Pistachio Ice Cream, the rich and creamy small batch Butter Pecan Ice Cream, creamy single serve Chocolate Ice Cream, and the fruity small batch Strawberry Ice Cream. Perfect for any ice cream craving!
Why You’ll Love This Coconut Ice Cream Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Utilizes everyday items like sweetened condensed milk and coconut.
- Easy to Make: With an ice cream maker, the process is simple and fun.
- Rich Coconut Flavor: The coconut extract and toasted flakes provide an intense coconut experience.
- Perfect Texture: Achieves a professionally smooth and creamy consistency.
- Versatile: Great as a standalone dessert or as a base for creative toppings and mix-ins.
RELATED: 15 Easy Dessert Recipes For One
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this coconut ice cream recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and creamy texture. Substitute with coconut condensed milk for a dairy-free version. Extra sweetened condensed milk can be used in a single serve Key Lime Pie or a small batch of Microwave Fudge.
- Heavy Cream: Gives richness. A full-fat coconut milk can be used for a dairy-free alternative. We use heavy cream in many of our single serving and small batch recipes like a small White Cake, No-Bake Cheesecake, and French Silk Pie.
- Milk: Balances the thickness. Almond or soy milk can be a substitute.
- Coconut Extract: Enhances the coconut flavor. You can also use vanilla extract for a subtle twist.
- Coconut: Toasted for added flavor and texture. If unavailable, desiccated coconut can be used. Got extra coconut? Use it in a mini German Chocolate Cake, Ambrosia, or a small batch of Morning Glory Muffins.
Recipe Variations
Customize your coconut ice cream with these tasty twists:
- Chocolate Chips: Mix in dark chocolate chips or chunks for a rich, indulgent twist.
- Tropical Piña Colada: Blend in finely chopped pineapple and a hint of rum extract for a beach-inspired flavor.
- Coffee Infused: Swirl in a small amount of strong cold brew coffee for a sophisticated coffee-infused version.
- Minty Fresh: Add a few drops of mint extract and some crushed mint leaves for a refreshingly cool variation.
How To Toast Coconut Perfectly
Discover the simple steps to perfectly toast coconut, a key technique to elevate your ice cream and dessert recipes:
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 300 F (150 C), a moderate temperature ideal for toasting coconut.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Spread the shredded coconut in an even layer on a baking sheet. This ensures uniform toasting.
- Bake with Care: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes. The key is to stir the coconut every few minutes for even browning, preventing any burnt spots.
Toasting coconut not only enhances its flavor but also adds a delightful crunch to your desserts. Whether you’re making ice cream, cakes, or cookies, this method guarantees a beautiful golden color and a rich, nutty aroma. Perfect for those looking to add a gourmet touch to their sweet creations!
How To Make Coconut Ice Cream
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, blend the cream, milks, and coconut extract thoroughly. This mixture forms the creamy base of your ice cream.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the blended mixture into the freezer bowl of your electric ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for freezing. This step is crucial for achieving that smooth, creamy texture.
- Add Toasted Coconut: Once the ice cream begins to set, gently fold in the toasted coconut. This adds a delightful crunch and intensifies the coconut flavor.
- Freeze to Perfection: Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Freeze it until it reaches a firm, scoopable consistency. This final freezing step is essential for that classic ice cream texture.
Expert Tips
- Consistent Toasting: Keep an eye on the coconut while toasting to ensure even browning.
- Chill Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients are cold before mixing to help the ice cream set faster.
- Don’t Overfill: Only fill the ice cream maker to its recommended capacity to avoid overflow.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your coconut ice cream servings with these creative ideas:
- With Fresh Fruit: Top your ice cream with a mix of diced tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and papaya for a refreshing, colorful dessert.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle warm chocolate sauce over your ice cream and garnish with chocolate shavings for a decadent treat.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle a blend of toasted almonds and macadamia nuts for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- Berry Delight: Accompany with a homemade berry compote, combining strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries for a sweet and tangy contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
When stored properly in a freezer-safe, airtight container, homemade coconut ice cream can last up to 2 weeks. Ensure it’s kept at a consistent freezing temperature to maintain quality.
To maintain freshness, store the ice cream in a freezer-safe, airtight container. Options include Tupperware-type containers or a standard bread loaf pan covered tightly with plastic wrap. Press the plastic wrap against the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystal formation. For best results, place it in the back of the freezer where the temperature is colder and more consistent.
A standard-sized loaf pan, approximately 9.5 inches by 16.5 inches, works well. However, any freezer-safe container of similar size is suitable. The key is to ensure enough space for the ice cream to expand slightly as it freezes.
The standard recipe includes dairy products. However, you can make it dairy-free by substituting the heavy cream and milk with full-fat coconut milk and the sweetened condensed milk with a dairy-free alternative.
RELATED: The Best Single Serving Summer Recipes
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this toasted coconut ice cream or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Small Batch Coconut Ice Cream
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 (14-ounce can) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 1 cup toasted coconut
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, blend the cream, milks, and coconut extract thoroughly. This mixture forms the creamy base of your ice cream.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the blended mixture into the freezer bowl of your 1 ½-quart electric ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for freezing. This step is crucial for achieving that smooth, creamy texture.Mine takes between 25-30 minutes until it gets creamy and thick
- Add Toasted Coconut: Once the ice cream begins to set, gently fold in the toasted coconut and stir about 10 seconds. This adds a delightful crunch and intensifies the coconut flavor.
- Freeze to Perfection: Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Freeze it until it reaches a firm, scoopable consistency, about 4 to 6 hours. This final freezing step is essential for that classic ice cream texture.
Notes
- Consistent Toasting: Keep an eye on the coconut while toasting to ensure even browning.
- Chill Ingredients: Ensure all your ingredients are cold before mixing to help the ice cream set faster.
- Don’t Overfill: Only fill the ice cream maker to its recommended capacity to avoid overflow.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I have made this recipe twice-consistently good. Very creamy with a gourmet look and taste. Impressive to serve to company.
I’m interested in making this for my boyfriend, but he is lactose intolerant. What substitutes do you suggest?
Hi Jacqueline,
I have not made coconut ice cream with anything other than the ingredients I have listed in this recipe. But, I would suggest you have a look at this vegan coconut ice cream recipe and see if it might be one you’d like to try. It’s made with full fat coconut milk and sounds like it could be a winner – https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-vegan-ice-cream-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-204755
Hope this helps and I’m sure your boyfriend will love it.
Joanie
Thank you, Joanie! I’m so happy I found your website. I look forward to trying some of the recipes.
-Jacqueline
Made this lovely recipe when I had guests and they just loved and and wanted to have the recipe. Will be making again. I just put in 2 tsp coconut extract, just love coconut.
I’m so happy you enjoyed the recipe, Marsha. Great idea to add coconut extract, I’ll have to add it in the next time I make this recipe.
Joanie
This sounds amazing! I love toasted coconut so much!
Thanks, Jaren.
This is just reminding me that I need a new ice cream maker, and a great way to get coconut into my diet!
Love the idea of this! My mother may be coming soon to visit, and she’s a coconut fanatic -I’ll definitely be making this for her 😀
I’m a fan of anything that lets me get out my ice cream maker! Our freezer is full of ice creams I’ve made this summer!
Some members of my family would FLIP OUT for this.
Coconut is one of my all time favorites and this ice cream looks amazing!! Can’t wait to give it a try.