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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, and the fruity small batch Strawberry Ice Cream. Perfect for any ice cream craving!

Why You’ll Love This Coconut Ice Cream Recipe

  1. Simple Ingredients: Utilizes everyday items like sweetened condensed milk and coconut.
  2. Easy to Make: With an ice cream maker, the process is straightforward and fun.
  3. Rich Coconut Flavor: The coconut extract and toasted flakes provide an intense coconut experience.
  4. Perfect Texture: Achieves a professionally smooth and creamy consistency.
  5. 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.
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How To Toast Coconut Perfectly

Discover the simple steps to perfectly toast coconut, a key technique to elevate your ice cream and dessert recipes:

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 300 F (150 C), a moderate temperature ideal for toasting coconut.
  2. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Spread the shredded coconut in an even layer on a baking sheet. This ensures uniform toasting.
  3. 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

  1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, blend the cream, milks, and coconut extract thoroughly. This mixture forms the creamy base of your ice cream.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
toasted coconut ice cream in a baking dish.

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

How long does homemade coconut ice cream last?

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.

How should I store coconut ice cream?

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.

What is the ideal container size for freezing coconut ice cream?

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.

How can I make dairy-free coconut ice cream?

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.


Your Cooking For One Source
Because you’re worth it

Coconut Ice Cream

4.75 from 4 votes
Prep: 25 minutes
Freeze: 4 hours
Total: 4 hours 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Whip up this easy Coconut Ice Cream for a delightful treat! Rich in flavor with toasted coconut, it's a homemade favorite. Perfect for a summer day!

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

Serving: 1serving, Calories: 306kcal, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 12g, Cholesterol: 58mg, Sodium: 85mg, Potassium: 277mg, Sugar: 28g, Vitamin A: 615IU, Vitamin C: 1.8mg, Calcium: 189mg, Iron: 0.3mg

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.

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43 Comments

  1. YES! I adore coconut ice cream! I think I’ll make a batch of this with coconut milk too!

  2. I used to love running, but then I tore the cartilage in my knee playing roller derby. Cycling is a good alternative outside activity that doesn’t stress those knees if you find yourself needing a break. This coconut ice cream looks so good. I’d like a big bowl topped with hot fudge! Yum.

    1. Great suggestion, Amy. I enjoy biking, especially when the weather starts to turn cooler. Thanks so much!

  3. I do not how you handle the heat! I cry when it reaches 85 here in Wyoming! Scary! This ice cream sounds like just the thing to cool you down! Pinned!

    1. 85 degrees sounds so nice, Justine. I think we may get to 85 late in the evenings. Yes, a nice bowl of ice cream is absolutely refreshing on most days. Thanks so much!

  4. Good for you on the running, and in TX heat too. So you deserve this luscious ice cream. Every delicious bite. Coconut is my all time favorite ice cream flavor, can’t wait to try this!

  5. This looks delicious! I love finding new ice cream recipes! I’ve never tried coconut, but I bet it’s wonderful.