Looking for a deliciously creamy, healthy, and vegan dessert? This vibrant Dragon Fruit Ice Cream is a showstopper with its naturally stunning color and rich, tropical flavor. It’s simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients, and it’s a great way to enjoy the exotic taste of dragon fruit in a refreshing frozen treat. Plus, it’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free—perfect for those following a vegan or clean-eating lifestyle.
Ingredients:
- 2 dragon fruits, halved and flesh removed
- 3/4 cup almond milk
- 1 (13.5 oz) can unsweetened coconut milk
- 1/2 cup sugar (you can substitute with coconut sugar or a sugar alternative if preferred)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by carefully cutting the dragon fruits in half and scooping out the vibrant flesh with a spoon. Place the flesh into a blender. You can use red-fleshed or white-fleshed dragon fruit, though red will give your ice cream that gorgeous pink color.
2. Blend the Base:
Add the almond milk, coconut milk, sugar, and vanilla extract to the blender with the dragon fruit. Blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. You should have a creamy, thick puree. Taste the mixture and add more sweetener if desired, depending on the sweetness of your dragon fruit.
3. Prepare Your Ice Cream Maker:
Set up your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you’re using a traditional ice cream maker, make sure the bowl is pre-frozen for at least 24 hours before making your ice cream.
4. Freeze the Mixture:
Pour the smooth mixture into the ice cream maker and churn according to the machine’s instructions. Typically, it will take about 20 to 30 minutes for the mixture to reach a soft-serve consistency.
5. Firm Up in the Freezer:
Once the ice cream has finished churning, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Spread it out evenly and smooth the top with a spatula. Place the container in the freezer for at least 4 hours, or until it’s firm enough to scoop.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, remove the ice cream from the freezer for about 10 minutes to soften slightly. Scoop into bowls or cones and enjoy a refreshing, tropical treat!
Tips:
- Dragon Fruit Varieties: The color of your ice cream will depend on the type of dragon fruit used. Red dragon fruit gives a lovely pink hue, while white dragon fruit will result in a more subtle, white ice cream.
- No Ice Cream Maker? If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can pour the blended mixture into a shallow container and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork to break up ice crystals, until it reaches a creamy consistency. This process will take a bit longer, but the result is still delicious.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the sweetness based on your taste preference and the natural sweetness of the dragon fruit. You can also substitute the sugar with a sweetener of your choice, such as maple syrup, agave, or stevia.
Nutrition Information (Per 1/2 cup serving):
- Calories: 236
- Total Fat: 16.8g
- Saturated Fat: 14.6g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Carbohydrates: 22.4g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 20g
- Protein: 2.2g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Naturally Vibrant & Beautiful: The bright pink hue of this ice cream will make your dessert table pop!
- Healthy & Vegan: This recipe is dairy-free and gluten-free, making it suitable for vegan and lactose-intolerant guests.
- Quick & Simple: With only a few ingredients and a short prep time, you’ll have a tropical dessert ready in no time.
This Dragon Fruit Ice Cream is a delightful way to indulge in a healthier dessert option. The combination of creamy coconut milk, almond milk, and the exotic flavor of dragon fruit will transport you to a tropical paradise with every spoonful. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering or enjoying it on a warm day, it’s sure to impress!
