Dragon fruit Ice Cream is a vibrant and exotic dessert inspired by the flavours of the Pacific Islands. Known for its striking pink colour and subtly sweet taste, dragon fruit (also called pitaya) makes an excellent base for a smooth and creamy ice cream. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make Dragon fruit Ice Cream (Pacific Islands) at home, combining tropical flavours for a delightful frozen treat.
Ingredients Needed
To make homemade Dragon fruit Ice Cream, you’ll need:
- 2 cups heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free version)
- 1 cup condensed milk (or coconut condensed milk for a vegan option)
- 1 cup fresh dragon fruit puree (pink or white variety)
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or almond milk for dairy-free)
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp lime juice (enhances flavour and prevents browning)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Dragon fruit Ice Cream
1. Prepare the Ice Cream Base
In a mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, condensed milk, and whole milk until smooth. Add the dragon fruit puree, vanilla extract, and lime juice, stirring until fully combined.
2. Adjust Sweetness and Texture
Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness by adding honey or maple syrup if needed. If you want a more vibrant colour, add a bit of natural pink food colouring.
3. Freeze the Ice Cream
Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container, cover it with plastic wrap, and freeze for at least 6 hours or until firm. For best results, freeze overnight.
4. Serve and Enjoy!
Once the ice cream is fully set, scoop it into bowls or cones. For extra tropical flair, top it with shredded coconut, fresh dragon fruit chunks, or a drizzle of honey.
Tips for Best Results
- Use fresh dragon fruit: The fresher the fruit, the better the flavour and colour.
- Opt for natural sweeteners: Honey, agave, or maple syrup work well for a healthier version.
- Experiment with mix-ins: Try adding coconut flakes, chia seeds, or even passion fruit for extra tropical flavours!
Now that you know how to make Dragon fruit Ice Cream (Pacific Islands) at home, why not give this fun and delicious recipe a try? It’s an easy way to introduce tropical flavours to your family and friends. Enjoy your homemade Dragon fruit Ice Cream and let us know how it turned out!