Refreshing Coconut Lime Ice Cream
Enjoy a luscious tropical treat with this homemade Lime and Coconut Ice Cream. Bursting with zesty lime and creamy coconut flavors, this ice cream is an elegant yet simple dessert that’s perfect for summer days. Made with wholesome ingredients and crafted through a smooth custard process, it delivers a delightful balance of tang and richness.
Equipment
- 1 Medium saucepan
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Fine Mesh Strainer
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Ice Cream Maker
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- ½ cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped lime zest
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
Instructions
- Infuse the Milk with Coconut Flavor: Begin by pouring 1 ½ cups of whole milk into a medium-sized saucepan. Add 1 cup of sweetened shredded coconut, ¼ cup granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt to the milk. Using a wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula, gently stir the mixture to combine the ingredients evenly. Place the saucepan over medium heat and slowly bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent the milk from sticking to the bottom or scorching. Allow the milk and coconut to simmer until the liquid has reduced by about one-fourth — this concentration step intensifies the coconut flavor, making it richer and creamier. Once the reduction is reached, remove the saucepan from heat and cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. Let the mixture steep for one full hour. This resting period lets the shredded coconut infuse the milk thoroughly, extracting maximum flavor and aroma.
- Strain and Reheat the Coconut-Infused Milk: After the one-hour steeping, set a fine mesh strainer over a large measuring cup or bowl. Slowly pour the coconut milk mixture through the strainer, catching the milk and leaving the shredded coconut solids behind. Use the back of a spoon or spatula to press gently on the coconut solids, extracting every bit of infused milk. Discard or reserve the coconut solids for another use, such as baking or smoothies. Transfer the strained coconut milk back into the saucepan and place it over medium-low heat. Warm it gently until it is hot but not boiling — this temperature will be important for tempering the egg yolks in the next step.
- Prepare and Temper the Egg Yolks: In a clean mixing bowl, crack open 4 large eggs and carefully separate the yolks from the whites, saving the yolks for the recipe.Whisk the egg yolks thoroughly until smooth and slightly pale in color, which helps ensure a silky custard. To temper the yolks, gradually add about half of the hot coconut milk into the egg yolks in a slow, steady stream while whisking vigorously. This slow combination raises the temperature of the egg yolks gently and prevents them from cooking or curdling prematurely. Once combined, pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining coconut milk.
- Cook the Custard to Thicken: Place the saucepan with the combined mixture back on medium-low heat. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, making sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the pan to prevent sticking. Cook gently until the custard thickens enough to coat the back of the spoon—this usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. To test, run your finger through the custard on the spoon; if it leaves a clear path, it’s ready. Avoid boiling the custard, as overheating can cause the eggs to scramble and ruin the smooth texture.
- Combine Custard with Lime and Sweetened Condensed Milk: Prepare a large mixing bowl set over an ice bath — a bowl filled with ice and cold water — to cool your custard quickly and safely. Pour 1 can (14 ounces) of sweetened condensed milk into the mixing bowl.Add ½ cup of fresh lime juice and 1 tablespoon of finely chopped lime zest to the bowl as well. Once the custard has thickened, strain it once more through a fine mesh sieve directly into the mixing bowl over the ice bath.This final straining removes any small lumps and ensures an ultra-smooth texture. Stir the custard into the condensed milk and lime mixture gently to combine everything evenly.
- Add Coconut Extract and Chill Thoroughly: To intensify the coconut flavor without overpowering the ice cream, add 1 teaspoon of coconut extract to the cooled mixture.Stir gently but thoroughly to blend the flavors. Cover the mixing bowl tightly with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Chill the custard mixture for at least 5 hours, or ideally overnight.This resting time allows the flavors to meld and ensures the mixture is cold enough to freeze properly in the ice cream maker.
- Churn the Ice Cream to Perfection: Once the custard is completely chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific machine model—generally, this involves turning the machine on and allowing it to churn for 20 to 30 minutes. Churning incorporates air and freezes the mixture slowly to create a creamy, scoopable ice cream texture. Do not rush this process, as slow churning is key to a smooth final product.
- Freeze and Serve the Ice Cream: After churning, transfer the soft ice cream into an airtight container. For a firmer consistency, place it in the freezer for at least 2 to 3 hours before serving.When ready to enjoy, scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones. This lime and coconut ice cream is perfect as a refreshing summer dessert or a tropical treat any time of year!
Notes
- Use fresh lime juice and zest for the brightest citrus flavor; bottled juice won’t deliver the same freshness.
- Whole milk creates a creamy base; avoid low-fat milk as it may affect texture and richness.
- Steeping the coconut in warm milk extracts maximum flavor — don’t skip this step or shorten the time.
- Tempering the egg yolks slowly prevents curdling and ensures a smooth custard.
- Be patient chilling the custard thoroughly before churning to get the best texture.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, try freezing the mixture in a shallow container and stirring every 30 minutes until firm.
- Adjust sugar levels to taste, especially if your sweetened condensed milk is very sweet.
