Homemade pineapple soft serve ice cream is a tropical escape in a bowl, blending the vibrant, sweet-tart flavor of fresh pineapple with the creamy richness of coconut milk. This delightful treat not only cools you down but also brings a taste of paradise to your home.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks (about 1 medium pineapple)
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (or whole milk for a less tropical flavor)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Pineapple: Start by cutting the pineapple into chunks. If using fresh pineapple, make sure to remove the skin and core before chopping. For convenience, you can also use pre-cut pineapple chunks. Place the pineapple chunks in a blender or food processor.
- Blend the Ingredients: Add the granulated sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the blender with the pineapple chunks. Blend the mixture until smooth. You want to ensure that there are no large pieces of pineapple remaining.
- Incorporate the Coconut Milk: With the blender running, slowly add the coconut milk to the pineapple mixture. Blend until well combined and smooth. The coconut milk adds a rich, creamy texture to the ice cream, balancing the tartness of the pineapple.
- Chill the Mixture: Transfer the mixture to a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or until the mixture is thoroughly chilled. This step is crucial as it helps achieve a smoother texture when churning.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturerβs instructions for your machine. Typically, youβll need to churn the mixture for about 20-25 minutes or until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Serve Immediately or Freeze: Once churned, the soft serve can be served immediately for a creamy, soft-serve texture. If you prefer a firmer ice cream, transfer it to a container with a lid and freeze for an additional 1-2 hours before serving.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the pineapple soft serve in bowls or cones. For an extra touch, you can garnish with fresh pineapple chunks, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, or a drizzle of honey.
