Nothing beats the refreshing combination of coconut and lime, especially during the warm summer months. This Coconut Lime Ice Cream is a pure vegetarian, dairy-free, and egg-free treat, making it perfect for those following vegan or plant-based diets. Creamy coconut milk pairs harmoniously with the tangy zest of lime, creating a tropical flavor profile that’s both creamy and zesty. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering or enjoying it as a personal indulgence, this easy and delightful dessert is bound to win hearts!
This recipe for Coconut Lime Ice Cream is simple to prepare with minimal ingredients, and it can be made without an ice cream maker. You’ll only need a few kitchen essentials and a little patience to allow the ice cream to freeze to perfection.
SEO Title: Coconut Lime Ice Cream Recipe | Vegan, Dairy-Free & Refreshing Summer Treat
Ingredients:
- 1 can (400ml) full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 cup coconut cream
- 1/2 cup maple syrup or agave syrup (or sweetener of choice)
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- Zest of 2 limes
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Shredded coconut (optional, for garnish)
Nutrition Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 1g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 5mg
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Active Time: 10 minutes
Resting Time: 4-6 hours (freezing)
Total Time: 4-6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Vegan, Tropical, Dairy-Free
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater for lime zest
- Ice cream container or loaf pan
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Freezer-safe container with a lid
Instructions:
- Prepare the Coconut Milk Mixture:
- Start by opening the can of coconut milk and stirring it well to combine the coconut water and coconut solids. This will ensure the milk has a smooth, creamy texture.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the coconut milk, coconut cream, maple syrup (or chosen sweetener), lime juice, lime zest, and a pinch of salt. You can whisk the mixture by hand, or use an electric mixer for a smoother consistency.
- Blend the Ingredients:
- Stir the ingredients together until they are well incorporated, and the mixture is smooth. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or lime zest if desired.
- Add the vanilla extract for an added layer of flavor, although this is optional.
- Freeze the Mixture:
- Pour the coconut-lime mixture into a freezer-safe container. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can use a loaf pan or any shallow container. For easy serving, line the bottom of the container with parchment paper.
- Smooth the top of the mixture using a spatula.
- Freeze and Stir (if needed):
- Place the container in the freezer for about 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, check the consistency and stir it gently with a fork to break up any ice crystals that are forming. This will help achieve a creamier texture.
- Continue to freeze for an additional 3-5 hours, stirring every 30 minutes or so until the ice cream is firm and scoopable.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Once the ice cream is fully frozen and has reached the desired consistency, scoop it into bowls or cones.
- Optionally, top it with shredded coconut for an extra tropical touch. You can also add a slice of lime for garnish.
Tips for Perfect Coconut Lime Ice Cream:
- Sweeteners: While maple syrup or agave syrup works best, you can use any liquid sweetener of your choice. Adjust the quantity based on your sweetness preference.
- Texture: For a smoother texture, use full-fat coconut milk. If you prefer a less rich version, you can use light coconut milk or replace part of the coconut cream with almond milk or another plant-based milk.
- No Ice Cream Maker? No Problem: As this recipe doesn’t require an ice cream maker, it’s perfect for those who don’t own one. Just remember to stir the mixture periodically to achieve the smoothest texture.
- Storage: Store any leftover coconut lime ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks, but make sure to let it soften slightly at room temperature before scooping if it gets too hard.
Why You Should Make Coconut Lime Ice Cream:
- Vegan & Dairy-Free: Made with coconut milk and coconut cream, this ice cream is perfect for those avoiding dairy. It’s also suitable for people following plant-based diets, vegans, and those with lactose intolerance.
- No Ice Cream Maker Required: You don’t need an ice cream maker to make this creamy, dreamy dessert. With just a little bit of time and some stirring, you can have the perfect consistency right at home.
- Refreshing & Tropical Flavor: The combination of tangy lime and creamy coconut is a match made in heaven. This ice cream will transport you to a tropical paradise with every bite!
- Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of basic ingredients, this recipe is simple, clean, and perfect for those who love natural flavors. No artificial flavorings or chemicals—just pure, fresh ingredients.
Cuisines: Vegan, Tropical, Dairy-Free, Frozen Dessert
Course: Dessert, Sweet Treat, Frozen Treat
Servings: 6-8 servings
Total Time Breakdown:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes to prepare the coconut milk mixture and zest the limes.
- Active Time: 10 minutes of mixing and blending the ingredients.
- Resting Time: 4-6 hours to freeze the mixture until solid and scoopable.
Calories:
The nutritional value per serving will vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes, but on average, each serving contains about 250 calories. The calories come from the healthy fats in the coconut milk and cream, natural sugars from the maple syrup, and the fiber content of the coconut.
Conclusion:
This Coconut Lime Ice Cream is the ultimate summer dessert, offering the perfect balance of creaminess and citrus tang. It’s a versatile, refreshing, and easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for vegans and non-vegans alike. Whether you’re entertaining guests, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself, this ice cream is sure to impress. So, grab your ingredients, get mixing, and indulge in this tropical, plant-based delight!
Enjoy your refreshing Coconut Lime Ice Cream – a tropical indulgence made easy!