Dragon Fruit Ice Cream Recipe

The Perfect Dragon Fruit Ice Cream Recipe for Sweet Summer Days

Dragon fruit elevates ordinary desserts into extraordinary culinary adventures with its unique tropical essence.

This stunning ingredient brings magical color and unexpected flavor to classic frozen treats.

Soft and delicate, the fruit carries a subtle sweetness that dances across your palate with surprising grace.

Its pale pink or white interior hints at the subtle complexity waiting to emerge in each creamy scoop.

The velvety texture and mild taste make dragon fruit ice cream an irresistible option for adventurous dessert lovers.

Cool and sophisticated, this frozen delight offers a sophisticated alternative to standard ice cream flavors.

Prepare to embark on a delicious journey that will tantalize your taste buds.

Dragon Fruit Ice Cream: A Sweet, Vibrant Treat

  • Whip Up a Tropical Delight: Dive into a creamy, vibrant dragon fruit ice cream that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious frozen treat, perfect for beating the heat.
  • Embrace Effortless Elegance: This recipe requires minimal kitchen skills, using a blender and ice cream maker to create a smooth, velvety dessert that looks and tastes professionally crafted.
  • Nutrition Meets Indulgence: Packed with natural sweetness and a gorgeous pink hue, this dairy-free dessert offers a guilt-free indulgence with fiber-rich dragon fruit and plant-based milks, making it a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream.
  • Quick and Convenient Dessert: From blending to churning, this recipe takes just minutes to prepare, with a short freezing time, ensuring you can enjoy a stunning homemade dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.

What You Need to Make Dragon Fruit Ice Cream

Fresh Fruits:
  • Dragon Fruit: Sweet tropical fruit with mild flavor, bright pink or white flesh provides creamy texture and natural color.
Dairy and Milk Alternatives:
  • Almond Milk, Coconut Milk: Dairy-free liquid bases that create smooth, creamy consistency and add subtle nutty undertones.
Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Sugar: Standard sweetener that balances fruits natural taste and helps prevent ice crystals.
  • Vanilla Extract: Classic flavor booster that complements tropical fruit and adds depth to dessert.

How to Make Smooth and Creamy Dragon Fruit Ice Cream

Step 1: Prep the Ice Cream Maker

Follow the manufacturer’s specific guidelines for setting up your ice cream maker.

Step 2: Blend the Creamy Base

Gather your ingredients:
  • Dragon fruit
  • Almond milk
  • Coconut milk
  • Sugar
  • Vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients in a blender and puree until the mixture becomes completely smooth and vibrant.

Step 3: Churn the Mixture

Pour the blended dragon fruit mixture into the ice cream maker and churn according to the machine’s instructions until it reaches a soft, frozen consistency.

Step 4: Freeze and Set

Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and place in the freezer for 2-3 hours until it firms up completely.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften slightly. This will make scooping easier and enhance the creamy texture. Scoop into bowls and savor your homemade dragon fruit ice cream.

Tips for Getting the Perfect Texture in Dragon Fruit Ice Cream

  • Chill Ingredients First: Refrigerate almond and coconut milk before blending to help the mixture freeze faster and create a smoother texture.
  • Select Ripe Dragon Fruit: Choose dragon fruit with vibrant pink or red skin that yields slightly when pressed, ensuring maximum sweetness and flavor.
  • Prevent Ice Crystals: Cover the ice cream surface with plastic wrap directly touching the mixture before freezing to minimize ice crystal formation.
  • Enhance Creaminess: Add a tablespoon of vodka or corn syrup to the mixture to keep the ice cream softer and easier to scoop straight from the freezer.
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt into the blender to intensify the dragon fruit's natural sweetness and balance the overall taste.

Storing Dragon Fruit Ice Cream for Later Enjoyment

  • Refrigerator Storage: Seal the dragon fruit ice cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and maintain its creamy texture. Cover the surface with plastic wrap before placing the lid to minimize ice crystal formation.
  • Freezer Preservation: Keep the ice cream in the coldest part of your freezer, typically at the back, where temperature remains most consistent. Consume within 1-2 weeks for optimal flavor and texture.
  • Reheating Technique: Remove the container from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes. Gently scoop with a warmed ice cream spoon to ensure smooth, easy serving. Avoid microwaving, which can cause uneven melting and compromise the delicate dragon fruit flavor.

Best Pairings for Dragon Fruit Ice Cream

  • Pair with Tropical Rum Cocktail: Mix a light white rum with fresh pineapple juice and a splash of lime, creating a vibrant drink that complements the dragon fruit's delicate flavor and enhances the creamy dessert's tropical essence.
  • Serve with Crispy Coconut Wafers: Bake thin, crunchy coconut cookies that provide a delightful textural contrast to the smooth ice cream, while echoing the coconut milk's background notes in the recipe.
  • Garnish with Fresh Tropical Fruits: Top the ice cream with diced mango, passion fruit, or kiwi to intensify the exotic taste profile and add a bright, zesty freshness that cuts through the dessert's creamy richness.
  • Match with Lightly Spiced Ginger Tea: Brew a subtle ginger tea that offers a warm, gentle spice which balances the cool, sweet ice cream and creates an intriguing flavor harmony.

Fun Variations on Dragon Fruit Ice Cream

  • Tropical Berry Blend: Combine dragon fruit with mixed berries like strawberries and raspberries for a vibrant, tangy flavor profile that enhances the creamy texture.
  • Coconut Crunch Edition: Fold toasted coconut flakes into the churned ice cream and sprinkle additional flakes on top for added crunch and tropical complexity.
  • Spiced Exotic Version: Infuse the mixture with ground cardamom and a hint of ginger to create a warm, aromatic dimension that complements the dragon fruit's mild sweetness.
  • Vegan Protein Power: Incorporate a scoop of plant-based protein powder during blending to boost nutritional value and create a more substantial frozen dessert.
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Dragon Fruit Ice Cream Recipe

Dragon Fruit Ice Cream Recipe


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4.5 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy dragon fruit ice cream whispers tropical elegance with its striking pink hue and silky texture. Delicate sweetness and exotic flavor invite cool refreshment that transports palates to sunny paradise.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 dragon fruits
  • 1 (13.5 ounces / 383 grams) can of unsweetened coconut milk
  • ¾ cup (180 milliliters) almond milk

Sweeteners:

  • ½ cup (100 grams) sugar

Flavor Enhancer:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Position your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s detailed guidelines, ensuring the freezer bowl is completely chilled and ready for churning.
  2. Slice the vibrant dragon fruit into chunks and transfer to a high-powered blender, adding unsweetened almond milk (240 milliliters/8 fluid ounces), full-fat coconut milk (240 milliliters/8 fluid ounces), granulated white sugar (100 grams/), and pure vanilla extract (5 milliliters/).
  3. Blend the ingredients on high speed for 60-90 seconds until the mixture transforms into a smooth, uniform consistency with no visible fruit chunks.
  4. Carefully pour the creamy dragon fruit mixture into the prepared ice cream maker, activating the churning process for 20-25 minutes or until the texture resembles soft-serve ice cream.
  5. Use a spatula to transfer the freshly churned ice cream into an airtight, freezer-safe container, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent freezing.
  6. Place the container in the freezer and allow the ice cream to firm up for 2-3 hours, creating a perfect scoopable texture.
  7. Remove the ice cream from the freezer 10-15 minutes before serving to achieve the ideal creamy consistency, allowing it to slightly soften at room temperature.

Notes

  • Vibrant pink dragonfruit transforms this creamy dessert into a stunning tropical treat that looks as amazing as it tastes.
  • Vegan and dairy-free ingredients ensure everyone can enjoy this refreshing summer delicacy without compromise.
  • Blending whole dragonfruit creates an intense natural color and preserves maximum nutritional benefits of the exotic fruit.
  • Churning slowly develops smooth, silky texture preventing unwanted ice crystals from forming during freezing process.
  • Allowing ice cream to soften slightly before serving releases deeper flavor notes and creates perfect scoopable consistency.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Drinks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 740 kcal
  • Sugar: 56g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 52g
  • Saturated Fat: 46g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 66g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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