Indulge your senses with a delightful treat that will transport you straight to a tropical paradise! This Chocolate Chunk Toasted Coconut Ice Cream is not just any dessert; it’s a creamy, dreamy concoction that combines the rich flavors of coconut milk and heavy cream with the irresistible crunch of toasted coconut flakes and dark chocolate chunks. Perfect for those hot summer days or whenever you need a sweet escape, this recipe is quick to whip up and will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Ready to impress your friends and family with a homemade ice cream that tastes like a luxurious treat from a gourmet shop? Let’s dive into this easy recipe that promises to be a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup toasted coconut flakes
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine coconut milk, heavy cream, sugar, and salt. Whisk together over medium heat until sugar completely dissolves, about 5-6 minutes.
- Remove mixture from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Allow the base to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled.
- While base is chilling, toast coconut flakes in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly until golden brown and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside to cool completely.
- Pour chilled ice cream base into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer's instructions, typically 20-25 minutes.
- During the last 2-3 minutes of churning, gradually add toasted coconut flakes and dark chocolate chunks to distribute evenly throughout the mixture.
- Transfer churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container, smoothing the top with a spatula. Cover tightly and freeze for at least 4 hours to firm up.
- Before serving, let ice cream sit at room temperature for 3-5 minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping.
Tips
- Chill Your Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your coconut milk and heavy cream are well chilled before combining them. This helps the ice cream base cool down faster, leading to a creamier final product.
- Watch the Coconut Flakes: When toasting the coconut flakes, keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly. Stir constantly and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn golden brown for the best flavor.
- Customize Your Chocolate: Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chunks! Dark chocolate adds a rich flavor, but semi-sweet or even white chocolate can create a unique twist.
- Use an Ice Cream Maker: For the creamiest texture, use an ice cream maker. The churning process incorporates air and prevents ice crystals from forming, giving you that smooth, scoopable ice cream.
- Let it Soften Before Serving: Ice cream can be quite hard straight out of the freezer. Let it sit at room temperature for 3-5 minutes before scooping to make serving easier and more enjoyable.
- Store Properly: To keep your ice cream fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 60mg
