Description
This refreshing prickly pear ice cream recipe highlights the unique, sweet flavor of prickly pears blended into a creamy, smooth base. Perfect for a summer treat, this homemade ice cream combines prickly pear juice with rich cream, milk, and vanilla, offering a vibrant and naturally colorful dessert.
Ingredients
Prickly Pear Juice
- 2 cups prickly pear juice (about 4–5 prickly pears)
Dairy Mixture
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional
- Few drops of pink food coloring for brighter color
Instructions
- Prepare Prickly Pear Juice: Carefully peel the prickly pears to avoid the spines. Blend the peeled fruit thoroughly, then strain the mixture to remove seeds. Set aside the resulting juice for making ice cream.
- Mix Milk and Sugar: In a saucepan, combine the whole milk and sugar. Gently heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has fully dissolved.
- Add Cream and Vanilla: Stir in the heavy cream and vanilla extract into the warmed milk and sugar mixture. Continue heating the mixture just until it becomes warm, making sure not to boil.
- Combine Juice and Cream Mixture: Pour the prickly pear juice into the warm cream mixture. Whisk thoroughly to combine and create a smooth blend. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. If desired, add a few drops of pink food coloring for a more vibrant hue.
- Cool the Mixture: Allow the mixture to cool down to room temperature. Once cooled, cover and refrigerate the mixture for 1 to 2 hours until it is thoroughly chilled.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This process aerates the ice cream and creates its creamy texture.
- Freeze the Ice Cream: Transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for at least 4 hours to allow it to firm up properly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop the frozen prickly pear ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy the refreshing fruity flavor.
Notes
- Peeling prickly pears requires caution due to small spines; using gloves is recommended.
- Straining the blended prickly pear juice removes seeds to ensure a smooth texture.
- Optionally, add pink food coloring for a brighter color if desired.
- The ice cream maker’s churning time may vary based on model; follow specific machine instructions.
- For a firmer ice cream, freeze longer than 4 hours if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
