This creamy Pineapple Ice Cream combines the natural sweetness of fresh pineapple with a rich, velvety base of heavy cream and milk. With a hint of vanilla, it’s the perfect dessert to cool down on a warm day or to bring a touch of the tropics to any occasion. Simple to make and absolutely refreshing, this homemade ice cream will be a favorite for pineapple lovers everywhere. Enjoy it as is or with a sprinkle of toasted coconut for an extra tropical flair!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Pineapple Ice Cream is a refreshing, tropical delight that’s perfect for sunny days or whenever you’re craving a taste of paradise. Made with fresh pineapple, creamy milk, and a touch of vanilla, this ice cream boasts a vibrant, fruity flavor and a luxuriously smooth texture. It’s easy to make at home, requiring just a few simple ingredients and an ice cream maker. Whether enjoyed in a cone, bowl, or as a topping for your favorite desserts, this recipe is guaranteed to transport your taste buds to a tropical getaway!
Key Ingredients
Fresh Pineapple: The star of the recipe! Fresh pineapple brings a natural sweetness and tangy flavor that makes this ice cream irresistibly bright. You can use canned pineapple in a pinch, but fresh fruit delivers the best results.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the pineapple and balances its tanginess. Adjust the sugar amount based on the sweetness of your pineapple.
Heavy Cream and Whole Milk: These two create a rich, creamy base. Heavy cream adds lusciousness, while whole milk ensures the mixture isn’t overly dense.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla enhances the pineapple’s tropical flavor and adds a subtle warmth to the ice cream.
Pinch of Salt: A small amount of salt amplifies the sweetness and balances the overall flavor.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pineapple
Puree the Pineapple:
In a blender or food processor, puree fresh pineapple chunks until smooth.
Transfer to a Saucepan:
Pour the pineapple puree into a medium saucepan.
Step 2: Cook the Pineapple Mixture
Add Sugar:
Stir in 1 cup of sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference).
Cook:
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly, about 10-15 minutes.
Cool:
Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely.
Step 3: Make the Ice Cream Base
Whisk Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
A pinch of salt
Whisk until the ingredients are well combined.
Step 4: Combine and Chill
Mix Together:
Stir the cooled pineapple mixture into the cream mixture until fully combined.
Refrigerate:
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled.
Step 5: Churn the Ice Cream
Pour into Ice Cream Maker:
Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker.
Churn:
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, typically churning for 20-25 minutes, until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Step 6: Freeze
Transfer to Container:
Scoop the churned ice cream into an airtight container.
Freeze:
Freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
Step 7: Serve
Scoop and Enjoy:
Serve the pineapple ice cream in bowls or cones.
Optionally, garnish with fresh pineapple slices or coconut flakes for an extra tropical touch.
Serving Suggestions
Pineapple ice cream is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of treats:
Classic Scoops: Serve in a waffle cone or bowl for a simple yet delightful dessert.
Tropical Sundae: Top with toasted coconut flakes, caramel sauce, and a cherry for a decadent sundae.
Pair with Cake: Serve alongside a slice of coconut cake or pound cake for a show-stopping dessert.
Pineapple Float: Add scoops to a glass of pineapple soda or sparkling water for a refreshing float.
For a tropical twist, garnish your ice cream with fresh pineapple chunks, a sprig of mint, or a drizzle of honey.
Storage Tips
Freezing
Store the ice cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. For best results, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the container.
It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks, though the texture is best in the first few days.
Scooping
Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping for easier serving.
Variations
Coconut Pineapple Ice Cream: Replace half the heavy cream with coconut milk for a creamy, tropical twist.
Pineapple Sorbet: Skip the cream and milk, and blend the pineapple puree with sugar and a splash of lime juice for a dairy-free sorbet.
Pineapple-Mango: Add pureed mango to the mixture for a sweet and tangy flavor combination.
Spiked Pineapple Ice Cream: Stir in a splash of rum or Malibu coconut rum for an adults-only treat.
Pineapple Swirl: Fold in chunks of caramelized pineapple for added texture and flavor bursts.
Conclusion
This Pineapple Ice Cream is a deliciously creamy and tropical dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to make with fresh, wholesome ingredients, it captures the bright, sunny flavors of pineapple in every bite. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or experiment with creative variations, this homemade treat is sure to impress family and friends alike. Scoop up the sunshine today and savor the taste of paradise!
Pineapple Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, puree fresh pineapple chunks until smooth. Pour the pineapple puree into a medium saucepan.
- Stir in 1 cup of sugar into the pineapple puree. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together heavy cream, whole milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- Stir the cooled pineapple mixture into the cream mixture until fully combined. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled.
- Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, typically churning for 20-25 minutes, until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container. Freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Scoop and serve the pineapple ice cream in bowls or cones. Optionally, garnish with fresh pineapple slices or coconut flakes for an extra tropical touch.
