Coconut Ice Cream, made the old fashioned way with toasted coconut, heavy cream, coconut cream & coconut milk, is rich, creamy, and perfectly sweet.
This recipe teaches you how to make homemade ice cream the classic way with an egg yolk based custard. The result is the most delicious coconut ice cream you've ever had!
Why this recipe is so good:
Homemade old fashioned Coconut Ice Cream is GOOD. It is easy to make and is truly a wonderful dessert recipe.
- This is a real traditional ice cream recipe that uses egg yolks, sugar, and heavy cream.
- The addition of sweetened shredded coconut, coconut milk, and coconut cream really enhance the real coconut flavor.
- This recipe takes time to cook, chill, and process in an ice cream maker, but I promise the end result is worth it!
Ingredients needed:
- egg yolks
- granulated sugar
- sweetened shredded coconut
- half and half
- heavy cream
- light coconut milk
- coconut cream
Here's how to make it:
- Start by whisking the egg yolks and the sugar until very well blended and light in color. These will get set aside.
- Next you will toast some sweetened coconut in a sauce pan on the stove. The half and half, heavy cream, coconut cream, and coconut milk get added to the shredded coconut and as it heats, the coconut flavor really gets infused. This mixture gets heated just to the point of scalding and then is removed from the heat.
- Use the hot cream to temper the egg mixture, whisking in small amounts at a time to raise the temperature, until all of it can be combined.
- Chill the hot custard mixture over an ice bath before refrigerating it.
- After the custard is chilled over the ice bath, refrigerate until it has completely chilled. At that point you can transfer to an Ice cream maker to process.
The final result is a super creamy, coconut flavored, perfectly sweetened ice cream that your entire family will love.
Cooking tips:
- When toasting the coconut, take extra care to stir constantly to prevent burning. It can go from golden brown to burnt quickly, so never leave it unattended.
- I used a mixture of half and half with heavy cream as well as light coconut milk with coconut cream. I found this to be the perfect combination and balance for a rich and creamy ice cream without it being too heavy. You can modify the proportions depending on your preferences and the recipe will still work.
- After scalding the cream, you can strain the shredded coconut out prior to mixing with the egg yolk mixture if you prefer, but if you love the taste and texture it adds, leave them in!
- Take extra care to properly temper the egg by whisking in small amounts of the hot liquid at a time, whisking constantly. This will prevent the eggs from cooking. If you accidentally do cook the eggs, you can filter out any solid pieces through a fine mesh strainer.
- To prevent ice crystals, a tablespoon of vodka or coconut flavored rum can be added to the mixture prior to freezing.
- Homemade ice creams need a good 10-15 minutes to sit on the counter after freezing to soften before serving. Trust me on this one. Its worth the wait.
Related recipes:
Love coconut flavored desserts? Me too! Here are some of my favorites:
- Homemade Dairy Free Coconut Pudding
- Chocolate Coconut Macaroons
- Toasted Macadamia Coconut Cookies
- Coconut Pudding Poke Cake
- Coconut Berry Icebox Cake
- Toasted Coconut Cookies
- Coconut Cake
- Coconut Cream Pie
- Coconut Pudding Cheesecake
Coconut Ice Cream
This delicious and creamy Coconut Ice Cream is made the old fashioned way with toasted coconut and both heavy cream as well as coconut cream & coconut milk.
Print
Pin
Rate
Hover to scale: 6
Ingredients
- 6 egg yolks
- ¾ cup sugar
- 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut (loosely packed )
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup light coconut milk (canned)
- 14 ounce can coconut cream
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and the sugar until light and fluffy. Set aside.
- Add the coconut to a medium sized heavy saucepan and set over medium-high heat. Stir the coconut until it begins to brown, about 7 minutes, but do not allow to burn. Add the half and half, heavy cream, coconut milk, and coconut cream and bring to a simmer. You want to scald the mixture without it coming to a boil. Just before it starts to boil, turn the heat off.
- Slowly pour the hot coconut milk mixture into the yolk mixture, starting with a small amout at first, whisking constantly. Once you've added enough to warm the egg mixture, add a little more, always whisking, until everything has been combined and well mixed. Then pour the mixture back into the pan.
- Set over medium-low heat and cook, stirring slowly and continuously, until the custard thickens. You know its done if you can wipe your finger across a coated spatula and it leaves a trail. This takes about 5 minutes. Do not allow the custard to boil.
- Pour the custard into a clean bowl and place over an ice bath to cool while occasionally stirring to mix the hot with the cool. Refrigerate the custard until cold, at least 1 hour.
- Transfer the custard to an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure your container has been frozen at least over night prior to starting. I have a Cuisinart and had to make the ice cream in two batches, one right after the other, and the mixing process took about 30-45 minutes per batch. Transfer the ice cream to a container, cover and freeze until firm, at least 4 hours. Makes about 1 quart.
Notes
Cooking tips:
- When toasting the coconut, take extra care to stir constantly to prevent burning. It can go from golden brown to burnt quickly, so never leave it unattended.
- I used a mixture of half and half with heavy cream as well as light coconut milk with coconut cream. I found this to be the perfect combination and balance for a rich and creamy ice cream without it being too heavy. You can modify the proportions depending on your preferences and the recipe will still work.
- After scalding the cream, you can strain the shredded coconut out prior to mixing with the egg yolk mixture if you prefer, but if you love the taste and texture it adds, leave them in!
- Take extra care to properly temper the egg by whisking in small amounts of the hot liquid at a time, whisking constantly. This will prevent the eggs from cooking. If you accidentally do cook the eggs, you can filter out any solid pieces through a fine mesh strainer.
- To prevent ice crystals, a tablespoon of vodka or coconut flavored rum can be added to the mixture prior to freezing.
- Homemade ice creams need a good 10-15 minutes to sit on the counter after freezing to soften before serving. Trust me on this one. Its worth the wait.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
Calories: 668kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 54g | Saturated Fat: 41g | Cholesterol: 264mg | Sodium: 113mg | Potassium: 367mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 985IU | Vitamin C: 2.5mg | Calcium: 101mg | Iron: 2.3mg
SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTERSign up to have my recipes emailed to you. Free!
This recipe was originally published in April 2019 and has been updated with helpful information, ingredient and process photos, as well as recipe tips. Don't worry - the recipe hasn't changed!
Tina Leonetti
I made this recipe almost to the letter, I did not have the grated coconut but had bought sweetened coconut cream as I did not see it should have been unsweetened per the comments. I think the sweetened coconut cream offset the sweetness that would have come from the grated coconut so it's pretty balanced. It's quite decadent and smooth thanks to the eggs and the vodka. Next time I will lessen the sugar amount (since I still have the sweetened coconut cream) and add some sea salt. Great recipe.
Dan Becker
I made this ice cream last night. I saw the comment here about adding 1 tsp of salt. I first made it without salt, then did a taste test. Next, I added 1/2 tsp salt. It really perked up the flavors. Finally, I added the other 1/2 tsp salt. That was a bit too much salty-wise. :-/
I used a Cuisinart ice cream maker and started with a 50 degree F mixture. The first batch firmed up great, but immediately reusing the maker caused it to warm up too much for the second batch.
Finally, I did make a graham cracker crust for this. The contrast in textures and flavors between the crust and ice cream was pretty great!
Anne Marie Carroll
excellent and easy
Jamie
Sweetened or unsweetened coconut milk?
Krissy
unsweetened
Jenna
Hi Krissy i want to add chocolate chips to the recipe i was wondering if i could do that and if so how much would you recommend adding.
Jenna
Hi Krissy i want to put mini chocolate chips in this recipe can i do that and if so how much would you reccomend to put in.
Krissy
That's totally a matter of preference! My official answer would be a couple of handfuls. 🙂
Rocío
Can’t wait to try this! I wanted a recipe that uses heavy cream and coconut milk, so I’m going to give it a try! Definitely planning to add chopped pecans at the end...will come back with how it goes!
Also, you mentioned being in the market for a new ice cream maker. I have the 4-qt nostalgia electric wooden bucket ice cream maker and I LOVE it. Don’t have to worry about the bucket being cold enough because it’s the kind where you add ice to the outside. A little messier than the freezer bucket kind (which I did used to have but it broke...). Plus I think 4 qt in one go is perfect. Wish I had the time to make smaller batches more often, but this is perfect for us 🙂
Karen Stone
I buy the Thrifty brand pineapple coconut ice cream.
I think it is heavenly.
I recently started making our own ice cream since we got a ice cream maker.
This recipe sounds like a good creamy one.
I’m looking forward to making it this week and will give a reply afterwards.
Thank you for sha4ing your recipe,
Darren
This sounds awesome, I have a 6 quart freezer, you said it makes approx 1 quart. It sounds extreme to go x6 on some of the ingredients, Like the eggs and sugar etc. how would you mix for this? Thanks!
Krissy
Hi Darren, You have a 6 qt freezer or a 6 qt ice cream maker? I'm a small batch ice cream kinda girl, but if you have the means to make a bigger batch, I would just multiply and go!
Michell
Omg Delich
Ann
OMG I just made it today, it is so delicious. I will be making some more for my friends. By the way, I’ve added a teaspoon of salt to balance out the sweetness. Thanks for sharing the recipe
Jessica
The only coconut ice cream I've ever tasted is the paleo/dairy-free kind (blech!), so I was intrigued about what a custard based ice cream would taste like. I bought a box of Samoa Girl Scout cookies and kept it in my freezer to use for this recipe. Amazingly, hubby didn't eat the cookies beforehand (what willpower!). OMG, it was everything I thought it would be. The only thing I changed was to strain out the coconut before putting the custard in the ice bath because I thought the shredded coconut would have a weird texture in the ice cream; I added a teaspoon of vanilla (because why not?), the crushed cookies and a few chocolate chips. It was awesome on a hot summer day. Thanks so much for the recipe! Hubby is a huge fan too! Next time I make it, I'll use this recipe with mango puree. Should be awesome!
Marilyn
DO I HAVE TO USE AN ICE CREAM MAKER? WHAT ABOUT TRAYS?
Krissy
You don't have to. That's just how I do it.
Ann
Added some rough chopped toasted almonds and mini dark chocolate chips!!! OMG it was almond joy heaven!!! Made this for my daughter's birthday and it was a hit. Making it again for sister's gathering this week! Nice twist if you like almond joy!
Ann
P.S. - I did substitute a 14 oz can of sweetened condensed milk for the coconut cream, decreased fhd sugar to 1/2 cup and added a little coconut extract.
Ann
Irene
Awesome recipe just made it, so yummy 🙂 subbed half and half with full fat milk, and made my own swetened coconut from regular shredded conconut, still delicious. Stayed really good consistensy too while eating, didn't melt to a puddle 🙂
Steve Gentis
Way too sweet. Cloyingly. Way more fat than any ice cream needs to be a success. So much fat that the texture and mouthfeel were both off.
I've made lots of ice cream with coconut being a favorite-thought I'd try this one. I fear most of it will go down the kitchen drain!
Krissy
Sorry you feel that way. We love this recipe.
Aline
I agree with you’re completely! This recipe sounded awesome and I really wanted it to work (as would anyone investing time and ingredients into making something), but the recipe just falls short. I wrote a review as well but it wasn’t approved or published.
Krissy
I'm sorry it didn't work out for you guys (and I'm not sure I saw your review come through, Aline). Hopefully you enjoy some of the other recipes on my site!
Jo
In Australia & the UK I think we just refer to it as pouring/cooking cream. The stuff you can't whip no matter how hard you try.
Noushinator
I'm making this right now! I'm going to add caramel and nuts afternoon goes in the ice cream maker...im so excited!
Vanida
Hello,
Could you please tell me if I need a ice maker or ice "cream" maker for this recipe? are they one in the same or is there a difference?
Thank you!
Krissy
Ice cream maker is definitely different than an ice cube maker.
Giuseppe Basile
In your ingredients you list by itself 'one cups half and half ' but you don't say what exactly...please explain
Krissy
Should have said one cup, not cups. Half and half is something you can buy in the store (we put it in coffee). Thicker than milk, not as thick as heavy cream. Krissy
monika
Had to bring a "coconut themed dessert" for work. Delicious and (relatively) easy. Five stars!
Krissy
Thank you for coming back to let me know! -Krissy
Veronica Hofto
Hi!
I just googled coconut ice-cream and found your recipe. I will try it in the next few days. One question. What is half and half? I can only assume you mean fat reduced milk (?).
You recipes look fabulous. I can't wait to try them.
Veronica, Tasmania, Australia
Krissy
Hi Veronica! Half and half is what we use for cream in our coffee. It is basically in between full fat milk and heavy cream. Hope that helps! -Krissy
Marjorie
For all the people asking..
This is how to make half and half in Australia.
Mix 1/2 cup whole milk + 1/2 cup light cream.
Mix 3/4 cup whole milk + 1/4 cup heavy cream.
Mix 2/3 cup skim or low-fat milk + 1/3 cup heavy cream.
I've been looking for a good coconut ice cream recipe.. can't wait to try this!
Marjorie
Oh I should mention, it's 3 different ways to make "half and half", depending on what you have at home.
Jennifer
Is the coconut cream sweetened or unsweetened?
Krissy
unsweetened
Jamie
Half and half is 10% milk fat
Pia
Hi there just wanted to know when you say coconut cream... is it the plain unsweetened one?
Krissy
Yes!