A creamy, refreshing ice cream made with just frozen pineapple chunks and coconut milk. This easy two-ingredient recipe comes together in minutes, requires no ice cream maker, and delivers a naturally sweet, dairy-free tropical dessert.
1 Freezer-safe container (optional, for firming up)
Ingredients
4cupsfrozen pineapple chunks
1cupfull-fat canned coconut milk
Instructions
Prepare Your Tools and Ingredients: Before beginning, make sure your food processor (or high-powered blender) is clean, dry, and ready to use. Measure out 4 cups of frozen pineapple chunks and 1 cup of full-fat canned coconut milk. Keeping the pineapple frozen is key—it gives the ice cream its thick, creamy texture without the need for churning or additional equipment. If your pineapple has thawed slightly, place it back in the freezer for at least 20 minutes to firm it up again.
Break Down the Pineapple Chunks: Add the frozen pineapple chunks into the bowl of the food processor. Secure the lid tightly and begin pulsing in short bursts.At first, the pieces will be large and uneven, but after a few pulses, they will start to break down into smaller granules. Stop the machine occasionally to scrape down the sides with a spatula, ensuring all pieces are evenly processed. The pineapple should look like coarse, frosty crumbles before moving on to the next step.
Add Creamy Coconut Milk: Once the pineapple has been crushed, pour in the full-fat coconut milk. Use coconut milk from a can for the creamiest result—shaking or stirring it beforehand to evenly mix the cream and liquid. The richness of the coconut milk balances the tangy sweetness of the pineapple, giving your ice cream a smooth, tropical flavor.
Blend Until Smooth and Creamy: Continue blending the pineapple and coconut milk together, starting with short pulses, then allowing the food processor to run for longer intervals. The mixture will go through several stages: first crumbly, then slushy, and finally smooth and creamy. Be patient—it may take a few minutes depending on your machine. Pause to scrape the sides as needed, ensuring no pineapple chunks remain. You’re looking for a soft-serve ice cream consistency that is silky, thick, and scoopable.
Taste and Adjust (Optional): At this stage, taste the ice cream. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you may add a drizzle of honey, agave, or maple syrup, though most people find the natural sweetness of pineapple is enough. For a tangier twist, a squeeze of lime juice works beautifully. Blend again briefly to incorporate any optional additions.
Serve Immediately or Freeze for Later: For instant enjoyment, scoop the ice cream straight from the processor into bowls or coconut shells for a fun, tropical presentation. If you prefer a firmer texture, transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container, smooth out the top, and cover tightly. Freeze for 1–2 hours until it firms up to a more traditional ice cream consistency. When ready to serve, allow it to sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to soften slightly before scooping.
Garnish and Enjoy: For added flair, garnish with toasted coconut flakes, fresh pineapple wedges, or a sprinkle of chopped mint. This final touch not only enhances the presentation but also adds texture and flavor layers to your dessert.Enjoy your creamy, refreshing pineapple coconut ice cream as a guilt-free tropical escape any time of year.
Notes
Use fully frozen pineapple chunks for a creamy, soft-serve texture without an ice cream maker.
Full-fat canned coconut milk ensures richness and smoothness; light coconut milk may result in a thinner, icy texture.
The recipe is dairy-free, vegan, and naturally sweet, with no added sugar required.
Can be enjoyed immediately as soft-serve or frozen for a firmer consistency.
Optional flavor boosters include lime juice, vanilla extract, or shredded coconut for a tropical twist.
A food processor or high-speed blender is essential for achieving the smooth texture.
Perfect for quick desserts, meal-prep snacks, or a refreshing treat on hot days.