Pandan Ice Cream Recipe Made Easy and Delicious

Pandan ice cream is a delightful treat that captures the essence of Southeast Asian flavors in a creamy, refreshing dessert. Known for its unique aroma and vibrant green hue, pandan adds a subtly sweet and fragrant note that pairs beautifully with rich, velvety ice cream.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a summer gathering or simply want to indulge in something exotic and homemade, this pandan ice cream recipe is a must-try. It’s surprisingly easy to make and doesn’t require any fancy equipment beyond what you’d typically find in a home kitchen.

With just a handful of simple ingredients like fresh pandan leaves (or pandan extract), coconut milk, and cream, you can create a luscious, tropical ice cream that transports your taste buds to the islands.

Plus, this recipe is easily adaptable for those who prefer dairy-free or vegan options. Read on to discover why this pandan ice cream recipe should be your next kitchen adventure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pandan ice cream recipe is beloved because it combines exotic flavor with simple preparation. The pandan leaf’s unique grassy and floral notes give the ice cream a fresh, natural sweetness that’s unlike anything else.

It’s perfect for those craving something different from traditional vanilla or chocolate ice cream.

Made with coconut milk and fresh pandan juice, the texture is incredibly smooth and creamy, even without heavy cream if you prefer a lighter version. It’s a wonderful way to introduce new flavors to your dessert repertoire and impress friends with a homemade treat that looks as good as it tastes.

Additionally, pandan ice cream is versatile and pairs wonderfully with tropical fruits, sticky rice, or even drizzled with a little palm sugar syrup for a truly authentic experience. Whether served at a party or enjoyed as a casual after-dinner snack, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh pandan leaves (or 2 tablespoons pandan extract)
• 1 ½ cups coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 4 large egg yolks
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Equipment

• Blender or food processor
• Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Ice cream maker
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Freezer-safe container

Instructions

1. Prepare the pandan juice: Rinse the pandan leaves thoroughly. Chop them into small pieces and blend with ½ cup of coconut milk until smooth.
2. Strain the pandan mixture: Pour the blended pandan and coconut milk through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a bowl, extracting as much liquid as possible. Set the pandan juice aside.
3. Heat the coconut milk: In a medium saucepan, combine the remaining 1 cup coconut milk and 1 cup heavy cream. Warm over medium heat until it just begins to simmer, then remove from heat.
4. Whisk egg yolks and sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar, and salt until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.
5. Temper the eggs: Slowly pour about ½ cup of the warm coconut milk mixture into the egg yolks, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
6. Combine and cook custard: Pour the tempered egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan with the remaining coconut milk and cream. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon (about 170°F or 77°C). Do not boil.
7. Mix in pandan juice and vanilla: Remove the custard from heat and stir in the pandan juice and vanilla extract.
8. Chill the mixture: Transfer the custard to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap (pressing it directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming), and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until completely chilled.
9. Churn the ice cream: Pour the chilled custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20-25 minutes.
10. Freeze until firm: Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for an additional 3-4 hours or until firm enough to scoop.
11. Serve and enjoy: Scoop your homemade pandan ice cream into bowls or cones and savor the tropical goodness!

Tips & Variations

For the best pandan flavor, use fresh pandan leaves if available. If not, high-quality pandan extract works well too.

• Vegan option: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a vegan egg replacer such as cornstarch or agar agar to thicken the custard.
• Adjust sweetness: Taste your custard before chilling. If you prefer a sweeter ice cream, add a bit more sugar gradually.
• Add texture: Mix in toasted coconut flakes or chopped roasted peanuts during the last few minutes of churning for a crunchy contrast.
• Flavor boost: A pinch of salt enhances the pandan’s natural aroma and balances the sweetness.
• Color tip: If you want a more vibrant green color, add a few drops of natural green food coloring, but the pandan juice usually provides a lovely pale green hue.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Pandan ice cream is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. Serve it simply in a bowl or cone for a refreshing treat on a hot day.

For a more indulgent dessert, pair it with warm sticky rice and a drizzle of coconut cream for a traditional Southeast Asian-inspired dish.

You can also serve pandan ice cream alongside tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, or jackfruit to highlight its exotic flavor. Another fun idea is to add it to a dessert bowl with crushed nuts and a sprinkle of toasted coconut for added texture.

If you want to get creative, use pandan ice cream as a filling for mochi or as a topping on warm pandan chiffon cake to create a layered dessert experience.

Conclusion

Making pandan ice cream at home is a rewarding endeavor that brings a unique and fragrant dessert to your table. With its creamy texture and delicate pandan aroma, this ice cream recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike.

The process is straightforward, and the ingredients are simple, making it accessible even for beginner ice cream makers.

Whether you enjoy it on its own or as part of a larger dessert spread, pandan ice cream offers a refreshing tropical twist that is both nostalgic and new. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the recipe, adapting sweetness levels or adding your favorite mix-ins.

With this recipe in hand, you have a gateway to exploring more Southeast Asian flavors in your cooking.

For more delicious homemade dessert ideas, check out our Mango Smoothie Bowl Recipe, Thai Iced Tea Recipe, and Coconut Jelly Dessert Recipe.

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