Savor the essence of summer with this Homemade Fresh Pineapple Ice Cream recipe. Combining fresh pineapple, heavy cream, whole milk, sugar, salt, and egg yolks, this ice cream offers a creamy, tropical treat perfect for warm days.

Summers at my grandmother's house were always marked by her old-fashioned ice cream maker churning away on the back porch. It was during one such summer that we decided to experiment with the fresh pineapples from her garden. The result was a delightful, creamy pineapple ice cream that became a family treasure. Each bite of this ice cream now takes me back to those lazy, sunlit afternoons, surrounded by laughter and the sweet scent of pineapple. Making this recipe isn't just about enjoying a delicious treat; it's about reliving those precious moments with every scoop.

Why You'll Love This Homemade Fresh Pineapple Ice Cream

Homemade Fresh Pineapple Ice Cream isn't merely a treat; it's a refreshing journey to tropical bliss packed into every scoop. Here's why this recipe stands out in a sea of summer desserts:

The Freshness Factor: Using real, diced pineapple not only infuses this ice cream with a vibrant, fresh flavor but also ensures a burst of tropical authenticity you can't find in pre-packaged varieties.
Perfect Texture: By first cooking the pineapple to enhance its sweetness and then blending it into a rich custard base, this recipe ensures a smooth, creamy texture without any of the bitterness sometimes found in dairy-fruit combinations.
Rich and Creamy Base: The combination of heavy cream and egg yolks creates a luxuriously thick and velvety base that perfectly complements the tangy pineapple, resulting in a balanced and indulgent treat.
Simplicity Meets Elegance: This ice cream may taste like a gourmet shop specialty, but it's surprisingly simple to make, offering an elegant dessert option that can be whipped up with minimal fuss.
Versatility in Serving: Whether it’s served alone, alongside a slice of cake, or as the star of a tropical sundae, this pineapple ice cream is versatile and shines in various dessert settings.

Each of these qualities makes the Homemade Fresh Pineapple Ice Cream not just a delightful dessert but a must-try recipe for anyone looking to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredients Notes

Crafting the perfect Homemade Fresh Pineapple Ice Cream begins with understanding the role of each ingredient. Here’s what each brings to the table:

Diced Pineapple: The star of the recipe, fresh pineapple brings a burst of tropical flavor and natural sweetness.
Heavy Cream & Whole Milk: These form the creamy base of the ice cream, giving it a luxurious texture and mouthfeel.
Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness that complements the pineapple’s tartness.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor profile of the ice cream.
Egg Yolks: These are crucial for the custard base, contributing to the ice cream's rich and creamy texture.

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How To Make Homemade Fresh Pineapple Ice Cream

Ready to turn your kitchen into a tropical paradise? Follow these detailed steps to make your own Homemade Fresh Pineapple Ice Cream:

Cooking the Pineapple: Begin by gently cooking the diced pineapple in a medium nonstick saucepan. This step is essential to soften the pineapple and enhance its natural sugars, which meld beautifully with the creamy base.
Creating the Base: To the softened pineapple, add the cream, milk, sugar, and salt. Heat this mixture until it is just about to simmer—this process helps the sugar dissolve and the flavors to combine without boiling.
Tempering the Egg Yolks: In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Gradually add half of the warm pineapple and cream mixture, constantly whisking to prevent the eggs from scrambling. This method, known as tempering, gradually raises the temperature of the egg yolks.
Thicken the Mixture: Return the tempered egg mixture to the saucepan and continue to cook over low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This is your custard base.
Chilling: Pour the finished custard through a sieve into a bowl to remove any lumps. Cover with plastic wrap placed directly on the surface to prevent a skin from forming, and chill in the refrigerator.
Churning: Once thoroughly chilled, pour the custard into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
Freezing: Transfer the churned ice cream to airtight containers and freeze for at least four hours to firm up.

Storage Options

Homemade Fresh Pineapple Ice Cream is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored effectively if done correctly. For optimal texture and flavor, store the ice cream in an airtight container in the deepest part of your freezer. It’s important to minimize air exposure, which can lead to freezer burn and affect the creamy consistency. The ice cream will keep well for up to two weeks, making it a delightful treat that's ready to enjoy whenever you wish.

Variations and Substitutions

Whether you're catering to dietary restrictions or just looking to shake things up, there are several ways to adapt this Homemade Fresh Pineapple Ice Cream recipe:

Dairy-Free Version: Replace the heavy cream and whole milk with coconut cream and almond milk for a vegan-friendly version that maintains a creamy texture.
No Egg Yolks: For an egg-free version, omit the egg yolks and use cornstarch as a thickener instead to achieve the desired consistency without the custard base.
Sweetener Variations: Swap out granulated sugar for honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar if you prefer a natural sweetener. Each brings a different flavor note that complements the pineapple.
Additional Flavors: Enhance the tropical theme by adding a splash of rum or a pinch of cinnamon during the cooking process, offering a delightful twist to the original recipe.

These variations allow you to customize the ice cream to your taste preferences and dietary needs while keeping the process enjoyable and the results delicious.

Homemade Fresh Pineapple Ice Cream

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 5

Cook Time: 5

Freezer Time: 5

Servings: Cups

Ingredients

Instructions

Pineapple Preparation: Place the diced pineapple into a medium nonstick saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently for approximately 5-7 minutes, until the pineapple softens and becomes slightly translucent. This process is crucial as it reduces the inherent bitterness that may occur when pineapple is combined with dairy products.
Combining Ingredients: To the same saucepan, add the heavy cream, whole milk, granulated sugar, and salt. Continue to heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until it nearly reaches a simmer. It is essential to remove the mixture from heat just before it begins to boil to prevent altering the texture and flavor.
Tempering Egg Yolks: In a separate heat-proof bowl, lightly whisk the egg yolks. Gradually pour approximately half of the warm cream and milk mixture into the yolks while whisking continuously to temper the yolks and prevent them from curdling.
Thickening the Mixture: Return the tempered egg mixture to the saucepan, incorporating it with the remaining cream mixture. Maintain the heat at a low setting and continue to whisk. The mixture should be cooked until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, which typically takes about 4-6 minutes. If available, use a thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches 170 degrees Fahrenheit (77 degrees Celsius).
Cooling: Once thickened, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a large bowl to remove any lumps and ensure a smooth texture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, placing the wrap directly on the surface of the mixture to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate the mixture until it is thoroughly chilled, which should take at least 4 hours.
Churning: Transfer the chilled mixture to an ice cream maker and process according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches the consistency of soft-serve ice cream.
Freezing: Pour the churned ice cream into an airtight container and freeze for a minimum of 4 hours. This step is critical for the ice cream to harden sufficiently and develop the proper texture.
Serving: Once the ice cream is adequately hardened, it is ready to be served. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer to maintain freshness and texture.