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There’s something magical about the combination of papaya and coconut. It’s tropical, refreshing, and packed with natural sweetness that makes for the perfect summer treat. This Papaya Coconut Ice Cream is smooth
If you love simple, homemade ice cream that doesn’t require eggs or complicated steps, this recipe is for you. With the natural creaminess of coconut milk and the fruity richness of ripe papaya, this ice cream is dairy-free, luscious, and so easy to make!
So, grab your blender and ice cream maker—let’s make this tropical indulgence together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Dairy-Free & Vegan – Coconut milk creates a naturally creamy texture without the need for heavy cream.
- Easy to Make – No eggs, no custard-making—just blend, churn, and freeze!
- Naturally Sweet & Refreshing – Ripe papaya adds natural sweetness and a smooth, luscious texture.
- Perfect for Summer – Light yet creamy, this ice cream is the perfect way to cool down on a hot day.
- Customizable – Add shredded coconut, a dash of rum, or even chocolate chips for a twist!
What Does Papaya Coconut Ice Cream Taste Like?
This ice cream is silky smooth with a tropical punch. The papaya brings a mild, melon-like sweetness, while the coconut milk adds a rich, creamy base. The lime juice enhances the flavors with a little brightness, and the vanilla gives it that classic ice cream essence. If you add shredded coconut, you get a bit of chewiness for extra texture—pure bliss in every bite!
Ingredients for Papaya Coconut Ice Cream
To make this dreamy ice cream, you’ll need:
- 2 cups ripe papaya, pureed – Use a fully ripe papaya for the best natural sweetness.
- 1 cup coconut milk – Full-fat coconut milk works best for a creamy texture.
- ½ cup sugar – Adjust the sweetness to taste; you can also use honey or maple syrup.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice – Adds a bright, citrusy contrast to balance the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the sweetness and aroma.
- ½ cup shredded coconut (optional) – For extra texture and coconut flavor.
Essential Tools You’ll Need
- Blender or food processor – For pureeing the papaya.
- Mixing bowl – To combine the ingredients.
- Ice cream maker – For churning the mixture into a creamy consistency.
- Freezer-safe container – To store the ice cream while it firms up.
How to Make Papaya Coconut Ice Cream
Prepare the Papaya Puree
- Peel the papaya and remove the seeds before cutting it into chunks.
- Blend until completely smooth, ensuring you have about 2 cups of puree.
Mix the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together papaya puree, coconut milk, sugar, lime juice, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a smooth mixture.
- Want extra texture? Fold in shredded coconut for a tropical boost.
Churn the Ice Cream
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Let it churn for 20-25 minutes, allowing it to thicken into a creamy, soft-serve consistency.
Freeze Until Firm
- Once churned, transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container.
- Smooth the top, cover securely, and freeze for at least 4 hours until firm.
Serve and Enjoy!
- After freezing, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
- Enhance the flavors by topping it with toasted coconut flakes, fresh papaya slices, or a drizzle of honey.
What to Serve with Papaya Coconut Ice Cream
This tropical ice cream is fantastic on its own, but if you want to get creative, try:
- Topping it with fresh mango or pineapple for extra fruity goodness.
- Serving it in a coconut shell for a fun, tropical presentation.
- Pairing it with a slice of banana bread for a decadent dessert.
- Drizzling it with chocolate sauce for a chocolate-coconut twist.
Tips for the Perfect Papaya Coconut Ice Cream
- Use ripe papaya – The riper, the better! Overripe papaya works great.
- Chill the mixture before churning – For best results, refrigerate the mixture for an hour before adding it to the ice cream maker.
- Don’t skip the lime juice – It prevents the papaya from developing a slightly bitter aftertaste.
- Stir every 30 minutes if you don’t have an ice cream maker – Pour the mixture into a container and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes until smooth.
How to Store Papaya Coconut Ice Cream
- In the freezer – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping to soften.
- Use parchment paper – Placing a layer of parchment paper on top helps prevent ice crystals from forming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without an ice cream maker?
Yes! Simply pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container, freeze, and stir every 30 minutes until creamy (about 3-4 hours).
Can I use another sweetener instead of sugar?
Absolutely! Honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar work well. Adjust to taste.
Can I make this nut-free?
This recipe is already nut-free, but always check your coconut milk brand to ensure no cross-contamination.
Can I use canned papaya puree?
Fresh papaya is best, but if you have canned papaya puree, make sure it’s unsweetened and adjust the sugar accordingly.
Why is my ice cream too hard after freezing?
Coconut milk-based ice creams tend to freeze harder. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
Final Thoughts – A Tropical Treat You’ll Love!
This Papaya Coconut Ice Cream is the perfect way to indulge in tropical flavors with minimal effort. It’s creamy, refreshing, and completely dairy-free, making it a great option for everyone. Whether you’re serving it at a summer gathering or enjoying a scoop by yourself, this homemade treat is sure to impress!
Try it out and let me know what you think! If you make this recipe, tag me on Pinterest or drop a comment below—I’d love to see your creations!
Looking for more delicious homemade ice creams? Check these out:
- Homemade Chocolate Ice Cream – Rich, Creamy, and Irresistible!
- Homemade Butter Pecan Ice Cream
- More Beginner-Friendly Recipes
Enjoy your tropical dessert adventure! 🍨🌴
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Papaya Coconut Ice Cream – A Creamy Tropical Delight!
- Total Time: ~4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: About 4 servings 1x
Description
This Papaya Coconut Ice Cream is smooth, creamy, and packed with tropical flavors! Made with ripe papaya, rich coconut milk, a hint of lime, and vanilla, it’s the perfect dairy-free, vegan-friendly summer treat. No eggs, no fuss—just blend, churn, and freeze for a scoop of pure paradise!
Ingredients
2 cups ripe papaya, pureed
1 cup full-fat coconut milk
½ cup sugar (or sweetener of choice)
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup shredded coconut (optional)
Instructions
Instructions
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Prepare the Papaya – Peel, seed, and blend the papaya until smooth.
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Mix the Base – In a bowl, whisk together the papaya puree, coconut milk, sugar, lime juice, and vanilla until the sugar is dissolved. Stir in shredded coconut if using.
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Churn the Ice Cream – Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (about 20-25 minutes) until thick and creamy.
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Freeze Until Firm – Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
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Serve & Enjoy! – Scoop, top with toasted coconut or fresh fruit, and enjoy your homemade tropical treat!
Equipment

Notes
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No ice cream maker? Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container, stir every 30 minutes for 3-4 hours until creamy.
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For a softer texture, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping.
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Sweetener swaps: Try honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
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Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 10
- Churn Time: 20-25 minutes
- Cook Time: Freeze Time: 4 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning & Freezing
- Cuisine: Tropical, Dairy-Free, Vegan