An easy to make ice cream using the tropical fruit Litchi; this litchi ice cream comes together with just 4 ingredients and does not need an ice cream machine.
Make it while the litchis are still in season!
Homemade ice creams are always the best! It is easy to add ingredients as we like, control the sugar content and vary the flavors as desired.
I love making ice cream recipes that are no churn like this one or the ones that use an ice cream maker like this thandai ice cream recipe.
Some of the ice creams I make are the ones I have LOVED in India but have not found or liked here in the US.
Today's recipe is no exception. It includes ice cream made from scratch with one of my favorite tropical fruit; Lychee!
What is Lychee
A delicious tropical fruit, Lychee or Litchi as it is popularly referred to in India is a bright red colored fruit with white flesh and a large brown seed.
It has a very short season that lasts only a couple of weeks. The short season is enough to enjoy the juicy fruit for a few days and make some recipes using the fruit.
From just enjoying the flesh as is to making lychee ice cream, lemonade and more; lychee is a family favorite for years. If you have not tries this fruit, I would strongly recommend giving it a try.
It is super sweet and so juicy! This lychee ice cream uses the potential of the tiny fruit to the max extent!
This Recipe of Litchi Ice cream
- Tastes best with fresh litchi while they are in season. The flavor of fresh litchi is superior than any preserved version of the same. However, use canned litchi when fresh is not in season.
- This one is the simplest form of ice cream you can ever make at home! It is as easy as blend, mix and freeze. No complex equipment required and no fancy ingredients. All you need is four easy to find ingredients.
- Works perfectly well in an ice cream maker too. Just add the litchi and milk once the ice cream begins to form.
- Tastes great as is or with toppings like litchi syrup, chopped litchis, chocolate sauce or cubes of fruits.
This recipe has been my go-to for litchi and other fruits like berries and peach. It works wonderfully with strawberries, blueberries etc. Make this recipe ahead of time and enjoy it for a party or just dig into this ice cream when you crave something sweet and delicious.
This recipe is loved by my family and friends and we literally wait for lychee season to make some of it!
Video Recipe
Ingredients
Heavy Cream: The perfect ingredient to make the creamiest ice cream is heavy cream. We use good quality whipping cream for this recipe.
While ice creams can be made without this, I like to use it for the creamiest version.
Condensed Milk: Instead of sugar we add condensed milk in the recipe. Not only is it sweet, it also makes the ice cream creamy.
Sugar can be used in the recipe if you like too.
Litchi Fruit: For this ice cream we use fresh litchi fruit. It gives the best flavor to the ice cream.
If you cannot find it, use canned litchi.
Milk: I like to use milk to process the litchi to a fine mix. I like to use full fat milk for the recipe. Use lower fat milk if you like. As we use only a little, it does not affect the creaminess.
The delicate flavors of litchi come out best when this ice cream is made without any essence. Vanilla extract or likewise tend to overpower the ice cream and I prefer to leave it out.
Step by Step Instructions to make Litchi Ice Cream
1- Peel and deseed the litchi. Add it to a blender jar.
2- Add milk and process till smooth. Set aside.
3- In a large bowl add condensed milk and heavy whipping cream.
4- Blend till the mixture thickens using a hand held blender or stand mixer fitted with a balloon whisk.
5- Then add the blended litchi mix and whip it in.
6- Transfer to an ice cream container and freeze for 10-12 hours.
Remove and serve using an ice cream scoop.
Tips and Notes
- The recipe works the best with fresh litchi. However, use frozen or canned litchi if fresh is unavailable.
- As the season for litchi is short lived, you can peel, deseed the fruit and freeze it for future use. Frozen litchi is not a treat to eat but works well in ice creams and shakes.
- Make a big batch or a small one, the recipe works well. Maintain the proportions when scaling up or down.
- The same recipe will work in the ice cream machine too. However, add the litchi milk mixture as the ice cream begins to form.
Litchi Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (cold)
- 1 ½ cup lychee (peeled and deseeded)
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk (1 tin)
- ¼ cup milk
Instructions
- Peel and deseed the litchi. Add it to a blender jar.
- Add milk and process till smooth. Set aside.
- In a large bowl add condensed milk and heavy whipping cream.
- Blend till the mixture thickens using a hand held blender or stand mixer fitted with a balloon whisk.
- Then add the blended litchi mix and whip it in.
- Transfer to an ice cream container and freeze for 10-12 hours. Remove and serve using an ice cream scoop.
Video
Notes
- The recipe works the best with fresh litchi. However, use frozen or canned litchi if fresh is unavailable.
- As the season for litchi is short lived, you can peel, deseed the fruit and freeze it for future use. Frozen litchi is not a treat to eat but works well in ice creams and shakes.
- Make a big batch or a small one, the recipe works well. Maintain the proportions when scaling up or down.
- The same recipe will work in the ice cream machine too. However, add the litchi milk mixture as the ice cream begins to form.
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