We’ve always loved experimenting with tropical flavors, and our guava ice cream recipe brings a burst of exotic sweetness to your dessert table. Originating from sun-kissed regions like Brazil and Mexico, guava adds a vibrant pink hue and tangy twist that elevates classic ice cream into something truly special.
It’s the perfect treat for warm days or gatherings, blending creamy textures with fresh fruit notes that’ll have you craving seconds. Join us as we dive into this simple homemade delight that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
In our Guava Ice Cream Recipe, we select high-quality ingredients to capture the vibrant pink hue and tangy tropical essence of fresh guavas. Below, we list them in the order of use, with precise measurements and prep notes for accuracy and ease.
- 4 ripe guavas (about 1 pound total, peeled, seeded, and diced – this ensures the flesh is ready for pureeing as the base)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (added next to balance the guava’s natural tartness during mixing)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (squeezed from 1 lemon, incorporated to enhance flavor and prevent oxidation)
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream (chilled for optimal whipping and creaminess in the blending stage)
- 1 cup whole milk (used to adjust the mixture’s consistency before chilling)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure, not imitation, stirred in last for a subtle aromatic finish)
Required Equipment
To bring our guava ice cream recipe to life after gathering the ingredients, we rely on a few essential tools that streamline the process and ensure creamy, vibrant results every time.
Ice Cream Maker
We recommend using a high-quality ice cream maker for optimal churning, as it transforms the guava mixture into a smooth, scoopable delight. This key appliance freezes the base evenly while incorporating air, helping achieve the perfect texture that highlights the tangy essence of fresh guavas in our homemade guava ice cream.
Other Tools
- Knife and Cutting Board: A sharp knife for peeling and dicing the ripe guavas, paired with a sturdy cutting board to handle the fruit’s vibrant pink flesh safely.
- Blender or Food Processor: Essential for pureeing the guavas into a smooth base, ensuring the tangy flavor and color shine through without any lumps.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate tools for measuring out granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, heavy whipping cream, whole milk, and pure vanilla extract precisely.
- Large Mixing Bowl: A spacious bowl to combine ingredients, allowing for easy stirring and blending of the creamy guava mixture.
- Fine-Mesh Strainer: Useful for straining the puree to remove seeds, resulting in a silky texture that elevates our guava ice cream.
- Airtight Freezer Containers: Sturdy containers for storing the churned ice cream, helping maintain its fresh, tropical notes in the freezer.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through crafting our homemade guava ice cream recipe step by step. This process ensures a creamy texture and vibrant, tangy flavors that capture the essence of ripe guava.
Prepare the Guava
First, we select 4 ripe guavas for their sweet-tart profile and vivid pink hue. Wash the guavas thoroughly under cool water to remove any residue. Using a sharp knife and cutting board, slice each guava in half lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds with a spoon to avoid bitterness. Puree the flesh in a blender or food processor until smooth, yielding about 1.5 cups of guava puree. This step releases the fruit’s refreshing aroma and tangy notes, setting the stage for our flavorful base.
Make the Ice Cream Base
Next, we combine the guava puree with other key ingredients to create a silky mixture. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup of granulated sugar and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice until the sugar dissolves, enhancing the guava’s natural tartness. Gradually add 2 cups of heavy whipping cream, 1 cup of whole milk, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, stirring until fully incorporated for a rich, creamy consistency. For a smoother texture, pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any pulp fibers, resulting in a velvety base that promises a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every scoop.
Churn the Mixture
With our ice cream base ready, we now churn it to achieve that ideal soft-serve texture. Pour the strained mixture into the bowl of your ice cream maker, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Churn for 20-25 minutes until the mixture thickens to a fluffy, spoonable state, incorporating air for a lighter feel. As it churns, you’ll notice the vibrant pink color intensifying and the tangy guava flavors blending seamlessly with the creamy undertones, transforming simple ingredients into a tropical delight.
Freeze the Ice Cream
Finally, we transfer the churned mixture to airtight freezer containers to set properly. Scoop the ice cream into the containers, leaving about 1 inch of headspace to allow for expansion. Freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm, to develop the full depth of flavors and a scoopable consistency. This step locks in the fresh, fruity essence of our guava ice cream, making it ready for your next gathering or warm-day treat.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To help you plan ahead and enjoy our guava ice cream at its freshest, we recommend preparing components in advance for optimal flavor and texture. This approach allows the guava ice cream to develop its vibrant pink hue and tangy tropical notes without last-minute rush.
Preparing the Ice Cream Base Ahead
Follow these steps to make the base up to 2 days in advance:
- Step 1: After pureeing the guavas and combining all ingredients as outlined in our step-by-step instructions, strain the mixture into an airtight container. This ensures a silky smooth texture that enhances the creamy mouthfeel.
- Step 2: Cover the container tightly and refrigerate the base for up to 48 hours. Chilling allows the flavors—such as the tangy essence of guava and vanilla—to meld, resulting in a more intense taste profile.
- Step 3: When ready to churn, remove the base from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. This step prevents the mixture from being too cold, which could affect churning efficiency.
Churning and Freezing in Advance
Once the base is ready, you can churn and freeze the ice cream ahead for convenience:
- Step 1: Churn the base in your ice cream maker as directed, then transfer the soft-serve consistency to airtight freezer containers immediately.
- Step 2: Freeze the churned ice cream for at least 4 hours or overnight to achieve a firm, scoopable texture. For events, we suggest preparing it 1-2 days ahead to let the guava’s vibrant flavors fully integrate.
- Step 3: Label containers with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2 weeks to maintain quality.
Storage Tips and Duration
Proper storage is key to preserving the creamy delight of our guava ice cream. Below is a quick reference table for storage guidelines:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator (Base) | Up to 2 days | Keep covered to prevent odor absorption; stir before churning. |
| Freezer (Churned Ice Cream) | Up to 2 weeks | Use freezer-safe containers; avoid repeated thawing to preserve texture. |
| Beyond 2 Weeks | Not recommended | Freezer burn may occur, dulling the tangy guava taste and color. |
By following these make-ahead strategies, you’ll ensure your guava ice cream remains a show-stopping treat that’s ready whenever you need it.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this guava ice cream adventure with you. It’s a simple way to add tropical flair to your homemade treats and create memorable moments.
As we wrap up we’re sure you’ll find joy in experimenting with this recipe. Enjoy the creamy delight and let it brighten your days—it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is guava ice cream?
Guava ice cream is a refreshing tropical dessert featuring the vibrant pink color and tangy flavor of guavas, originally from Brazil and Mexico. It combines creamy textures with fresh fruit notes, making it perfect for warm days or gatherings. This homemade treat offers a unique twist on traditional ice cream, blending sweetness and tartness for a delightful experience.
What are the origins of guava?
Guava is a tropical fruit native to Central and South America, particularly Brazil and Mexico. It’s prized for its vibrant pink flesh, tangy taste, and health benefits. In this recipe, guava adds a fresh, exotic flair to ice cream, enhancing its appeal as a homemade dessert that celebrates global flavors.
What ingredients are needed for guava ice cream?
You’ll need 4 ripe guavas, 1 cup granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 cups heavy whipping cream, 1 cup whole milk, and 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract. These high-quality ingredients ensure a creamy texture and capture the fruit’s vibrant color and tangy essence for a flavorful result.
What equipment is required to make guava ice cream?
Essential tools include a high-quality ice cream maker for churning, a knife and cutting board for guavas, a blender or food processor for pureeing, measuring cups and spoons, a large mixing bowl, a fine-mesh strainer for smooth texture, and airtight freezer containers for storage. These items help achieve creamy, professional results.
How do I make guava ice cream step by step?
Start by washing, slicing, and pureeing 4 ripe guavas. Mix the puree with sugar, lemon juice, cream, milk, and vanilla to form a base, then strain for smoothness. Churn in an ice cream maker until fluffy, and freeze in airtight containers for at least 4 hours. This process creates a vibrant, tangy treat ready for serving.
Can I make guava ice cream ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the ice cream base up to 2 days in advance by refrigerating the strained mixture to let flavors meld. Churn and freeze 1-2 days before serving for optimal texture. Let the base sit at room temperature briefly before churning to improve efficiency, ensuring a fresh, scoopable dessert when needed.
How should I store homemade guava ice cream?
Store the churned ice cream in airtight freezer containers for up to 2 weeks to maintain quality. Keep it away from strong odors and ensure it’s well-sealed to prevent freezer burn. For best flavor, consume within the first week, and let it soften slightly at room temperature before serving.