Escape the heat with this vibrant and incredibly delicious mango yogurt ice cream! This recipe is surprisingly simple, requiring minimal ingredients and no ice cream maker. Perfect for a quick dessert, a healthy snack, or even a sophisticated ending to a summer meal, this mango yogurt ice cream is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Forget those sugary store-bought versions – this homemade recipe lets you control the sweetness and ensures a creamy, naturally fruity delight. Let's get started on this easy, healthy, and quick dinner dessert!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups ripe mangoes, peeled and chopped (about 2 large mangoes)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended for creaminess)
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust to your sweetness preference)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom (optional, adds warmth)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Mango Puree
- Begin by pureeing the chopped mangoes. You can use a blender, food processor, or even a sturdy immersion blender. Blend until completely smooth. If you have some mango chunks remaining, that’s fine; it will add a delightful texture to your ice cream.
Step 2: Combining the Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, combine the mango puree, Greek yogurt, honey (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, cardamom (if using), and salt. Whisk everything together until well incorporated and smooth.
Step 3: Freezing the Ice Cream
- Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container. Cover tightly with a lid or plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the mixture to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Step 4: Freezing and Serving
- Freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the ice cream to fully set. For a smoother consistency, stir the mixture halfway through the freezing process (after about 3 hours). Once frozen, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before scooping to achieve the perfect consistency.
Tips for the Best Mango Yogurt Ice Cream:
- Mango Selection: Choose ripe, sweet mangoes for the best flavor. The riper the mango, the sweeter and more flavorful your ice cream will be.
- Yogurt Choice: Full-fat Greek yogurt provides the creamiest texture. However, you can use other types of yogurt, adjusting the sweetness accordingly.
- Sweetener Adjustment: Adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to your liking. Taste the mixture before freezing and add more sweetener if needed.
- Add-ins: Get creative! Add chopped nuts, shredded coconut, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of your favorite jam for extra flavor and texture.
Variations:
- Tropical Twist: Add a splash of coconut milk and a squeeze of lime juice for a tropical twist.
- Spicy Mango: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of chili oil for a spicy kick.
- Berrylicious Mango: Mix in some frozen berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries) for added flavor and color.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is approximate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. It's based on a recipe yielding about 6 servings.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 5-7g
- Protein: 5-7g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Sugar: 15-20g
This healthy and delicious Mango Yogurt Ice Cream is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without the guilt. Enjoy this simple recipe and experiment with different variations to discover your perfect mango ice cream!