Helado Colombiano (Colombian Ice Cream)
A delightful Colombian ice cream featuring vibrant tropical fruit flavors, perfect for a refreshing treat. This recipe offers a creamy and intensely fruity experience, reminiscent of popular street food desserts.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500g Assorted tropical fruits(Such as lulo, maracuyá (passion fruit), guanábana (soursop), or mango. Ensure fruits are ripe and pitted/peeled as necessary. Frozen fruit can also be used.)
- 150g Granulated sugar(Adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of the fruits.)
- 200ml Heavy cream(At least 35% fat content for a rich, creamy texture.)
- 200ml Whole milk
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the fruit puree: If using fresh fruit, wash, peel, and remove any seeds or pits. Cut the fruit into manageable pieces. In a blender, combine the prepared tropical fruits with the granulated sugar. Blend until completely smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. The mixture should have a thick, pulpy consistency.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Combine the base: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and whole milk until well combined. Pour the fruit puree into the cream and milk mixture. Stir gently until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and the color is uniform.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 3
Chill the base: For best results with an ice cream maker, it's recommended to chill the mixture thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until very cold.
⏱️ 2 hours (minimum) - 4
Churn the ice cream: Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. This typically takes about 20-30 minutes, or until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 5
Harden the ice cream: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight freezer-safe container. Press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming. Cover tightly and freeze for at least 2-4 hours, or until firm enough to scoop.
⏱️ 2-4 hours
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The key to authentic Helado Colombiano is using ripe, flavorful tropical fruits. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations.
- ✓For an extra creamy texture, ensure your cream and milk are very cold before churning.
- ✓This ice cream is a beloved street food in Colombia, often served in simple cups or cones.
🔄 Variations
- Lulo flavor: Use 500g of lulo pulp for a distinct tangy and citrusy taste.
- Maracuyá (Passion Fruit) flavor: Use 500g of passion fruit pulp for a sweet and tart tropical profile.
- Mixed Fruit: Combine equal parts of your favorite tropical fruits for a complex flavor profile.