Creamy, Nutty Avocado Ice Cream
This homemade avocado pistachio ice cream is rich, creamy, and deliciously nutty, inspired by the Filipino-style “sorbetes.” Made with ripe avocados, real cream, and crunchy pistachios, it’s a refreshing dessert packed with good fats and fiber. Easy to prepare and freezer-friendly, it’s the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition.
Equipment
- 1 ice cream maker
- 1 Blender (optional, for smoother avocado puree)
- 1 Saucepan (medium size)
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 Loaf pan (9x5x3) or 2-quart freezer-safe container
- Plastic wrap
Ingredients
- 2 large or 3 medium ripe avocados
- 3 tablespoons tapioca flour or cassava/arrowroot substitute
- ⅔ cup granulated sugar adjust to taste
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free
- ½ cup pistachios chopped (or substitute with almonds, chocolate chips, or coconut flakes)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cream Base: In a medium saucepan, combine tapioca flour, granulated sugar, water, and heavy cream. Whisk thoroughly until no lumps remain. The mixture should look smooth and slightly frothy—this ensures the tapioca starch dissolves evenly and prevents clumping during heating. This base is the foundation of the ice cream, giving it a creamy, custard-like texture.
- Cook Until Thickened: Place the saucepan over medium heat and gently bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula to avoid scorching at the bottom. After about 8 to 10 minutes, the mixture will begin to thicken slightly and should coat the back of a spoon when dipped. This is the signal to remove it from the heat. Avoid overcooking, as the cream base can become too gummy.
- Cool the Cream Mixture: Transfer the hot cream mixture to a heat-safe bowl and allow it to cool for 10–15 minutes at room temperature. For quicker chilling, place the bowl inside a larger bowl filled with ice water, stirring occasionally to release heat. Cooling the base before mixing with avocados helps preserve their fresh, bright flavor and prevents separation.
- Mash or Blend the Avocados: Cut the avocados in half, remove the pits, and scoop the flesh into a large mixing bowl or blender. Mash them with a fork for a slightly chunky texture, or blend until completely smooth for a silky result. Choose based on your preference—chunkier avocado adds bursts of flavor, while blending creates a more uniform, creamy ice cream.
- Combine Avocado and Cream Base: Once the cream base has cooled, pour it into the mashed or blended avocado. Stir slowly and thoroughly until everything is evenly incorporated. The mixture should take on a pale green color and smooth, custard-like consistency. Taste the mixture at this point—if you prefer it sweeter, you can stir in a tablespoon of sugar before chilling.
- Chill Before Churning: Cover the avocado-cream mixture and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight. The colder the mixture, the better the results in the ice cream maker. Chilling also helps the flavors meld together, enhancing the richness of the avocados and the nuttiness of the pistachios.
- Churn in the Ice Cream Maker: Once thoroughly chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20–25 minutes. As the mixture churns, it will thicken to a soft-serve consistency. For the best texture, add the chopped pistachios in the final 2–3 minutes of churning so they stay evenly distributed without sinking.
- Transfer to Freezer Container: Spoon the churned ice cream into a loaf pan or a freezer-safe container. Smooth the top with a spatula to remove air pockets. Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the ice cream—this step prevents ice crystals from forming, which can make the texture gritty. Cover the container tightly with a lid or foil for extra protection.
- Freeze Until Firm: Move the container to the coldest part of your freezer and let it set for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This extra freezing time ensures the ice cream firms up to the perfect scoopable texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Before serving, remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 3–5 minutes to soften slightly. Use an ice cream scoop warmed in hot water for smooth, round scoops. Serve in bowls, cones, or alongside fresh fruit for a refreshing dessert. Enjoy the creamy avocado base with the nutty crunch of pistachios in every bite!
Notes
- Avocados: Always use ripe avocados for the creamiest texture. Hass avocados are the best choice due to their naturally buttery consistency and rich flavor. Underripe avocados will taste grassy and result in a grainy texture.
- Tapioca Flour: This natural thickener prevents ice crystals and keeps the ice cream smooth. If unavailable, you can use cassava flour, arrowroot starch, or slightly less cornstarch.
- Heavy Cream: Choose cream with at least 36% fat for a rich, custard-like result. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream works beautifully.
- Pistachios: Toasting the pistachios lightly before chopping enhances their nutty flavor. If you prefer variety, swap them with almonds, chocolate chips, or even toasted coconut.
- Sweetness Level: Adjust the sugar to taste before churning. Avocado flavor intensifies when frozen, so a touch of extra sweetness can balance the flavors nicely.
