Creamy, bright, and refreshingly tropical, this lemon coconut gelato combines tart citrus with smooth coconut and vanilla. It’s a luxurious yet simple summer dessert that tastes like a mini vacation in every scoop.
In a medium saucepan, combine milk, heavy cream, sugar, lemon zest, and salt. Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until sugar fully dissolves (about 5 minutes). Do not let it boil.
Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice and vanilla. Let mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
Pour chilled base into an ice cream maker. Churn according to your machine’s instructions (typically 20–25 minutes).
During the last 2 minutes of churning, add shredded coconut to distribute evenly.
Transfer to an airtight container. Freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up before serving. Let sit 5 minutes at room temperature for easy scooping.
For a dairy-free version, use full-fat coconut milk. Try coconut extract instead of vanilla for deeper tropical flavor. Chill thoroughly before churning, and use parchment pressed over the surface when freezing to prevent ice crystals.