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Creamy lemon coconut gelato made with fresh lemon zest and shredded coconut, churned to perfection for a refreshing frozen treat.

Lemon Coconut Gelato

Author: Ellie James
290kcal
Prep 15 minutes
Cook 0 minutes
Total 15 minutes
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.
Servings 6 scoops
Course Dessert
Cuisine Italian-inspired

Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.75 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp finely grated lemon zest
  • 0.25 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 0.5 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
  • 0.25 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Equipment

  • medium saucepan
  • mixing spoon
  • ice cream maker
  • fine grater or zester
  • airtight container

Method

  1. 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.
  2. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice and vanilla. Let mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  3. Pour chilled base into an ice cream maker. Churn according to your machine’s instructions (typically 20–25 minutes).
  4. During the last 2 minutes of churning, add shredded coconut to distribute evenly.
  5. 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.

Nutrition

Calories290kcalCarbohydrates22gProtein4gFat20gSaturated Fat13gPolyunsaturated Fat1.5gMonounsaturated Fat4gTrans Fat0.2gCholesterol45mgSodium110mgPotassium180mgFiber1gSugar20gVitamin A750IUVitamin C6mgCalcium120mgIron0.6mg

Notes

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.

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