This chocolate coconut avocado ice cream is creamy, decadent and incredibly simple to make. Full of healthy fats, it’s a great summer treat!
A few months ago as I was strolling the aisles of my favorite little Asian market that has the best variety of produce around, I noticed they had coconuts.
Small little ones like you’d see under a palm tree on a Caribbean beach. Since that day, I’ve wanted to buy some but for some reason or another, I just never did.
Thanks to California Avocados for sponsoring this post.
When California Avocados asked me to create an avocado ice cream (say wha??) I knew I wanted to go the coconut milk route for a dairy free/paleo friendly treat and what better excuse to finally buy those adorable coconuts than to use as a serving bowl for some of this creamy, decadent chocolate coconut avocado ice cream?
There was just one problem, once I got them home and the ice cream was made, I starred at it on my cutting board in the kitchen saying “ok, now what?” in my head.
Attempting to take my trusty chef’s knife to a coconut seemed like it might result in the loss of a finger or two.
So I turned to Google, obviously.
Surprisingly, video after video of cracking open coconuts assured me all I needed was a rock with a sharp edge. Well guess what? I have one of those in my backyard! Finally, the random huge boulder the builder decided to place in front of the well pipe that we made a garden bed around (because what else do you do with huge random rocks in your backyard?) has a purpose in this world; a coconut-opener!
With coconuts in hand, I climbed between the hydrangea (that really needs some trimming) and the decorative grasses in the garden bed, praying the snake that likes to slither around in there wasn’t around that day to bang away at the middle of the coconut, slowly turning it as I went.
I fully did not expect this work at all but much to my surprise, it was perfectly split in half in just seconds.
Unfortunately, all the delicious coconut water poured down the side of the rock in the process so I’m going to have to figure out a better way to save that next time but I was left with four of the cutest little serving bowls of real coconut; improved only by a heaping scoop of chocolate coconut avocado ice cream and topped with some toasted almonds for good measure.
Make a batch and celebrate California Avocado Month deliciously!
Love this Chocolate Coconut Avocado Ice Cream recipe?
Try my Avocado Muffins and chocolate avocado pudding recipes!
Or, add some protein to your dessert to make it a healthier snack with some staying power with this protein powder ice cream recipe. It’s made with a banana base and has lots of creamy peanut butter swirled within!
Chocolate Coconut Avocado Ice Cream
Ingredients
- Flesh of 2 ripe California avocados, about 275 grams
- 14 ounces full fat coconut milk from a can, see note
- 1/4 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- splash rum, optional, helps texture when freezing
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted almonds
Instructions
- Combine avocados, coconut milk, cocoa powder, salt, maple syrup and rum in a food processor. Process until smooth, scraping down sides as needed.
- Transfer mixture to an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s directions until thick and frosty, about 10-15 minutes.
- Add toasted almonds 1 minute before turning off ice cream maker, just to combine.
- Transfer to a freezer safe container and freeze for at least 1-2 hours to harden.
- Remove from freezer and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for easier scooping.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
OMG!!!! This is the most divine, ice creamy heaven I have ever made! Its better than dairy ice cream for sure. Thanks so much!
Well I cant wait to try this out. I’m looking for some Dessert Ideas for my menu and I think this might just make the list. Also for cracking the coconut to save the water inside. At the restaurant I usually place the coconut onto a sheet tray (cookie Sheet) and using the BACK of my chefs knife take a few swings at the coconut right in the center, rotating it to get the cracking going all the way around. Its the same process as using the rock in the yard. But it gives you a little more control of the cracking and you get to save the water in the pan…Strain the liquid afterwards into a cup and drink or store for later.
If you would like I have fresh coconuts outside my Apt. Ill get one down and take a short video of how I do it and send it to you..
Simple easy and delicious! It’s the perfect recipe for my leftover avocados. Brilliant pictures by the way!
Can you make this without ice cream maker?
I love the cute way you served this! <3 Seriously adorable! I love the flavors in this ice cream – chocolate, coconut, and avocado!? Yes, please! <3
I NEED to eat something from a coconut shell now. Seriously, they are taking over Instagram and Tumblr! I have to get on it with buying more coconuts and avocados to make this!!
This ice cream is absolutely magical. It’s stunning and perfect. I’m laughing about the coconut cracking. That would be fun to watch. I learned a trick where you put them in the oven for a bit, helps them crack open easier. But it’s not as fun. So I tend to do it the old fashioned way myself. Ha.
I love that you put it in a coconut! And we also have a snake that likes to hang out in our backyard!!! He’s totally harmless, but it’s creepy at the same time!