There’s nothing quite like the sweet, sunny taste of Homemade Pineapple Ice Cream to whisk you away to the tropics, no matter the season. This easy, delightfully creamy recipe transforms juicy pineapple into an unforgettable frozen treat that’s bursting with bright, tangy flavor and a velvety texture. Whether you’re a seasoned ice cream lover or a first-timer, this is sure to become your go-to for family gatherings, fun dinner parties, or those spontaneous “I need a tropical escape” moments at home.

Homemade Pineapple Ice Cream Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed by how just a handful of star ingredients come together to make Homemade Pineapple Ice Cream so special. Each one is carefully chosen — think sweet fruit, rich cream, and a fresh citrus twist — to create a dessert that’s as heavenly as it is beautiful.

Pineapple Chunks: The heart of this ice cream; use fresh for vibrant flavor, or canned for convenience (just drain well).
Heavy Cream: Gives your ice cream that unbelievably dreamy, scoopable richness.
Whole Milk: Helps balance the cream for a smooth-yet-light texture.
Granulated Sugar: Not just for sweetness, but also to keep the ice cream soft and perfectly scoopable straight from the freezer.
Lemon Juice: Just a splash adds balance and really makes the pineapple sing.
Pinch of Salt: Don’t skip it — this tiny touch rounds out the flavors and boosts all the tropical notes.

How to Make Homemade Pineapple Ice Cream

Step 1: Puree the Pineapple

Start by adding your pineapple chunks to a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth — we’re going for a luscious puree without any big chunks unless you like more texture (see the note below!). The aroma at this stage is fresh and ridiculously inviting.

Step 2: Combine the Flavors

Pour the pineapple puree into a medium mixing bowl. Stir in the granulated sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt, making sure everything dissolves nicely. This step is where the flavors really get to know each other and create that signature Homemade Pineapple Ice Cream magic.

Step 3: Add Cream and Milk

Next, whisk in the heavy cream and whole milk. Keep stirring until the sugar is mostly dissolved and you have a gorgeously smooth, pale yellow base. You’ll instantly notice how the mixture looks and feels silkier — that’s the cream working its magic!

Step 4: Chill the Mixture

Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Chilling is essential: it helps mellow the pineapple’s acidity and ensures your ice cream churns up fluffier, smoother, and with just the right body.

Step 5: Churn the Ice Cream

Once chilled, pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, about 20 to 25 minutes. The transformation is pure joy to watch — from a liquid base to a cloud of creamy, sunshine-yellow soft serve.

Step 6: Freeze Until Firm

Transfer your churned ice cream into an airtight container, then pop it in the freezer for at least 2 to 4 hours. This gives it time to set up properly for perfect, picture-worthy scoops.

How to Serve Homemade Pineapple Ice Cream

Garnishes

Dress up each scoop of Homemade Pineapple Ice Cream with a playful sprinkle of toasted coconut, fresh pineapple chunks, or a dash of lime zest. These little touches not only look stunning but bump up the tropical flavor with every bite.

Side Dishes

Serve your ice cream alongside crisp butter cookies, delicate coconut macaroons, or even a fresh fruit platter. The creamy, fruity base pairs perfectly with crunchy or chewy bites and turns dessert into a real event.

Creative Ways to Present

Scoop Homemade Pineapple Ice Cream into hollowed-out pineapple shells for a show-stopping tropical presentation. Or, sandwich it between macaron shells for an elegant twist on traditional ice cream sandwiches — perfect for parties or a special after-dinner surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Homemade Pineapple Ice Cream in an airtight container in the coldest part of your freezer. Pressing a piece of parchment paper or wax paper directly onto the surface before sealing the lid keeps ice crystals at bay and your ice cream irresistibly creamy.

Freezing

For best texture, enjoy within two weeks — although chances are it’ll disappear much sooner! If you plan on making it ahead, just be sure to allow enough time for the ice cream to firm up before serving.

Reheating

No need for actual reheating, but if your Homemade Pineapple Ice Cream is super firm after freezer time, let it sit on the counter for five to ten minutes. It’ll be much easier to scoop and extra creamy.

FAQs

Can I make this Homemade Pineapple Ice Cream without an ice cream maker?

Absolutely! Pour the chilled mixture into a shallow dish, freeze for an hour, then stir well. Repeat every 30 minutes, scraping the sides and mixing, until smooth and frozen — it takes a little patience but is so worth it.

Is it possible to use only canned pineapple?

Yes, canned pineapple works beautifully—just be sure to use fruit packed in juice (not syrup) and drain really well to avoid excess liquid. The result will still be luscious and tropical.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You sure can! Substitute the heavy cream and whole milk with full-fat coconut milk or your favorite plant-based options for a deliciously vegan Homemade Pineapple Ice Cream.

How can I make chunkier ice cream?

If you love fruity bites, reserve some finely chopped fresh pineapple and fold it in after churning. This gives you bursts of real pineapple in every scoop!

How do I keep my ice cream from getting icy?

Making sure your mixture is well-chilled before churning and storing it airtight with parchment on top helps prevent iciness. Sugar also plays a key role in maintaining that creamy, smooth texture.

Final Thoughts

I can’t think of a better way to brighten your day than with a bowl of Homemade Pineapple Ice Cream. Try it once, and you’ll quickly see how a handful of tropical ingredients can conjure a whole summer’s worth of smiles. Gather your favorite people, grab a scoop (or two), and let every spoonful take you to paradise!

Homemade Pineapple Ice Cream Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the tropical flavors of this Homemade Pineapple Ice Cream. Creamy, fruity, and refreshing, this easy-to-make dessert is perfect for hot summer days or anytime you crave a sweet treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Pineapple Puree:

2 cups fresh pineapple chunks (or canned in juice, drained)

Ice Cream Base:

1 cup heavy cream
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Puree Pineapple: In a blender, puree the pineapple chunks until smooth.
Mix Ingredients: Transfer puree to a bowl, stir in sugar, lemon juice, and salt. Add cream and milk, whisk until sugar dissolves.
Chill Mixture: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Churn Ice Cream: Pour mixture into ice cream maker, churn for 20–25 minutes.
Freeze: Transfer to container, freeze for 2–4 hours until firm.
Serve: Scoop and enjoy!