This Taro Ice Cream Recipe Is a Must-Try This Summer

Summer is a time for getting out of the house to have fun in the sun, but it’s also a time for cooling down with delicious treats. What better way to do that than with a homemade taro ice cream recipe? This traditional Asian dessert is made with taro root, which has a sweet, nutty flavor. It becomes an indulgent treat for summertime when mixed with cream and sugar.

Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or an experienced chef, this recipe is sure to please. With our simple instructions and step-by-step photos, you’ll make this delicious dessert in no time. Grab your ice cream maker, and let’s get started.

Ingredients

A successful taro ice cream recipe requires ice cream bases and flavoring agents. The ice cream base consists of cream, half-and-half, sugar, and eggs. For flavoring the ice cream mixture, you will need taro powder, vanilla extract, and salt. 

For the best results when making this ice cream recipe, you should opt for quality ingredients like heavy cream and whole milk or full-fat half-and-half. When measuring these bases for the recipe, remember that 1 cup of heavy cream yields slightly less than 2 cups of half-and-half. When preparing the ice cream mixture, whisk together two eggs with sugar until it is completely blended. 

The flavoring component of this taro ice cream recipe is easy to source at local grocery stores or online retailers. Grab some taro powder, pure vanilla extract, and salt to make this deliciously creamy dessert. When preparing your ice cream mixture, measure your taro powder to combine it with vanilla extract and salt.

Steps for Making the Ice Cream

With all the necessary ingredients collected, it’s time to start making your homemade taro ice cream.

Making the Taro Base 

Combine ¼ cup of half-and-half with 1½ tablespoons of taro powder in a small saucepan over medium heat to create the beautiful bright purple shade associated with taro ice cream. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and takes on a purplish hue. Allow it to cool completely before stirring it into the ice cream mixture.

Making the Ice Cream Mixture 

Once you have prepared your taro base, combine the ingredients for your ice cream mixture in a large bowl. Start by pouring 1 cup of heavy cream into the bowl, followed by 1¼ cups of room temperature half-and-half and ¾ cup of sugar mixed with two eggs. Add in your cooled purple taro base and ½ teaspoon each of pure vanilla extract and salt before stirring everything together thoroughly.

Churning the Ice Cream 

Move your ice cream mixture to an insulated container before placing it in your freezer for at least 4 hours. Once frozen, use a hand cranker or an electric soft-serve ice cream maker to churn your mixture, following whatever instructions come with your device before compacting it in an airtight container for future use.

Soft Serve 

If you’d like to enjoy your freshly churned ice cream at a soft serve consistency, immediately transfer it into individual bowls for serving with desired toppings like nuts or fruit pieces for added texture. If you aren’t serving it immediately, place any remaining soft serve into an airtight container and return it to the freezer.

Variations

For those wanting a delicious dairy-free alternative to traditional taro ice cream, replace all dairy components with vegan substitutions like coconut milk combined with vegan sugar and corn syrup instead of regular eggs when making your base mixture. 

There are several possibilities for adding additional flavors to this beloved dessert. If you’re looking for something offbeat, try replacing a portion or all of the taro powder used in this recipe with other powders like matcha green tea or cocoa bean. If you want something more classic, add a teaspoon of orange zest or cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg when adding the vanilla extract and salt. If you’re using quality ingredients, that’s all it takes to create delectable homemade ice cream from home.

Servings Suggestions

The simplest way to enjoy this spectacular summertime treat is by serving it in individual bowls with anything from traditional nuts and sprinkles to more creative options like dried cranberries or coconut flakes.

You can further enhance the flavors on the individual servings by drizzling anything from apricot preserves to decadent caramel sauce.

A fun twist on serving delicious homemade desserts is creating individual treats like homemade waffle cones with freshly made creamy ice creams and colorful sprinkles. Opt for classic edible sandwiches by using store-bought cookies with your ice cream.

Conclusion

This delectable taro ice cream recipe is easy for beginners yet versatile enough for experienced foodies looking to make signature creations from quality store-bought ingredients. Whether consumed alone or combined creatively with other flavors from store-bought cookies to fresh fruits, this recipe is a surefire way to enjoy unforgettable frozen desserts all summer and beyond, so get mixing today.