Skip to main content

Avocado Gelato

4.3

(33)

Image may contain Food Dessert Creme Cream Ice Cream Confectionery and Sweets
Avocado GelatoSang An

The dense, velvety texture of avocados produces a gelato of exceptional smoothness, with no added cream or egg. Though avocado may seem unusual as a sweet, it's commonly used as a dessert ingredient in Latin America.

We call for a crushed vitamin C tablet here, which is the trick to retaining the bright green color of the avocados without affecting their flavor.

Cooks' note:

Ice cream can be made 1 week ahead.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    2 3/4 hr (includes freezing)

  • Yield

    Makes about 1 quart

Ingredients

2 cups whole milk
3/4 cup sugar
3 (4- by 1-inch) strips fresh orange zest
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 firm-ripe California avocados (1 to 1 1/4 lb total)
1 (500-mg) vitamin C tablet, crushed to a powder

Special Equipment

an ice cream maker

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Bring 1 3/4 cups milk, 1/2 cup sugar, zest, and a pinch of salt to a simmer in a 2-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat. Whisk together cornstarch and remaining 1/4 cup milk in a small bowl until smooth, then whisk into simmering milk. Bring to a boil, whisking constantly, and boil 1 minute. Transfer mixture to a metal bowl, then set bowl in a larger bowl of ice and cold water and cool completely, stirring frequently. Discard zest.

    Step 2

    Quarter, pit, and peel avocados, then purée with vitamin C and remaining 1/4 cup sugar in a food processor until smooth. Add milk mixture and blend well.

    Step 3

    Freeze avocado mixture in ice cream maker. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze until hardened, about 1 hour.

Read More
Like a cucumber-cilantro chutney sandwich and scallop piccata.
Like airy lemon chiffon cake and a Cadbury egg–inspired tart.
Dressed in a spiced yogurt, with ginger and garlic, then roasted until caramelized and tender.
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
Think a Hugo spritz, a gin basil smash, and plenty more patio-ready pours.
A warmly spiced Ashkenazi charoset, perfect for your Passover seder—or spooned over yogurt the next morning.
This broiled hot honey salmon recipe results in sweet, spicy, glossy fish coated in a homemade hot honey glaze for an easy weeknight dinner or make-ahead lunch.