How to Make Tropical Mango Coconut Ice Cream Sandwiches: A Fun and Easy Recipe
Nothing screams tropical paradise like the combination of mango and coconut. These two flavors go perfectly together, creating a refreshing and creamy treat that feels like a mini vacation in every bite. If you’re looking for a delicious dessert to impress your family and friends, tropical mango coconut ice cream sandwiches are the way to go! And the best part? They’re easy to make at home with simple steps and ingredients.
Let’s dive into this step-by-step guide to making these dreamy, tropical treats.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before jumping into the recipe, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Mango Coconut Ice Cream:
- 2 ripe mangoes (peeled, diced, and pureed)
- 1 can (14 oz.) of coconut milk (full-fat for creaminess)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1/2 cup sugar or honey (adjust based on mango sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Sandwich Cookies:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (optional for added crunch)
- ½ cup butter (softened)
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 pinch of salt
Step 1: Make the Mango Coconut Ice Cream
The ice cream is the star of your sandwich, so let’s start with that! If you own an ice cream maker, it’s even easier; if not, don’t worry—this recipe works without fancy equipment.
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Blend the Mango Mixture: Put the diced mangoes in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. You should end up with about 1 ½ cups of mango puree.
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Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the mango puree, coconut milk, heavy cream, sugar or honey, and vanilla extract. Gently whisk everything together until smooth.
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Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill for about 1-2 hours. Cooling the mixture helps it freeze better later.
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Freeze the Ice Cream:
- If you have an ice cream maker, pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer’s directions.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow dish or loaf pan. Place it in the freezer and stir every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals. Repeat for about 3-4 hours, or until the ice cream is frozen and creamy.
Step 2: Bake the Cookie Sandwiches
While your ice cream is freezing, let’s make the cookies that will hold your tropical treat together. These cookies are soft and buttery with a hint of coconut flavor.
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
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Mix the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the egg and vanilla extract, and mix until combined.
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Gradually add the flour, shredded coconut (optional), and salt. Mix until a smooth dough forms.
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Shape the Cookies: Scoop out small balls of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and flatten them into round disks. You want the cookies to be about the same size as your sandwiches, so aim for 2-3 inches across.
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Bake: Place the cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden. Let the cookies cool completely on a wire rack.
Step 3: Assemble the Ice Cream Sandwiches
Now comes the fun part—putting it all together!
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Scoop Ice Cream: Take a scoop of your homemade mango coconut ice cream and place it on the flat side of one cookie.
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Top with Another Cookie: Gently press another cookie on top of the ice cream to create a sandwich.
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Wrap for Freezing (Optional): If you’re not serving them right away, wrap each sandwich in plastic wrap or parchment paper and freeze for 30 minutes to firm up.
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Serve: Serve your tropical mango coconut ice cream sandwiches immediately, or keep them stored in the freezer for a cool treat later.
Helpful Tips
- Use Ripe Mangoes: Ripe mangoes are naturally sweet and juicy, giving your ice cream the best flavor.
- Customize Your Cookies: If shredded coconut isn’t your thing, skip it or add other flavor twists like lime zest or white chocolate chips.
- Mess-Free Assembly: Use a spoon or ice cream scoop to add the ice cream to the cookies smoothly. You can even roll the sides in shredded coconut for an extra tropical touch!
Why You’ll Love These Treats
These mango coconut ice cream sandwiches combine tropical flavors, creamy textures, and the buttery crispness of cookies into one delicious dessert. Whether for summer picnics, beach parties, or a sweet snack at home, they’re guaranteed to brighten your day.
Plus, making them is half the fun! You don’t have to be a master chef—just some simple ingredients and a little love are all you need to whip up these tropical delights. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a slice of the tropics at home!
What are you waiting for? Try the recipe today and let us know how it turns out.
