Arizona

Prickly Pear Cactus Ice Cream

Embrace the bold spirit of the Sonoran Desert with this stunning magenta ice cream made from prickly pear cactus fruit. The naturally vibrant color and sweet, watermelon-like flavor of the tuna fruit creates a uniquely Arizona frozen treat.

35 min churn time 8 servings Intermediate Dairy-based

Jump to Ingredients

Equipment Needed

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Ice Cream Maker

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Large Mixing Bowl

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Heavy Saucepan

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Thick Gloves

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Freezer Container

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Fine Mesh Strainer

Ingredients

For the Prickly Pear Syrup:

6 prickly pear fruits (tunas)

1/4 cup water

2 tablespoons lime juice

For the Ice Cream Base:

2 cups heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

3/4 cup granulated sugar

5 large egg yolks

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Wearing thick gloves, carefully handle the prickly pear fruits. Cut off both ends of each fruit, then make a lengthwise slit and peel away the skin.

Place the peeled prickly pear flesh in a blender with the water and lime juice. Blend until smooth, then strain through a fine mesh strainer to remove the seeds.

You should have about 1 cup of vibrant magenta prickly pear juice. Set aside in the refrigerator while you prepare the custard base.

In a heavy saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and half of the sugar. Heat over medium heat until steaming and just beginning to bubble at the edges.

In a large bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, remaining sugar, and salt until pale and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.

Slowly pour the hot cream mixture into the egg yolks while whisking constantly. Return the mixture to the saucepan.

Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the custard reaches 170 degrees F. Stir in the vanilla extract and prickly pear juice.

Strain the mixture into a clean bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight until thoroughly chilled.

Pour the chilled custard into your ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer's instructions, about 25-35 minutes.

Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours until firm. Serve garnished with a slice of lime or fresh prickly pear.

Tips for Perfect Prickly Pear Ice Cream

Safety First

Always use thick gloves when handling prickly pear fruit. The tiny spines (glochids) are nearly invisible but very irritating.

Finding Prickly Pear

Look for prickly pear fruit at Latin markets, specialty stores, or order prickly pear syrup online as a convenient alternative.

Color Preservation

The lime juice helps maintain the stunning magenta color. Don't skip it or the color may oxidize and dull.

Strain Thoroughly

Prickly pear has many small, hard seeds. Strain the puree twice if needed for a completely smooth texture.

Using Syrup Instead

If using commercial prickly pear syrup, use 3/4 cup and reduce the sugar in the base by 1/4 cup.

Flavor Pairing

Prickly pear pairs beautifully with lime, agave, and even a splash of tequila for an adult version.