Description
Imagine savoring a refreshing, creamy frozen dessert that blends the tropical flavors of coconut and pineapple, inspired by the vibrant Puerto Rican limber tradition.
Ingredients
This limber uses just five ingredients to create a creamy, tropical dessert. Here’s what you need and why each matters:
- Unsweetened Coconut Milk (13 oz can): The creamy, tropical base.
- Why it matters: Adds rich coconut flavor and smooth texture.
- Substitution: Use full-fat canned coconut milk for best results; avoid carton coconut milk, which is too thin.
- Pineapple Juice (2 cups): Provides sweet-tart flavor.
- Why it matters: Balances coconut’s richness with refreshing pineapple taste.
- Substitution: Use fresh pineapple juice or blend fresh pineapple with a splash of water.
- Sweetened Coconut Cream (1/2 cup): Enhances sweetness and creaminess.
- Why it matters: Adds depth and a piña colada-like richness.
- Substitution: Use extra coconut milk with 2 tbsp sugar or sweetened condensed milk (adjust sugar).
- Drained Canned Pineapple Chunks (1/2 cup): Add texture and bursts of flavor.
- Why it matters: Provide chewy bites and reinforce pineapple flavor.
- Substitution: Use fresh pineapple chunks (patted dry) or crushed pineapple (drained).
- Sugar (1/2 cup, plus more if needed): Sweetens the mixture.
- Why it matters: Balances the tartness of pineapple and enhances tropical flavors.
- Substitution: Use honey, agave, or a sugar substitute like Stevia (adjust to taste).
Pro Tip: Taste the mixture before freezing to adjust sweetness, as pineapple juice varies in tartness. Use canned coconut milk (not light) for the creamiest texture.
Instructions
- Prep the Cups:
- Place six 8-ounce plastic cups on a tray small enough to fit in your freezer.
- Tip: Use sturdy cups (e.g., disposable or reusable plastic) to hold the mixture without leaking.
- Blend the Mixture:
- In a blender, combine one 13-ounce can unsweetened coconut milk, 2 cups pineapple juice, 1/2 cup sweetened coconut cream, 1/2 cup drained canned pineapple chunks, and 1/2 cup sugar.
- Blend on high until homogeneous and smooth, about 30-60 seconds.
- Taste and add more sugar (1-2 tbsp) if desired for extra sweetness.
- Tip: Ensure pineapple chunks are fully blended for even texture, but small bits are fine for added texture.
- Fill the Cups:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared cups, filling each to about 1/4 inch from the brim to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Tip: Use a spouted measuring cup or ladle for mess-free pouring.
- Freeze and Stir:
- Freeze the cups for 1 hour until the mixture reaches a slurry stage (partially frozen).
- Stir each cup with a small spoon to reincorporate any separated ingredients, ensuring a uniform texture.
- Continue freezing for at least 7 more hours, or until fully solid.
- Tip: Stirring at the 1-hour mark prevents separation and keeps the limber creamy.
- Serve:
- Remove cups from the freezer when ready to serve.
- Serve as is, letting them soften for 2-3 minutes for easier eating, or invert onto plates for a fun presentation.
- Health Benefit: Coconut milk offers healthy fats, and pineapple provides vitamin C, but sugar makes this a sweet treat to enjoy sparingly!