Pineapple Ice Cream

My pineapple ice cream is smooth, creamy, and filled with tropical flavor. It uses just 4 ingredients and lets the ice cream machine do all the work, so I can enjoy homemade ice cream the easy way!

My Easy Recipe for Pineapple and Ice Cream

Pineapple ice cream has always been a favorite of mine at local ice cream shops, but I’ve noticed it’s been getting harder and harder to find even in the summer. That’s why I decided to make some at home!

Now, I’m an ice cream lover, but if it’s not easy, I would rather go to the store and buy it. But I can assure you this recipe is not only easy, it tastes even better than any version I’ve tried at an ice cream shop. My pineapple obsessed daughter Leah also agrees.

A lot of places have jumped on the Dole Whip train, but I wanted to make mine even more creamier than that. It’s basically like pineapple and ice cream together to make something incredibly delicious for summer.

Looking for more ice cream recipes? Check out my recipes for watermelon ice cream, peach ice cream, and vanilla ice cream next!

Pineapple Ice Cream Recipe Ingredients

• Heavy cream – I use heavy cream to form the smooth, silky ice cream base. The high fat content results in a rich and luxurious taste, and the consistency thickens up nicely as it’s whipped in the ice cream machine.
• Sweetened condensed milk – This thick, syrupy ingredient enhances the ice cream with just the right amount of sweetness. It also helps it develop a creamy, stable texture.
• Canned pineapple – Canned pineapple rings or chunks will work best for this recipe. Pineapple in a can has been properly heat-treated, giving it an improved consistency when churned for ice cream. I wouldn’t recommend using fresh pineapple as it tends to become more bitter when combined with dairy.
• Salt – Adding a pinch of salt to the mixture is my secret to achieving the best taste and texture. Salt helps the mixture freeze well while also enhancing and balancing out the overall taste of the ice cream.

How to Make Pineapple Ice Cream

STEP ONE: Start by freezing the metal insert of the ice cream machine 24 hours before making the recipe.

STEP TWO: Once the insert is ready to go, add the chilled heavy cream, condensed milk, pineapple, and salt to a blender. Pulse until combined.

STEP THREE: Next, pour the blended mixture into the chilled canister of the ice cream machine and churn according to the manufacturer’s directions. The ice cream should reach a soft serve consistency after about 20 minutes of churning.

STEP FOUR: Transfer the canister to the freezer for 3 hours or longer to allow time for it to firm up.

STEP FIVE: Scoop into a bowl or cone, then serve with toppings of choice and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

• I use high-quality equipment to keep this ice cream recipe simple. My Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker and my Ninja Blender are my favorite tools to help me get the job done!
• Always use chilled ingredients when making ice cream. This is my best tip to ensure the mixture freezes faster, resulting in a smoother, creamier overall texture. It also ensures that the machine isn’t overworked!
• Be sure to drain the pineapple thoroughly. Excess liquid will result in ice crystals forming during freezing. I like to drain mine in a strainer first, then pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
• Avoid overfilling the ice cream machine, as the volume of the mixture will gradually increase as it thickens. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to see where the recommended fill line is.  

Variations and Substitutions

• Including crushed pineapple is a simple way to add texture to the recipe. Just set aside ¼ cup of crushed, drained pineapple and add it to the ice cream as it churns.
• Mix-ins are a fun way to personalize each batch! Extras like mini chocolate chips, shredded or toasted coconut, or chopped macadamia nuts are a fun way to jazz up the recipe. Be sure to wait until the last few minutes of churning to add any mix-ins.
• For an even tangier flavor, I sometimes add a splash of lemon juice to the mixture. Lemon helps brighten the taste of the ice cream while also balancing out the richness of the other ingredients.
• Adding a few drops of vanilla extract is one of my favorite ways to boost this treat. This smooth and slightly floral addition complements the tropical pineapple wonderfully without being overpowering.
• Garnish the ice cream with fresh basil to enhance the final appearance and taste. This sweet, peppery, and slightly minty herb is a popular way to garnish pineapple ice cream, as it adds both a layer of freshness and a beautiful dash of color.

Pineapple Ice Cream FAQs 

How should I store leftovers?

To keep my homemade pineapple ice cream fresh for an extended period of time, I store the leftovers in an airtight container. This is the exact container I use. One of my tricks for preventing freezer burn is placing a tight layer of plastic wrap directly over the ice cream before sealing and freezing it. I recommend enjoying the leftover ice cream within 3 months for the best results.

More Easy Pineapple Recipes

• Pineapple upside down cake with crushed pineapple
• Pineapple dump cake
• Pineapple pound cake
• Pineapple fluff
• Pineapple sauce