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Coconut is the summer ingredient you should include in your weekday indulgences and cheat meals! Its muted sweetness and tropical profile are perfect for desserts and can also complement savoury delicacies. For summer desserts made with coconut, stick to recipes which are fairly straightforward especially if you're using crushed coconuts since it has a pretty potent essence and show up easily in flavour profiles.
Coconuts can be ideal bases for laddoos, ice creams, summer pies and sorbets; if you consider adding some additional flavours avoid anything too intense or dark. Lightly salted caramel, lemon, mango, and coffee can help highlight coconut’s natural sweetness. Here are some easy ideas for summery coconut desserts.
Coconut Ice Cream
Beat the heat this summer with this creamy and indulgent coconut ice cream that captures the essence of tropical bliss. Made with coconut milk, sugar, and cream, this dairy-free treat is perfect for anyone craving a cool and refreshing dessert on a hot day. For added texture and flavour, you can incorporate toasted coconut flakes or swirls of coconut caramel into the ice cream base. Serve scoops of coconut ice cream in waffle cones or bowls, garnished with fresh fruit or a drizzle of chocolate sauce!
Coconut Lime Bars
Coconut lime bars are a lovely twist on the classic lemon bars, perfect for brightening up your summer dessert spread. The buttery shortbread crust provides the perfect base for the creamy coconut lime filling, which is infused with fresh lime zest and juice for a burst of citrusy flavour. After baking it till lightly golden, sprinkle toasted coconut flakes over the top for added crunch and serve chilled.
Coconut Ladoo
Classic coconut laddoos can liven up any spread! Made with desiccated coconut, and condensed milk, and flavoured with cardamom, these bite-sized treats are easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious. To make coconut laddoo, simply mix desiccated coconut and condensed milk in a pan over low heat until the mixture thickens. Add a pinch of cardamom powder for flavour, then roll the mixture into small balls. Garnish with chopped nuts or a sprinkle of edible silver foil.
Nariyal Pani Popsicles
These homemade nariyal pani (coconut water) popsicles can be the best summer treat! Coconut water has natural electrolytes and can help keep your energy up. Simply fill popsicle moulds with fresh coconut water and add chunks of tender coconut meat for added texture and flavour. Insert popsicle sticks and freeze until solid. You can also customize your popsicles by adding a splash of lime juice or a sprinkle of chaat masala.
Coconut Mango Sorbet
Cool off with a scoop of coconut mango sorbet, a dairy-free and vegan-friendly dessert that's bursting with tropical flavours. Made with ripe mangoes, coconut milk, and a hint of lime juice, this creamy sorbet can be made by simply blending the ingredients until smooth, and then freezing the mixture in an ice cream maker. You can serve it frozen or slightly melted and top it with some coconut flakes.
