High-speed blender or food processor For blending the mango base and the banana-cashew swirl. If you're working with frozen mangoes, a high-powered blender like a Vitamix or Nutribullet is ideal.
Loaf pan or freezer-safe container To freeze the ice cream mixture.
Rubber spatula For swirling the banana-cashew cream into the mango base and smoothing out the top.
Spoon or Ice Cream Scoop For serving.
Ingredients
For the Mango Ice Cream Base
3cupsfrozen ripe mango chunksabout 3 large mangoes
1cupfull-fat coconut milkfor a creamier texture, use canned
1tablespoonmaple syrup or agave nectaroptional, depending on sweetness of mangoes
1teaspoonvanilla extract
Pinchof sea salt
For the Banana-Cashew Swirl
1ripe banana
½cupraw cashewssoaked in hot water for 15 minutes, then drained
2tablespoonscoconut creamthe thick part from the top of a chilled can of coconut milk
1tablespoonmaple syrup
¼teaspooncinnamon
Pinchof salt
Optional Toppings
Toasted coconut flakes
Chopped cashews
Fresh mango cubes
Lime zest
Instructions
Step 1: Soak the Cashews
Start by soaking the raw cashews in hot water for 15–20 minutes. This helps soften them, making the banana-cashew swirl extra creamy.
Step 2: Make the Mango Ice Cream Base
In your blender or food processor, combine the frozen mango chunks, full-fat coconut milk, maple syrup (if using), vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt. Blend until silky smooth. The consistency should resemble soft serve.
Tip: If the mixture is too thick to blend, add a splash more coconut milk, but avoid over-thinning—it should stay thick and creamy.
Step 3: Prepare the Banana-Cashew Swirl
Drain the soaked cashews and add them to the blender with the ripe banana, coconut cream, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Blend until completely smooth. This mixture should be thick, like a pudding.
Step 4: Layer and Swirl
Pour half of the mango ice cream base into your loaf pan or freezer-safe container. Spoon in dollops of the banana-cashew swirl and use a butter knife or skewer to create gentle swirls. Add the remaining mango base and repeat the swirling with the rest of the banana-cashew mixture.
Don’t overmix—you want those beautiful ribbons of banana and cashew running through the mango.
Step 5: Freeze
Cover the container and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm. For a scoopable texture, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Scoop into bowls or cones, sprinkle with your favorite toppings like toasted coconut or chopped cashews, and enjoy your tropical masterpiece.