Blueberry Cardamom Coconut Milk Ice Cream [The Purple Lush Remix]

Luxurious dairy-free frozen dessert with bursts of wild blueberries and aromatic cardamom in a rich coconut base. This stunning purple treat offers two methods – traditional ice cream maker or modern Ninja Creami convenience.

Makes

Serves 6-8

Total Time

24 hr 45 min (45 min prep)

Ingredients

Traditional Ice Cream Maker Version:
2 cans (800ml) full-fat coconut milk, chilled
1 1/2 cups (210g) fresh blueberries
3/4 cup (150g) coconut sugar
1 tsp (2g) ground cardamom
1 tsp (5ml) vanilla extract
1/4 tsp (1.5g) sea salt
2 tbsp (30ml) fresh lemon juice

Ninja Creami Version:
1 can (400ml) full-fat coconut milk
3/4 cup (105g) fresh blueberries
1/3 cup (65g) coconut sugar
1/2 tsp (1g) ground cardamom
1/2 tsp (2.5ml) vanilla extract
1/8 tsp (0.75g) sea salt
1 tbsp (15ml) fresh lemon juice
2-3 tbsp (30-45ml) coconut milk (for re-spinning)

Make it Good For The Gut (Optional)

Add 2 tablespoons coconut kefir to either version for beneficial probiotics and tangy depth. Include 1 tablespoon chia seeds (soaked in 3 tbsp water for 10 minutes) for prebiotic fiber and omega-3s. Use raw honey (reduce coconut sugar by half) for additional enzymes and antimicrobial benefits. Add 1/4 teaspoon fresh grated ginger with cardamom for digestive support and anti-inflammatory properties. Include 1 teaspoon collagen peptides for gut lining support and protein boost.

Remix Options

Berry Swaps: Replace blueberries with blackberries, raspberries, or mixed berries for different flavor profiles and antioxidant benefits. Spice Variations: Try 1/2 tsp rose water + 1/4 tsp cardamom for Persian flair, or 1/2 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp cardamom for warming spice. Sweetener Alternatives: Use pure maple syrup (reduce to 1/2 cup), monk fruit sweetener (use 1/3 amount), or date syrup for natural sweetening options. Coconut Alternatives: Substitute with cashew cream (soaked cashews blended with water) or oat cream for different base flavors. Texture Add-Ins: Fold in 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips, toasted coconut flakes, or chopped pistachios during final churning/processing. Alcohol Enhancement: Add 2 tbsp vodka or rum to traditional version for smoother texture and enhanced flavor complexity. Protein Boost: Include 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (reduce liquid slightly) for post-workout frozen treat.

Good To Know

Coconut Milk Choice: Use full-fat canned coconut milk with minimal additives – brands with guar gum actually help create creamier texture than those without stabilizers. Blueberry Preparation: Fresh berries create better texture than frozen, but if using frozen, thaw completely and drain excess liquid before blending. Cardamom Quality: Freshly ground cardamom from whole pods provides superior flavor – if using pre-ground, reduce amount by half as flavor can be more concentrated. Traditional Method: Chill mixture completely (4+ hours) before churning for best texture – warm base won’t freeze properly and creates icy consistency. Ninja Creami Tips: The 24-hour freeze is non-negotiable for proper processing – shorter times result in smoothie consistency rather than ice cream texture. Re-spin Strategy: Start conservatively with liquid additions during re-spin – you can always add more but can’t remove excess liquid that makes mixture too soft. Storage Guidelines: Both versions keep up to 2 weeks frozen in airtight containers – let traditional version soften 5-10 minutes before scooping, Creami version 2-3 minutes.

steps

Prep:

For traditional method: Place ice cream maker bowl in freezer 24 hours before use. For Ninja Creami: Ensure pint container is clean and ready for freezing.

Blend:

In high-speed blender, combine blueberries, coconut sugar, cardamom, vanilla, salt, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add chilled coconut milk and blend until completely combined.

Chill:

For traditional method: Pour mixture into bowl, cover, and refrigerate 4-6 hours until completely cold. For Ninja Creami: Pour into pint container, secure lid, and freeze 24 hours until solid.

Process:

Traditional: Pour chilled mixture into frozen ice cream maker bowl and churn 25-30 minutes until thick. Ninja Creami: Remove lid, install in machine, select ‘Ice Cream’ setting and process completely.

Adjust:

Traditional: If too soft, freeze 2-4 hours for firmer texture. Ninja Creami: If too firm, add 2-3 tbsp coconut milk and use ‘re-spin’ function until desired consistency is reached.

Serve:

Scoop into chilled bowls and serve immediately for soft-serve consistency. Garnish with fresh blueberries, toasted coconut flakes, or a sprinkle of ground cardamom for elegant presentation.