3 Ingredient Avocado and Cherimoya Ice Cream

👩🏻‍🍳 Tamara Talks – About Cherimoyas

NOTE: I updated some of the text in July 2023, just days before leaving for our 5th trip to Peru. If you’re interested in looking at more Peruvian-inspired recipes, don’t miss my Peruvian recipes category!

I like to claim cherimoyas are native to Peru.😊 My first experience with these unique and tasty fruits was summer 2017 when my husband and I went with UT Rio Grande Valley Studies Abroad to the Peruvian Andes for the first time.

Cherimoya is a tropical fruit that is known for its creamy, custard-like texture and sweet flavor. It is native to the Andean valleys of Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia, but it is now grown in many other tropical and subtropical regions around the world.

Cherimoya (also called chirimoya and chirimuya by the Quechua) is an edible fruit thought to have originated in the Andean valleys of Peru, Equador, Colombia, and Bolivia. Its creamy texture has given it the nickname “custard apple,” and Mark Twain referred to it as “the most delicious fruit known to men.” My husband and I agree with Mark Twain!

We had our first cherimoya when we visited The San Pedro Market in Cuzco. This mercado is a wild, crazy, colorful, and amazing open air market with everything from farm fresh produce to cooked meals to jewelry and clothing.

Cherimoyas are a good source of vitamin C, B complex vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. For more on the health benefits, see Cherimoya Fruit Nutrition Facts.

This is so fun, and I’m looking forward to a repeat in just a couple of weeks! My cherimoya, lucuma, and naranja smoothie was just fabulous. Can you tell? It’s all fruit… nothing but the fruit!

🍦 Is it “Ice Cream?”

Is it “ice cream” if it has no “cream?” I believe this vegan frozen dessert qualifies! The mouth feel of this frozen treat competes with a high fat ice cream. Because AVOCADO!

Cherimoya is often referred to as the “ice cream fruit” because of its creamy and custard-like texture. When the cherimoya fruit is ripe, its flesh becomes incredibly soft and smooth, resembling the texture of a creamy ice cream or custard.

So, technically it’s not ice cream, but I think you’ll find it as indulgent and delicious as good ice cream!

🥑 Are Avocados Healthy?

Avocados are loaded with nutrients! A single 3.5 ounce serving contains:

• Vitamin K – 26% RDA
• Folate – 20% RDA
• Vitamin C – 17% RDA
• Potassium – 14% RDA
• Vitamin B5 – 14% RDA
• Vitamin B6 – 13% RDA
• Vitamin E – 10% RDA

This delicious fruit contains healthy unsaturated fats, no cholesterol, a good amount of fiber, and antioxidants. There is evidence that shows avocado may help with absorption of plant-based nutrients, and its anti-inflammatory properties relieve arthritis pain. For more on the health benefits of avocados, see 12 Proven Health Benefits of Avocado.

Now that we know it’s okay to eat it, let’s get started. Finding fresh cherimoya in non-tropical countries is nearly impossible, and when we have them in south Texas (sub-tropical), they’re about $7.00 apiece. However, I recently discovered Goya has Cherimoya Fruit Pulp. APPLAUSE.

📋 Ingredients Notes

Here is a quick look at the ingredients in the recipe – it’s handy to use at the grocery store or as a summary of what you need. Skip to the recipe for quantities.

• cherimoya pulp – If you’re fortunate enough to get your hands on fresh cherimoyas (and can afford them!), by all mean use fresh. However I find the Goya Cherimoya Pulp is really good.
• avocado – You’ll need 1 large avocado, or 2 small avocados.
• agave nectar – You can substitute honey or other liquid sweetener, but you may need to increase the amount.
• sea salt

❓ FAQ

💭 Tips

Ice cream freezers vary in freeze times. Refer to your manufacturers instructions for more accurate time to freeze.

I specify agave nectar because it is not granular and does not mess with the creaminess of the ice cream.. Honey and corn syrup are good options as well. Agave nectar is sweeter, though, so you’ll want to taste and adjust if necessary.

If you’re fortunate enough to have fresh cherimoya, by all means use it! Remove the skin and seeds, purée, and treat the same way.

If you’re looking for a great vegan cookie recipe to serve alongside this vegan ice cream, take a look at these Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies. If you do make this cherimoya ice cream a try, I’d love to hear your feedback in the comment below. I hope you love this creamy, delicious 3 Ingredient Avocado and Cherimoya Ice Cream as much as we do!