Indulge in a visually stunning and delicious frozen dessert: purple‑pink outer spheres giving way to a vivid blue coconut center, wrapped in a sweet berry‑flavored shell. This treat is perfect for summer, parties, or as a whimsical dessert to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- The unexpected pop of blue coconut inside adds a fun and memorable surprise.
- The berry‑flavored shell elevates plain ice cream into something elegant and Instagram‑worthy.
- Minimal bake time — mostly freezing — making this a refreshing yet simple preparation.
- Ideal for entertaining: you can prepare ahead and serve chilled when ready.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Vanilla or berry‑flavored ice cream, softened slightly
- Shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened) tinted with blue food coloring
- Gel food coloring (blue for the coconut, purple/pink for the shell)
- Berry‑flavored candy melts or white chocolate tinted purple/pink
- Sprinkles or edible glitter (optional)
- A pinch of freeze‑dried raspberry powder (optional) for added berry flavor
Directions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment and place it in the freezer.
- Scoop the slightly softened ice cream into balls (approx. 2 inches diameter) using an ice‑cream scoop. Return to the freezer until firm.
- Tint the shredded coconut with blue food coloring, ensuring even coating; spread on a plate. Roll each ice cream ball in the blue coconut until fully covered; return to freezer until very firm.
- Melt the candy melts or white chocolate according to package instructions. Tint with purple/pink food coloring if needed.
- Remove the coconut‑coated balls from the freezer and dip each into the melted purple/pink shell to fully coat. Tap off excess and place back on the lined sheet. Immediately add sprinkles or edible glitter if using.
- Freeze the finished dessert for at least 2 hours (or until fully set) before serving.
- Serve chilled; if desired, garnish with a dusting of freeze‑dried raspberry powder for extra berry flavor and color.
Servings and timing
Servings: Makes approximately 12 balls (serves 6‑12 depending on portion size)
Timing: Prep time ~25 minutes (plus freezing time)
Freeze time: Minimum 2 hours after coating
Total time: Approx. 2 hours 25 minutes (including freezing)
Variations
- Use coconut‑lime ice cream instead of vanilla for a tropical twist.
- Roll the blue coconut balls in finely chopped toasted almonds before coating for added crunch.
- Instead of candy melts, use colored white chocolate shells (e.g., teal or lavender) for different color themes.
- Make mini‑balls (½ inch) for bite‑sized party treats with toothpicks.
Storage/reheating
- Store the ice cream balls in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.
- Serve directly from the freezer; no reheating needed.
- For best texture, remove from freezer 2‑3 minutes before serving to soften slightly for easier biting.
FAQs
What kind of ice cream works best?
A high‑quality vanilla or lightly flavored berry ice cream will provide a smooth backbone and let the colors and coconut coating shine.
Can I replace the blue coconut filling with something else?
Yes — you could roll the ice cream balls in toasted coconut alone (no dye) or use crushed blue cookies for texture instead.
How do I prevent the coating from cracking?
Make sure the ice cream balls are very firm (well frozen) before dipping. Work quickly when coating so they don’t melt too much.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely — the balls can be made, coated, and frozen ahead of time, making them great for prepping before guests arrive.
Can I use fresh berries or fruit for the shell flavor?
Yes, you could blend freeze‑dried berries into the melted shell for natural berry flavor, but you’ll need to adjust the shell’s texture so it still sets.
Are there non‑dairy or vegan versions?
Yes. Use dairy‑free ice cream and vegan candy melts or chocolate for the shell, and roll in unsweetened coconut.
How should I serve them?
On a chilled plate or shallow bowl. You can garnish with fresh berries, edible glitter, or mint leaves for presentation.
Will the colors bleed or run?
If you use gel food coloring and allow the shell to set fully, the colors should remain vibrant and stable in the freezer.
Can I change the color theme?
Yes — you can choose any color combination. For example, teal and silver for a “space” theme or pink and gold for a bridal shower.
Any tips for presentation?
Use a small cookie scoop for uniform size, and chill your serving plates ahead of time so the dessert stays chilled longer during service.
Conclusion
With its dramatic color contrast and surprising flavor combination, the Galaxy Coconut Ice Cream Balls serve as a delightful centerpiece dessert. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply want a fun treat, this recipe delivers both wow‑factor and taste. The prep is manageable, and the result will have your guests delighted and impressed.
PrintGalaxy Coconut Ice Cream Balls: A Colorful Frozen Treat with a Surprise Blue Coconut Center and Sweet Berry‑Flavored Shell
Galaxy Coconut Ice Cream Balls are a vibrant, fun frozen dessert featuring a creamy blue coconut ice cream center and a colorful berry-flavored candy shell. These visually striking treats are perfect for parties or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes (including freezing time)
- Yield: 12 balls 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Bake, Frozen
- Cuisine: Fusion
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Blue food coloring (a few drops)
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- Assorted food coloring (purple, pink, blue) for shell
- Edible glitter or shimmer dust (optional)
- Berry flavoring or extract (1/2 tsp)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together coconut milk, heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add blue food coloring and stir until the desired color is achieved.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Once churned, scoop into small balls and freeze until solid (about 2–3 hours).
- In a heatproof bowl, melt white chocolate chips and coconut oil together, stirring until smooth.
- Divide the melted mixture into separate bowls and color each with different food colorings (purple, pink, blue). Add berry flavoring to each batch.
- Using a spoon or dipping tool, coat the frozen ice cream balls with the colorful melted candy shells.
- Optional: Sprinkle with edible glitter or shimmer dust while still wet.
- Place coated balls on a parchment-lined tray and freeze for another hour to set.
- Serve immediately or store in the freezer until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- You can adjust the intensity of the colors to match a galaxy theme.
- Use a silicone mold for uniform ice cream ball shapes.
- Let sit at room temperature for 2–3 minutes before serving for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg