Easy Mango Ice Recipe – Homemade Frozen Dessert with Lime

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Easy Mango Ice Recipe – Homemade Frozen Dessert With Lime

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, the summer heat just begs for something cool and refreshing. And honestly, nothing beats the simple, sweet joy of a homemade mango ice. I first made this when my niece came to visit, and we’ve been making it together every summer since! It’s unbelievably easy, requires just a handful of ingredients, and tastes like pure sunshine. Let’s get into it, shall we?

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This mango ice isn’t just a treat; it’s an experience. It’s vibrant, naturally sweet, and has a lovely tang from the lime. Plus, making it at home means you control exactly what goes in – no artificial flavors or colors here! It’s perfect for a quick dessert, a hot afternoon pick-me-up, or even a delightful end to a spicy Indian meal.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this dreamy mango ice:

• 2 cups chopped ripe mango (about 300g)
• ?? cup water (approximately 120ml – adjust to preference)
• 2 tbsp fresh lime juice (about 30ml)
• 2 tbsp sugar (optional, about 20g)
• 2-3 fresh mint leaves, for garnish

Ingredient Notes

Let’s talk ingredients for a sec, because getting these right makes all the difference!

Mango Selection – Choosing the Right Variety

Honestly, any ripe mango will work, but some are better than others. Alphonso mangoes are the gold standard – incredibly fragrant and sweet. But Kesar, Dasheri, or even good quality Tommy Atkins will also make a delicious ice. Just make sure they’re beautifully ripe and fragrant!

Sugar – To Sweeten or Not To Sweeten?

This really depends on how sweet your mangoes are. I often skip the sugar altogether, especially if I’m using Alphonso. But if your mangoes are a little tart, 2 tablespoons of sugar will balance things out nicely. You can also use honey or maple syrup as a natural alternative.

Lime Juice – Balancing the Flavors

Don’t skip the lime juice! It cuts through the sweetness of the mango and adds a lovely zing. Freshly squeezed is always best.

Water – Achieving the Perfect Consistency

The amount of water you use will affect how icy or creamy your final product is. Start with ½ cup and add more, a tablespoon at a time, if needed to get a smooth blend.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some ice! It’s seriously simple.

1. First, combine the chopped mango, water, and sugar (if using) in a blender.
2. Blend until everything is super smooth and creamy. You don’t want any chunks!
3. Stir in the fresh lime juice. Give it a good mix.
4. Now, pour the mixture into a flat, shallow container – a baking dish works perfectly. This helps it freeze evenly.
5. Pop it into the freezer. Here’s the key: every 30-45 minutes, take it out and use a fork to scrape and break up the ice crystals that form. Repeat this 3-4 times until the mixture is fully frozen with a lovely, flaky texture.

Expert Tips

Want to take your mango ice game to the next level? Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years.

Achieving the Flakiest Texture

The scraping and breaking up of ice crystals is crucial. It prevents large, hard ice chunks from forming and gives you that perfect, flaky texture. Don’t skip this step!

Preventing Ice Crystals

While scraping helps, using a little bit of lime juice also helps prevent large ice crystals. The acidity slows down the freezing process slightly, resulting in a smoother texture.

Adjusting Sweetness Levels

Taste as you go! If you’re adding sugar, start with less and add more to your liking. Remember, you can always add, but you can’t take away!

Variations

This recipe is a fantastic base for all sorts of fun variations.

Vegan Mango Ice

This recipe is naturally vegan if you skip the sugar or use maple syrup!

Mango Ice with a Spice Kick (Cardamom, Chili)

My friend Priya loves adding a pinch of cardamom powder or a tiny dash of chili powder to her mango ice. It adds a lovely warmth and complexity.

Mango Lassi Ice

For a mango lassi inspired ice, add a couple of tablespoons of plain yogurt to the blender along with the mangoes.

Summer Cooling Adaptations

A little grated ginger can add a lovely cooling element, perfect for really hot days.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your mango ice in chilled glasses, garnished with a few fresh mint leaves. It’s also delicious with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios or a drizzle of rosewater. It’s a beautiful and refreshing dessert!

Storage Instructions

Homemade mango ice is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week. Keep in mind that it may become a little harder the longer it’s stored, so you might need to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers!

What is the best type of mango to use for this recipe?

Alphonso mangoes are the absolute best, but Kesar, Dasheri, or Tommy Atkins will also work well. The key is to choose ripe, fragrant mangoes.

Can I make this recipe without sugar?

Absolutely! If your mangoes are sweet enough, you can skip the sugar altogether.

How long does homemade mango ice last in the freezer?

Up to a week, but it’s best enjoyed within a few days for the freshest flavor and texture.

Can I add other fruits to this mango ice?

Definitely! A little pineapple or passion fruit would be delicious.

What if I don’t have a blender – can I still make this?

You can! Mash the mangoes really well with a fork, then mix in the water, lime juice, and sugar. The texture won’t be quite as smooth, but it will still be delicious.