Indulge in a refreshing and subtly spicy dessert with this Ginger Ice-Cream topped with Minted Lychees.
Creamy and naturally sweet, it delivers a satisfying treat while incorporating the digestive benefits of ginger and the antioxidant boost from fresh mint.
Light, easy to prepare, and freezer-friendly, it’s perfect for everyday indulgence or effortless entertaining.
Lychee Ginger Ice Cream
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 loaf pan (11 x 21 cm)
- Aluminum foil
- 1 medium bowl for lychees
- Plastic wrap
Ingredients
- 2 liters vanilla ice-cream softened
- 125 grams glace ginger chopped
- 3 cans 567 g each lychees in syrup
- 1/2 cup fresh mint shredded
Instructions
- Prepare the Ice-Cream Base: Gently scoop the softened vanilla ice-cream into a large mixing bowl. Using a spatula, fold in the chopped glace ginger evenly, ensuring that each spoonful of ice-cream has a subtle, spicy ginger flavor. Take care not to overmix, as you want the ice-cream to maintain its creamy texture while distributing the ginger throughout.
- Shape and Freeze the Ice-Cream: Transfer the ginger-infused ice-cream into a loaf pan measuring approximately 11 x 21 cm. Use the spatula to smooth the surface evenly, creating a flat top for even slicing later. Cover the pan tightly with a sheet of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and ice crystals from forming. Place the pan in the freezer for about 2 hours, or until the ice-cream is firm and holds its shape.
- Prepare the Minted Lychees: While the ice-cream is freezing, open the cans of lychees and drain them carefully, reserving a little syrup if you want a touch of sweetness in the final topping. Transfer the drained lychees into a medium mixing bowl. Sprinkle the shredded fresh mint over the lychees and gently toss them together with a spoon, ensuring the mint flavors coat the fruit evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to let the flavors mingle while the ice-cream sets.
- Slice the Ice-Cream: Once the ice-cream is fully frozen, remove the loaf pan from the freezer. To make slicing easier, let it sit at room temperature for 2–3 minutes to slightly soften the edges. Run a sharp knife under hot water, dry it, and slice the ice-cream into thick, even portions. Repeat until all slices are prepared, taking care to maintain neat edges for an attractive presentation.
- Plate and Serve: Arrange the ice-cream slices on serving plates, spacing them evenly. Spoon the minted lychee mixture generously over each slice, allowing the syrup to drizzle naturally around the ice-cream. For an extra touch of elegance, add a few small mint leaves on top as a garnish. Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy, gingery richness paired with the refreshing sweetness of lychees and the cooling aroma of mint.
- Optional Tips for Presentation and Storage: If preparing ahead, keep the remaining ice-cream covered and stored in the freezer. When ready to serve, slice just before plating for the best texture. The minted lychees can also be made a few hours in advance; refrigerating them allows the mint to infuse beautifully, enhancing both aroma and flavor.
Notes
- Use high-quality vanilla ice-cream for a creamy, rich texture and better flavor.
- Adjust the amount of chopped glace ginger to control the level of spiciness.
- Always use fresh mint rather than dried to preserve bright aroma and flavor.
- Allow the ice-cream to soften slightly before slicing to make serving easier and neater.
- Reserve a little lychee syrup to enhance sweetness or drizzle over the finished dessert.
- For more visually appealing slices, smooth the ice-cream surface in the loaf pan before freezing.
- Toasting the ginger lightly in a dry pan can intensify its aroma for a subtle flavor boost
Chef’s Secrets for Flavor Enhancement
To elevate this dessert, consider macerating the lychees with a touch of the reserved syrup and a few extra mint leaves for at least 30 minutes before serving.
This allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
You can also lightly toast the chopped ginger in a dry pan for a few seconds to enhance its natural aroma and deepen the spiciness.
For a more decadent twist, drizzle a thin layer of honey or a splash of citrus over the lychees right before serving—this adds a fresh, tangy contrast to the creamy ice-cream.
Serving Suggestions for Elegant Presentation
This dessert is versatile and visually striking. Serve slices on chilled plates to prevent melting too quickly.
Pair the ice-cream with tropical fruits like mango or passionfruit for extra color and flavor contrast.
A sprinkle of finely grated lime zest or a few whole mint leaves can add visual appeal and a refreshing aroma.
For an intimate dinner party, serve in individual glass bowls or small dessert cups, layering the ice-cream with the minted lychee mixture for a parfait-like presentation that looks as beautiful as it tastes.
Storage Tips for Maximum Freshness
Store the prepared ice-cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and maintain its creamy texture.
Cover the surface with a piece of parchment or wax paper before sealing the lid for extra protection.
The minted lychees should be refrigerated and consumed within 1–2 days for the best freshness, as the mint flavor can fade over time.
If planning ahead, you can prepare the lychee-mint mixture a few hours before serving and store it separately in the fridge until ready to assemble, ensuring optimal flavor and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use a different ice-cream flavor?
Yes! While vanilla provides a neutral base that lets the ginger and lychees shine, you can experiment with coconut, honey, or even almond-flavored ice-cream for a tropical twist.
Keep in mind that stronger flavors may slightly mask the delicate ginger notes.
2. Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Absolutely. Replace the vanilla ice-cream with a coconut or soy-based ice-cream alternative, and ensure your glace ginger does not contain honey or other animal-derived ingredients.
The lychee and mint topping remains naturally vegan.
3. How long should I let the ice-cream soften before slicing?
Allow the ice-cream to sit at room temperature for 2–3 minutes before slicing. This softens the edges just enough for smooth cutting while keeping the structure intact.
Avoid leaving it out too long, or it may become too soft and lose shape.
4. Can I prepare this dessert in advance for a party?
Yes, the ice-cream can be prepared and frozen ahead of time. Prepare the minted lychees a few hours in advance and store them separately in the fridge.
Combine them with the ice-cream just before serving for optimal freshness and texture.
5. Are there any alternatives to glace ginger?
You can use candied fresh ginger or finely chopped crystallized ginger if glace ginger is unavailable.
For a milder flavor, reduce the amount slightly. Avoid powdered ginger, as it won’t provide the same chewy texture and gentle bursts of flavor in the ice-cream.
