Authentic Puerto Rican Limber de Coco – Creamy Coconut Ice Cups
A creamy Puerto Rican frozen treat made with coconut milk, sweetened cream of coconut, vanilla and cinnamon, then frozen and served in individual cups.
Equipment
- Blender
- Rubber spatula
- Liquid measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
- Eight 5-ounce freezer-safe cups with lids
- Small rimmed tray that fits inside the freezer
- Small spoon for stirring
Ingredients
COCONUT MIXTURE
- 1 can 13.5 fluid ounces or 400 ml full-fat unsweetened coconut milk shaken well
- 1 can 15 ounces or 425 g sweetened cream of coconut stirred well
- 1½ cups 360 ml cold water
- 1 teaspoon 5 ml pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
PREPARE THE CUPS
- Place eight 5-ounce freezer-safe cups upright on a small rimmed tray. Make sure the tray fits on a level shelf in your freezer.
BLEND THE COCONUT MIXTURE
- Shake the unopened coconut milk can vigorously. Open the can and stir if any firm coconut fat remains on top.
- Open the cream of coconut and stir it thoroughly because its thicker coconut solids may settle during storage.
- Add the coconut milk, cream of coconut, cold water, vanilla and cinnamon to the blender.
- Blend on low speed for 20 seconds. Increase to medium speed and blend for another 20–30 seconds, until the mixture is completely combined, pale ivory in color and evenly dotted with cinnamon. No thick streaks of cream of coconut should remain.
FILL AND FREEZE THE LIMBERS
- Divide the mixture evenly among the eight cups, adding approximately 4½ fluid ounces (135 ml) to each one. Leave approximately ½ inch of empty space at the top.
- Cover the cups with their lids and carefully transfer the tray to a level freezer shelf.
- Freeze for 1 hour at 0°F (-18°C). At this point, the mixture should be cold and slushy around the edges but not solid.
- Remove one cup at a time and stir its contents for approximately 10 seconds. Scrape around the sides to redistribute any separated coconut fat and cinnamon. Replace each lid immediately.
- Return the tray to the freezer and freeze for at least 7 additional hours, or overnight, until the centers are completely solid.
SERVE THE LIMBERS
- Remove only the number of limbers you plan to serve. Let them stand at room temperature for 3–5 minutes.
- Gently squeeze the sides and bottom of each cup to loosen the frozen limber. Eat it with a spoon or push it partly out, turn it upside down and place it back inside the cup in the traditional serving style.
Notes
• Cream of coconut: Use a sweetened product labeled “cream of coconut.” Do not substitute unsweetened coconut cream without reformulating the recipe.
• Coconut milk: Full-fat coconut milk produces the best texture. Light coconut milk can be used, but the finished limbers will be firmer and icier.
• Sweetness: No additional sugar is needed when using a standard 15-ounce can of sweetened cream of coconut. Because brands vary, taste the mixture before freezing.
• Separation: Some separation is normal with canned coconut products. Stirring the limbers after 1 hour helps create a more even finished texture.
• Dairy variation: For a creamier family-style version, replace the 1½ cups of water with 1½ cups (360 ml) of evaporated milk. This variation is not dairy-free and changes the nutrition information.
• Shredded-coconut variation: Up to ¼ cup (20 g) of finely shredded coconut may be added for a chewier texture. Stir it into the cups during Step 9 so it stays evenly distributed.
• Egg guidance: This recipe does not need eggs. Do not add an uncooked egg or raw egg yolk to the mixture.
• Allergen note: This recipe contains coconut. Check every packaged ingredient label if preparing it for someone with a food allergy.
• Storage: Keep the cups covered at 0°F (-18°C). For the best flavor and texture, enjoy them within 1 month.
• Serving safety: Remove only what you plan to eat. Do not leave the coconut mixture or softened limbers at room temperature for more than 2 hours, or more than 1 hour when the temperature is above 90°F (32°C).
• Refreezing: A limber that has softened slightly for serving can be returned promptly to the freezer. Do not refreeze one that has completely melted or remained at room temperature beyond the safe time limit.