Van Leeuwen Mango Sticky Rice Ice Cream Recipe

Van Leeuwen Mango Sticky Rice Ice Cream is a masterpiece that transports the essence of a beloved Southeast Asian dessert right to your spoon. If the thought of creating your very own batch of this exotic, creamy goodness has your taste buds dancing with anticipation, then you’re in for a treat.

How to make Van Leeuwen Mango Sticky Rice Ice Cream

Van Leeuwen Mango Sticky Rice Ice Cream is a limited-edition flavor from Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, a brand known for its creative and gourmet ice cream offerings. This particular flavor is inspired by the traditional Thai dessert mango sticky rice, which typically includes sweet mango slices, sticky rice cooked with coconut milk, and a touch of salt.

Ingredients:

Mango Puree:

• 2 ripe mangoes, peeled and pitted
• 2 tablespoons sugar (adjust based on the sweetness of the mangoes)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Sticky Rice Mixture:

• 1 cup glutinous rice (also known as sweet or sticky rice), rinsed and soaked for at least 4 hours or overnight
• 1 1/4 cups canned coconut milk, well stirred
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Coconut Ice Cream Base:

• 2 cups canned coconut milk (full fat for creaminess)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Mango Puree:

1. Combine the mango pieces, sugar, and lime juice in a blender. Blend until smooth. Adjust sweetness if necessary.
2. Chill the puree in the refrigerator while preparing the rest.

2. Cook the Sticky Rice:

1. Drain the soaked rice and place it in a steamer lined with cheesecloth. Steam over boiling water for 30-40 minutes or until the rice is tender and sticky.
2. While the rice is steaming, combine 1 cup of coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan. Warm over low heat until the sugar is dissolved.
3. Once the rice is done, transfer it to a bowl and mix it with the warm coconut milk mixture. Let it absorb and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold.

3. Make the Coconut Ice Cream Base:

1. In a saucepan, combine the coconut milk, heavy cream, sugar, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Remove from heat, stir in the vanilla extract, and let the mixture cool to room temperature. Then refrigerate until completely chilled.

4. Churn the Ice Cream:

1. Pour the chilled coconut ice cream base into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
2. In the last few minutes of churning, add in half of the sticky rice mixture to evenly distribute it throughout the ice cream.
3. Transfer half of the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Layer half of the remaining sticky rice mixture and mango puree over it. Repeat with the remaining ice cream, sticky rice, and mango puree.
4. Use a knife to gently swirl the mango puree and sticky rice through the ice cream, creating a marbled effect.
5. Cover and freeze the ice cream for at least 4 hours or until firm.

Tips for Perfecting Your Ice Cream:

• Mango Quality: Use ripe, fragrant mangoes for the best flavor. If fresh mangoes aren’t available, high-quality frozen mangoes can be a good substitute.
• Rice Consistency: To prevent icy textures, ensure the glutinous rice is thoroughly cooled before adding it to the churned ice cream.
• Swirl Techniques: For a more aesthetic swirl, layer and gently fold rather than mixing too thoroughly, to maintain distinct layers of flavor.
• Serving: Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for the perfect consistency.

What to serve with

Van Leeuwen Mango Sticky Rice Ice Cream is already a dessert mastered to perfection, but why not elevate the experience by pairing it with complementary treats? Adding thoughtful accompaniments can enhance its tropical flavors and provide exciting texture contrasts.

1. Fresh Mango Slices

Why It Works: Fresh mango intensifies the fruity notes of the ice cream. The vibrant sweetness and juicy texture act as a perfect companion to the creamy base and sticky rice chunks.

How to Prepare: Peel and slice a perfectly ripe mango into thin, elegant strips or small cubes. Arrange them next to your scoops of ice cream for a simple yet effective presentation.

2. Coconut Whipped Cream

Why It Works: A dollop of fluffy coconut whipped cream complements the coconut flavors in the ice cream base. It adds lightness to the bowl and a touch of indulgence.

How to Prepare: Use chilled canned coconut cream and whip it with a mixer until light and airy. For extra depth, add a teaspoon of powdered sugar and a splash of vanilla extract.

3. Crunchy Toppings

Options:

• Toasted Coconut Flakes: To add crunch and amplify the tropical coconut flavors, toast the flakes lightly in a dry skillet until golden brown for extra aroma.
• Crushed Roasted Peanuts or Cashews: These nuts provide a salty-sweet contrast and a pleasing texture.
• Granola: For a hearty crunch with subtle sweetness, sprinkle some vanilla or coconut-flavored granola over the ice cream.

Why It Works: The combination of creamy and crunchy textures makes every bite tantalizing.

4. A Drizzle of Sweet Sauces

Options:

• Coconut Caramel Sauce: A sticky caramel made with coconut milk brings richness to the dish. Simmer coconut milk with sugar until it thickens into a smooth sauce, then drizzle it over the ice cream.
• Mango Reduction: Enhance the mango’s natural sweetness by making a mango reduction sauce. Simmer mango puree with a touch of sugar and lime juice until it thickens slightly.
• Chocolate Sauce: For chocolate lovers, a dark chocolate drizzle offers a wonderful flavor contrast.

Why It Works: The sauces layer in additional flavor complexity, turning a casual dessert into a plated masterpiece.

5. Crispy Coconut Bowls or Wafers

Why It Works: Serving the ice cream in an edible coconut bowl or alongside thin coconut wafers gives the dish a luxurious feel. The crunch complements the creaminess beautifully while adding aesthetic appeal.

How to Prepare: Purchase coconut-based edible dessert bowls or bake thin coconut wafers (using a mixture of egg whites, sugar, flour, and shredded coconut) for an extra special touch.

6. Sticky Rice Garnish

Why It Works: For an additional nod to the traditional mango sticky rice dessert, serve a small side of warm sticky rice drenched in coconut milk. This creates a textural interplay between the warm, tender rice and cold, creamy ice cream.

How to Prepare: Use the recipe provided earlier to prepare extra sticky rice, then form it into neat portions or rolls to accompany your scoops.

7. Exotic Tropical Fruits

Options: Serve slivers of fruits such as pineapple, dragon fruit, papaya, or kiwi alongside the ice cream. Their natural sweetness and acidity brighten the dish.

Why It Works: The tropical fruit medley lends vibrancy to the presentation and reinforces the tropical theme of the dessert.

8. Sesame Tuiles or Crisps

Why It Works: These delicate, thin wafers made with sesame seeds and sugar offer nutty notes that pair harmoniously with the sticky rice flavor in the ice cream.

How to Prepare: Bake homemade sesame tuiles or purchase pre-made ones from specialty stores.

9. Thai Tea

Why It Works: Serve a small glass of iced Thai tea on the side to complement the dessert’s tropical flavors. The creamy tea with hints of spices like star anise and tamarind balances the sweetness while acting as a refreshingly rich palate cleanser.

How to Prepare: Brew Thai tea leaves with sugar and steep in evaporated milk or condensed milk. Chill and serve over ice.

10. Mini Coconut Pancakes (Khanom Krok Inspired)

Why It Works: These bite-sized coconut pancakes, inspired by traditional Thai street food, offer a toasted coconut flavor that matches beautifully with the ice cream.

How to Prepare: Make mini pancakes using coconut milk, rice flour, and a touch of sugar. Serve warm or room temperature alongside the ice cream.

Ingredients Substitutes

Van Leeuwen Mango Sticky Rice Ice Cream is a delightful flavor inspired by the Thai dessert mango sticky rice. It combines the creamy richness of ice cream with the tropical flavor of mango and the hearty texture of sticky rice.

1. Ice Cream Base

If you want to replace the traditional dairy-based ice cream base or modify it to suit dietary needs:

For Dairy-Free Lifestyles:

• Coconut Milk or Coconut Cream: Use full-fat coconut milk or cream for the base instead of heavy cream. Coconut’s rich consistency complements the mango and sticky rice flavors.
• Cashew Milk or Almond Milk: These alternatives can be used, but they are less rich. Combine with a plant-based cream (like canned coconut cream or oat cream) for a creamier texture.
• Oat Milk: Oat milk is thick and creamy, making it ideal for vegan ice cream bases.

For Lower-Fat Options:

• Greek Yogurt: For a lighter substitution, use unsweetened Greek yogurt, but you may lose some of the traditional texture of the Van Leeuwen Mango Sticky Rice Ice Cream.
• Low-Fat Milk: Substitute full-fat dairy with low-fat milk. Be aware that the Van Leeuwen Mango Sticky Rice Ice Cream may be less creamy.

Egg Yolks Substitute (as a thickener):

• Cornstarch or Arrowroot Powder: These starches can be added to thicken your ice cream base.
• Gelatin (or agar-agar for vegans): Used to improve the structure and mimic the texture of a custard-based Van Leeuwen Mango Sticky Rice Ice Cream.

2. Mango

Mango is the star of this flavour, and its sweetness and tropical essence are key. If fresh mango is unavailable or alternatives are preferred:

Substitutes for Mango:

• Frozen Mango: Easily accessible and ideal for blending into the ice cream base.
• Canned Mango Pulp: Works well for an intense flavor, though check the sugar content as it may be pre-sweetened.
• Peach or Apricot: These fruits have similar tropical sweetness and can be blended in as replacements.
• Pineapple: This fruit offers a tangy sweetness. Make sure it’s finely blended to match the mango’s smooth texture.

3. Sticky Rice

Sticky rice (glutinous rice) forms the hearty texture in this Van Leeuwen Mango Sticky Rice Ice Cream. If you don’t have sticky rice on hand:

Substitutes for Sticky Rice:

• Sushi Rice or Arborio Rice: These rice varieties have a similar starchy texture and can absorb creamy coconut milk well.
• Quinoa: Cooked quinoa can act as a protein-rich, gluten-free replacement, though the texture will be slightly grainier.
• Pearled Barley: Offers chewiness similar to sticky rice but needs longer cooking and may introduce a nuttier flavor.

4. Coconut Milk/Cream

Coconut milk is essential to mimic the coconut flavor in traditional mango sticky rice. Substitutes include:

Alternatives for Coconut Milk:

• Dairy Milk (Whole or Heavy Cream): While it won’t have the coconut flavor, it can still provide the richness needed.
• Cashew Cream: A creamy alternative that blends well into ice cream bases.
• Soy Milk: Though thinner in texture, soy milk is a viable non-dairy substitute, especially when combined with coconut extract for flavor.
• Rice Milk: A thinner alternative that works best for lighter ice creams. Add a tablespoon of cornstarch for thickening, if necessary.

5. Sweeteners

Van Leeuwen Mango Sticky Rice Ice Cream requires sweetness to balance flavors. Traditional recipes use sugar, but substitutes can be made:

Alternative Sweeteners:

• Honey or Maple Syrup: Natural sweeteners that blend well into the base.
• Agave Nectar: Ideal for vegan ice creams and adds a mild sweetness.
• Stevia or Monk Fruit Sweetener: For a sugar-free alternative, adjust quantities accordingly since these are much sweeter than sugar.
• Brown Sugar or Coconut Sugar: Adds a slightly caramelized flavor that complements the coconut milk.

6. Toppings and Add-Ins

Toppings like toasted coconut, sesame seeds, or sweetened condensed milk can enhance the flavor. If these aren’t available:

Substitutes for Coconut Topping:

• Toasted nuts (e.g., almonds or cashews).
• Crumbled granola for crunch.
• Substitutes for Sesame Seeds:
• Chia seeds or flaxseeds.
• Crushed peanuts or other nuts.

Final Thoughts

This homemade Van Leeuwen Mango Sticky Rice Ice Cream recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional ice cream. It blends creamy coconut, tangy mango, and the unique texture of sticky rice.

More Van Leeuwen Recipes:

• Copycat Van Leeuwen Matcha Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe
• Baskin Robbins Icing on the Cake Ice Cream Recipe
• Copycat Costco Dubai Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe