Mango Soft Serve

By Hetty Lui McKinnon

Updated July 30, 2025

  • David Malosh for The New York Times. Food Stylist: Barrett Washburne.
Media 1 of 2
Total Time
10 minutes
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
5 minutes
Rating
5(2,065)
Comments
Read comments

When an ice cream craving hits at home, you’ll find near-instant joy in this quick, fruity mango soft serve. Juicy, creamy, tangy or anywhere in between, any frozen fruit will work here; strawberry, peaches, raspberries and blueberries are also excellent choices. Condensed milk delivers body and richness, transforming the fruit into a creamy concoction that mimics the whipped, airy texture of commercial soft serve. While this soft serve can be eaten right after blending, it will achieve a firmer texture closer to that of ice cream after a brief stint in a freezer. There’s room for add-ins too: Lime zest goes well with the mango, or, if using other frozen fruits, pair with vanilla extract, a touch of rose water, or even spices like cardamom or ginger. Make it vegan by using a nondairy condensed milk.

  • or to save this recipe.

  • Subscriber benefit: Give recipes to anyone

    As a subscriber, you have 10 gift recipes to give each month. Anyone can view them - even nonsubscribers. Learn more.

    Subscribe

  • Share this recipe

  • Print this recipe

    or to print this recipe.

Advertisement

Ingredients

Yield:4 servings

  • 20 ounces frozen mangoes (or other fruit such as strawberries, blueberries, peaches) 

  • 1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

Ingredient Substitution Guide
Nutritional analysis per serving (4 servings)

75 grams carbs; 34 milligrams cholesterol; 404 calories; 3 grams monounsaturated fat; 6 grams saturated fat; 9 grams fat; 2 grams fiber; 127 milligrams sodium; 9 grams protein; 73 grams sugar

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

Powered by

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Place the mango and condensed milk in a high speed blender or food processor. (It's important to know your own blender here. If it's less powerful, you may want to briefly rinse your frozen fruit in cold water to soften slightly before blending.) Blend, stopping the machine often to tamp down the fruit or scrape down the sides to help it break up, until the texture is smooth and airy, 1 to 3 minutes.

  2. Step 2

    The soft serve is ready to eat immediately. If you’d like it firmer, scrape the mixture into a loaf pan or other container, cover and freeze for 1 hour, just until it’s firm enough to scoop. The soft serve can be frozen for longer, up to 7 days; allow it to stand for 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature to make it easier to scoop.

Private Notes

Leave a Private Comment on this recipe and see it here.

Ratings

5 out of 5
2,065 user ratings
Your rating

or to rate this recipe.

Have you cooked this?

or to mark this recipe as cooked.

Comments

Kristin

Frozen mango, lime zest and coconut cream makes an amazing version that no one will even notice is vegan.

Angela dileo

Adding two tablespoons of vodka will ensure it stays scoop able

Brenda K

Saw this recipe at 5:30 pm, ran to store for frozen mangoes, ran home, whipped the whole thing up in 5 minutes and stuck it in the freezer by 6:15 pm. Took a nap. Then took it to a 4th of July party at 7:30 pm where folks said it was a winner. Added a handful of chopped salted almonds and lime zest on top for some sparkle.

LT

You definitely *do not* need the entire can of sweetened condensed milk in this recipe! I used 1/2 a can of some coconut sweetened condensed milk, and even then we thought it was too sweet. Just a helpful note to those wanting a more naturally sweet, fruit-forward flavor.

Paul R.

Fantastic.

Kristine

Unlike most commenters, unfortunately this recipe didn’t work for me taste-wise. Using leftover frozen mango, I adapted the recipe as follows: 1 pint strawberries, 8 ounces frozen mango (1/2 lbs., half a bag), Eagle brand sweetened condensed milk, 2 tablespoons vodka, and the juice and pulp of 1 lime. The Eagle brand milk was much better tasting than Carnation’s. Although not soft-serve, this adaptation of the basic recipe has been a big hit with friends. Thanks for the inspiration, NYT!

Private comments are only visible to you.

Recipe Tags

or to save this recipe.