Dragon Fruit Shaved Ice Recipe

Scoop and puree

Halve the dragon fruit and scoop out the flesh into a blender or high-speed container. Add the granulated sugar, fresh lime juice, cold water, and a pinch of salt. Blend on high until very smooth, about 20–30 seconds. Taste and adjust sweetness or lime to balance flavor. The mixture should be pourable but slightly thick.

Strain (optional)

If you prefer a smoother shaved ice without tiny seeds, press the puree through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl using the back of a spoon. Discard the seeds/solids left in the sieve.

Chill

Transfer the dragon fruit liquid to the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to cool thoroughly while you prepare the ice and toppings. Cooling helps create finer ice flakes when shaved.

In a small bowl, whisk the sweetened condensed milk with the whole milk or coconut milk until pourable but still creamy. Place in the refrigerator until ready to drizzle. This adds richness when served but can be omitted for a lighter version.

Cook mini tapioca pearls according to package instructions, rinse briefly under cold water and drain. Dice fresh mango into small 1/4–1/2 inch cubes. Lightly toast shredded coconut in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring, until golden and aromatic (about 2–3 minutes). Wash and pat dry mint leaves and cut lime into wedges.

Shave or crush the ice

Using a shaved-ice machine, shave the ice cubes into fine flakes and mound the ice in serving bowls (about 1 to 1.5 cups of shaved ice per serving). If you don't have a machine, pulse ice in a clean blender or food processor in short bursts until fluffy and snow-like, working quickly to avoid melting.

Flavor the ice

Spoon or gently pour the chilled dragon fruit puree over the shaved ice, distributing evenly. Use about half of the puree for the first layer, reserving the rest to top each bowl. The ice should take on the vibrant color and flavor but remain fluffy.

Add toppings

Scatter cooked tapioca pearls or fruit jelly cubes and diced mango over the shaved ice. Sprinkle toasted shredded coconut and tuck mint leaves into the bowl for aroma and color. Squeeze a lime wedge over each portion to brighten flavors.

Finish with cream

If using, drizzle 1–1.5 tablespoons of the sweetened condensed cream over each bowl for richness. Serve immediately so the ice stays fluffy.

Serve the Dragon Fruit Shaved Ice immediately after assembling. Leftover dragon fruit puree can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 48 hours and used as a refresher over more ice or as a drink base. Do not store assembled shaved ice — it will melt.