Sweet and tart: 5 kiwano dessert ideas you'll love
What's the story
Kiwano, or horned melon, is a colorful, exotic fruit that adds a burst of flavor and texture to any dish.
Its vibrant orange exterior hides a refreshing, jelly-like green interior that perfectly balances sweetness with a hint of tartness.
This article features five creative ways to use kiwano in vegan desserts, turning ordinary treats into unforgettable experiences - all without harming a single animal.
Sorbet
Kiwano sorbet delight
A chilled kiwano sorbet is a perfect way to experience the exotic taste of this fruit.
Just puree the pulp of two kiwanos with one cup of sugar and two cups of water until smooth.
Strain the mixture to remove any seeds, then freeze it in an ice cream maker following the manufacturer's directions.
You'll be left with a silky, icy delight ideal for sweltering summer afternoons.
Salad
Tropical kiwano fruit salad
Take your fruit salad to the next level with kiwano!
Cube up some mangoes, papayas, and pineapples, then scoop out the jelly-like seeds from one kiwano and stir them in.
The kiwano adds a fun texture and a pop of flavor that pairs perfectly with the tropical fruits.
Finish it off with a squeeze of lime juice and a sprinkle of chopped mint leaves for some added freshness.
Cheesecake
Vegan kiwano cheesecake
Looking for a unique way to use that exotic fruit? Try a vegan kiwano cheesecake!
Just use your favorite vegan graham cracker crust.
For the filling, blend soaked cashews, coconut cream, maple syrup, lemon juice, and the pulp from three kiwanos until creamy and smooth.
Pour it over the crust and chill until set.
The tartness of the kiwano complements the richness of the cashew cream perfectly.
Mousse
Kiwano coconut mousse cups
These kiwano coconut mousse cups are light but decadent, the ideal way to finish off any meal.
Just whip cold coconut cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form. Then, carefully fold in the pureed kiwano pulp to maintain that fluffy texture.
Serve them in glasses over a layer of crushed vegan cookies for some crunch, and garnish with thin slices of kiwano on top.
Custard
Baked kiwano custard
For a dessert that's truly out of the ordinary, give baked kiwano custard a whirl.
Simply whisk together coconut milk, cornstarch, vanilla extract, agave syrup, and the vibrant pulp of a kiwano.
Pour the mixture into ramekins and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until just a bit wobbly.
This treat pairs familiar comfort with a taste of the tropics, making for one unforgettable finale to any meal.