Introduction

Custard apple, or sitaphal, is a fruit that shows up for a short season, and I always make the most of it. Its flesh is soft, creamy and scented with a flavor somewhere between vanilla, pear and caramel. When you blend it with cold milk, you get a thick, silky milkshake without needing ice cream or cream.

This sitaphal milkshake has only three ingredients and takes about ten minutes. The only slow part is removing the seeds, and a small hand chopper makes that much easier (see the tips below). If you love seasonal fruit shakes, this one deserves a place in your glass.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It needs only 3 ingredients.
• It is naturally creamy, so there’s no ice cream or cream involved.
• It’s ready in about 10 minutes.
• You control the sweetness.
• It’s a good way to enjoy custard apple season.

Ingredients

• 1 cup chilled milk
• 3 tablespoons custard apple (sitaphal) pulp, seeds removed
• 1 tablespoon sugar, adjusted to the sweetness of your custard apple
• A few ice cubes (optional)
• Grated or finely chopped pistachios, to garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the pulp. Cut the custard apple open and scoop out the flesh. Remove the seeds (see the tips below for a quick method). You need 3 tablespoons of seed-free pulp.
2. Blend. Add the chilled milk, custard apple pulp and sugar to a blender. Blend until smooth and frothy. Add a few ice cubes if you want a thicker, colder shake.
3. Taste and adjust. Take a small sip. If it needs more sweetness, add a little more sugar and blend for a few seconds.
4. Serve. Pour into a tall glass, top with grated pistachios, and enjoy right away while it’s cold.

Tips for the Best Custard Apple Milkshake

• Choose ripe fruit. A ripe custard apple feels slightly soft when pressed gently and has a sweet fragrance. Unripe fruit tastes bland and starchy.
•  Use a hand chopper to remove the seeds. Scoop the flesh, seeds included, into a small hand chopper. Pulse just 2 or 3 times, in short bursts, so the pulp loosens from the seeds. Then pass it through a sieve and press with a spoon. Don’t over-pulse, because crushed seeds can make the pulp taste bitter.
• Never blend the seeds. Custard apple seeds are not meant to be eaten, so make sure none end up in the blender.
• Chill the milk well. Cold milk gives you a thicker, more refreshing shake.
• Add sugar last. Fruit sweetness varies a lot, so start with 1 tablespoon and adjust after tasting.
• Serve it fresh. The shake tastes best right after blending. Over time it can thicken and the flavor changes.
• Freeze the pulp. During the season, scoop out and sieve a batch of pulp, then freeze it in small portions so you can make the shake later.

Variations to Try

• Extra creamy: Add a small scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Nutty: Add 4 or 5 soaked almonds or cashews before blending.
• Sugar-free: Replace the sugar with a couple of soaked, pitted dates or a little honey.
• Dairy-free: Use chilled oat milk or almond milk instead of dairy milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is custard apple called in Hindi?
Custard apple is called sitaphal in Hindi, and it’s known by this name in many parts of India.

2. How do I remove the seeds from custard apple quickly?
Scoop the flesh into a hand chopper and pulse it briefly 2 or 3 times to loosen the pulp. Then strain it through a sieve, pressing gently with a spoon. This is much faster than picking out the seeds one by one.

3. Can I use frozen custard apple pulp?
Yes. Thaw it in the refrigerator or at room temperature first, then use it as directed. Frozen pulp also helps keep the shake cold.

4. Can I make this milkshake without sugar?
Yes. Ripe custard apple is already quite sweet, so many people skip the sugar. You can also use honey, jaggery syrup or dates.

5. Can I make it vegan?
Yes. Use a plant-based milk like oat or almond milk, and make sure your sugar is vegan-friendly.

6. Can I make it ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh. If you need to prepare ahead, keep the pulp and milk chilled separately and blend just before serving.

7. Why does my milkshake taste bland?
The most common reason is an underripe custard apple. Wait until the fruit is soft and fragrant. A tiny pinch of cardamom can also add flavor.

8. Is custard apple milkshake healthy?
It contains fruit and milk, so it provides some nutrition, but the sugar and portion size matter. Reduce or skip the added sugar to make it lighter.