There’s nothing quite like the cooling, creamy delight of ice cream on a warm day, and luckily, vegan ice cream offers all that indulgence without any animal products. Whether you’re dairy-free by choice or necessity, these 60 best vegan ice cream recipes will satisfy every craving.
From classic vanilla and chocolate to inventive flavors like matcha green tea, mango chili, and salted caramel, you’ll find a recipe to match your mood and occasion. Best of all, these recipes emphasize wholesome, plant-based ingredients that are kind to your body and the planet.
Ready to dive into a world of luscious, creamy, and guilt-free frozen desserts? Whether you prefer the simplicity of coconut milk bases or the nutty richness of cashews, this collection has you covered.
Plus, you’ll discover tips for customizing sweetness, texture, and toppings to make your vegan ice cream truly your own. Let’s scoop into these deliciously vibrant recipes and embrace the joy of vegan indulgence!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Our vegan ice cream recipes are crafted to be rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor while being completely plant-based. Many use natural sweeteners and wholesome ingredients like nuts, fruits, and coconut milk to ensure a smooth texture and delightful taste.
Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just exploring dairy-free options, these recipes are easy to follow and customizable. They require minimal equipment and ingredients that you can find in any grocery store or health food shop.
Plus, making your own vegan ice cream is a fun way to control what goes into your dessert, avoiding artificial additives and excess sugars commonly found in store-bought versions.
Ingredients
| Common Ingredients | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Coconut milk (full-fat) | Provides creaminess and rich texture |
| Cashews (soaked) | Creates a smooth, creamy base (optional) |
| Maple syrup or agave nectar | Natural sweetener |
| Vanilla extract | Enhances flavor |
| Frozen fruits (berries, mango, banana) | Add flavor, sweetness, and natural color |
| Plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy) | Thins the mixture for easier blending |
| Chocolate (dairy-free) | For chocolate flavored ice creams |
| Lemon or lime juice | Adds brightness and balances sweetness |
| Salt | Enhances all flavors |
| Nut butters (peanut, almond) | For richness and added flavor |
Equipment
- High-speed blender or food processor
- Ice cream maker (optional but recommended)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Freezer-safe containers
- Spatula
- Fine mesh sieve (for smooth texture, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare your base: If using cashews, soak them in warm water for at least 4 hours or overnight to soften. Drain before use.
- Blend ingredients: Add your soaked cashews (if using), coconut milk, plant-based milk, sweetener, and flavorings (such as vanilla extract or cocoa powder) into a high-speed blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
- Add fruits or mix-ins: Incorporate frozen fruits or other flavorings and pulse to combine. For chunkier ice cream, fold in nuts, chocolate chips, or cookie pieces after blending.
- Chill the mixture: Refrigerate the blended mixture for at least 1-2 hours to allow flavors to meld and mixture to chill thoroughly.
- Process in ice cream maker: Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20-30 minutes, until the texture is thick and creamy.
- Freeze to firm up: Transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container, smooth the top with a spatula, and cover. Freeze for an additional 3-4 hours or overnight for a firmer scoop.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove from freezer 5-10 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Scoop into bowls or cones and add your favorite toppings.
Tips & Variations
Tip: For a smoother texture, strain your base mixture through a fine mesh sieve before chilling. This removes any graininess, especially when using nuts or coconut.
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, simply pour your mixture into a shallow container and freeze. Stir vigorously every 30 minutes for 2-3 hours to break up ice crystals and mimic churning.
Try swapping coconut milk for oat milk or almond milk if you prefer a lighter option. For an extra protein boost, add a scoop of vegan protein powder to your base.
Mix-ins like crushed vegan cookies, chopped nuts, or swirls of fruit jam can elevate your ice cream to the next level. You can also experiment with spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, or chili powder for unique flavor profiles.
For inspiration on other vegan treats, check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or try your hand at baking with the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per 1/2 Cup Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180-250 (varies by recipe) |
| Fat | 12-18g (mostly healthy fats from nuts and coconut) |
| Carbohydrates | 20-30g (natural sugars from fruits and sweeteners) |
| Fiber | 1-3g |
| Protein | 2-5g |
| Sugar | 12-20g (mostly natural sweeteners) |
Note: Nutrition will vary depending on the ingredients and added mix-ins. Always check labels if you have dietary restrictions.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your vegan ice cream with toppings like fresh berries, chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or dairy-free chocolate sauce. For an indulgent treat, try it alongside vegan brownies or a warm fruit crumble.
For a tropical twist, pair mango or pineapple-flavored ice cream with toasted coconut flakes and a sprinkle of lime zest. Chocolate lovers can enhance their scoop with vegan fudge sauce and crushed peppermint or sea salt.
If you’re hosting, create a vegan ice cream sundae bar with various toppings and sauces for guests to customize their desserts. This is a fun and interactive way to enjoy the rich variety of flavors in your 60 best vegan ice cream recipes.
Conclusion
With these 60 incredible vegan ice cream recipes, you have the perfect toolkit to create endless dairy-free frozen treats that are both delicious and nourishing. Whether you prefer fruity sorbets, nutty creams, or decadent chocolate flavors, there’s something here for every palate.
Making vegan ice cream at home lets you control the ingredients, customize flavors, and enjoy a dessert that aligns with your values and lifestyle. Plus, the process can be a rewarding, creative experience that brings joy to your kitchen.
Don’t forget to explore more wholesome vegan recipes to complement your desserts, like our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or the creamy goodness of Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.
Happy scooping and savor every bite!
📖 Recipe Card: 60 Best Vegan Ice Cream Recipes
Description: A curated collection of the 60 most delicious vegan ice cream recipes perfect for any occasion. Each recipe uses plant-based ingredients to create creamy, flavorful frozen treats.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans (14 oz each) full-fat coconut milk
- 3/4 cup organic cane sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup almond butter
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1 cup fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Combine coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in cornstarch until dissolved and cook until mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract and almond butter until smooth.
- Divide mixture into three bowls; mix cocoa powder into one, strawberries and lemon juice into another, and leave the last plain.
- Chill mixtures in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
- Churn each mixture separately in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer instructions.
- Mix in chopped dark chocolate and nuts during the last 5 minutes of churning.
- Freeze the ice cream for at least 2 hours before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 22 g
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