Black sesame ice cream is a delightful treat that brings together the nutty, slightly bitter flavor of black sesame seeds with the creamy richness of a frozen dessert. Perfect for those seeking a vegan alternative to traditional ice cream, this recipe uses wholesome plant-based ingredients to create a luscious, smooth texture that melts in your mouth.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Asian-inspired desserts or simply looking to try something new and exciting, this black sesame ice cream will satisfy your cravings and surprise your taste buds.
Not only is it dairy-free, but it’s also naturally sweetened and easy to make at home without any fancy equipment. This recipe is perfect for summer days, special occasions, or just a moment when you want a refreshing, nutritious dessert.
Plus, the rich black sesame flavor pairs wonderfully with other unique recipes like Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe or the indulgent Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe. Ready to make your own batch?
Let’s dive right in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan black sesame ice cream recipe is a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. It’s creamy without any dairy, thanks to the use of coconut milk and cashews, which provide a rich and velvety base.
The black sesame seeds add a unique, nutty depth that’s both earthy and slightly sweet, giving this ice cream a distinctive character that’s hard to find in store-bought varieties.
It’s also incredibly versatile—perfect for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking to explore plant-based desserts. The recipe is straightforward, doesn’t require an ice cream maker (although one can be used), and yields a satisfyingly smooth texture every time.
Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free, soy-free, and refined sugar-free if you choose your sweeteners carefully.
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in water for at least 4 hours or overnight
- 1 ⅓ cups full-fat coconut milk (canned)
- ½ cup maple syrup or agave nectar
- 3 tablespoons black sesame seeds, toasted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 tablespoon toasted black sesame seeds for garnish
Equipment
- High-speed blender or food processor
- Fine mesh sieve or nut milk bag
- Mixing bowls
- Ice cream maker (optional but recommended)
- Freezer-safe container for storing ice cream
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Non-stick pan for toasting sesame seeds
Instructions
- Soak the cashews: Place raw cashews in a bowl and cover with water. Let them soak for at least 4 hours or overnight to soften. Drain and rinse before using.
- Toast the black sesame seeds: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the black sesame seeds and toast for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once fragrant, remove from heat and let cool.
- Grind the sesame seeds: In a blender or spice grinder, pulse the toasted sesame seeds until they form a fine powder. This helps release their oils and flavor evenly throughout the ice cream.
- Make the ice cream base: Add the soaked cashews, coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and the ground black sesame powder to the blender. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Strain the mixture (optional): For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve or nut milk bag to remove any remaining bits of cashew or sesame hulls.
- Chill the mixture: Pour the mixture into a bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill thoroughly. This step improves the texture and helps it freeze better.
- Freeze the ice cream: If you have an ice cream maker, pour the chilled mixture into the machine and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
- No ice cream maker method: Pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze. Every 30 minutes, stir vigorously with a fork or whisk to break up ice crystals until the ice cream is creamy and firm (about 3-4 hours).
- Serve and garnish: Scoop the black sesame ice cream into bowls or cones. Sprinkle with extra toasted black sesame seeds if desired for added crunch and visual appeal.
Tips & Variations
“Toasting the sesame seeds is key to unlocking their rich, nutty flavor. Don’t skip this step!”
For a richer ice cream, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of coconut cream along with the coconut milk. This will enhance the creaminess and mouthfeel.
If you prefer a sweeter ice cream, increase the maple syrup to ⅔ cup, but keep in mind the natural flavor of black sesame is best balanced with moderate sweetness.
Try adding a pinch of activated charcoal powder for an even deeper black color and extra antioxidant benefits.
For a fun twist, swirl in some vegan chocolate fudge sauce or sprinkle chopped roasted nuts on top before freezing.
If you want to experiment with other flavors, check out the luscious Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe or the indulgent Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe for inspiration on your next kitchen adventure.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (½ cup) |
---|---|
Calories | 210 |
Fat | 16g |
Saturated Fat | 11g |
Carbohydrates | 15g |
Fiber | 3g |
Sugar | 10g |
Protein | 4g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve your vegan black sesame ice cream on its own for a simple, elegant dessert. Its unique flavor profile shines best when kept minimal.
For an extra special treat, try pairing it with fresh fruit like sliced mango, strawberries, or kiwi. The vibrant sweetness of the fruit complements the deep, nutty flavors nicely.
You can also use this ice cream as a topping for vegan brownies or warm fruit cobblers. It adds a creamy contrast that elevates your dessert experience.
For a creative presentation, scoop into waffle cones and sprinkle with toasted coconut flakes or vegan chocolate chips.
Conclusion
Making vegan black sesame ice cream at home is a rewarding experience that combines rich, nutty flavors with creamy indulgence—all without dairy. This recipe is accessible, wholesome, and customizable to your taste, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply curious about new flavors, this black sesame ice cream offers a refreshing, nutritious alternative to traditional ice cream.
With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, it invites both beginners and seasoned cooks to explore the wonderful world of plant-based desserts. Don’t forget to check out other inventive recipes like the Clam Chowder San Francisco Recipe for a savory bite or the decadent Cheese Penny Recipe for more culinary inspiration.
Happy cooking and enjoy every cool, creamy spoonful of your homemade black sesame ice cream!
📖 Recipe Card: Black Sesame Ice Cream (Vegan)
Description: A creamy and nutty vegan black sesame ice cream made with coconut milk and natural sweeteners. Perfectly rich and smooth with a unique toasted sesame flavor.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (400ml) full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 3/4 cup coconut cream
- 1/2 cup black sesame seeds
- 2/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Toast black sesame seeds in a dry pan until fragrant, then grind into a fine powder.
- In a saucepan, mix coconut milk, almond milk, coconut cream, and maple syrup over medium heat.
- Whisk cornstarch with a little cold almond milk and add to the saucepan.
- Cook while stirring until mixture thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir in ground black sesame, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Cool mixture completely, then chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- Pour mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer instructions.
- Transfer to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 22 g | Carbs: 18 g
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