agar agar ice cream vegan.recipe Agar Agar Ice Cream Vegan Recipe: Easy & Delicious Guide

Updated On: October 4, 2025

Craving a creamy, dreamy dessert that’s both vegan and wonderfully refreshing? Look no further!

This agar agar ice cream vegan recipe is your new best friend for those warm days when you want something sweet without any dairy. Agar agar, a natural vegan gelatin derived from seaweed, is the perfect ingredient to give your ice cream a smooth, creamy texture without the need for eggs or dairy.

It’s easy to work with and sets beautifully, making it ideal for homemade frozen treats.

Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply exploring plant-based desserts, this recipe will delight your taste buds with its silky texture and rich flavor. Plus, it’s customizable and fun to make.

Let’s dive into how you can create this luscious vegan ice cream with simple ingredients and a few easy steps!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This agar agar vegan ice cream recipe offers several fantastic benefits:

  • Completely plant-based: Perfect for vegans and those with dairy sensitivities.
  • Natural thickener: Agar agar provides a creamy, scoopable texture without artificial stabilizers.
  • Customizable flavors: Use your favorite plant milk and sweeteners to craft your perfect treat.
  • Quick and easy: No need for complicated churning or special ice cream machines.
  • Healthy alternative: Lower in fat than traditional ice cream and free from animal products.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups full-fat coconut milk (or any plant-based milk of your choice)
  • 1/2 cup sugar (cane sugar, maple syrup, or agave nectar)
  • 1 tsp agar agar powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: 1/4 cup cocoa powder for chocolate flavor or 1/2 cup pureed fruit for fruity variations

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Mixing bowl
  • Ice cream maker (optional, but recommended for creamier texture)
  • Freezer-safe container
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

  1. Combine the coconut milk and agar agar. In a medium saucepan, whisk together the coconut milk and agar agar powder until the powder is fully dissolved.
  2. Heat the mixture. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil. Keep whisking continuously to prevent the agar agar from clumping. Let it boil for about 2 minutes to activate the agar agar’s gelling properties.
  3. Add sugar and flavorings. Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the sugar, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt. Whisk until the sugar dissolves completely. If using cocoa powder or fruit puree, stir them in at this stage.
  4. Cool the mixture. Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly at room temperature, about 10-15 minutes. This prevents the ice cream from freezing too hard.
  5. Chill in the fridge. Pour the mixture into a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until fully chilled.
  6. Churn the ice cream (if using an ice cream maker). Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
  7. Freeze until firm. Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture directly into the container and place it in the freezer. Stir every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours to break up ice crystals and achieve a creamy texture.
  8. Serve and enjoy! Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping to soften slightly.

Tips & Variations

“For an ultra-smooth texture, try using a high-speed blender to mix your coconut milk and agar agar before heating.”

  • Flavors: Swap vanilla for almond or mint extract for unique tastes. Add fresh fruit chunks, nuts, or vegan chocolate chips for extra texture.
  • Sugar alternatives: Use coconut sugar or date syrup for a more natural sweetness and deeper flavor.
  • Mix-ins: Swirl in peanut butter, berry jam, or vegan caramel before freezing for exciting layers.
  • Plant milk choices: Almond, cashew, oat, or soy milk can all be used, but full-fat coconut milk gives the creamiest results.
  • Storage: Store your ice cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness for up to one week.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving (1/2 cup)
Calories 180
Fat 15g
Saturated Fat 13g
Carbohydrates 12g
Sugar 10g
Protein 1g
Fiber 0g

Serving Suggestions

This vegan agar agar ice cream pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings and accompaniments. Try serving it with fresh berries, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of vegan chocolate sauce.

It’s also fantastic alongside a warm fruit crisp or pie for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.

For a fun twist, scoop it into waffle cones or use it to make vegan ice cream sandwiches with your favorite cookies. If you love brunch treats, this ice cream is a lovely companion to a Breakfast Wellington Recipe, adding a sweet finish to your meal.

Conclusion

Making vegan ice cream with agar agar is a simple and satisfying way to enjoy a creamy dessert without any animal products. The natural gelling power of agar agar creates a smooth texture that rivals traditional ice cream, while being easy to customize with your preferred flavors and sweeteners.

Whether you are vegan, lactose intolerant, or just looking to try something new, this recipe delivers delicious results every time.

Plus, it’s a wonderful gateway to exploring more plant-based recipes like the Blackberry Juicing Recipes or the hearty Blackstone Lo Mein Recipes. Enjoy your homemade vegan ice cream as a guilt-free treat that everyone will love!

📖 Recipe Card: Agar Agar Vegan Ice Cream

Description: A creamy and refreshing vegan ice cream made with agar agar for a perfect gelled texture. Easy to prepare and dairy-free, ideal for a healthy dessert.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT25M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 400 ml coconut milk
  • 200 ml almond milk
  • 100 g sugar
  • 1 tsp agar agar powder
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • Optional: 50 g chopped nuts or fruit

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, almond milk, and sugar.
  2. Sprinkle agar agar powder over the mixture and let it soak for 5 minutes.
  3. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it boils.
  4. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes to activate agar agar.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract, salt, and maple syrup.
  6. Let the mixture cool slightly, then pour into an ice cream maker or freezer-safe container.
  7. If using, fold in chopped nuts or fruit after initial freezing phase.
  8. Freeze for at least 4 hours until firm.
  9. Serve chilled and enjoy.

Nutrition: Calories: 210 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 18 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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