Butternut Vegan Ice Cream Recipe Easy and Delicious Treat

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Butternut Vegan Ice Cream Recipe

Imagine a creamy, dreamy scoop of ice cream that’s not only delicious but also packed with wholesome goodness. Enter the world of butternut vegan ice cream — a unique twist on traditional ice cream that harnesses the natural sweetness and velvety texture of butternut squash.

This recipe is perfect for those looking to indulge in a dairy-free treat without compromising on flavor or creaminess. With simple ingredients and minimal fuss, you’ll create a luscious dessert that’s perfect for warm days or anytime you crave something refreshing and nourishing.

Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just eager to try something new, this recipe will become your new favorite. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your diet without anyone noticing!

Let’s dive into how you can make this delightful butternut vegan ice cream at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This butternut vegan ice cream stands out for many reasons. First, it uses natural whole foods to create a rich, creamy texture without dairy or artificial additives.

The butternut squash lends a subtle sweetness and beautiful golden color, making every scoop visually appealing and delicious.

Additionally, it’s an allergy-friendly dessert, free of nuts and soy if you choose the right milk alternative. The use of coconut milk adds that luscious creaminess, while maple syrup provides gentle sweetness without refined sugar.

It’s also incredibly versatile — you can customize it with spices or mix-ins to suit your taste buds.

Lastly, this ice cream is a fantastic way to enjoy a seasonal vegetable in a fun, unexpected way. Perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself to a guilt-free indulgence!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 1 medium squash)
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Equipment

  • Medium-sized saucepan
  • Blender or food processor (high-speed preferred)
  • Ice cream maker (optional but recommended)
  • Mixing bowl
  • Freezer-safe container with lid
  • Spatula or spoon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the butternut squash: Start by peeling and cubing your butternut squash into roughly 1-inch pieces. Place them in a medium saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the squash is fork-tender, about 15-20 minutes.
  2. Drain and cool: Once cooked, drain the squash and allow it to cool slightly. You want it warm but not hot for blending.
  3. Blend the base: Add the cooked squash, coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice (if using) to your blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Stop to scrape down the sides as needed.
  4. Chill the mixture: Pour the blended mixture into a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled. Chilling helps the ice cream freeze better and develop a smoother texture.
  5. Churn the ice cream: Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20-25 minutes. The mixture will thicken and become creamy.
  6. Freeze until firm: Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container, smooth the top, and cover with a lid. Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up.
  7. Serve and enjoy: Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping. Enjoy your delicious butternut vegan ice cream!

Tips & Variations

For an extra creamy texture, you can add 1/4 cup of soaked cashews to the blender. This will add richness while still keeping it vegan.

Feel free to experiment with spices — a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom can add a lovely warmth. If you like a little crunch, stir in chopped roasted pecans or vegan chocolate chips after churning but before freezing.

In case you don’t have an ice cream maker, 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 smooth and creamy, about 3-4 hours.

For a more tropical flair, add 1/2 cup of pineapple puree or mango chunks to the blender.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount Per Serving (1/2 cup)
Calories 180
Fat 13g
Saturated Fat 11g
Carbohydrates 18g
Sugars 12g (from maple syrup and squash)
Fiber 2g
Protein 2g
Vitamin A 80% DV
Calcium 6% DV

Serving Suggestions

This butternut vegan ice cream pairs beautifully with warm autumn desserts like apple crisps or vegan pumpkin pie. For a refreshing twist, serve with fresh berries and a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce.

You can also enjoy it on its own, garnished with toasted coconut flakes or a sprinkle of cinnamon for an elegant finish. It’s perfect as a summer treat or a comforting winter dessert.

Want to get creative? Try serving it alongside a warm slice of vegan Kentucky Bourbon Carrot Cake or topping it with crunchy vegan granola for a delightful texture contrast.

Conclusion

Making your own butternut vegan ice cream is a rewarding and delicious way to enjoy a wholesome, dairy-free dessert. This recipe beautifully balances the natural sweetness of butternut squash with the richness of coconut milk, creating a creamy, flavorful treat that everyone will love.

Simple, versatile, and packed with nutrients, it’s a perfect choice for those who want to indulge without guilt. Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or just looking for a unique dessert, this ice cream will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection.

For more creative vegan recipes, check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or delight your taste buds with our Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food. And if you’re curious about vegan sauces, our Cajun Ranch Wing Sauce Recipe will not disappoint!

📖 Recipe Card: Butternut Vegan Ice Cream

Description: A creamy and naturally sweet vegan ice cream made from roasted butternut squash and coconut milk. Perfectly smooth, rich, and dairy-free for a healthy dessert.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT45M
Total Time: PT1H

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Roast butternut squash cubes on a baking sheet for 35-40 minutes until tender.
  3. Let the squash cool, then blend with coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice until smooth.
  4. Pour mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer instructions (about 20-25 minutes).
  5. Transfer to a container and freeze for 2-3 hours to firm up.
  6. Serve chilled and enjoy.

Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 2 g | Fat: 18 g | Carbs: 22 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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