Nothing beats a creamy, dreamy scoop of ice cream on a warm day, but traditional ice cream often relies on dairy and other animal products. If you’re vegan or simply looking to enjoy a delicious frozen treat without compromising your lifestyle, this coconut oil ice cream recipe vegan is your new best friend.
Rich, silky, and packed with natural coconut flavor, it’s a refreshing alternative that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re avoiding dairy, looking for a healthier dessert option, or craving something tropical and indulgent, this ice cream hits all the right notes.
With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, this recipe delivers creamy texture and sweet satisfaction without any artificial additives. Plus, coconut oil’s healthy fats provide a luscious mouthfeel that mimics traditional ice cream beautifully.
Ready to whip up your own batch of vegan coconut oil ice cream? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan coconut oil ice cream recipe is not only incredibly simple but also wonderfully versatile. It’s:
- Dairy-free and vegan: Perfect for those with dietary restrictions or preferences.
- Rich and creamy: Coconut oil and coconut milk work together to create a smooth, indulgent texture.
- Customizable: Easily add flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or fresh fruit to make it your own.
- Quick to prepare: No complicated steps—just blend, chill, and freeze.
- Natural ingredients: Uses simple pantry staples without preservatives or artificial flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk (chilled overnight)
- ½ cup coconut oil (solid state, not melted)
- ¾ cup maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional: 2 tablespoons cocoa powder for chocolate flavor
- Optional: ½ cup chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or vegan chocolate chips for mix-ins
Equipment
- High-speed blender or food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Freezer-safe container with lid
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk (optional)
Instructions
- Chill your coconut milk: Place the can of coconut milk in the fridge overnight. This allows the cream to separate and solidify at the top, which is key for creamy ice cream.
- Scoop the coconut cream: Open the chilled can carefully. Scoop out the thick coconut cream that has solidified on top into your blender or mixing bowl. Leave the watery part behind or save it for smoothies.
- Add coconut oil and sweetener: Add ½ cup solid coconut oil and ¾ cup maple syrup to the cream. The coconut oil adds richness and helps the ice cream set firmly.
- Flavor it: Add 1 tablespoon vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt. If you want chocolate flavor, add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder here as well.
- Blend until smooth: Blend all ingredients on high until fully combined and silky. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes. If using a bowl, whisk vigorously until smooth and well incorporated.
- Pour into freezer container: Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container. If you’d like, fold in any optional mix-ins such as nuts or chocolate chips with a spatula.
- Freeze and stir: Place the container in the freezer. After 1 hour, stir the ice cream vigorously with a fork or whisk to break up ice crystals. Repeat this every 30 minutes for 2-3 hours to maintain creamy texture.
- Freeze until firm: Let the ice cream freeze for an additional 2-3 hours or until firm enough to scoop.
- Serve and enjoy: Scoop into bowls or cones and enjoy your homemade vegan coconut oil ice cream!
Tips & Variations
Tip: For best results, use full-fat coconut milk that hasn’t been shaken before chilling, so the cream separates well.
Variation: Try adding fresh fruit purees like mango or strawberry for a fruity twist. Simply blend the fruit with the other ingredients before freezing.
Tip: To prevent ice crystals, stir the ice cream regularly during freezing and avoid using low-fat coconut milk.
You can also experiment with different natural sweeteners such as coconut sugar or brown rice syrup to adjust sweetness and flavor profiles. Adding a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom creates unique flavor notes that elevate the ice cream.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per serving (½ cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Total Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 19g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Sugars | 13g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 15mg |
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Serving Suggestions
This vegan coconut oil ice cream is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings and desserts. Here are a few ideas to try:
- Top with fresh tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, or shredded coconut for a summery vibe.
- Drizzle with vegan chocolate or caramel sauce for an indulgent treat.
- Serve alongside warm baked goods such as vegan brownies or fruit crisps.
- Sprinkle with toasted nuts or granola for added crunch and texture.
For inspiration on complementary dishes, check out our flavorful Thelma Sanders Squash Recipe or the hearty Bariatric Meatloaf Recipe. If you love bold flavors, don’t miss the tangy Pickled Cherry Pepper Recipe to serve alongside your icy treat.
Conclusion
This vegan coconut oil ice cream recipe is a delightful way to enjoy a creamy, luscious dessert that fits perfectly into a plant-based lifestyle. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s accessible to both beginners and seasoned home cooks.
The rich coconut flavor combined with the smooth texture makes it an instant favorite for warm days or anytime you crave something sweet and refreshing.
What’s truly wonderful about this recipe is its flexibility—you can easily adapt it by adding your favorite flavors or mix-ins, ensuring every batch feels personalized and exciting. Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply adventurous in the kitchen, this coconut oil ice cream is a must-try.
Dive in, experiment, and savor the tropical goodness with every spoonful!
📖 Recipe Card: Coconut Oil Ice Cream Recipe Vegan
Description: A creamy and delicious vegan ice cream made with coconut oil for a rich texture. Perfect for a dairy-free treat that’s easy to prepare at home.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT15M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 can (400ml) full-fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped nuts or chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth.
- In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, melted coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently.
- Slowly whisk in the cornstarch mixture and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions.
- Transfer to a container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Optional: fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips before freezing.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 24g | Carbs: 15g
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