There’s nothing quite like a creamy scoop of ice cream on a warm day, and with the rise of plant-based diets, vegan ice cream has become a delicious and accessible treat for everyone. If you own an ice cream maker, you’re just a few simple ingredients away from crafting luscious, dairy-free frozen desserts right in your kitchen.
Whether you prefer classic vanilla, rich chocolate, or fruity flavors, vegan ice cream maker recipes offer endless variety and the satisfaction of knowing exactly what goes into your treat.
In this post, we’ll explore several fantastic vegan ice cream maker recipes that are easy to make, healthy, and irresistibly creamy. From coconut milk bases to almond and oat milks, these recipes use natural sweeteners and wholesome ingredients to bring you the best plant-based frozen desserts.
Ready to churn up some vegan magic? Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Making vegan ice cream at home allows you to customize your flavors and ingredients, accommodating dietary preferences and allergies without compromising on texture or taste. These recipes use natural, plant-based ingredients that are not only healthier but also environmentally friendly.
Using an ice cream maker means you can enjoy fresh, preservative-free ice cream any time. Plus, experimenting with different plant milks and add-ins gives you creative freedom to tailor your dessert to your liking.
Whether you crave a creamy, rich treat or a fruity, refreshing dessert, these vegan ice cream recipes deliver on flavor and texture every time.
Best of all, these recipes are straightforward and perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks. Say goodbye to store-bought ice cream loaded with artificial ingredients and hello to wholesome, homemade vegan delights!
Ingredients
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk – for creaminess and texture
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or oat milk – to balance richness
- ½ cup organic maple syrup or agave nectar – natural sweetener
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract – classic flavor enhancer
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch – to stabilize and thicken
- Pinch of sea salt – to enhance flavors
- Optional add-ins: vegan chocolate chips, fresh fruit, nuts, or cocoa powder
Equipment
- Ice cream maker – essential for churning and achieving smooth texture
- Medium saucepan – for heating and thickening the base
- Whisk – to mix ingredients thoroughly
- Mixing bowls – for combining and chilling mixture
- Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient quantities
- Freezer-safe container – to store finished ice cream
Instructions
- Prepare the base: In a medium saucepan, combine the coconut milk, almond or oat milk, and maple syrup. Whisk to blend the ingredients smoothly.
- Thicken the mixture: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold almond milk until dissolved. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan while whisking continuously.
- Cook gently: Heat the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Do not let it boil.
- Flavor it: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of sea salt. Let the mixture cool to room temperature.
- Chill the base: Pour the mixture into a bowl, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. The colder the base, the creamier the final ice cream.
- Churn: Pour the chilled base into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually 20-30 minutes until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Add mix-ins: During the last 5 minutes of churning, add your choice of vegan chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or fruit pieces.
- Freeze: Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up before serving.
- Serve: Scoop and enjoy your homemade vegan ice cream!
Tips & Variations
For the creamiest texture, use full-fat coconut milk. If you prefer a lighter version, try blending silken tofu or avocado into the base for healthy fats and creaminess.
You can experiment with different plant milks like cashew or soy milk, although soy-free options like almond and oat are great for sensitive diets. Sweeten your ice cream with dates or coconut sugar if you want to avoid refined sweeteners.
Want a chocolate version? Simply add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the base while heating.
For fruity flavors, blend in 1 cup of pureed strawberries, mango, or blueberries after chilling and before churning.
For extra texture, try folding in vegan cookie crumbs or toasted coconut flakes after churning, just before freezing.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Per Serving (½ cup) |
---|---|
Calories | 180 kcal |
Fat | 12 g |
Saturated Fat | 10 g |
Carbohydrates | 18 g |
Sugar | 14 g |
Protein | 2 g |
Fiber | 1 g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve your vegan ice cream in a bowl topped with fresh berries, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of vegan chocolate sauce. It also pairs wonderfully with warm fruit crisps or vegan brownies for a decadent dessert experience.
For a fun twist, use your vegan ice cream as a base for a dairy-free sundae bar with various toppings like shredded coconut, vegan sprinkles, and fruit compotes. It’s sure to impress guests and satisfy any sweet tooth.
Looking for more vegan dessert ideas? Check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a perfect baked treat to complement your frozen creations.
Conclusion
Making vegan ice cream at home with an ice cream maker is an enjoyable and rewarding way to indulge in creamy, delicious desserts without dairy. These recipes are versatile, allowing you to tailor flavors and ingredients to your preferences and dietary needs.
The use of wholesome plant-based ingredients means you get a treat that’s not only tasty but nourishing and guilt-free.
With simple steps and minimal equipment, you can create a variety of vegan ice cream flavors that rival traditional versions. Whether you’re serving family, friends, or just treating yourself, homemade vegan ice cream will always impress.
Don’t forget to explore more plant-based recipes like our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves or the Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas for wholesome meals that complement your dessert perfectly.
Delicious Vegan Ice Cream Maker Recipes to Try
Coconut Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
- Ingredients: 1 can full-fat coconut milk, 1 cup almond milk, ½ cup maple syrup, 1 vanilla bean (scraped), 2 tbsp cornstarch, pinch salt
- Instructions: Prepare base as above, adding vanilla bean seeds with vanilla extract. Chill, churn, and freeze.
- Tip: Infuse with a few drops of almond extract for extra depth.
Chocolate Hazelnut Vegan Ice Cream
- Ingredients: 1 can coconut milk, 1 cup oat milk, ½ cup maple syrup, ⅓ cup cocoa powder, ¼ cup hazelnut butter, 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Instructions: Whisk cocoa powder and hazelnut butter into warmed milk base. Chill and churn as usual.
- Tip: Add chopped toasted hazelnuts during the last 5 minutes of churning.
Mango Lime Sorbet (Dairy-Free, No Coconut)
- Ingredients: 2 cups ripe mango chunks, ½ cup sugar or agave, juice of 2 limes, ½ cup water
- Instructions: Blend all ingredients until smooth. Chill thoroughly, then churn in ice cream maker.
- Tip: Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing finish.
- Ingredients: 1 can coconut milk, 1 cup oat milk, ½ cup maple syrup, ⅓ cup cocoa powder, ¼ cup hazelnut butter, 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Instructions: Whisk cocoa powder and hazelnut butter into warmed milk base. Chill and churn as usual.
- Tip: Add chopped toasted hazelnuts during the last 5 minutes of churning.
Mango Lime Sorbet (Dairy-Free, No Coconut)
- Ingredients: 2 cups ripe mango chunks, ½ cup sugar or agave, juice of 2 limes, ½ cup water
- Instructions: Blend all ingredients until smooth. Chill thoroughly, then churn in ice cream maker.
- Tip: Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing finish.
For more exciting vegan recipes, explore our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes and Asian Vegan Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals to round out your plant-based kitchen adventures.
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Chocolate Banana Ice Cream
Description: A creamy and delicious vegan ice cream made with ripe bananas and cocoa powder. Perfect for a healthy, dairy-free treat.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT10M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup almond milk
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons vegan chocolate chips (optional)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional for creaminess)
Instructions
- Add frozen bananas, cocoa powder, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- If using, add coconut oil and blend again.
- Pour mixture into ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer instructions (about 20 minutes).
- Add vegan chocolate chips in the last 5 minutes of churning.
- Serve immediately or freeze for 1 hour for firmer texture.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 28g
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