There’s nothing quite like a scoop of creamy, dreamy ice cream on a warm day, and the best part? You don’t need dairy or any animal products to enjoy this classic treat.
This vegan ice cream recipe with an ice cream maker is a fantastic way to indulge in a luscious dessert that’s both plant-based and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or simply looking for a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream, this recipe will become your go-to.
Using an ice cream maker helps you achieve the perfect texture — smooth and creamy without any gritty ice crystals. Plus, you can customize flavors to your heart’s desire, making it a versatile recipe for all occasions.
So, grab your ice cream maker, and let’s dive into creating a delightful vegan treat that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan ice cream recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it uses natural, wholesome ingredients like coconut milk and maple syrup, which deliver rich creaminess and subtle sweetness without refined sugars or additives.
The ice cream maker ensures a silky, smooth texture that rivals any store-bought option.
It’s also incredibly easy to make! The base comes together in minutes, and the ice cream maker does all the hard work of churning and freezing.
You can enjoy your ice cream right away for a soft-serve style or freeze it longer for a firmer scoop. Plus, it’s completely customizable — add your favorite mix-ins or flavors for endless possibilities.
If you love experimenting with vegan desserts, be sure to check out our Vegan Soft Serve Recipe: Creamy, Easy, and Delicious Idea or explore other plant-based treats like our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for more inspiration.
Ingredients
- 2 cans (13.5 oz each) full-fat coconut milk – chilled overnight
- 3/4 cup pure maple syrup (or agave syrup for a milder sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- Optional mix-ins: dairy-free chocolate chips, chopped nuts, fresh fruit, or cookie crumbs
Equipment
- Ice cream maker (any standard model will work)
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Freezer-safe container for storing the ice cream
Instructions
- Chill your ice cream maker’s bowl: Place the ice cream maker bowl in the freezer for at least 24 hours before making your ice cream. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
- Prepare the coconut milk base: Open the chilled coconut milk cans. Scoop out the thick cream that has risen to the top into a mixing bowl, leaving most of the liquid behind. Whisk the cream until smooth and creamy.
- Add sweetener and flavorings: Stir in the maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt into the coconut cream. Whisk until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Chill the mixture: For best results, cover the mixture and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour. This helps it chill thoroughly, speeding up the freezing process in the ice cream maker.
- Churn the ice cream: Pour the chilled coconut mixture into the ice cream maker bowl. Turn on the machine and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20-30 minutes until the ice cream thickens to a soft-serve consistency.
- Add mix-ins: In the last 5 minutes of churning, add any desired mix-ins like chocolate chips or chopped nuts to incorporate evenly.
- Freeze for firmer texture: Transfer the soft vegan ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Cover and freeze for at least 2-4 hours to let it firm up to scoopable consistency.
- Serve and enjoy: Scoop your homemade vegan ice cream into bowls or cones and savor the creamy delight!
Tips & Variations
“For a richer ice cream, use full-fat coconut milk and don’t shake the cans before opening to preserve the cream layer.”
- Flavor variations: Try swapping vanilla extract for almond, mint, or coffee extract for different flavor profiles.
- Fruit swirls: Gently fold in pureed strawberries, mango, or blueberries after churning for a fruity twist.
- Nut butters: Add swirls of peanut butter or almond butter during the last churn phase for extra richness.
- Sweetener swaps: Use coconut sugar or date syrup for alternative natural sweeteners.
- Dairy-free yogurt base: Replace half the coconut milk with thick vegan yogurt for a tangier texture.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (1/2 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 16g |
| Carbohydrates | 15g |
| Sugars | 13g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sodium | 30mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan ice cream makes a perfect dessert on its own, but you can elevate it with some fun serving ideas. Top your scoop with fresh berries, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of vegan chocolate sauce for extra indulgence.
For a decadent treat, serve alongside warm apple pie or vegan brownies.
Another idea is to create a sundae bar with various toppings like shredded coconut, vegan caramel sauce, and crushed cookies. This is a fantastic way to entertain guests and let everyone customize their own dessert.
For more vegan dessert ideas, check out our Vegan Beignet Recipe: Easy, Fluffy, and Delicious Treat.
Conclusion
Making your own vegan ice cream at home is not only rewarding but also allows you to control every ingredient, ensuring your dessert is both delicious and wholesome. With just a few simple ingredients and an ice cream maker, you can create a creamy, dreamy treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
This recipe is adaptable, easy to prepare, and sure to impress both vegans and non-vegans alike.
Next time you’re craving something sweet and refreshing, give this vegan ice cream recipe a try. And if you’re interested in exploring more plant-based cooking, be sure to visit our collection of Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and other delightful vegan dishes.
Happy churning!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Ice Cream with Ice Cream Maker
Description: A creamy and delicious vegan ice cream made with coconut milk and natural sweeteners. Perfectly smooth and easy to make with an ice cream maker.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cans (13.5 oz each) full-fat coconut milk
- 3/4 cup organic cane sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- Optional: 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate or fruit
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch and water to make a slurry.
- In a saucepan, combine coconut milk, sugar, salt, and maple syrup over medium heat.
- Stir constantly until sugar dissolves and mixture is warm, about 5 minutes.
- Add cornstarch slurry and cook, stirring, until mixture thickens, about 3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Let mixture cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold, at least 30 minutes.
- Pour chilled mixture into ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer instructions.
- Add optional mix-ins during the last 5 minutes of churning.
- Transfer ice cream to a container and freeze for 2 hours before serving.
Nutrition: Calories: 280 | Protein: 3g | Fat: 22g | Carbs: 20g
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