Vegan Soft Serve Ice Cream Recipe for Creamy Treats

Updated On: September 30, 2025

Is there anything more magical than the first creamy, chilly bite of soft serve ice cream on a hot day? Now, imagine indulging in that nostalgic treat—without a trace of dairy, eggs, or animal products.

That’s the beauty of this vegan soft serve ice cream recipe: pure, plant-based bliss in every spoonful! Whether you’re exploring veganism, managing allergies, or simply after a lighter dessert option, this recipe delivers the same silky-smooth texture and sweet satisfaction you remember from childhood summers.

You don’t need fancy ingredients or a commercial soft serve machine—just a few wholesome staples, a blender, and a love of creamy desserts. Get ready to swirl up a guilt-free, customizable vegan soft serve that’s perfect for solo treats, family gatherings, or impressing friends at your next backyard barbecue!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Dairy-Free & Allergy-Friendly: Completely free from milk, eggs, and nuts (if you choose oat or soy milk), making it perfect for those with allergies or dietary restrictions.
  • Quick & Easy: No ice cream maker required—just a blender or food processor and a handful of ingredients!
  • Customizable Flavors: Start with the classic vanilla base, then unleash your creativity with chocolate, fruit, or even matcha variations.
  • Healthy & Wholesome: Made with real fruit and your choice of natural sweeteners, this soft serve is lighter and more nutritious than store-bought varieties.
  • Instant Satisfaction: Ready in minutes—perfect for spontaneous dessert cravings or last-minute guests.

Ingredients

Ingredient Amount Notes
Frozen ripe bananas 4 large Peeled, cut into chunks, and frozen overnight
Plant milk (oat, soy, almond, or coconut) 1/4 cup Choose unsweetened for less sugar
Pure maple syrup or agave nectar 2 tablespoons Adjust to taste
Vanilla extract 1 teaspoon For classic vanilla flavor
Pinch of salt 1/8 teaspoon Enhances sweetness
Optional add-ins:
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for chocolate soft serve)
  • 1/2 cup frozen berries (for berry swirl)
  • 1 tablespoon nut or seed butter (for richness)

Equipment

  • High-speed blender or food processor
  • Rubber spatula
  • Freezer-safe container (if making ahead or for firmer texture)
  • Ice cream scoop or piping bag
  • Serving bowls or cones

Instructions

  1. Prep your bananas: Peel and slice 4 large ripe bananas. Arrange the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment. Freeze for at least 6 hours, or ideally overnight, until solid.
  2. Blend the base: Add the frozen banana chunks to your high-speed blender or food processor. Pour in 1/4 cup of your chosen plant milk. Blend on low, scraping down the sides with a spatula as needed.

    Tip: If the mixture is too thick, add plant milk 1 tablespoon at a time until the blades move smoothly.

  3. Add flavor and sweetness: Once the bananas are mostly smooth, add 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or agave), 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Blend again until everything is creamy and uniform.
  4. Customize your soft serve: For chocolate, add cocoa powder; for berry, add frozen berries; for richer flavor, add nut or seed butter. Blend until fully incorporated.

    For swirls or ripples, pulse in your add-ins just a few times so you have ribbons of flavor.

  5. Check the texture: Your soft serve should be thick and creamy. If you want a firmer texture, transfer to a container and freeze for 30–60 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
  6. Serve and enjoy: Use an ice cream scoop or a piping bag with a large star tip to serve beautiful, classic swirls in bowls or cones. Add your favorite toppings and dig in!

Tips & Variations

  • Banana-Free Version: Substitute frozen full-fat coconut milk cubes or a blend of frozen mango and avocado for a banana-free base. The result will be creamy and neutral—perfect for those who dislike the flavor of banana.
  • Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Add 2 tablespoons cocoa powder and a tablespoon of melted vegan chocolate for a decadent treat.
  • Fruit Swirl: Layer in pureed or whole frozen berries for a beautiful burst of flavor and color.
  • Cookies & Cream: Fold in crushed vegan sandwich cookies just before serving for a nostalgic twist.
  • Nutty Crunch: Top with chopped roasted nuts, seeds, or granola for extra texture.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Skip the added sweetener if your bananas are very ripe, or use a sugar-free syrup.
  • Make-Ahead Method: Freeze your finished soft serve in a loaf pan lined with parchment for up to 2 weeks. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before scooping for optimal creaminess.
  • For More Vegan Dessert Inspiration: Try our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes!

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving (1 cup, base recipe) Amount
Calories 135
Total Fat 1g
Saturated Fat 0g
Sodium 20mg
Total Carbohydrates 33g
Dietary Fiber 3g
Total Sugars 18g
Protein 2g
Vitamin C 15% DV
Calcium 2% DV
Iron 4% DV

Nutrition will vary with add-ins and plant milk choice.

Serving Suggestions

  • Classic Cones: Pipe or scoop soft serve into vegan waffle cones and top with sprinkles or mini chocolate chips.
  • Sundae Bar: Set out bowls of toppings like berries, coconut whipped cream, crushed cookies, chopped nuts, and chocolate sauce for a DIY sundae experience.
  • Sandwich It: Spoon soft serve between two vegan cookies and freeze for 30 minutes for the ultimate ice cream sandwiches.
  • With Fresh Fruit: Serve a scoop alongside pineapple, mango, or berries for a tropical parfait.
  • Breakfast Bowl: Swirl soft serve into a smoothie bowl and top with granola and seeds for a fun twist on morning eats.
  • Pair with Baked Treats: Try a warm vegan brownie or a slice from our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves for a decadent dessert duo.

Conclusion

This vegan soft serve ice cream recipe proves that plant-based desserts can be just as luscious and satisfying as their dairy counterparts—if not more! With just a handful of ingredients and a trusty blender, you can whip up a dessert that’s creamy, dreamy, and endlessly versatile.

Whether you stick to the classic vanilla or experiment with chocolate, berries, or nutty swirls, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your summer repertoire.

If you enjoyed this vegan treat, be sure to check out more plant-based dessert and meal ideas like our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious or explore vibrant mains with Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals!

Let your creativity run wild and make every day a little sweeter, the vegan way.

📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Soft Serve Ice Cream

Description: This creamy vegan soft serve is made with simple ingredients and comes together in minutes. Enjoy a delicious, dairy-free treat that's perfect for warm days.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT10M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen
  • 1/2 cup canned coconut milk (full fat)
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
  • 2 tablespoons almond butter

Instructions

  1. Place frozen banana slices in a high-speed blender or food processor.
  2. Add coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, sea salt, and almond butter.
  3. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down sides as needed.
  4. Serve immediately for soft serve texture or freeze for 1 hour for a firmer consistency.
  5. Scoop into bowls and enjoy.

Nutrition: Calories: 210 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 8g | Carbs: 35g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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