How to Make Vegan Ice Cream

First of all, I promise you this isn’t “ice cream” in quotes. You’re not going to get your hopes up only to have them crushed with a bowl of icy frozen something or other. No, I am going to teach you how to make vegan ice cream that actually tastes like ice cream in a few simple steps!

This vegan ice cream is everything you want a non-dairy ice cream to be. It’s ultra creamy, perfectly sweet, and so easy to make (requiring less than 10 minutes active time!).

Yes, it tastes like a real dessert, and yes, it’s made with something other than frozen banana. This is the real deal! 🍦

Heads up: This post contains affiliate links! If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but we’ll get a small commission, which helps keep the lights on. Thank you! 🙂

Is Ice Cream Vegan?

Traditionally, no – the vast majority of ice cream you will see in stores and parlors is not vegan because the main ingredient is dairy cream.

Thankfully tradition is changing a little, and we are beginning to see more vegan ice cream brands launch delicious flavors. Of course, you can also make your own version using the easy recipe on this page!

Is this Vegan Ice Cream Gluten-Free?

Yes, it is! Our plant-based ice cream is made from three ingredients, none of which contain any gluten.

What is Vegan Ice Cream Made Of?

Let’s get into the ingredient specifics! To make a plain and simple vegan vanilla ice cream (or what I like to call the base for any flavor), here’s what you need:

• Coconut milk, full-fat
• Liquid sweetener (like maple syrup)
• Vanilla extract

And here are the tools and appliances you need:

• Mixing bowl
• Ice cube tray
• Blender
• Loaf tin

How to Make Vegan Ice Cream

The three secrets you have to consider when making any kind of ice cream are fat, sugar, and air. So let’s break this down in the land of the dairy-free.

Secret #1

The first secret to making the best vegan ice cream is simple: use full-fat, creamy coconut milk. Other vegan milk substitutes (like almond milk) just don’t cut it.

You need the fattiness that can only be found in a can of full-fat coconut milk.

Secret #2

The second secret to making the best vegan ice cream is sugar. I personally love using liquid sweeteners, like agave, maple syrup, or date syrup.

I’ve tried using a sugar-free sweetener (monk fruit), and the texture wasn’t the same. If you’d like to use granulated sugar, I’m sure it would work as well, although I haven’t tried it myself!

Secret #3

The third secret to making the best vegan ice cream is to incorporate air. This helps the ice cream become… well, creamy.

But, not all of us have a fancy ice cream maker at home, so what’s the alternative?

Do You Need an Ice Cream Maker to Make Vegan Ice Cream?

I hear you. The thought of another kitchen appliance; the cost, the space, the time and energy it takes to grab it from the kitchen closet – it doesn’t sound so appealing.

Fortunately, you do not need an ice cream maker for this recipe! 

The high fat content of the full-fat coconut milk paired with the sugar from the maple syrup and the aeration of blending means no churning necessary.

All you need is a high-speed blender. I use a Vitamix, and couldn’t be happier!

The Method for Making Any Flavor of Vegan Ice Cream

Now that we’ve got the ingredients and appliances covered, let’s talk method.

Once you understand how to make vegan ice cream, you can make ANY flavor of ice cream using this method! Sound too good to be true? You’re in for a pleasant surprise.

Step 1: Whisk the ingredients in a mixing bowl.

Step 2: Pour the mixture into an ice cube tray. Then transfer the tray to the freezer and store overnight.

Step 3: Add the ice cream cubes to a high-speed blender.

Step 4: Blend until creamy. You don’t want to use any liquid! Just blend the cubes. You’ll need to use a tamper tool.

From there, all you have to do is pour the mixture into a loaf tin, and freeze it for at least 30 more minutes! That’s it. That’s how to make vegan ice cream.

If you prefer video format, check out how we made it here:

@healthiir

The best vegan ice cream method EVER. 🍨 #veganicecream #vegandessertrecipes #veganrecipeinspo #veganicecreamrecipe #veganrecipes #vegandesserts

♬ Yummy – Justin Bieber

FAQ

How Can You Make Other Flavors with This Method?

This is the method I use to make all of my ice cream recipes, as it’s super customizable.

Craving chocolate ice cream? 🍫 Add cacao powder in step 1.

Craving strawberry ice cream? 🍓 Instead of adding everything to a mixing bowl in step 1, blend strawberries with the coconut milk and liquid sweetener. Then, once the ice cream has been frozen in cubes and blended again, fold in more strawberry chunks at the end.

Craving mint chocolate chip? 🌿 Add peppermint extract in step 1 instead of vanilla extract. Then, once the ice cream has been frozen in cubes and blended, fold in chocolate chips at the end.

It’s as easy as that.

How Long Does Vegan Ice Cream Last?

It is best to enjoy this ice cream within a week. But if you are anything like us, it won’t last that long!

Can You Refreeze Vegan Ice Cream?

Yes! You can refreeze this vegan ice cream. When you’re ready to eat it, you’ll need to defrost it for a few minutes, but it will soon come back to its perfect level of creaminess!

Enjoy as is, or serve with our warm Apple Crisp or our indulgent Vegan Brownies. 🤤

Is Vegan Ice Cream Healthier?

That’s a great question! Remember that just because something is vegan, it doesn’t make it automatically healthy. Although that would be nice!

It really depends on whether you buy vegan ice cream or make your own. Some store-bought versions are quite high in sugar and have some additives, although many are actually surprisingly healthy!

Our plant-based ice cream recipe is made with just three natural ingredients, including full fat coconut milk, which is high in nutrients like manganese, copper, iron, and magnesium.

However, it is also high in calories and saturated fat, so should therefore be eaten in moderation.

On the plus side, coconut milk contains none of the bovine hormones (not to mention antibiotics and other nasties) that you would find in dairy cream, and is therefore healthier in our eyes. You can read more on this in our article that explores the question: Should we be eating dairy?.

If you’re looking for more non-dairy ice cream recipes, check out these favorites:

Pistachio Ice Cream

Snickers Ice Cream

Ice Cream Sandwiches

Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ice Cream

Healthy “Chipwich” Ice Cream Sandwich

If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag your photos with @healthiir on Instagram! I’d love to see your creation.