Chocolate Coconut Milk Ice Cream
Enjoy a creamy and dairy-free Chocolate Coconut Milk Ice Cream that blends rich chocolate flavor with tropical coconut milk. Perfect for vegans, lactose intolerant individuals, or anyone desiring a smooth, indulgent frozen treat made from simple, wholesome ingredients and natural sweeteners.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (churning) + 3-4 hours (freezing)
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes to overnight (including chilling and freezing)
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Dairy-Free, Vegan, Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat canned coconut milk
- 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup maple syrup or agave nectar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Optional Add-ins
- Chopped dark chocolate
- Shredded coconut
- Chopped toasted almonds or pecans
- Few drops peppermint extract
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee or espresso powder
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or hemp hearts
- Sprinkle of cinnamon or chili powder
- Prepare the Coconut Milk Base: Shake the canned coconut milk well and pour the thick, full-fat portion into a mixing bowl, leaving behind any watery liquid. This creamy base forms the foundation of your rich ice cream.
- Mix in Cocoa and Sweeteners: Whisk together the cocoa powder, maple syrup (or your preferred sweetener), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt with the coconut milk until smooth and glossy, making sure there are no lumps.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to meld and ensure it is thoroughly cold before churning.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20-30 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. Add any desired mix-ins during the last few minutes of churning.
- Freeze Until Firm: Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container and freeze for an additional 3-4 hours or until firm enough to scoop and enjoy.
Notes
- Use full-fat canned coconut milk for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
- Pre-chill all ingredients and equipment to speed freezing and improve texture.
- Adjust sweetness to your preference using natural sweeteners like maple syrup, agave nectar, coconut sugar, or honey.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, use a no-churn method: freeze the mixture in a container and stir every 30 minutes until fluffy and firm.
- Chilling the base before churning helps prevent icy texture and improves creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Chocolate ice cream, coconut milk ice cream, dairy-free dessert, vegan ice cream, lactose-free, dairy-free chocolate ice cream