Coconut Milk Ice Cream
Creamy and dairy-free Coconut Milk Ice Cream, made with simple, whole ingredients and customizable flavors. Perfect for a refreshing tropical treat any time of year, offering a rich, luscious texture that rivals traditional ice cream without lactose.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes (churning)
- Total Time: 6 hours 35 minutes (including chilling and freezing time)
- Yield: About 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing and Churning
- Cuisine: Vegan, Dairy-Free
- Diet: Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Vegan
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup natural sweetener (maple syrup, agave, or honey)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Optional Add-ins
- Shredded coconut
- Toasted nuts (almonds, macadamia nuts)
- Diced mango or pineapple
- Melted dark chocolate or cocoa powder
- Fresh or frozen berries
- Spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, or ginger
- Prepare the Coconut Milk Base: Shake or stir the can of full-fat coconut milk to evenly mix the cream and water. Pour into a mixing bowl and combine with your preferred natural sweetener and vanilla extract.
- Blend for Smoothness: Use a hand blender or stand blender to blend until the mixture is smooth and fully combined, ensuring even sweetness and creaminess throughout.
- Chill the Mixture: Refrigerate the blend for at least 2 hours or until thoroughly chilled. This helps the ice cream freeze faster and develop a better texture.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, approximately 20 to 25 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze and Set: Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container, smooth the top, cover tightly, and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm for the best scoopable texture.
Notes
- Choose full-fat coconut milk for best creaminess and richness.
- Do not skip chilling for smoother ice cream and quicker churning.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, freeze the mixture and stir every 30 minutes to mimic churning.
- A pinch of xanthan gum can improve texture and reduce iciness.
- Let the ice cream soften at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping for easier serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: coconut milk ice cream, dairy free dessert, vegan ice cream, coconut dessert, tropical ice cream, dairy-free ice cream recipe