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Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream

Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream

Experience the rich, creamy indulgence of Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream, crafted entirely from plant-based ingredients. This recipe delivers a velvety texture and classic vanilla flavor without any dairy, making it perfect for vegans, those with lactose intolerance, or anyone seeking a wholesome, guilt-free dessert. Using simple, natural ingredients like coconut milk, vanilla extract, and natural sweeteners, this homemade ice cream is easy to customize and enjoy year-round.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 2 cups full-fat coconut milk (or almond/cashew milk)
  • 1/2 cup coconut cream or 1/2 cup soaked cashews

Flavoring and Sweetener

  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract or 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
  • 1/3 cup maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar

Thickener

  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
  • 2 tablespoons cold plant-based milk (for dissolving thickener)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Creamy Base: Combine your chosen plant-based milk with coconut cream or soaked cashews in a blender. Blend until completely smooth to create a luscious ice cream foundation.
  2. Sweeten and Flavor: Add pure vanilla extract and your preferred sweetener to the blended cream. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the sweetness and vanilla flavor.
  3. Thicken the Mixture: Dissolve cornstarch or arrowroot powder in a small amount of cold plant-based milk to prevent lumps. Gently heat the vanilla cream mixture on the stove, stirring constantly as you add the dissolved thickener. Continue stirring until the mixture slightly thickens.
  4. Chill Before Churning: Transfer the thickened mixture to the fridge and cool completely for at least 2 hours. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the base to firm up for better churning results.
  5. Churn and Freeze: Pour your chilled vanilla base into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until you achieve a soft-serve consistency. Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for several hours until firm.

Notes

  • Use full-fat plant milks (such as coconut or cashew) for the richest and creamiest texture.
  • Do not skip the chilling step before churning to improve texture and flavor depth.
  • Blend thoroughly to eliminate any graininess for a smooth mouthfeel.
  • Adjust the sweetness starting with less sweetener and add more to taste.
  • An ice cream maker is recommended for best results but you can freeze the mixture in a shallow container and stir every 30 minutes if unavailable.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegan vanilla ice cream, dairy free ice cream, plant-based dessert, vegan dessert, lactose-free ice cream