Dairy-free Ice Cream

Dairy-free Ice Cream

A rich, creamy dairy-free ice cream made with full-fat coconut milk and your choice of flavor. No ice cream maker needed — just a few simple ingredients and a freezer. Perfectly scoopable, family-friendly, and completely plant-based.

6 servings · Prep 15 min · Cook 240 min · Total 255 min

American · Dessert

Main

  • 2 can full-fat coconut milk refrigerated overnight, do not shake
  • 0.5 cup maple syrup pure, adjust
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil melted and cooled
  • 1 tbsp arrowroot powder or cornstarch, helps with creaminess
  • cornstarch

Chocolate Variation

  • 0.5 cup dairy-free chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
  • chopped dark chocolate
  • 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder for chocolate variation

Strawberry Variation

  • 0.5 cup fresh strawberries hulled and sliced, for strawberry variation

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Parchment Paper
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Plastic Wrap
  • Airtight Container
  • Loaf Pan
  • Freezer
  • Refrigerator
  • Ice Cream Scoop
  • Whisk
  • Spatula
  • Loaf Pan (8.5 x 4.5)
  • Mixing Bowl (4 Quarts)
  • Ziploc Bag (Pint Size)

Instructions

  1. The night before, place both cans of @[Full-Fat Coconut Milk] in the #[Refrigerator] without shaking them. This allows the thick coconut cream to separate and rise to the top, which is the key to a rich, creamy base.
  2. Open the chilled cans and scoop out the thick coconut cream into a #[Blender] or large #[Mixing Bowl], leaving behind the watery liquid (save it for smoothies). Add the @[Maple Syrup], @[Vanilla Extract], melted @[Coconut Oil], @[Arrowroot Powder], and a pinch of @[Salt]. Blend or whisk vigorously until completely smooth and well combined, ~[about 1–2 minutes].
  3. If making a chocolate variation, whisk in the @[Unsweetened Cocoa Powder] now until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust sweetness with more @[Maple Syrup] if desired. Fold in any mix-ins like @[Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips] or sliced @[Strawberries] at this stage.
  4. Pour the mixture into a #[Loaf Pan] or freezer-safe #[Airtight Container]. Smooth the top with a #[Spatula], then press a sheet of #[Plastic Wrap] directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals from forming. Freeze for at least ~[4 hours], or until firm.
  5. When ready to serve, remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for ~[5–10 minutes] to soften slightly. Scoop into bowls or cones and enjoy immediately. Store leftovers tightly covered in the freezer for up to ~[1 month].