Dairy-free Vanilla Ice Cream is made with coconut milk, maple syrup, and vanilla for a simple and delicious dessert. This ice cream can be used as the base of a milkshake, a banana split, or enjoyed by itself.
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How to make this recipe
There are two ways to make this dairy-free vanilla ice cream. The first is with an electric ice cream maker and the second is the "freeze and stir" method.
Both methods start out by combining full-fat coconut milk, maple syrup, and vanilla bean or vanilla extract. Pour the ice cream base into the drum of an electric mixer and turn on. The ice cream will freeze in about 20-30 minutes.
If you are going to use the freeze and stir method, pour the ice cream base into a bread pan or 8x8 baking pan and place in the freezer. Every thirty minutes or so, remove the pan from the freezer and mix. Continue doing this until the ice cream is completely frozen.
The ice cream maker that I use
I have an ice cream maker from Cuisinart. It is very easy to use. I place the center drum in the freezer and have it ready whenever I want to make ice cream. When I'm done, I simply wash it and then place it back in the freezer so it's frozen for the next time. Also, my kids love the open lid on the ice cream maker so they can watch the ice cream being made.
How to make ice cream without an ice cream maker
If you do not have an electric ice cream maker, the "freeze and stir" method works great! Simply mix all the ingredients together in a freezer-safe bowl and place in the freezer then stir every 30 minutes until completely frozen. The ice cream will take a little longer to freeze but is a great alternative and requires little work.
How to make other ice cream flavors
The great thing about this vanilla ice cream is it is a versatile base to make all sorts of ice cream flavors including chocolate ice cream and strawberry ice cream. Here are some of my favorite flavors:
Chocolate Ice Cream
To make chocolate ice cream, add 6 tablespoons of unsweetened cacao or cocoa powder to the base before freezing.
Strawberry Ice Cream
If you want to make strawberry ice cream, add about 2 cups of chopped fresh or frozen strawberries to the vanilla ice cream base. You can also fold in the chopped strawberries after freezing the vanilla ice cream, but I prefer adding them before freezing.
Cookie Dough Ice Cream
Make my Vegan Chocolate Chip Cookies but instead of baking the dough, add a few bits of the cookie dough to frozen vanilla ice cream, fold and then enjoy.
Chocolate Brownie Ice Cream
My absolute favorite flavor! Make chocolate ice cream and fold in bits of your favorite brownie. Next, add some toasted pecans or walnuts to turn it up a notch!
How to store
Dairy-free Vanilla Ice Cream can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Make sure to cover it tightly to prevent freezer burn from forming and to keep the ice cream creamy.
Looking for more ice cream recipes? Make sure to check out my Strawberry Ice Cream, Pumpkin Ice Cream, and Cookies & Cream Milkshake.
Dairy-free Vanilla Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 2 cans full-fat coconut milk
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 tsp vanilla bean or vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine the coconut milk, maple syrup, and vanilla in a blender and blend on low for about one minute. Alternatively, you can mix in a bowl but I like the ease of a blender.
- If you are using an electric ice cream maker, set up the ice cream maker according to the instructions and then add the ice cream base. The ice cream will start to freeze and turn into a soft serve in about 20-25 minutes.
- If you are using the freeze and stir method, pour the ice cream into a bread pan or 8x8 baking pan. Cover and place in the freezer. Remove the ice cream from the freezer and stir every thirty or so until completely frozen.
- Scoop the frozen ice cream into a bowl and enjoy!
Nutrition
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Updated: 03/15/2021
I just made this and the blender mixture completely curdled! Is it salvageable?
Hi Maggie, I'm sorry this happened to you. This can happen if you use coconut milk that does not contain gums or other emulsifiers. It is still safe to eat and does not change the flavor. You can gently heat the ice cream mixture in a saucepan until every melts. Stir well and then freeze.