Who says you need dairy to indulge in rich, creamy, and luxurious ice cream? With the rise of plant-based ingredients, creating velvety, dreamy ice cream at home has never been easier—or more delicious. This carefully curated list of 14 vegan and dairy-free ice cream recipes will keep you cool, satisfied, and healthy. Best of all, no fancy ice cream maker is required. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just looking for lighter dessert alternatives, these recipes are for you.
All you need are basic pantry ingredients, a blender, and a freezer. From classic vanilla and rich chocolate to adventurous flavors like turmeric ginger and rum-raisin, these recipes are simple, satisfying, and oh-so-scoopable!
Strawberry Coconut Milk Ice Cream 🍓
A fruity favorite that tastes like summer in every bite!
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes + 6 hours freezing
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients:
- 2 cups full-fat coconut milk
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Pour the mixture into a loaf pan.
- Freeze for 6 hours, stirring every 2 hours for a creamy texture.
- Let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping.
Pro Tip: For a fun twist, fold in crushed freeze-dried strawberries before the final freeze.
Pistachio Almond Ice Cream 🌳
A green-hued treat with a nutty depth of flavor.
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes + 6 hours freezing
Ingredients:
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1/2 cup raw, unsalted pistachios
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp almond extract
Instructions:
- Blend everything until velvety smooth.
- Pour into a pan and freeze, stirring every 2 hours.
- Optional: Add chopped pistachios before the final freeze for crunch.
Nutrition Insight: Pistachios add protein and healthy fats, making this dessert satisfying and energizing.
Tropical Coconut Delight 🌴
Bring the beach to your bowl with this easy coconut-forward flavor.
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 cups full-fat coconut milk
- 1/3 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
- 1/3 cup agave syrup
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly.
- Freeze in a loaf pan for 6 hours.
- Stir every 2 hours to maintain a creamy consistency.
Serving Suggestion: Toast a bit of extra coconut and sprinkle on top before serving.
Cold Brew Coffee Coconut Ice Cream ☕️
A must-try for coffee aficionados.
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1/2 cup cold brew coffee
- 1/3 cup coconut sugar (or maple syrup)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Blend until silky.
- Freeze in a pan, stirring every 2 hours.
- Enjoy with a sprinkle of cacao nibs or a dash of cinnamon.
Pro Tip: Swap coconut milk for oat milk if you prefer a lighter finish.
Deep Chocolate Dream 🍫
Rich, bold, and completely plant-based.
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Whisk or blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Freeze and stir as with other recipes.
- Top with vegan chocolate chips or a drizzle of almond butter.
Mood Booster: Cacao contains natural mood enhancers like phenylethylamine.
Classic Vegan Vanilla 🌾
A timeless flavor that’s anything but boring.
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 cups almond milk
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or extract)
Instructions:
- Blend and pour into your freezing container.
- Stir as it freezes to keep it soft and scoopable.
- Garnish with crushed nuts or berries.
Creamy Oat Milk Ice Cream 🥞
Mild, smooth, and perfect for mix-ins.
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 cups oat milk
- 1/3 cup agave syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients.
- Freeze and stir for texture.
- Fold in crushed cookies or sprinkles before serving.
Light Almond Milk Ice Cream 🥜
Simple and refreshing.
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 cups almond milk
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1 tsp almond extract
Instructions:
- Blend and freeze, stirring as usual.
- Garnish with sliced almonds or vegan caramel sauce.
1-Ingredient Banana Ice Cream 🍌
Nature’s answer to soft-serve.
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen
Instructions:
- Blend frozen bananas until creamy.
- Serve immediately as soft-serve or freeze for 2 hours.
Fun Twist: Add cocoa powder, peanut butter, or cinnamon.
Boozy Rum & Raisin 🍻
For the adults-only crowd.
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1/4 cup dark rum
- 1/3 cup raisins
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
Instructions:
- Soak raisins in rum for 30 minutes.
- Blend all ingredients.
- Freeze, stirring occasionally.
Bright Blueberry Bliss 🍇
A vibrant dessert loaded with antioxidants.
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 cups almond milk
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/3 cup agave syrup
Instructions:
- Blend ingredients until smooth.
- Freeze and stir until set.
- Optional: Mix in lemon zest for a zingy touch.
Golden Turmeric Ginger Ice Cream 🧀
Spicy, earthy, and full of superfood goodness.
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1 tsp ground turmeric
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients.
- Freeze and stir occasionally.
Health Note: Turmeric and ginger are known for their anti-inflammatory benefits.
Mango Magic Ice Cream 🌟
Tropical and tangy—perfect for sunny days.
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 2 cups ripe diced mango
- 1/3 cup agave syrup
Instructions:
- Blend until smooth.
- Freeze and stir for a creamy consistency.
- Serve with a mint sprig or a sprinkle of chili-lime seasoning.
Vegan Key Lime Pie Ice Cream 🍋
Zesty, creamy, and just the right amount of tart.
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients together.
- Freeze, stirring every 2 hours.
Tip: Crush vegan graham crackers and layer in for a pie-like experience.
Final Thoughts: Scoop the Dairy-Free Joy ✨
Vegan ice cream doesn’t mean compromising on flavor, texture, or fun. Whether you prefer fruity, chocolatey, or spiced creations, these recipes prove that plant-based can be both indulgent and nourishing. Most importantly, they’re free of artificial ingredients and adaptable to your personal taste.
