Looking for a few ice cream recipes to curb your craving during a warm day while sticking with your dairy-free diet? Check out this recipe roundup with 25 dairy-free ice cream recipes.
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Have you been skipping out on enjoying ice cream since you’ve gone dairy-free? Or have you been splurging on $5 or $6 pints of dairy-free ice cream to satisfy your ice cream cravings?
I have a treat for you – 25 completely dairy-free ice cream recipes that you can make for FAR less than $5 per pint… and are MUCH healthier than what you can buy at the store.
I have to tell you that for YEARS, I haven’t eaten ice cream maybe more than a handful of times per year. After going dairy-free, it wasn’t as easy to find dairy-free ice cream as it is currently.
I can only remember my local health food store only having rice milk and soy milk based ice cream in 2013, when I cut dairy out for good.
Over the years, more and more dairy-free options have become available. Slowly, coconut milk, almond milk, and cashew milk based ice creams have come on the market. And some of them are DELICIOUS!
While many of them taste great, I have a really really REALLY hard time spending $5 or $6 for a pint of ice cream.
It’s definitely a splurge, but even if I’m willing to pay extra money for something like dairy-free chocolate chips, the price of dairy-free ice cream seems astronomical to me.
I’m not sure if this makes me cheap or a little crazy that some things are worth more than others, but either way, if I want to eat more ice cream, it’s going to have to come in a cheaper form than what I can get at the grocery store these days.
The only solution? Make my own at home.
I’ll be honest – I don’t have an ice cream maker. I don’t make too much of my own ice cream at home. But after thinking about this idea and definitely as I’ve been writing this post, I’m wondering and asking myself “why not?!”
As it sits now, I have three tabs open on my computer and I’ve been reviewing the best ice cream makers on Amazon on and off all day today. This post has me seriously considering why I haven’t invested in one up until now.
If you don’t make your own dairy-free ice cream, my question to you as you make your way through this post is the same one… why aren’t you making your own too?!
In this recipe roundup post, I’ll share the two easy ways to make dairy-free ice cream at home, if it’s necessary to have an ice cream maker or if you can live without one, the tools and ingredients you’ll need, plus 25 delicious and easy dairy-free ice cream recipes rounded up from around the web.
If you love ice cream like I do, this post is for you. Let’s dive in, shall we?
How To Make Dairy-free Ice Cream
When it comes to making dairy-free ice cream, the process is pretty simple. There are two main ways of making dairy-free ice cream: using an ice cream maker or blending up the ingredients, then freezing for later.
To make dairy-free ice cream in an ice cream maker, you’ll need to make the ice cream base for your ice cream, then process it in the ice cream maker for about 25 to 30 minutes.
To make dairy-free ice cream without an ice cream maker, you’ll need to start with frozen fruit and other ingredients. Blend the dairy-free ice cream ingredients in a blender or food processor, and eat as is.
This will give you a “soft serve” texture of ice cream. You can also transfer the mixture to a pan and freeze for a few hours to freeze the ice cream a bit more before scooping and eating.
Do You Need An Ice Cream Maker?
If you want to make dairy-free ice cream, you may want to use an ice cream maker. Many of the recipes in this recipe roundup call for an ice cream maker. With the use of an ice cream maker, you can guarantee the consistency will be smooth and creamy.
However, you don’t always need an ice cream maker for your dairy-free ice cream. Many recipes can be made by mixing up the ice cream base, then freezing it for a few hours before scooping and enjoying.
Other recipes call for using frozen fruit as the base for your dairy-free ice cream, and don’t require any additional freezing or churning at all. In this case, you’ll have a “soft serve” ice cream texture that is creamy, but not as solid as a traditional ice cream might be.
Tools Needed for Dairy-free Ice Cream
What do you need to make dairy-free ice cream? Here are just a few of the items you’ll want to have on hand for making up a batch of ice cream whenever the craving strikes.
Ice Cream Maker
As I mentioned before, to make dairy-free ice cream, it isn’t always necessary to have an ice cream maker. To make the creamiest dairy-free ice cream, this is probably the best option though.
Which ice cream maker should you buy for making dairy-free ice cream? Almost all ice cream makers will work fine with using dairy-free ingredients and you’ll be able to find success with them.
This is my ice cream maker pick for making dairy-free ice cream at home (and the one that has the current top spot in my “considering adding to my Amazon cart” list.
Blender or Food Processor
You’ll want to use a blender or food processor for mixing ice cream ingredients together quickly for your ice cream base.
If you plan to make ice cream without the ice cream maker and using frozen fruit, you’ll definitely want a high quality high speed blender. I love my Vitamix for making dairy-free ice cream at home.
Whisk and Bowl
If you don’t have a blender or food processor to mix ingredients for your ice cream, you’ll definitely want a whisk and a bowl. This will work best for ice creams made in an ice cream maker.
Ice Cream Scoop
Last but not least, you’ll want a good ice cream scoop to dish out all that delicious ice cream that you make! You don’t need anything fancy, just something to get the job done. Here is an ice cream scoop that is very similar to the one I have used for years.
Read on: Dairy-free ice cream bars
What Ingredients Are In Most Dairy-free Ice Cream Recipes?
As I was creating this recipe roundup, I realized that most dairy-free ice creams are made using a lot of the same ingredients. Here are some ingredients you’ll want to have on hand for making ice cream any time the mood strikes.
- Canned Coconut Milk
- Vanilla Extract
- Honey
- Maple Syrup
- Sea Salt
- Cocoa Powder or cacao powder
- Peanut Butter
- Fresh Fruit
- Your favorite flavorings
Is ice cream gluten-free?
Depending on the brand and flavor of ice cream, ice cream can be gluten-free. Very basic recipes that have dairy products, sugar, and flavorings will be safe for a gluten-free diet.
However, some ice creams have mix-ins that contain gluten, making them not safe for people who avoid gluten in addition to dairy.
Read on: Is ice cream gluten-free?
Get a full list of gluten & dairy-free ice cream brands & flavors!
25 Dairy-free Ice Cream Recipes
Dairy-free Vanilla Ice Cream Recipes
For a 4-ingredient vanilla ice cream, this recipe is great! It only calls for full-fat coconut milk, raw honey, vanilla, and gelatin. Plus it’s AIP friendly, so if you’re following that diet, this recipe is a perfect option for you.
2. Paleo Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
This paleo vanilla bean ice cream uses full fat coconut milk AND coconut cream as a base. It’s sweetened with maple syrup and flavored with vanilla beans (or vanilla extract if you don’t have beans on hand).
This paleo and dairy-free vanilla ice cream is made with only 5 ingredients: full fat coconut milk, honey, almond butter, vanilla extract, and sea salt. Like many recipes in this roundup, you’ll need an ice cream maker for this recipe.
4. Vanilla Almond Milk Ice Cream
Many of the recipes in this roundup use coconut cream as a base, but this one is a bit different with a base of almond milk and egg. The recipe also calls for vanilla, gelatin, a sugar substitute, and sea salt.
5. Vanilla Ice Cream (Dairy-free)
This vanilla ice cream is perfect if you want to avoid dairy and eggs in a traditional ice cream. This recipe uses coconut milk, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla and almond extracts, and a bit of sea salt.
Dairy-free Chocolate Ice Cream Recipes
6. Gluten-free Dairy-free Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream
For a basic dairy-free chocolate ice cream recipe, this one is great. It uses coconut cream, dairy-free milk, cocoa powder, vanilla, and sugar. After mixing all the ingredients together, your ice cream maker will do all the hard work!
7. Dairy-free Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream
This chocolate peanut butter ice cream is a dairy-free chocolate ice cream base with frozen peanut butter balls mixed in. This is a great option for a little twist on plain chocolate ice cream.
8. Vegan Keto Chocolate Ice Cream
This dairy-free chocolate ice cream recipe is made with coconut milk, raw cashews, monkfruit, cacao powder, vanilla extract, and sea salt.
After it’s gone through the ice cream maker and a few hours in the freezer, it’s ready! If you don’t have an ice cream maker, there’s an option for how to make it without.
9. Dairy-free Chocolate Ice Cream
If you love chocolate ice cream and are looking for a dairy-free option, check out this simple 5 ingredient chocolate ice cream. With coconut milk, cocoa powder, honey, chocolate chips, and vanilla, you’ll love the flavor of this ice cream.
10. Paleo Dark Chocolate Coconut Milk Ice Cream
Enjoy this dairy-free chocolate ice cream if you’re a dark chocolate lover. This recipe uses dark cocoa powder for a fun twist on your normal chocolate ice cream.
Dairy-free Ice Cream Recipes Without an Ice Cream Maker
Out of all the recipes in this roundup, this one is something I haven’t seen before! If you’ve never used aquafaba in your dairy-free cooking or baking, this is a great example of how versatile this ingredient is.
Enjoy this aquafaba ice cream without even needing an ice cream machine.
If you’re looking for the ultimate frozen treat without needing an ice cream machine, try a fruit sorbet. All you need to do is cut up some fruit, freeze it, and blend away. If it’s not sweet enough, add a little honey. Super quick, healthy, and easy!
13. Cold Brew Coffee and Coconut Milk Ice Cream
If you’re a coffee ice cream fan like I am, you’ll love this dairy-free coffee and coconut milk ice cream.
With lite coconut milk, ground coffee, full fat coconut milk, medjool dates, vanilla extract, and sea salt, you’ll have the makings of this decadent ice cream – no machine required!
14. Vanilla Salted Caramel Swirl Ice Cream
The base of this dairy-free ice cream is soaked raw cashews. Although this recipe calls for more ingredients than many of the others in this roundup, it looks absolutely delicious – and 100% worth the extra ingredients.
15. Dairy-free Lemon Ice Cream
Nothing says warm weather and summer to me than lemon ice cream. Check out this recipe made from coconut milk, honey, white rum (which is totally optional), and the zest and juice of two lemons. Yum!
Dairy-free Banana Ice Cream Recipes
Nothing could be simpler than banana ice cream. All you need to do is freeze some bananas, blend them up, and enjoy! You could easily add some toppings or mix ins, like chocolate, peanut butter, or strawberries too.
17. 4-Ingredient Healthy Chocolate Ice Cream
Enjoy this dairy-free banana chocolate made from bananas, coconut cream, maple syrup, and cocoa powder. This recipe also comes with a chocolate sauce too… yum!
18. Oatmeal Cookie Banana Ice Cream
Do you love oatmeal cookies? Try this banana ice cream with oatmeal cookie flavor from oats, raisins, cinnamon, and protein powder. To make it fully dairy-free, be sure to use almond or coconut milk in place of normal milk.
19. Two-Ingredient Banana Peanut Butter Ice Cream
This super easy banana ice cream calls for just bananas and peanut butter. Freeze the bananas, the blend them up. Add the peanut butter and blend one more time – and ta da! Instant delicious dairy-free ice cream.
20. Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Banana Soft Serve
This dairy-free peanut butter chocolate chip banana soft serve is super easy to make with frozen bananas, peanut butter, and almond milk, and dairy-free chocolate chips. This recipe looks super healthy AND delicious!
Dairy-free Fruit Ice Cream Recipes
21. Strawberry Banana Ice Cream
Enjoy this strawberry banana ice cream by combining frozen strawberries and frozen bananas. It couldn’t be simpler with the use of a high speed blender. So easy and dairy-free!
22. Pina Colada Banana Ice Cream
Nothing says summer like pina coladas! Check out this dairy-free pina colada flavored banana ice cream. Add some pineapple and coconut milk to your banana ice cream and top it with coconut flakes for this healthy but delicious dessert.
There’s nothing better than having a treat that’s healthy and your kids love. This recipe uses only fruit from strawberries and bananas for a healthy sweet treat that everyone in your family will enjoy.
Blueberries are one of my son’s favorite foods – especially frozen blueberries. Blend up frozen bananas and blueberries with some honey for a healthy and yummy dairy-free ice cream treat perfect for any warm day.
25. 2-Ingredient Homemade Peach Ice Cream
Peaches are such a quintessential summer fruit. Enjoy this dairy-free peach ice cream made from frozen peaches and coconut milk. It’s simple to blend up in the blender and even easier to eat!
If you’ve been daydreaming about ice cream and thought it was too expensive or too difficult to make at home, I hope this roundup has inspired you to start making your own dairy-free ice cream at home!
With so many recipes and ideas, you can find something as healthy or as decadent as you want from this list.
Tell me – do you have an ice cream maker? Have you tried making dairy-free ice cream in it? What’s your favorite ice cream flavor? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!
Like this post? You might enjoy some of these posts!
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Are you an ice cream lover? Find out if ice cream is gluten-free, which brands are safe for a gluten-free diet, and how to order ice cream out.
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If you follow a dairy-free diet, you may be wondering if sherbet contains any dairy. Find the answer in this post.
Make your own dairy-free frozen yogurt in under a minute with this recipe featuring dairy-free yogurt and fresh fruit!
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Get a dairy-free fudgesicle recipe that's perfect for cooling off on a warm day.
Like this post? You might enjoy some of these posts!
Cool down with some of these delicious dairy-free treats: ice cream recipes, frozen yogurt, and tips on which cold treats are good for your dairy-free diet.
Find out what brands and flavors of ice cream are dairy-free and vegan in this list. Plus how to decipher labels on dairy-free ice cream.
Are you an ice cream lover? Find out if ice cream is gluten-free, which brands are safe for a gluten-free diet, and how to order ice cream out.
Find out if ice cream cones are gluten-free, what to look for in ice cream cones on a gluten-free diet, and get a list of brands to buy next time you’re at the store.
Try this dairy-free peanut butter and banana ice cream in your blender for a quick and easy dessert.
Try this homemade "banana split" soft serve ice cream with a surprising healthy ingredient!
If you follow a dairy-free diet, you may be wondering if sorbet contains any dairy. Find the answer in this post.
If you follow a dairy-free diet, you may be wondering if sherbet contains any dairy. Find the answer in this post.
Make your own dairy-free frozen yogurt in under a minute with this recipe featuring dairy-free yogurt and fresh fruit!
Frozen yogurt is a popular treat, but is it dairy-free? Find out in this post if frozen yogurt is safe for a dairy-free diet.
If you follow a dairy-free diet, you may be wondering if gelato contains any dairy. Find the answer in this post.
Get a dairy-free fudgesicle recipe that's perfect for cooling off on a warm day.
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For more recipes, be sure to check out my Gluten-free Dairy-free Recipes page.
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