5 Dairy-Free Ice Cream Recipes You'll Love

As summer heats up, many ice cream enthusiasts start seeking out alternatives to traditional dairy-based treats. Whether you're lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply looking for a lighter dessert option, dairy-free ice cream can be both delicious and fun to make at home. Here are five exciting dairy-free ice cream recipes that promise to satisfy your sweet tooth without the cream.

Nice Cream Bliss: Banana Chocolate Swirl

If you haven’t tried nice cream yet, you’re missing out on one of the simplest ways to whip up some dairy-free ice cream. Here’s what you need:

• 3 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen
• 2 tbsp cocoa powder
• 2 tbsp maple syrup or agave
• ¹⁄₄ cup vegan chocolate chips
• ¹⁄₂ tsp vanilla extract

Here’s how to make it:

1. In a food processor, blend the frozen banana slices until they are smooth and creamy.
2. Add the cocoa powder, sweetener, vanilla extract, and blend again until well combined.
3. Transfer half of the mixture to a container. Drizzle chocolate chips over this layer.
4. Add the remaining mixture, then swirl in more chocolate chips.
5. Freeze for at least an hour or until it reaches your desired consistency.

🍦 Note: Over-blending can lead to melting, so work quickly to maintain the consistency.

Coconut Mango Sorbet

This refreshing sorbet blends the flavors of tropical mango with the richness of coconut:

• 3 ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted, and chopped
• 1 cup coconut milk (full-fat)
• ¹⁄₄ cup sugar or agave syrup
• 1 tbsp lime juice

The process:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Once it’s reached the soft-serve stage, transfer to a container and freeze for an additional 2-3 hours.

Creamy Cashew Coffee Ice Cream

This is perfect for coffee lovers. The cashew base adds a luxurious, creamy texture:

• 2 cups raw cashews, soaked overnight and drained
• 1 cup brewed espresso, cooled
• ¹⁄₂ cup maple syrup or agave
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt

To prepare:

1. Blend the soaked cashews with the remaining ingredients until completely smooth.
2. Pour into an ice cream maker and process until creamy and thick.
3. Freeze in a container for a few hours or enjoy immediately for a softer consistency.

Peach Almond Milk Gelato

Gelato, with its denser texture, is a luxurious treat, and this version made with almond milk is no exception:

• 3 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and diced
• 2 cups almond milk
• ¹⁄₂ cup sugar or agave syrup
• 1 tbsp cornstarch

Follow these steps:

1. Combine 1 cup almond milk, peaches, and sugar in a pot, and heat until the sugar dissolves.
2. Puree this mixture with the rest of the almond milk and the cornstarch.
3. Cook over medium heat until slightly thickened, then cool and chill.
4. Churn in an ice cream maker, then freeze.

Vanilla Avocado Ice Cream

Avocados provide an unexpected but delicious creamy base:

• 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut cream
• ¹⁄₂ cup sugar or agave syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Juice of 1 lime

Here’s how to make it:

1. In a blender, combine all ingredients until very smooth.
2. Freeze in an ice cream maker or pour into a container and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes until the desired texture is achieved.

In summary, these dairy-free ice cream recipes not only offer a delicious alternative to traditional ice cream but also introduce a variety of flavors and textures that can be exciting to explore. Whether you’re aiming to reduce your dairy intake or simply trying something new, these recipes are perfect for summertime indulgence or for special occasions. From the rich chocolate swirl of the banana nice cream to the exotic coconut mango sorbet, there’s something here for every palate.

Can I use any type of sweetener in these recipes?

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Yes, you can use agave, maple syrup, honey (if not vegan), or even granulated sugar. Keep in mind that the flavor profile might slightly change with different sweeteners.

How do I prevent ice crystals in my homemade ice cream?

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Stir your ice cream mixture several times during the freezing process to break up any forming ice crystals. An ice cream maker can also help achieve a smoother texture.

What can I add to these ice cream bases for different flavors?

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Add fresh fruits, nuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of caramel or peanut butter to change up the flavor. Be creative with your mix-ins!