If you are looking for a creamy and refreshing dessert without dairy, almond milk ice cream is a perfect choice. It has a smooth texture with a light nutty flavor and can be easily customized with your favorite mix-ins and flavors. This recipe works well for anyone who is vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply wants a lighter alternative to traditional ice cream. You do not need an ice cream maker, just a few simple ingredients and some patience while it freezes.
How to Make Almond Milk Ice Cream
- Heat the base: In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together almond milk, coconut milk, maple syrup, and a small pinch of salt.
- Thicken it: In a separate bowl, stir cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold almond milk to make a smooth slurry. When the milk mixture is warm but not boiling, slowly whisk in the slurry. Continue to cook for 4 to 6 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture begins to thicken slightly.
- Add vanilla: Take the saucepan off the heat and mix in the vanilla extract.
- Chill the mixture: Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight until it is fully chilled.
- Freeze:
- Using an ice cream maker: Churn the chilled mixture according to your machine’s instructions until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. Transfer to a container and freeze for 2 to 3 hours to firm up.
- Without an ice cream maker: Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and place it in the freezer. After 1 hour, stir the mixture thoroughly. Repeat this process every 30 minutes for 3 to 4 hours until the texture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add extras (optional): Gently fold in chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or swirl in caramel or fruit preserves during the last few minutes of churning or just before the final freeze.
Tips & Variations for Almond Milk Ice Cream
Tips
- Make it creamier: Swap some of the almond milk for extra coconut milk, or blend in 1 to 2 tablespoons of almond butter to boost richness.
- Chill the base: Always let the mixture cool completely in the fridge. A cold base helps the ice cream set faster and gives a smoother texture.
- Proper storage: Keep the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 5 to 10 minutes to soften slightly.
🍦 Flavor Variations
- Chocolate Almond: Mix ¼ cup of cocoa powder into the base and stir in chocolate chips before freezing.
- Strawberry Swirl: Blend fresh strawberries with a bit of maple syrup, then swirl it into the ice cream after churning.
- Mocha Crunch: Add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the base and fold in crushed chocolate-covered espresso beans.
- Salted Caramel: Swirl in vegan caramel sauce and top with a light sprinkle of sea salt flakes before the final freeze.
Almond Milk Ice Cream Recipe – Dairy-Free, Creamy & Easy to Make
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This almond milk ice cream is dairy-free, creamy, and simple to make with a handful of ingredients. Perfect for vegans or anyone looking for a lighter frozen treat, with options for flavor add-ins like chocolate, fruit swirls, and nuts.
Ingredients
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2 cups unsweetened almond milk
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1 cup full-fat coconut milk
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½ cup maple syrup or agave syrup (adjust to taste)
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1 tablespoon cornstarch or arrowroot powder
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1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
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Pinch of salt
Optional Add-Ins:
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½ cup dairy-free chocolate chips
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¼ cup chopped nuts
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Swirls of almond butter, fruit puree, or caramel
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Instructions
Instructions:
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In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together almond milk, coconut milk, maple syrup, and salt.
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In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of almond milk to make a slurry.
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Stir the slurry into the heated mixture and cook for 4–6 minutes until slightly thickened.
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Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
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Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then chill in the fridge for 4 hours or overnight.
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Ice cream maker method: Churn according to your machine’s instructions. Freeze 2–3 hours for firmer texture.
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No machine method: Pour into a shallow dish and freeze. Stir every 30 minutes for 3–4 hours until creamy.
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Fold in any add-ins during the final churn or just before freezing solid.
- Prep Time: 15 minute
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Churned
- Cuisine: American
