Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream
Key Details
Level: Easy
Total Time: 2 hr 50 min (includes 2 hr 30 min inactive)
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 5 min
Yield: About 3 1/2 cups
This vegan ice cream is simpler and quicker to make than traditional cream-and-egg versions—no waiting for custard to thicken or worrying about scrambled eggs. Infusing the coconut milk with a vanilla bean adds rich, aromatic flavor, but you can skip it if you’re short on time. Try one of the mix-in variations below for a fun twist.
Directions
Combine coconut milk, maple syrup, and a vanilla bean (pod and seeds) in a medium pot. Whisk to blend, then bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 5 minutes.
Dissolve arrowroot in 1 tablespoon of water, then slowly drizzle the mixture into the coconut milk while whisking constantly. As soon as it returns to a simmer, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Transfer to a shallow bowl, remove the vanilla bean pod, and let it cool until it stops steaming. Refrigerate until completely chilled (at least 2 hours).
Churn the mixture in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions (this takes 20–30 minutes). Serve immediately for a soft, creamy texture, or transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to 6 months.
Variations
Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Add 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract (adjust to taste) to the ice cream as it churns. Once ready, stir in 1/3 cup chopped dark chocolate and continue churning briefly to distribute the chips evenly.
Vegan Strawberry Ice Cream
Chop 2 cups of fresh strawberries and toss them with 2 teaspoons each of coconut sugar and maple syrup. Let the mixture macerate while the ice cream churns—crush the strawberries slightly with a fork for a chunky sauce, if desired. Once churned, stir in the strawberry mixture and churn for a few more seconds to combine.
Vegan Almond Butter Swirl Ice Cream
Immediately after churning, drizzle 1/3 cup almond butter into the ice cream. Continue churning for a few seconds to create a swirl effect (don’t overmix—you want distinct ribbons of almond butter).
Cook’s Note
Freshly churned ice cream has the perfect smooth, scoopable consistency—serve it right away if you can. If you have leftovers, store them in the freezer, but let the ice cream soften for 10–15 minutes at room temperature before serving to restore its creamy texture.
Categories
Vegan
Ice Cream
Dessert
Gluten Free
Low Sodium
