Coconut Milk Ice Cream
A creamy, dairy-free Coconut Milk Ice Cream recipe that offers a luscious tropical flavor with easy-to-find ingredients. Perfect for vegans and those with lactose intolerance, this smooth and refreshing dessert can be customized with various mix-ins or enjoyed plain for a simple, indulgent treat.
- Author: Emily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes plus overnight chilling of coconut milk
- Cook Time: 30 minutes (churning time)
- Total Time: 4 hours 40 minutes (including chilling and freezing times)
- Yield: About 4 cups (8 servings) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: Vegan/Tropical
- Diet: Dairy-Free, Vegan, Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat canned coconut milk
- 1/4 to 1/3 cup sweetener of choice (maple syrup, agave, or coconut sugar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- Prepare the Coconut Milk Base: Chill a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight if possible. Scoop the thick cream off the top into a mixing bowl, leaving the watery liquid behind for a rich, creamy base.
- Sweeten and Flavor: Add your chosen sweetener, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the coconut cream. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust sweetness or add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
- Chill the Mixture: Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and improve creaminess.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically 20-30 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze to Set: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for 3-4 hours or overnight to firm up. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to soften.
Notes
- Use full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest texture.
- Chill the base mixture thoroughly before churning for best results.
- Don’t skip the pinch of salt to balance the flavors.
- Fold in any mix-ins gently after churning to maintain creaminess.
- Let the ice cream soften for 10 minutes before scooping to avoid hardness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: coconut milk ice cream, dairy-free dessert, vegan ice cream, tropical dessert, homemade ice cream