How to Make Vegan No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream
If you’re looking for a refreshing, creamy dessert that’s dairy-free, indulgent, and incredibly simple to make, then this Vegan No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream recipe is your new best friend. With luscious, ripe strawberries blended into a smooth base, this ice cream not only satisfies your sweet tooth but also keeps things light and plant-based. No fancy equipment required, no fuss—just delicious, creamy goodness you can whip up anytime!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Preparation: No ice cream maker needed, making it perfect for any home cook.
- Dairy-Free Delight: Perfectly creamy without any dairy, ideal for vegans or lactose-intolerant folks.
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses real strawberries for vibrant flavor and natural sweetness.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak and add your favorite mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips.
- Healthy Treat: Lower in added sugars and free from artificial ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with a handful of essential ingredients. Each plays a key role: coconut milk brings creamy richness, strawberries add fruity brightness, and natural sweeteners make the dessert perfectly balanced.
- Full-fat coconut milk: Provides the creamy, dreamy texture needed for a smooth ice cream base.
- Fresh strawberries: The star ingredient, offering natural sweetness and that irresistible pink hue.
- Maple syrup or agave nectar: Adds gentle sweetness without overpowering the fruit.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances overall flavor with a warm, familiar note.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the strawberry flavor, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
Variations for Vegan No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream
One of the best things about this Vegan No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream is its flexibility. You can easily make it your own by playing with flavors and textures, customizing it to fit what you have on hand or your personal cravings.
- Berry Medley Twist: Substitute or add blueberries and raspberries for a mixed berry delight.
- Chocolate Swirl: Drizzle vegan chocolate sauce through the mixture before freezing for a rich surprise.
- Nutty Crunch: Toss in chopped almonds or walnuts for added texture and healthy fats.
- Herbal Infusion: Add a hint of fresh basil or mint to elevate the strawberry flavor with a fresh herbal note.
- Lower Sugar Option: Use less maple syrup or swap for a zero-calorie sweetener if you prefer.
How to Make Vegan No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream
Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries
Wash and hull about two cups of fresh strawberries, then chop them roughly. If you like, give them a quick blitz in a blender or food processor until you reach your desired consistency—pureed for a smooth base or slightly chunky for a bit of texture.
Step 2: Whip the Coconut Milk
Chill a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight. Scoop the solid coconut cream into a bowl, leaving the liquid behind. Whisk it on high speed until fluffy and light—this mimics traditional whipped cream and is the magic behind that creamy texture.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Gently fold the pureed strawberries, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice into the whipped coconut cream. Mix until everything is evenly combined without losing that airy texture.
Step 4: Freeze Without Churning
Pour the mixture into a loaf pan or an airtight container and smooth the surface. Freeze it for at least 4-6 hours until firm, stirring gently every hour if you want to prevent large ice crystals and keep it scoopable.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once frozen, scoop and serve your Vegan No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream immediately for a fresh, creamy treat. If it’s too hard, let it sit a few minutes at room temperature for easier scooping.
Pro Tips for Making Vegan No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream
- Use full-fat coconut milk: Low-fat or light versions won’t give you that rich, creamy texture.
- Chill everything beforehand: Cold ingredients whip better and give a smoother final product.
- Be patient during freezing: Stirring hourly helps avoid icy chunks and maintains creaminess.
- Choose ripe strawberries: Peak freshness means natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Store properly: Use an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and maintain flavor.
How to Serve Vegan No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream
Garnishes
Top with fresh sliced strawberries, a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes, or a drizzle of vegan chocolate syrup for an eye-catching and delicious finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This ice cream pairs beautifully with vegan shortbread cookies, fresh fruit salad, or even a warm berry compote to add a contrast of temperatures and textures.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve in hollowed-out strawberry halves for bite-sized treats, layer it between vegan cake slices for an ice cream cake, or make popsicles by freezing the mixture in molds for fun summer snacks.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Vegan No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream in an airtight container in the freezer to preserve texture and flavor. Ensure the lid seals tightly to avoid absorption of freezer odors.
Freezing
Freeze the ice cream for at least 6 hours or preferably overnight for the best firmness. If short on time, a minimum of 4 hours can work, but texture may be slightly softer.
Reheating
If the ice cream becomes too hard to scoop, simply leave it out at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving, allowing it to soften naturally without compromising texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes! Frozen strawberries work well, but thaw and drain excess liquid to avoid watery ice cream.
Is coconut milk necessary for the creaminess?
Full-fat coconut milk is key to replicating the richness of dairy; lighter alternatives won’t yield the same creamy results.
How long does the ice cream last in the freezer?
Stored properly, it stays fresh for up to 2 weeks without noticeable changes in flavor or texture.
Can I make this recipe sugar-free?
Absolutely; use natural zero-calorie sweeteners or omit sweetener if your strawberries are sweet enough.
Can I add chunks of chocolate or nuts?
Yes, fold them in gently before freezing to add texture and extra flavor to your Vegan No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream.
Final Thoughts
This Vegan No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream is a fantastic way to indulge without fuss or dairy, showcasing bright, fresh flavors in a silky, creamy dessert. Whether you’re new to vegan treats or a seasoned dessert lover, this recipe promises a joyful, easy experience—and most importantly, a delicious finish that you’ll want to make again and again.
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Vegan No-Churn Strawberry Ice Cream
A refreshing and creamy vegan no-churn strawberry ice cream that’s dairy-free, easy to make without an ice cream maker, uses fresh strawberries and full-fat coconut milk, and is customizable with mix-ins for a healthy, indulgent plant-based dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus overnight chilling of coconut milk)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4-6 hours plus chilling time
- Yield: About 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Churn Freezing
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Dairy Free, Vegan, Gluten Free
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk, chilled overnight
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, and roughly chopped
- 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberries: Wash and hull about two cups of fresh strawberries, then chop them roughly. Optionally, blend them to your preferred consistency—pureed for smoothness or slightly chunky for texture.
- Whip the Coconut Milk: Chill a can of full-fat coconut milk overnight. Scoop out the solid cream into a bowl, leaving the liquid behind. Whisk it on high speed until fluffy and light, mimicking traditional whipped cream.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the pureed strawberries, maple syrup or agave nectar, vanilla extract, and fresh lemon juice into the whipped coconut cream. Mix carefully to keep the mixture airy and well combined.
- Freeze Without Churning: Pour the mixture into a loaf pan or airtight container and smooth the surface. Freeze for at least 4-6 hours until firm. Stir gently every hour if you want to avoid large ice crystals and maintain scoopability.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop and serve immediately once frozen. If too hard, let sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften for easier scooping.
Notes
- Use only full-fat coconut milk for the richest, creamiest texture; light versions won’t work as well.
- Chill all ingredients beforehand for better whipping and a smoother final product.
- Stir the ice cream hourly during freezing to avoid icy chunks and enhance creaminess.
- Select ripe, fresh strawberries for the best natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Store the ice cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and absorb unwanted odors.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegan strawberry ice cream, no-churn ice cream, dairy-free dessert, coconut milk ice cream, plant-based dessert