There are many ways to make delicious dairy-free ice cream at home, but one simple and proven approach to creating a healthy version of this cool, sweet treat begins with the following essential ingredients:
- 3 cups dairy-free milk (coconut, almond, cashew, sesame, etc.)
- 1/3 – 1/2 cup natural sweetener (maple syrup, coconut sugar, honey, etc.)*
- Flavoring to taste (vanilla, cinnamon, cacao powder, maca, mint extract, etc.)
- Add-ins of choice (berries, peaches, banana, cacao nibs, nuts or seeds, chocolate chunks, etc.)*
The type of *sweetener, flavoring and add-ins that you choose will affect the sugar content of the ice cream. Keep nutrition in balance by choosing wisely. The Academy of Culinary Nutrition https://www.culinarynutrition.com/20-best-dairy-free-ice-cream-recipes/ has a variety of recipes for you to choose from. Below is one of our favorites. Be sure to include your kids in the ice-cream making fun!
Dairy Free Chocolate Mint Ice Cream
- 1 cup raw cashews (150g), soaked overnight, washed & drained
- 1 cup coconut cream (250ml)
- 1/3 cup coconut nectar
- 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/4 tsp Spirulina
- Few drops peppermint extract
- 1/2 cup cacao nibs (or raw chocolate grated)
Preparation
You don’t necessarily need an ice cream maker. While these machines do whip air into your frozen desserts, producing a fluffier result, you could easily put your ice cream mixture directly into the freezer instead.
- Blend cashews, coconut cream and coconut nectar in a blender until smooth and creamy.
- Add coconut oil and blend until combined
- Add peppermint oil (add more or less to liking) and spirulina and blend until combined.
- Pour into metal loaf tin. Stir through cacao nibs.
- Cover tin with foil and freeze overnight until set.
- Remove from freezer 10 minutes before serving to soften.
References
Academy for Culinary Nutrition, “20 Best Dairy-Free Ice Cream Recipes” https://www.culinarynutrition.com/20-best-dairy-free-ice-cream-recipes/
Dairy-free Choc Mint Ice Cream https://vanessa-king-2zd5.squarespace.com/blog/2017/11/23/ksoqzrwkfvteqclc9fzazbtko04o79