This summer, indulge in 40 of the best and creamiest, deliciously dairy-free ice cream recipes… all homemade, all incredibly easy, all healthy! From no churn to traditional, coconut milk to almond milk, we’ve got you covered. Let the dairy-free ice cream making begin!
Lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy? Cutting out dairy used to mean skipping the ice cream or purchasing expensive alternatives, but no more!
These dairy-free ice cream recipes are easy to make at home, some with as little as two ingredients.
Many of them are whipped up in only a few minutes with a blender or food processor. I’ve also included recipes for more traditional churned ice cream, as well as ice cream sandwiches and ice cream cakes — all dairy-free as well.
And, if you’re a Trim Healthy Mama, I’ve included notes to help you choose which recipes best fit your needs.
Let the dairy-free ice cream making begin! Your only problem is deciding which flavor to try first! 😉
Table Of Contents
Dairy Alternatives In Ice Cream
Thankfully, there are many dairy alternatives for homemade ice creams available today.
You can make your own nut milk (it’s easy!), or many stores carry non-dairy milks. Here are a few ideas:
- Full-fat coconut milk is wonderful for ice cream as its high fat content helps create a creamy texture similar to using heavy cream.
- Nut milks such as almond milk, cashew milk, etc. are lower in fat and have a higher water content, meaning nut milk ice creams freeze solid in storage. They’re best eaten right away.
- Oat milk is lovely and creamy, although not on-plan for THMs. Without the fiber, it can cause a spike in blood sugar.
Other non-dairy milk options include flax, sunflower, and hemp milks. Each of these non-dairy milks have a unique flavor profile so keep that in mind when choosing your ice cream recipe!
Another option is using non-dairy yogurt or kefir for part of your ice cream base. You get the benefit of probiotics that way, too.
Here are three ways to make coconut milk kefir.
Or, want to make your own homemade coconut milk yogurt? Check out these tips!
Finally, frozen bananas are a quick, easy, and healthy way to achieve creaminess in your homemade ice cream. Banana ice cream on its own is delicious, but we’ve got some very creative recipes listed below using bananas as the base.
How To Make Homemade Ice Cream
How difficult is it to make ice cream from scratch? Not as difficult as it may sound!
It’s really very easy. And, for some recipes, you don’t even need an ice cream maker.
Just blend the ice cream base, pour into a container, and freeze! Some recipes don’t even need that last step – they’re ready right out of the blender!
For churned ice cream, simply make the ice cream base and pour into your ice cream maker. Some recipes require cooking the ice cream base. In that case, chill it completely before churning.
Need tips for making the best churned ice cream? We’ve got eight for you!
If your ice cream maker is electric, you can do something else while it churns. Prepare toppings such as chopped nuts, fruits, or sauces, for example.
If it’s hand-crank, layer ice and ice cream salt around the canister, then crank, crank, crank until it’s done. It can take up to half an hour to crank out some ice cream, depending on how soft or hard you like it.
Which reminds me… Without the special additives in commercial ice cream, most homemade ice cream recipes freeze very hard. So, homemade is best eaten right away, or allowed to soften a bit at room temperature before serving.
Make It Your Own With Ice Cream Mix-Ins
Are you celebrating a birthday or other special event? Maybe having a summer get together with family?
An ice cream bar is a fun way to serve homemade ice cream!
Simply make one or more flavors of ice cream, then put out your favorite mix-ins. Everyone enjoys making their own ice cream treats!
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Homemade chocolate chips or chunks (naturally sweetened or sugar-free)
- Crispy nuts
- Raw cacao nibs
- Dark chocolate chunks
- Fresh fruit, such as berries, cherries, or sliced peaches
- Chocolate syrup (dairy-free)
- Chocolate granola
- Fermented raspberry preserves
- Fermented blueberry sauce
- Strawberry rhubarb sauce (sugar-free)
- Homemade whipped coconut cream
What Causes A Sandy Texture In Ice Cream?
Have you ever had ice cream with a sandy or gritty texture? While scientists have known since 1921 that the cause is lactose crystals, they still do not know for sure why some ice creams develop this problem while others do not.
Over-churning an ice cream made with heavy whipping cream can lead to what amounts to frozen butter!
You won’t have that problem with any of these recipes, though, they’re all dairy free!
Image courtesy of Oh Sweet Mercy.
Trim Healthy Mama Plan Followers, Take Note
If you’re new to the THM plan, you may wonder… is sugar-free ice cream tasty? Yes, it sure is!
There are so many different ways to make sugar and dairy-free ice creams that fit the plan. Most of the recipes below do, just be sure to read the notes included for each recipe.
Many of these recipes rely on coconut milk because it makes delicious, rich, creamy ice cream.
In many cases, you can substitute low-fat almond milk to make a recipe suitable for a THM:FP or THM:E dessert, but it will not be as creamy. It will also tend to freeze very hard because it’s lower in fat and is best consumed right away.
In addition, many recipes call for maple syrup, honey, or another natural sweetener. While these sweeteners are not encouraged during the weight loss phase of THM, they are allowable sparingly.
If ice cream is a special treat for you and you don’t indulge often, you may be fine using maple syrup or honey instead of stevia.
However, if you’re struggling to lose weight, you’re better off choosing stevia or another on-plan sugar substitute.
A Note On Thickeners
Some recipes call for arrowroot as a thickener. Arrowroot is not on-plan because it is an empty starch and spikes the blood sugar. With 7 to 8 grams of carbs per serving it is basically a pure starch/sugar, and is high glycemic.
Glucomannan powder and xanthan gum are on-plan substitutes for most starches. As a general rule, 1/4 teaspoon is equivalent to 1 tablespoon of starch, such as cornstarch or arrowroot.
If you’re not comfortable using them, you can try egg yolks or gelatin to thicken ice cream base.
To thicken using gelatin, bloom 1 tablespoon powdered gelatin (per 3 to 5 cups ice cream base) by sprinkling over about 1/4 cup of your dairy-free milk in a small saucepan. Let it sit for several minutes, until it looks like applesauce and no dry powder remains.
Then, gently warm over low heat while stirring until the gelatin is dissolved. Be careful not to let it boil. Whisk or blend the gelatin mixture into your ice cream base and continue with the recipe as directed.
Or, try leaving thickeners out. This may affect the texture, but not the taste.
Now, let’s make some ice cream! Peruse the list below and check out your favorites. Then come back and tell us what you tried!
40 Dairy-Free Ice Cream Recipes
Many of the recipes below can be made with any kind of non-dairy milks. I’ve organized them by the main non-dairy option in the recipe but feel free to substitute as desired.
Coconut Milk Ice Cream Recipes
Whether you have an ice cream maker or not, making ice cream with a coconut milk base is easy and delicious! We’ve got both no churn and ice cream maker recipes for you below.
No-Churn Coconut Milk Ice Cream Recipes
No-Churn Blackberry Ice Cream – Made in a food processor (no machine!) with creamy coconut milk, vanilla extract, and sweet, juicy blackberries, this is the super easy no-churn ice cream recipe of your dessert dreams! Use on-plan sweetener for THM:S.
Quick Dairy-Free Ice Cream – Make this dairy-free, egg-free, and refined sugar-free homemade ice cream in your high-speed blender or food processor! It takes only 5 minutes. For THM:E, use low-fat coconut milk or other non-dairy milk, on-plan sweetener, and fruits such as peaches, pears, bananas, cherries, mango, etc. For THM:FP, use low-fat coconut milk or other non-dairy milk, on-plan sweetener, and berries. Finally, for THM:S, use full-fat milk or low-fat plus MCT oil or melted coconut oil, on-plan sweetener, and berries.
Mint Ice Cream With Fudge Swirl – Free of dairy, refined sugar, and food coloring, this no-churn ice cream also boasts a hidden health boost: spirulina! THM:S with on-plan sweetener.
5-Minute Very Berry Ice Cream – 3 ingredients and 5 minutes are all you need to whip up this easy sugar-free berry ice cream! No ice cream maker needed! Use stevia and coconut milk for THM:S, or stevia and low-fat nut milk for THM:FP.
Tropical Coconut Green Ice Cream – Your kids will love this vibrant and fun frozen treat made with frozen fruit and leafy greens! Use stevia and coconut milk for THM:XO, or low-fat nut milk and stevia for THM:E.
Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream – Easy, refreshing, and delicious! Use stevia for THM:XO, or stevia and low-fat nut milk for THM:E.
Strawberry Lemonade Ice Cream – The classic taste of summertime strawberry lemonade turned into a decadent frozen treat! Use stevia for THM:S.
2-Ingredient Pineapple Whip – Inspired by Disney’s famous Dole Whip, this recipe is creamy, refreshing, and super easy to make. A perfect hot weather treat that the whole family will love. THM:XO as written. Substitute low-fat nut milk for THM:E.
Image courtesy of Oh Sweet Mercy.
Chocolate Churned Coconut Milk Ice Cream Recipes
Chocolate Or Vanilla Ice Cream – The secret to this creamy and soft dairy-free ice cream is… full-fat coconut milk! Use on-plan sweetener for THM:S, or low-fat non-dairy milk for THM:FP.
Chocolate Mint Ice Cream With Essential Oils – Hidden greens and lovely minty flavor combine in this refreshing ice cream! Use on-plan thickening option (up to 1/2 teaspoon glucomannan powder, 3 to 4 egg yolks, or bloomed gelatin dissolved in warm water) and stevia-sweetened chocolate chips for THM:S.
Dark Chocolate Crunch Ice Cream Recipe {dairy-free option} – Who can resist the temptation of dark chocolate ice cream and crunchy pecans and walnuts? Not me! THM:S if using on-plan sweetener.
Chocolate Ice Cream + Peanut Butter Fudge Swirl – Rich, decadent, chocolate-y ice cream is so good you’d never know there wasn’t any heavy cream in it! THM:S as written.
Neapolitan Ice Cream Cake – Grain-free, dairy-free, and nut-free, this allergy-friendly treat is perfect for any holiday or birthday. Use on-plan sweetener and on-plan thickening method (glucomannan powder or gelatin) for THM:S.
Fresh Mint Ice Cream with Ganache – A delicious variation of traditional mint chip ice cream! THM:S.
Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream – Lots and lots of fresh cherry flavor makes this ice cream incredible! Use coconut milk and stevia for THM:XO, or almond milk and stevia for THM:E.
All Other Churned Coconut Milk Ice Cream Recipes
Almond Joy Coconut Ice Cream – This coconut milk ice cream combines sliced almonds, chocolate chips, and shredded coconut with a vanilla ice cream base for a super easy, super yummy homemade dessert in your ice cream machine. Use on-plan sweetener and stevia-sweetened chocolate chips for THM:S.
Gingerbread Cookie Chunk Ice Cream – This special, oh-so-creamy dessert combines fragrant sourdough gingerbread cake with spiced, vanilla-spiked homemade ice cream. THM:XO.
Blackberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Probiotic-rich cream cheese and plump, juicy blackberries make our taste buds sing! See the recipe notes to make this dairy-free. THM:S if made dairy-free.
Coconut Basil Ice Cream – Though surprising, fresh basil is delicious churned into rich, creamy ice cream! THM:S as written.
Creamy Lemon Ice Cream – Step up your summer dessert game with this easy Paleo and Keto ice cream! Also an option for GAPS! THM:S as written.
Lemon Meringue Pie Ice Cream – Refreshing, lemon-y ice cream with ripples of meringue. Use on-plan sweetener for THM:S.
Lemon Poppyseed Ice Cream – For all you lemon poppyseed lovers! Use on-plan sweetener for THM:S.
Carrot Cake Ice Cream – Coconut milk, carrot juice, and spices combine in this carrot cake soft serve ice cream. Only 30 minutes to make! Juices are not recommended for THM.
Sweet Cherry Coconut Milk Ice Cream – Coconut milk blends perfectly with sweet cherries for a delicious dessert. Use on-plan sweetener and on-plan thickening method (glucomannan powder or gelatin) for THM:S.
Chai Ice Cream With Essential Oils – This ice cream is like your favorite healthy chai latte in frozen form! THM:S as written.
Salted Caramel Ice Cream – Perfectly sweet + salty, this healthy ice cream is so easy and only has 4 ingredients, so I’m fairly confident you can knock it out in minutes! Use on-plan sweetener for THM:S (just know it will not have the same caramel flavor as coconut syrup).
Matcha Ice Cream – Unlike many matcha recipes, this antioxidant-rich ice cream is sweet without being too sweet! THM:S if using stevia.
Cherry Vanilla Ice Cream – Scoopable cherry vanilla ice cream without an ice cream machine. THM:XO if using stevia.
Image courtesy of All The Nourishing Things.
Avocado Ice Cream Recipes
Add creaminess to homemade non-dairy ice cream with avocado! It is a nourishing food full of good, healthy fats.
As such, it’s also rich, especially when combined with full-fat coconut milk. Don’t be afraid of these high-fat ice cream recipes, just enjoy them in moderation!
Chocolate Fudge Ice Cream – Incredibly creamy and decadent! THM:S if using stevia.
Keto Lemon Avocado Ice Cream – This allergy-friendly ice cream is creamy-dreamy, super high fat, stevia-sweetened, with a brain and body boost of MCT oil! THM:S.
No-Churn Banana Ice Cream Recipes
What is the simplest of ice cream recipes? It certainly has to be no churn banana ice cream.
Simply freeze your bananas first, then blend with a few (or several) ingredients. The result is a creamy, delicious ice cream without dairy!
Peach Banana Ice Cream – No ice cream maker required! THM:E if using low-fat almond milk or other low-fat non-dairy milk.
Strawberry Banana Ice Cream – With just 2 ingredients, you can eat this ice cream for breakfast, if you want to, guilt-free! THM:E.
Summer Sorbets – Choose from 4 cool and creamy flavors: Strawberry Banana, Banana Pineapple, Zippy Wild Blueberry and Spicy Mango. THM:E if using stevia.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream – Just 3 ingredients and ready in under 5 minutes! THM:E for one serving.
Chocolate Banana Ice Cream – Just two ingredients and a blender needed to make this healthy, creamy treat. No cream, no sugar, NO GUILT! THM:E.
Image courtesy of Empowered Sustenance.
Dairy-Free Ice Cream Treats
Creamy Chocolate Coconut Pie – The perfect no bake dessert for hot summer days can also be frozen like an ice cream pie! THM:S if using stevia.
Raw Chocolate Banana Ice Cream Tarts – Ultra creamy and chocolate-y, these bite-sized frozen confections are both completely irresistible and completely adorable! THM:XO.
Healthy Ice Cream Sandwiches – Chickpea peanut butter cookies and banana ice cream create these ultra tasty and easy-to-assemble ice cream sandwiches. Use stevia or other on-plan sweetener for THM:XO.
Easy Tahini Ice Cream – Tahini ice cream is made with roasted and cooled bananas, tahini, dairy-free milk and a pinch of maple syrup for a homemade, creamy dessert. Use stevia for THM:XO.
Healthy Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream – This recipe calls for only 3 ingredients and no ice cream maker! Use stevia and stevia-sweetened chocolate chips for THM:XO.
40+ Dairy-Free Popsicles to Beat the Summer Heat — Looking for more options? Try these popsicles: fruity popsicles, fudgesicles, and creamsicles… all dairy-free.
What Are Your Favorite Ice Cream Flavors?
I’m a vanilla gal myself. Don’t get me wrong, I have yet to meet an ice cream flavor I didn’t like…
There’s just something about rich, creamy, ice cream flavored with vanilla bean that just makes me happy. Perhaps it’s because what sounds good depends on my mood most of the time.
With vanilla, you can top it so many different ways! Endless opportunities for creativity, that’s my style!
What is your favorite ice cream flavor and why? Did you try any of these recipes? We’d love to hear about it!
This post was originally published and written by Andrea Sabean on 7/20/15. It was updated and republished on 7/20/20.
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