4 ingredient coconut milk ice cream recipe (optional Chocolate Almond flavor) (2024)

3 Comments / By Janel Hutton / June 30, 2021

This coconut milk ice cream is creamy and decadent, full of chocolate chunks, almonds, and great coconut flavor!

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Bonus: I’m sharing my Almond Joy variation. Totally optional. The simple recipe works great for creating the ice cream flavors you love.

Cold full fat coconut milk works great for Coconut Milk chocolate pudding and Coconut Whipped Cream (a great substitute for whipped cream!)

4 ingredient coconut milk ice cream recipe (optional Chocolate Almond flavor) (1)

Being dairy-free doesn’t seem to be terribly hard until it comes to having ice cream. So many of you are in the same boat…you miss regular ice cream!

This creamy coconut milk ice cream isn’t exactly the same as the full-fat version. But it’s really really good and for those of you, like me, that can’t have the real thing…you will find the creamy texture AH-MAZ-ING!

4 ingredient coconut milk ice cream recipe (optional Chocolate Almond flavor) (2)

Saying I’m excited about this recipe is an understatement. A huge, ginormous understatement. I’m freaking excited to share this with you!

Not that non-dairy ice cream doesn’t exist or isn’t available to me. It totally is. In fact, there is an abundance of great choices at the grocery store! However, they can be expensive and frankly, not that tasty. PLUS…they seem to put far more sugar in them then I would like.

It’s hard to make good homemade ice cream with anything other than fatty milk products. The final results are just not good. And vegan ice cream can be even more difficult. Use this recipe as a base for mixing in your favorite flavors.

I’m giving you the optional Almond Joy recipe. Which is one of my favorite flavors. And almond joy and coconut go together like peas in a pod. Amazing!

4 ingredient coconut milk ice cream recipe (optional Chocolate Almond flavor) (3)
4 ingredient coconut milk ice cream recipe (optional Chocolate Almond flavor) (4)

Coconut milk ice cream is a great, simple recipe for dairy-free and vegan diets!

Ingredients List for Coconut Milk Ice Cream:

  • Full-fat coconut milk. Coconut milk gives a lovely creamy texture that can be hard to find in a dairy-free ice cream. Using almond milk or cashew milk will give you more ice crystals than you want because of the lower fat content in it. Coconut milk is the only thing that consistently works for me as a great alternative to heavy cream.
  • Can of coconut cream. Cream of coconut is different than coconut milk. If you can’t find it, feel free to skim the thick top part of full-fat cans of coconut milk, instead.
  • Sugar. You can substitute pure maple syrup, if your prefer. Cane sugar also works perfect!
  • Vanilla paste or extract. You’ll love the great flavor from vanilla paste. But vanilla extract works perfectly well.
  • Optional: Toasted coconut. Toasting the coconut brings out their flavor and makes the coconut flavor show up in the ice cream.
  • Optional: Roughly chopped almonds. Leave them a bit chunky for optimal flavor.
  • Optional: Roughly chopped dark chocolate bar. Dark chocolate works best because of the nice bitter flavor with the sweet ice cream. Even chocolate chips, to keep it easy, work great.

Try different flavors by changing the mix-ins you use. Have fun with this simple recipe and create the different flavors you love!

4 ingredient coconut milk ice cream recipe (optional Chocolate Almond flavor) (5)
4 ingredient coconut milk ice cream recipe (optional Chocolate Almond flavor) (6)

Method for making coconut milk ice cream:

  • In a large bowl, dissolve the sugar into the coconut milk, it will take about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the coconut cream, vanilla extract, and optional mix-ins.
  • Pour the coconut goodness ice cream mixture into freezer bowl of the ice cream maker.
  • Let it mix until thickened, about 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Transfer to a loaf pan or bar pan, cover with foil and freeze.

Tips for Coconut Milk Ice Cream:

  • The trick to good coconut milk ice cream is the use of cream of coconut in the recipe. This helps to replace the milk fats that you don’t get from coconut milk but is found in traditional dairy products.
  • Keep a can or two of coconut milk in the fridge for using in this ice cream. Starting with cold coconut milk helps it freeze faster.
  • Tip: Freeze coconut milk ice cream for 4-6 hours and then set it out at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. If needed, use a warm ice cream scoop to scoop.
  • Be sure to put your ice cream maker into the freezer the night before you want to make the ice cream (not the whole ice cream machine, you know…the metal part).
4 ingredient coconut milk ice cream recipe (optional Chocolate Almond flavor) (7)

Life has a bit more sunshine, rainbows, and unicorns in it now that I have this recipe perfected. Ice cream does that, doesn’t it? Especially for those of us that have been missing ice cream!

Those of you that, like me, can’t tolerate dairy all that well…give this coconut milk ice cream recipe a shot. I bet you get a little skip in your step, too!

Did you know that I have been dairy-free for well over a decade. And in that time I am amazed at the amazing variety of alternative products I can find at my grocery store that allow me to enjoy many of my favorite recipes without much change in flavor or texture.

If you are also dairy-free and looking for ideas, drop my a line [janel@nelliebellie.com] and let me know what you struggle to find. I would love to help!

4 ingredient coconut milk ice cream recipe (optional Chocolate Almond flavor) (8)

4 Ingredient Coconut milk ice cream (with Almond Joy option)

| 8 servings

Prep Time | 10 minutes mins

Cook Time | 30 minutes mins

Total Time | 2 hours hrs 40 minutes mins

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

A delicious coconut milk ice cream with dark chocolate, almond, and toasted coconut mixed throughout.

Ingredients

  • 2 cans coconut milk if there isn’t a dairy allergy I would recommend using 1 can of coconut milk and 1 1/2 cups of heavy cream for a better consistency
  • 1 can cream of coconut
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons vanilla paste or extract

Mix-ins (optional)for the Almond Joy Flavor

  • 1/2 cup toasted unsweetened coconut
  • 1/3 cup almonds roughly chopped
  • 1/3 cup roughly chopped dark chocolate bar

Check out our Kitchen Reference Guide for help with unfamiliar terms.

Instructions

  • In a medium mixing bowl, use a hand mixer and on low speed combine the coconut milk and sugar until the sugar is dissolved-about 5 minutes.

  • Stir in the coconut cream, toasted coconut, and vanilla, if using.

  • Turn the machine on; pour coconut mixture into ice cream maker.

  • Follow your ice cream makers instructions.

  • Gently stir in the chocolate and almonds.

  • transfer to a loaf pan, cover with foil and freeze for 2 hours before serving.

Notes

For a better consistency, substitute a can of the coconut milk with whole milk.

Nutrition

Calories: 603kcalCarbohydrates: 67gProtein: 6gFat: 37gSaturated Fat: 26gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 18mgPotassium: 442mgFiber: 4gSugar: 58gVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 6mg

Our Recipe Tester says…

This was quite good and easy to make. Didn’t require any cooking.

I expected it to be overly sweet with sugar and coconut cream.

Looking for dairy-free recipes?

4 ingredient coconut milk ice cream recipe (optional Chocolate Almond flavor) (2024)

FAQs

Can I use coconut milk instead of heavy cream in ice cream? ›

It's dairy free and egg free. And honestly it is the thickest, creamiest, best consistency of any homemade ice cream. Most homemade ice creams freeze too fast so they can end up icy, but the coconut milk is so thick and creamy the texture holds up to freezing really well.

How do you thicken coconut milk for ice cream? ›

Stir in the cornstarch to the reserved ½ cup coconut milk until well combined. Add cornstarch/coconut milk mixture to the saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Boil for 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the cornstarch is completely cooked and ice cream base has thickened.

Does coconut cream freeze like ice cream? ›

Yes, you can freeze coconut cream in the freezer for 2-3 months, which is good news for anyone who hates to throw partially-used cans of food (or milk) out! Coconut cream may lose some of its original texture after it's been frozen and thawed, but will likely retain its original flavor.

What is the best non dairy milk to make ice cream? ›

Kaminsky says that you'll get the best results from dairy-free counterparts that are higher in fat such as canned coconut milk. She typically uses almond milk as her base, but other non-dairy milks can work (steer clear of rice milk because it tends to be too watery).

What happens if you use coconut milk instead of coconut cream? ›

Coconut milk and cream are mostly interchangeable in recipes such as curries and soups. If you prefer a richer flavour and texture, try coconut cream or vice versa. However, be careful when substituting coconut milk and cream in baked goods.

What happens if I use coconut cream instead of milk? ›

The good news about coconut cream and coconut milk is that although they may be different consistencies, they're very similar. You can use coconut cream in place of milk if you dilute it with additional water. Different coconut cream brands vary on fat content.

Why is my coconut milk ice cream grainy? ›

Sometimes it coalesces in the machine and feels grainy." Little blobs of un-emulsified coconut fat will only grow under agitation from an ice cream maker, and once they do, you can't get rid of them.

Why is my coconut ice cream so hard? ›

Homemade ice cream usually contains much less air than the stuff you buy in the store. Air keeps ice cream soft. So the less there is, the harder your ice cream. It can also be caused by low fat or sugar content.

Why can't you freeze coconut milk? ›

The Texture of Coconut Milk Will Change

Once thawed, the flavour of coconut milk will be similar to what it was before freezing. However, the texture may become a little grainy. We recommend using frozen coconut milk in dishes where texture isn't a big issue, such as smoothies or baked goods.

Why can't you freeze coconut cream? ›

Freezing coconut cream may change its texture, flavour, or consistency.

Is coconut milk or coconut cream better for ice cream? ›

Coconut Milk – full fat coconut milk is a must here for the best texture, or go all out with coconut cream for the creamiest texture. Coconut milk overall makes a lower-fat ice cream than traditional dairy. So you don't want to go with low-fat coconut milk because it will make a much icier texture.

What milk does Ben and Jerry's non dairy use? ›

Our Non-Dairy flavor creations are made with almond milk, 100% certified vegan, and boldly loaded with chunks and swirls. You'll get Ben & Jerry's euphoria in every bite. These flavors deliver everything… but the cow.

What is the best milk for homemade ice cream? ›

This is usually due to either not freezing fast enough, or too much water forming large ice crystals. When making ice cream, you want to use whole milk and cream, rather than 2% or skim milk, because it has more fat contributing to smaller ice crystals and a better/creamier texture.

What is ice cream without dairy called? ›

Updated: Jun 13, 2021. You might be surprised to learn that sorbet, Italian ice, sherbet, dairy-free ice cream and vegan ice cream are all different kinds of delectable, frozen treats.

What can I substitute for heavy cream in ice cream? ›

The 10 Best Substitutes for Heavy Cream
  • Milk and butter.
  • Soy milk and olive oil.
  • Milk and cornstarch.
  • Half-and-half.
  • Tofu and soy.
  • Yogurt and milk.
  • Evaporated milk.
  • Cottage cheese and milk.

What can I substitute heavy cream for when making ice cream? ›

Don't worry too much if you don't have whole milk or heavy cream. Nearly any milk will work, and you can substitute half-and-half for the cream. Ideally you want ingredients with a high fat content because these will create a creamy texture when cooled.

Is ice cream made with coconut milk better for you? ›

It's true that coconut contains a healthier type of saturated fat, but it's still not doing you any major health favors. Both frozen yogurt and coconut milk ice cream are packed with added sugar, so portion control is key when you feel like treating yourself.

Is coconut cream or coconut milk better for ice cream? ›

Coconut Milk – full fat coconut milk is a must here for the best texture, or go all out with coconut cream for the creamiest texture. Coconut milk overall makes a lower-fat ice cream than traditional dairy. So you don't want to go with low-fat coconut milk because it will make a much icier texture.

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