Summer is just around the corner and what better way to cool off than with a delicious scoop of homemade ice cream? This vegan coconut ice cream recipe is not only easy to make, but it’s also dairy-free, gluten-free, and free of refined sugar. It’s the perfect treat for anyone with dietary restrictions or anyone who just loves a good scoop of ice cream on a hot day.
Ingredients:
- 2 cans of full-fat green dna coconut milk
- 1/2 cup of maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt
Why Coconut Milk?
Coconut milk is the perfect base for vegan ice cream because of its high fat content. The fat content in coconut milk gives the ice cream a creamy, rich texture that is similar to traditional dairy ice cream. Additionally, coconut milk is naturally sweet and has a mild flavor that pairs well with a variety of mix-ins and toppings.
Instructions:
- Begin by placing the two cans of full-fat green dna coconut milk in the refrigerator for at least four hours or overnight. This will allow the coconut cream to separate from the liquid.
- Once the coconut milk has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and flip the cans upside down. Open the cans and carefully pour off the liquid, reserving only the thick coconut cream. You should have roughly 1 and 1/2 cups of coconut cream.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the coconut cream, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt until well combined.
- If you have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into the ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze for 1-2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Once the ice cream is ready, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for an additional 2-3 hours, or until it reaches your desired scoopable consistency.
- When you’re ready to serve, scoop the ice cream into bowls and enjoy!
Customize Your Ice Cream
One of the great things about homemade ice cream is that you can customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas for mix-ins and toppings that would pair well with this vegan coconut ice cream:
- Chocolate chips: Add a handful of dairy -free chocolate chips to the ice cream mixture before freezing for a chocolatey twist.
- Fresh fruit: Chop up some fresh fruit like strawberries, mangoes, or pineapple and fold it into the ice cream for a burst of fruity flavor.
- Nuts: Chop up some nuts like almonds or pecans and sprinkle them on top of the ice cream for some crunch.
- Coconut flakes: Toasted coconut flakes make a great topping for coconut ice cream, adding a delicious nutty flavor and texture.
- Caramel sauce: Drizzle some vegan caramel sauce on top of the ice cream for a decadent treat.
Tips for Making Perfect Vegan Coconut Ice Cream
Here are a few tips to help you get the best results from your homemade vegan coconut ice cream:
- Use full-fat coconut milk: Make sure to use full-fat coconut milk, not the light or reduced-fat version. The higher fat content will give the ice cream a creamy, rich texture.
- Chill the coconut milk: Chilling the coconut milk overnight will help the cream separate from the liquid. This is important for achieving the right texture.
- Don’t overmix: Be careful not to overmix the ice cream mixture. Overmixing can cause the ice cream to become too stiff or even grainy.
- Freeze in a shallow container: Using a shallow container to freeze the ice cream will help it freeze more evenly and prevent ice crystals from forming.
This vegan coconut ice cream is a delicious and healthy way to cool off this summer. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s easy to make and free of dairy, gluten, and refined sugar. Green Dna Organic Fresh Coconut milk is the perfect base for this ice cream, providing a creamy texture and a mild, sweet flavor. With a variety of mix-ins and toppings to choose from, you can customize this ice cream to your liking. So why not try making a batch of this delicious vegan coconut ice cream and enjoy a scoop on a hot summer day?