This Easy Homemade Almond Milk Ice Cream is creamy and dairy-free! Made with almond milk and just a few simple ingredients, it’s a cool treat perfect for hot days.
You won’t believe how easy it is to make! I love adding a splash of vanilla for extra flavor. Just whip, freeze, and enjoy—no ice cream maker needed. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Almond Milk: Unsweetened almond milk is a great base for this ice cream, giving it a light nutty flavor. If you can’t find unsweetened, just use sweetened almond milk and reduce the sugar slightly.
Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk adds creaminess. If you want a lighter option, use light coconut milk, but the texture won’t be as rich. You can also substitute with cashew cream for a different flavor profile.
Sugar or Maple Syrup: Granulated sugar is common here, but maple syrup offers a lovely, natural sweetness. If you’re looking to cut sugar, try honey or agave syrup; just keep in mind that this may alter the flavor a bit.
Vanilla Extract: This adds a warm note to the ice cream. You can swap it with almond extract for a stronger almond flavor. Just use half the amount since almond extract is more concentrated.
Mix-ins: Chopped nuts and cookie crumbs are optional but add fun texture. If you’re avoiding nuts, try chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even fresh berries.
Why is Churning Important for Ice Cream?
Churning is key to creating that smooth, creamy texture we love in ice cream. By churning, you incorporate air and break up ice crystals, preventing a hard and gritty texture.
- Start by whisking the mixture well to ensure the sugar dissolves completely.
- If using an ice cream maker, pour in the mixture and churn for 20-25 minutes until it’s thickened.
- Watch closely near the end. Add your mix-ins just a few minutes before the end of churning for best results.
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, freeze the mixture in a container and stir every 30 minutes for about 3-4 hours. This also helps keep the texture creamy!
Easy Homemade Almond Milk Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts or cookie crumbs (optional for mix-ins)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This ice cream recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare. Then, you’ll need to churn it in an ice cream maker for about 20-25 minutes and finally freeze it for 2-4 hours. So, in total, plan for at least 2.5 hours to enjoy your delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Ingredients:
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the almond milk, coconut milk, sugar (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, and salt. Keep whisking until the sugar is completely dissolved—this usually takes a minute or two. It should feel smooth and well-mixed.
2. Churn the Mixture:
Pour your mixture into an ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for churning, which usually takes around 20-25 minutes. You’ll see it start to thicken and get fluffier!
3. Add Optional Mix-Ins:
During the last few minutes of churning, sprinkle in your chopped nuts or cookie crumbs. This will give your ice cream a delightful crunch and extra flavor. Make sure they are evenly distributed while churning!
4. Freeze to Firm:
Once churned, transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Spread it evenly, cover the container, and freeze for at least 2-4 hours. This will help it firm up, so it’s scoopable and delicious!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes. This will make scooping much easier! Use an ice cream scoop to serve it in bowls and sprinkle extra mix-ins on top if you like. Enjoy your refreshing almond milk ice cream!
FAQ for Easy Homemade Almond Milk Ice Cream
Can I Use Sweetened Almond Milk?
Yes, you can! If you choose sweetened almond milk, just reduce the amount of sugar or maple syrup to avoid making the ice cream too sweet. Start by adding half the sweetener and adjust to taste!
What If I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No problem! You can still make this ice cream. Pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, take it out and stir vigorously with a fork to break up any ice crystals. Repeat this process for about 2-4 hours until it reaches a creamy consistency.
How Should I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It’s best enjoyed within 1-2 weeks for optimal texture, but it can last up to a month. Allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping if it becomes too hard.
Can I Add Different Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! Get creative with your mix-ins! Try chocolate chips, dried fruits, or fresh berries. Just be sure any mix-ins are chopped into smaller pieces, so they blend well into the ice cream.
