This Easy Creamy Almond Milk Ice Cream is a treat you’ll love! Made with smooth almond milk, it’s dairy-free and super creamy, perfect for hot days.
Who needs a fancy ice cream maker? Just blend, freeze, and enjoy! I love topping mine with fresh fruit – it adds a nice touch and makes me feel a bit fancy! 🍓
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Almond Milk: Unsweetened almond milk is the base, providing a nutty flavor. You could also use soy milk or oat milk for a different taste. Just ensure it’s unsweetened for the best results in ice cream.
Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk gives that creamy texture we love in ice cream. If you’re avoiding coconut, try cashew cream or heavy cream (if not dairy-free) as alternatives.
Sugar: Regular granulated sugar works fine, but you can substitute coconut sugar, maple syrup, or a zero-calorie sweetener if you’re looking for lower-calorie options.
Vanilla Extract: This adds a lovely warmth. If you’re out, you can use vanilla bean paste or even almond extract for a different flavor profile, keeping a close watch on the amount as almond extract is stronger.
Mix-ins: Cookie dough bites are fun, but feel free to use chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or fresh fruit. Get creative with your favorite treats!
How Do I Make Sure My Ice Cream is Creamy?
The texture of this ice cream is all about the churning and freezing process. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Whisk the base until completely smooth and sugar is dissolved — this helps with creaminess.
- If using an ice cream maker, don’t skip the churning! This incorporates air, making your ice cream fluffy and light.
- For no churn method, stir every 30 minutes while it freezes to break up ice crystals, which keeps it creamy.
- Freezing the ice cream for at least 2 hours after churning or stirring is essential for it to set properly.
Letting it sit out before scooping also makes it easier to serve! Enjoy your homemade treat!
Easy Creamy Almond Milk Ice Cream
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup full-fat coconut milk (for creaminess)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar or preferred sweetener
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Optional: 1/2 cup mix-ins such as cookie dough bites, chocolate chips, or nuts
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious almond milk ice cream will take about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 20-25 minutes of churning time if you use an ice cream maker. After that, you’ll need to freeze it for at least 2 hours before it’s ready to enjoy. In total, plan for about 2 hours and 35 minutes—including prep, churn, and freeze time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Whisk the Base:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the unsweetened almond milk, full-fat coconut milk, granulated sugar (or your preferred sweetener), vanilla extract, and salt. Whisk everything together until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
2. Churn the Mixture:
Pour the well-mixed base into your ice cream maker. Churn it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Usually, this takes about 20-25 minutes until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, see the note below!
3. Add Your Favorite Mix-Ins:
During the last 5 minutes of churning, gently fold in any mix-ins you desire, like cookie dough bites, chocolate chips, or nuts, to add some extra flavor and texture.
4. Freeze to Firm Up:
Transfer the churned ice cream into a freezer-safe container. Use a spatula to smooth the top. Cover it securely and freeze for at least 2 hours or until it’s firm enough to scoop.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
Once your ice cream is fully frozen, take it out of the freezer. Let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping. Scoop the ice cream into bowls and indulge in your creamy creation!
Note: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can easily make this ice cream too! Just pour the mixture into a shallow container and place it in the freezer. Stir vigorously every 30 minutes for about 3-4 hours until it becomes creamy and frozen. Enjoy!
FAQ for Easy Creamy Almond Milk Ice Cream
Can I Use Sweetened Almond Milk Instead?
It’s best to use unsweetened almond milk to control the sweetness. If you use sweetened almond milk, you might want to reduce the sugar in the recipe to prevent it from becoming too sweet.
How Can I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. To maintain its texture, try to minimize air exposure by smoothing the top before sealing the container.
What If I Don’t Have an Ice Cream Maker?
No worries! Just pour the mixture into a shallow container and place it in the freezer. Stir vigorously every 30 minutes until creamy and frozen. This typically takes about 3-4 hours to achieve the desired texture.
Can I Change the Mix-Ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the mix-ins for your favorites, like crushed cookies, fresh fruit, or different types of chocolate. Just keep the total amount similar so the base texture stays creamy!
