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 you mix coconut milk and almond milk? ›

There are good health benefits to both milks. I prefer almond milk because it is lower in calories and mild tasting. So you could use a mix in smoothies, or make an ice cream. Even mix them if you are making a coconut curry if you like.

What are the ingredients in so good almond and coconut milk? ›

Filtered water, ground almonds (2.5%), coconut cream (1%), mineral (calcium), emulsifier (sunflower lecithin), salt, vegetable gum (gellan), mineral salt (sodium bicarbonate), natural flavour, antioxidant (ascorbic acid), vitamins (B12, B2, B1). All ingredients are of non-animal origin.

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 is healthier for you almond milk or coconut milk? ›

Almond milk has considerably fewer calories (17 per 100 grams) than coconut milk. Coconut milk is much richer in calories — 154-230 per 100 grams, depending on how thick the milk is. Thicker milk is higher in calories and fat.

How long does almond and coconut milk last? ›

“Once the container seal has been opened and the almond milk has been exposed to air, you should use it within about 10 days,” White says. “Some brands of almond milk come from the refrigerated section of the grocery store, and those should remain in cold storage. Once opened, those should also be used within 10 days.”

Why is coconut milk not a good dairy substitute? ›

Coconut milk contains high levels of calories and fats. Combining a high intake of coconut milk with a carbohydrate-rich diet can result in weight gain. Replacing dairy milk with coconut milk may mean that a person consumes less calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin A.

What ingredient is not good in almond milk? ›

If you buy your almond milk, make sure to read the label and avoid any brands that contain carrageenan. This common ingredient, derived from seaweed, is frequently found in almond milk and other dairy or faux-dairy products and is used as a stabilizer and thickening agent.

Is there anything unhealthy about almond milk? ›

Risk of vitamin D deficiency: Vitamin D is an important mineral for bone health, but almond milk is deficient in it. It's frequently introduced artificially throughout the manufacturing process. However, regular milk is still higher in vitamins.

Can I use condensed coconut milk instead of coconut cream? ›

What is condensed coconut milk? This product is thick and sweet, it's made from coconut milk, water, sugar and usually a thickener. Best for using in drinks such as pina coladas or as a dairy-free substitute for condensed milk. It's not suitable as a substitute for coconut milk or cream.

Is canned coconut milk the same as coconut cream? ›

Coconut to water ratio: Canned coconut milk is typically made of one part shredded coconut to two parts water. Coconut cream is made of four parts shredded coconut to one part water. Consistency: Coconut milk has a thinner consistency, while coconut cream has a much thicker and creamier consistency.

Does Starbucks use coconut milk or coconut cream? ›

Starbucks uses Single Origin Sumatra Coconut Milk, which is considered real coconut milk as its base is made up of water and coconut cream. However, this product does contain several additives, preservatives, and ingredients that aren't necessarily considered natural.

Does Ben & Jerry's make coconut ice cream? ›

About this Flavor

Nobody does Coconut Seven Layer Bar ice cream better than we do at our scoop shops...but we bet you could do a better haiku: S'creamy coconut, Fudge, butterscotch & graham swirled To seventh heaven.

Why is my coconut ice cream grainy? ›

Pastry chef Dana Cree explains to Serious Eats that “coconut fat isn't hom*ogenised like butterfat in dairy. Sometimes it coalesces in the machine and feels grainy”.

Can I mix coconut milk with dairy milk? ›

Yes, with a few caveats; Make sure that the total fat percentage of your coconut cream/milk combination is the same as the half and half you are replacing. If its different it won't ruin it, but it will affect the texture.

Can you combine milk and coconut milk? ›

It's a natural pairing, and not uncommon. But you can certainly use any kind of milk you have, dairy or otherwise.

Does coconut milk and almond milk taste the same? ›

The differences between almond milk and coconut milk

Let's start with taste and texture. Almond milk tastes sweet and, well, slightly nutty, according to The Kitchn. While the mouthfeel is creamy, it isn't as thick as dairy milk. Coconut milk has a sweet taste and a rich texture, according to Eater.

Can you mix coconut water and almond milk? ›

Vegan #sugarfree #coconut water #almond milk #iced #coffee #toddlermom #gratitude One teaspoon of coffee, two tablespoons of water( whisk it), add some icecubes and add equal amounts of coconut water and almond milk,mix it and enjoy!!

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