Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream is a delightful treat that anyone can enjoy, whether they follow a vegan diet or not. This ice cream is creamy, delicious, and simple to make at home. You don’t need an ice cream shop to enjoy rich, chocolatey goodness. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch that satisfies your sweet tooth. This ice cream is perfect for dessert, a snack, or even as a topping for your favorite pie or cake.
Why make this recipe
Making Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream at home is rewarding and fun. First, you have complete control over the ingredients. You can ensure that everything you put in your ice cream is healthy and aligns with your dietary preferences. Second, homemade ice cream often tastes better than store-bought versions. You can adjust the flavors and sweetness to suit your taste. Third, this recipe is dairy-free and refined sugar-free, which makes it a great option for those with lactose intolerance or looking for healthier dessert alternatives. Plus, it is a fantastic way to cool down on hot days or simply indulge in a chocolatey dream.
How to make Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream
Making Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream requires just a few steps. With the right ingredients and a little patience, you will have a beautifully creamy dessert ready to enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups full-fat coconut milk (720 ml)
- 2 tsp tapioca starch (6 g)
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract (15 ml)
- 1 tbsp instant coffee (7 g)
- 1/2 tsp sea salt (3 g)
- 3/4 cup cacao powder (75 g)
- 1/2 cup cane sugar (100 g)
- 1/4 cup maple syrup (60 ml)
Directions:
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Start by preparing the tapioca starch. In a small bowl, mix the tapioca starch with 1/4 cup of the coconut milk until smooth and well combined. Set this mixture aside.
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Next, take a large pan and add the rest of the coconut milk along with the cacao powder, cane sugar, maple syrup, instant coffee, and sea salt.
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Warm the pan over medium heat. Use a whisk to mix the ingredients thoroughly. You want to keep stirring until the mixture starts to lightly simmer, which usually takes a few minutes.
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Once it begins to simmer, slowly add the tapioca starch mixture to the pan. Continue whisking everything together. You will notice the mixture thickens, which will take about 5 minutes.
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After thickening, pour the mixture into a mixing bowl. Make sure to cover it with plastic wrap or a lid. Let it cool in the refrigerator overnight, or if you need it sooner, place it in the freezer for about an hour.
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Once cooled, take the mixture out of the fridge or freezer. If you have an ice cream maker, add the mixture to it. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually around 20-30 minutes until you have a soft-serve consistency.
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Finally, scoop the ice cream into a glass dish or any container. Cover it well and place it in the freezer. Allow it to freeze for another hour or two to reach your desired firmness.
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To serve, scoop the Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream into ice cream cones or bowls. You can top it with chocolate sauce, nuts, or fresh fruit for extra flavor. Enjoy!
How to serve Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream
Serving Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream is simple and fun. You can enjoy it in several ways:
- Scoop it into ice cream cones for a classic treat.
- Serve it in bowls with toppings like nuts, coconut shavings, or fresh fruit.
- Create a sundae by adding a drizzle of chocolate sauce and some whipped coconut cream on top.
- Pair it with a slice of warm pie or cake for a delightful dessert combo.
You can also blend it into smoothies or use it as a topping for pancakes or waffles. The options are endless!
How to store Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream
To keep your Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream fresh, store it properly. Place it in an airtight container and ensure it is sealed tightly. You can keep it in the freezer for about 1-2 weeks if stored correctly. After this time, the ice cream may start to lose its creamy texture and flavor. Before serving stored ice cream, allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes so it becomes easier to scoop.
Tips to make Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream
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Use full-fat coconut milk: For the creamiest texture, always choose full-fat coconut milk. Low-fat versions can give an icy texture instead of the desired creamy finish.
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Tapioca starch: If you cannot find tapioca starch, you can replace it with cornstarch. It will also help thicken the ice cream.
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Adjust sweetness: You can adjust the level of sweetness by adding more or less cane sugar or maple syrup, depending on your taste preferences.
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Chilling time: It is essential to chill the mix thoroughly before putting it in the ice cream maker. This step ensures it churns effectively and prevents ice crystals from forming.
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Mix-ins: Feel free to add mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit before the final freeze for added texture and flavor.
Variation (if any)
There are several delicious variations you can make with this Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream recipe. You can add a scoop of peanut butter to create a vegan chocolate peanut butter ice cream. Another great addition is a bit of peppermint extract for a refreshing twist. You can also mix in some chopped cookies or candies to create a cookie dough variation. The only limit is your creativity!
FAQs
1. Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?
Yes! If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the chilled mixture into a freezer-safe container. Stir it every 30 minutes for about 2-3 hours to help break up ice crystals until it becomes smooth and creamy.
2. Is Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream healthy?
While it is a dessert, using natural ingredients like coconut milk and maple syrup makes it a healthier option than traditional ice creams with dairy and artificial additives.
3. Can I substitute ingredients?
Yes, you can substitute cane sugar with other sweeteners like agave syrup or date syrup. You may also use almond milk instead of coconut milk for a different flavor, although the texture might vary.
4. How long does it take to whip up this ice cream?
The total prep time takes about 15 minutes, plus cooling time. The active cooking time is about 10 minutes.
5. How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes about 6 servings, depending on portion size.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 220
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Sugars: 18g
- Protein: 2g
Enjoy making your Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream! It is a delightful treat that offers comfort while being kind to your health and the environment. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself, this ice cream is always a good choice.