15 Plant-Based Ice Cream Ideas

Indulging in ice cream doesn’t have to be limited to dairy options. Plant-based ice cream is a delicious and creamy alternative, made with a variety of plant-based milks and natural sweeteners.

Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just looking for a healthier dessert, these 15 plant-based ice cream ideas will satisfy your sweet tooth without the dairy.

From rich coconut milk-based flavors to refreshing fruit sorbets, there’s something for everyone. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can make homemade plant-based ice cream in no time.

Here are five mouthwatering plant-based ice cream recipes to get you started on your frozen treat journey!

1. Coconut Milk Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

This coconut milk-based chocolate chip ice cream is rich, creamy, and loaded with chocolate chips. It’s a decadent, dairy-free dessert that’s sure to please any crowd.

Ingredients:

• 1 can coconut milk (full fat)
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix coconut milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
2. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. In the last few minutes of churning, add chocolate chips.
4. Transfer the ice cream to a container and freeze for at least 3 hours before serving.

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2. Mango Sorbet

This refreshing mango sorbet is a perfect dairy-free treat for a hot summer day. It’s made with just three ingredients, making it super easy to prepare.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups frozen mango chunks
• 1/4 cup coconut water
• 1 tbsp lime juice

Instructions:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine frozen mango, coconut water, and lime juice.
2. Blend until smooth, adding more coconut water if needed to achieve a creamy texture.
3. Transfer the sorbet to a container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.

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3. Banana Peanut Butter Ice Cream

This banana-based ice cream is naturally sweetened and flavored with rich peanut butter. It’s creamy and decadent, yet light and healthy.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas (sliced and frozen)
• 1/4 cup peanut butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Place frozen banana slices, peanut butter, and vanilla extract in a blender or food processor.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add a splash of non-dairy milk if the mixture is too thick.
3. Transfer the ice cream to a container and freeze for 1-2 hours before serving.

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4. Almond Milk Strawberry Ice Cream

This almond milk strawberry ice cream is fruity, creamy, and completely dairy-free. It’s a perfect treat for berry lovers!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled)
• 1 can coconut milk (light)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine strawberries, coconut milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
2. Blend until smooth, then pour the mixture into an ice cream maker.
3. Churn according to the ice cream maker’s instructions, then transfer to a container and freeze for at least 4 hours.

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5. Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream

This rich and creamy chocolate avocado ice cream is packed with healthy fats and the deep flavor of cocoa, making it an indulgent yet nutritious treat.

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a blender or food processor, combine avocados, cocoa powder, coconut milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Transfer to a container and freeze for 2-3 hours before serving.

6. Coconut Matcha Ice Cream

This coconut matcha ice cream is both creamy and energizing. The earthy matcha flavor blends perfectly with the rich coconut milk, creating a delicious and unique treat.

Ingredients:

• 1 can coconut milk (full fat)
• 2 tbsp matcha powder
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together coconut milk, matcha powder, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
2. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Once the ice cream is churned, transfer to a container and freeze for 3-4 hours before serving.

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7. Raspberry Sorbet

This simple raspberry sorbet is sweet, tangy, and refreshing. It’s a great dairy-free option for cooling down on a hot day.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh raspberries
• 1/4 cup coconut water
• 1/4 cup agave syrup
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine raspberries, coconut water, agave syrup, and lemon juice.
2. Blend until smooth, then pour the mixture into an ice cream maker.
3. Churn according to the ice cream maker’s instructions, then freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.

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8. Cashew Butter Ice Cream

This creamy cashew butter ice cream is a rich and nutty treat with a smooth texture that comes from blended cashews. It’s a protein-packed dessert with a satisfying flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw cashews (soaked for 4 hours and drained)
• 1/2 cup almond milk
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/4 cup cashew butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Blend soaked cashews, almond milk, maple syrup, cashew butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Transfer the ice cream to a container and freeze for 4 hours before serving.

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9. Pineapple Coconut Sorbet

This tropical pineapple coconut sorbet is refreshing and light, perfect for a summertime treat. The sweet pineapple pairs beautifully with the creamy coconut flavor.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups frozen pineapple chunks
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 2 tbsp agave syrup

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine frozen pineapple, coconut milk, lime juice, and agave syrup.
2. Blend until smooth, adding more coconut milk if needed to achieve a creamy texture.
3. Transfer the sorbet to a container and freeze for 2-3 hours before serving.

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10. Chocolate Banana Ice Cream

This creamy chocolate banana ice cream is naturally sweetened and a great way to use ripe bananas. It’s rich, chocolatey, and completely dairy-free.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas (sliced and frozen)
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1 tbsp almond butter
• 1/4 cup almond milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Blend frozen banana slices, cocoa powder, almond butter, almond milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more almond milk to reach desired consistency.
3. Transfer to a container and freeze for 2-3 hours before serving.

11. Coconut Almond Joy Ice Cream

Inspired by the popular candy, this coconut almond joy ice cream combines creamy coconut milk, crunchy almonds, and rich chocolate for a decadent yet plant-based dessert.

Ingredients:

• 1 can coconut milk (full-fat)
• 1/2 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup almonds (chopped)
• 1/4 cup cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together coconut milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Stir in shredded coconut and chopped almonds.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Once churned, transfer to a container and freeze for 4 hours before serving.

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12. Chia Seed Coconut Ice Cream

This chia seed coconut ice cream is not only rich in flavor but also packed with omega-3s and fiber. The chia seeds add a fun texture while keeping the ice cream creamy and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 can coconut milk (full-fat)
• 1/4 cup chia seeds
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine coconut milk, chia seeds, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
2. Mix well, then let it sit in the fridge for 30 minutes to allow the chia seeds to swell and thicken.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Freeze for 3-4 hours before serving for the best consistency.

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13. Lemon Blueberry Sorbet

This tangy lemon blueberry sorbet is a refreshing and naturally sweet treat. The burst of blueberries combined with the citrusy lemon makes for a vibrant and healthy dessert.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup agave syrup
• 1/4 cup water

Instructions:

1. In a blender, combine blueberries, lemon juice, agave syrup, and water.
2. Blend until smooth and well combined.
3. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Freeze for 2-3 hours before serving for a firmer texture.

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14. Sweet Potato Cinnamon Ice Cream

This sweet potato cinnamon ice cream has a velvety smooth texture and warm flavors, perfect for fall or winter. It’s naturally sweetened with maple syrup for a healthier twist.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium sweet potato (roasted and mashed)
• 1 can coconut milk (full-fat)
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast the sweet potato until soft, about 45 minutes. Let cool, then mash.
2. In a blender, combine mashed sweet potato, coconut milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla extract.
3. Blend until smooth, then pour into an ice cream maker.
4. Churn according to the ice cream maker’s instructions, then freeze for 3-4 hours before serving.

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15. Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream

This pumpkin spice ice cream brings the flavors of fall to life in a creamy, plant-based treat. With a base of coconut milk, it’s rich, aromatic, and perfect for the season.

Ingredients:

• 1 can coconut milk (full-fat)
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together coconut milk, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
2. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Once churned, transfer to a container and freeze for 3-4 hours before serving.