5 Easy Dairy-Free Ice Cream Recipes That Taste Amazing

Plant based ingredients create luscious scoops that rival traditional frozen desserts.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 24, 2025

Plant based ingredients create luscious scoops that rival traditional frozen desserts.

If you crave the creamy indulgence of ice cream but need to skip dairy, homemade dairy-free ice cream delivers the perfect solution. With the abundance of plant-based ingredients like coconut, cashews, and bananas, you can craft luscious desserts free of lactose and full of flavor. Better yet, these recipes are easy, customizable, and don’t require an ice cream maker. Explore five unique dairy-free ice cream recipes that rival their dairy counterparts for creaminess and taste.

Why Choose Dairy-Free Ice Cream?

Dairy-free ice creams are suitable for people with lactose intolerance, dairy allergies, or those following vegan diets.
Plant-based bases, such as coconut and nuts, provide healthy fats and creamy textures without relying on milk or cream.
Homemade recipes let you control sugar, additives, and the quality of your ingredients.
Making your own ice cream can be quicker than you think and requires just a blender and your freezer!

Ingredients: A Foundation for Creamy Dairy-Free Desserts

To create irresistible dairy-free ice cream, start with a creamy non-dairy base. Here are commonly used ingredients:

Coconut Milk: Full-fat canned coconut milk creates a rich, creamy base and subtle coconut flavor.
Cashews: Soaked cashews blend to a silky, thick texture, perfect for vegan ice creams.
Bananas: Ripe bananas freeze to a soft-serve consistency, adding natural sweetness and thickness.
Sweeteners: Maple syrup, agave, or blended dates add sweetness without refined sugar.
Flavorings: Vanilla extract, cocoa powder, lemon juice, and nut butters provide depth and variety.
Add-ins: Chocolate chips, nut pieces, or fruit puree make each recipe special.

5 Easy Dairy-Free Ice Cream Recipes

Below are five delicious, dairy-free ice cream recipes—each with its own unique flavor profile and simple ingredient list.

1. Low-Sugar Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Swirl Ice Cream

This ice cream is a creamy coconut milk-based treat with swirls of peanut butter and a sprinkle of chocolate chips. With just 4 grams of sugar per serving, it’s rich, decadent, and satisfying—without a sugar overload.

Ingredients:

3 cups ice
1 cup full-fat, unsweetened coconut milk
1 tbsp agave nectar
1 tbsp vanilla extract
1 tsp sea salt
2 tbsp peanut butter
1/4 cup chocolate chips

Instructions:

Combine ice, coconut milk, agave nectar, vanilla, and sea salt in a blender. Blend on high speed until completely smooth.
Pour mixture into a glass or stainless container.
Fold in the peanut butter and chocolate chips with a spatula.
Freeze overnight, then scoop and serve.

Nutrition per serving: 122 calories, 2g protein, 5g carbs, 4g sugars, 10.5g fat.

2. Coconut Bliss Ice Cream

A tropical, creamy sensation using full-fat coconut milk and frozen bananas. For added flavor and a fiber boost, roll the finished ice cream scoops in flaked coconut.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup canned coconut milk
1/4 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 frozen bananas

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend until thick and creamy.
Transfer to a loaf pan and freeze for at least 4 hours.
Optional: When scooping, roll balls in extra flaked coconut for crunch and visual appeal.

Nutrition per serving: 195 calories, 2g protein, 29g carbs, 3g fiber, 9.5g fat.

3. Green Tea Pistachio Ice Cream

This vegan recipe combines antioxidant-rich matcha green tea powder with cashews and pistachios, creating a luxurious, green-hued dessert.

Ingredients:

1 cup cashews (soaked and drained)
1/4 cup maple syrup
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup canned coconut or almond milk
1 tbsp matcha green tea powder
2 frozen bananas
1/3 cup pistachio pieces

Instructions:

Soak cashews in water overnight, then rinse and drain.
Blend soaked cashews with remaining ingredients (except pistachios) until thick and creamy.
Fold in pistachio pieces.
Transfer to a loaf pan, then freeze for at least 4 hours.

Nutrition per serving: 357 calories, 9g protein, 41g carbs, 20g fat.

4. Vegan Cookie Dough Ice Cream

This decadent, dense ice cream combines bite-sized vegan cookie dough balls with a silky cashew-based ice cream. Each scoop satisfies cravings for both cookie dough and creamy dessert.

Vegan Cookie Dough Ingredients:

2 tbsp coconut oil or dairy-free spread
2 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/3 cup flour (white, spelt, or almond flour)
2 tbsp vegan chocolate chips
Pinch sea salt

Ice Cream Base Ingredients:

2 cups raw cashews (soaked and drained)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup water
1 tsp vanilla extract
Pinch sea salt
2 tbsp vegan chocolate chips

Instructions:

For the cookie dough: Mix all dough ingredients together, roll into small balls, and freeze on a parchment-lined sheet for at least 1 hour.
For the ice cream: Blend the soaked cashews with maple syrup, lemon juice, water, vanilla, and salt until very smooth and creamy.
Stir chocolate chips into the ice cream base, then gently fold in the frozen cookie dough balls.
Transfer to a loaf pan, tap the pan to remove any air bubbles, freeze until firm, and serve.

Nutrition per serving: Rich in healthy fats and plant protein from cashews; moderation recommended.

5. Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream

This soft-serve style ice cream features frozen bananas for a natural sweet base, blended with cocoa and peanut butter. It’s vegan, rich, and ready in minutes.

Ingredients:

3-4 ripe frozen bananas, sliced
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tbsp peanut butter or almond butter
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions:

Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender or food processor until soft-serve consistency forms, adding a splash of almond or coconut milk if needed.
Serve immediately for soft-serve texture, or freeze for 1-2 hours for a firmer scoop.

Nutrition per serving: Naturally sweet, with healthy fats and potassium from the bananas.

Pro Tips for Success with Dairy-Free Ice Cream

Full-fat coconut milk creates a richer, creamier dessert than coconut beverages from cartons.
Sweeteners such as dates, maple syrup, or agave can be used, or try stevia for a lower glycemic option.
Cashew and coconut bases are thickest and closest to traditional ice cream texture.
You do not always need an ice cream machine—most of these can be made with just a blender and freezer.
Adding a small amount of thickener like guar gum or gelatin (vegan alternatives available) can improve scoopability if desired.
Experiment: Feel free to use other non-dairy milks (almond, cashew, soy) or change up the add-ins and flavors for variety.
Always let the ice cream sit for a few minutes at room temperature before scooping for the best texture.

FAQs About Dairy-Free Ice Cream

Can I make these recipes without an ice cream maker?

Yes, all the recipes above can be made using a standard high-powered blender and your freezer. For extra creaminess, you can occasionally stir the mixture during freezing to break up ice crystals.

Are these ice creams suitable for people with nut allergies?

Some recipes use cashews or other nuts. To avoid nuts, choose banana-based or coconut-only recipes, and carefully read all ingredient labels.

How can I make my ice cream less icy and more creamy?

Use full-fat coconut milk or soaked cashews as your base. Incorporate healthy fats, avoid adding too much liquid, and let the ice cream stand at room temperature briefly before serving.

Will the ice cream taste like coconut or banana?

Bases like bananas or coconut milk can impart their own flavor, but using strong flavors (chocolate, nut butter, matcha) and high-quality extracts can minimize those notes and let your chosen flavors shine through.

Can these be stored for later?

Yes, freeze in airtight containers. Note that dairy-free ice creams may harden more than traditional ice cream, so allow them to soften at room temperature before serving.

Nutritional Highlights

Recipe	Main Base	Sweetener	Notable Nutrients
Low-Sugar Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Swirl	Coconut milk, ice	Agave nectar	Healthy fats, low sugar
Coconut Bliss	Coconut milk, bananas	Maple syrup	Medium-chain triglycerides, potassium
Green Tea Pistachio	Cashews, bananas	Maple syrup	Protein, antioxidants
Vegan Cookie Dough	Cashews	Maple syrup	Protein, plant fats
Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana	Bananas	Banana (natural)	Potassium, fiber

Customize Your Dairy-Free Ice Cream

Mix in nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or cookie pieces before freezing for added texture.
Top with fresh fruit, dairy-free chocolate sauce, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair.
Spice it up with a dash of espresso powder, chili powder, or zest of citrus for grown-up twists.

Final Inspiration

Dessert should never mean compromise—especially when you can make dairy-free ice cream that is creamy, rich, and every bit as delicious as traditional recipes. With just a few wholesome ingredients and a bit of creativity, you can prepare unique frozen treats that delight everyone at your table, whether vegan, lactose-intolerant, or simply an ice cream lover.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb