This creamy almond milk ice cream is a perfect treat for warm days! It’s simple to make, using just a few ingredients like almond milk, sweetener, and your favorite flavors.
You can enjoy it without feeling guilty, as it’s dairy-free and light. I love adding a sprinkle of nuts on top for extra crunch—yum! It’s a refreshing scoop of happiness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Almond Milk: Unsweetened almond milk is the star here. You can also use sweetened almond milk for a sweeter ice cream. If you’re looking for a nut-free option, oat milk or soy milk work well too!
Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk adds creaminess and richness. If you avoid coconut, opt for cashew cream or additional almond milk, but note the texture may differ slightly.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the mix, but feel free to use maple syrup, agave nectar, or a sugar substitute like stevia for a healthier version.
Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances flavor. If you’re out, you could use vanilla bean paste or even almond extract for a unique twist.
Almonds: Chopped toasted almonds add texture. If you want a different crunch, consider crushed cookies or dark chocolate chips instead. They can give a fun contrast to the smooth ice cream.
How Do I Get the Perfect Creamy Texture?
The key to achieving that smooth, creamy texture is in the mixing and freezing process. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat the almond and coconut milk gently to dissolve the sugar fully. Avoid boiling to prevent separation.
- Chill the mixture well before churning; this helps the ice cream to whip up beautifully and prevent ice crystals.
- While churning, keep an eye on the texture. It should be soft-serve consistency when done, perfect for the next freezing step.
- Finally, for a firmer ice cream, give it some time in the freezer after churning. It will set up nicely!
Remember to scoop out the ice cream using a warm spoon for beautifully shaped servings!
Creamy Easy Almond Milk Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar (or preferred sweetener)
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped toasted almonds or almond brittle pieces (optional for mix-ins)
Time Needed
This delicious almond milk ice cream takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus a chilling time of at least 4 hours (or overnight) in the fridge. After that, you’ll need about 20-25 minutes to churn and an additional 2-4 hours to freeze until perfectly firm. All in all, a little patience for a lot of creamy goodness!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Base
In a medium saucepan, combine the unsweetened almond milk, full-fat coconut milk, granulated sugar, and salt. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. It’s important to keep an eye on it; just warm it up without letting it boil!
2. Add Flavor
Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract. This will add a lovely aroma and flavor to your ice cream.
3. Chill the Mixture
Pour the mixture into a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap or a lid, and place it in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or overnight. This step is essential to ensure your ice cream has a smooth texture, so don’t skip it!
4. Churn the Ice Cream
After chilling, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and churn for about 20-25 minutes until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can pour it into a dish and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes until creamy.
5. Add Mix-Ins
In the final few minutes of churning, sprinkle in the chopped toasted almonds or almond brittle pieces. This will give your ice cream a delightful crunch!
6. Freeze to Firm Up
Transfer the churned ice cream into an airtight container and freeze for an additional 2-4 hours. This will firm it up perfectly for scooping later!
7. Serve and Enjoy
When you’re ready to serve, scoop the ice cream into bowls and, if you like, garnish with extra toasted almonds for that added crunch. Enjoy your creamy, dairy-free almond milk ice cream!
This treat is sure to be a hit—refreshing, delicious, and easy to make!
FAQ for Creamy Easy Almond Milk Ice Cream
Can I Use Sweetened Almond Milk Instead of Unsweetened?
Yes, you can definitely use sweetened almond milk if you prefer a sweeter ice cream. Just be mindful to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe accordingly to avoid it being too sweet.
How Can I Make This Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker?
No problem! Just pour the chilled mixture into a shallow dish and place it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, stir thoroughly with a fork to break up ice crystals, repeating this process until the ice cream is smooth and creamy (about 2-3 hours).
How Do I Store Leftover Ice Cream?
Store any leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. To maintain the best texture, press a piece of parchment paper against the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container.
Can I Use Other Mix-Ins Besides Almonds?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite mix-ins, such as mini chocolate chips, crushed cookies, or chopped fruit. Just add them in during the last few minutes of churning for even distribution.
