Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe (2024)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This homemade vegan ice cream recipe is easy, rich ‘n creamy. The best vegan vanilla ice cream—incredible vanilla flavor, made with simple ingredients.

this recipe

Now that the official first day of summer is fast approaching, we’ve got to start getting serious about getting in shape for bikini season making the best friggin’ vegan vanilla ice cream recipe ever! Because ice cream is soooo much better than bikinis. And way less judgmental, ya know? 😉

Today’s vegan vanilla ice cream recipe is one of my absolute favorite ice cream recipes of all time because it’s so GOOD. Like, super good. It’s easy to make, oh-so-delicious, and bursting with that vanilla flavor you know you love to love.

Wanna hear more? Let’s make this!

homemade vegan vanilla ice cream recipe

This vegan vanilla ice cream is everything you’d hope for:rich and creamy,bursting withvanillaflavor, andsweet enough to satisfy that sweet tooth, butnot too sweetthat you can’t enjoy more than one scoop. Try your hand at making this homemade vegan vanilla ice cream and enjoy. Bonus: this vegan ice cream is dairy-free, healthy and refined sugar-free.

What is Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream?

What a mysterious and intriguing question! In general, vegan vanilla ice cream is vanilla ice cream that’s made without animal products. That means: none of the usual ice cream ingredients, such as: eggs, heavy cream, etc.

For this particular vegan vanilla ice cream, we’re gonna rely on coconut milk and coconut cream to replace the heavy cream, and a few other vegan ingredients to create non-dairy, plant-based vegan vanilla ice cream. And if you were actually more in the mood for chocolate vegan ice cream, try this dark chocolate nice cream recipe or my all-time favorite best vegan chocolate ice cream.

How to Make Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream

Learn how to make vegan vanilla ice cream in just a few super simple steps.

Chill

About 24 hours before, grab the freezer bowl of your ice cream maker and place it in the freezer to chill.

Add Ingredients

Day of, add all vegan vanilla ice cream ingredients except the vanilla bean pod into agood food processor.

Blend

Blend all the ingredients together until well mixed.

Scrape & Blend Again

Now, scrape the contents of the vanilla bean pod into the food processor and watch it blend beautifully into the ice cream mixture. Here’s where I get my vanilla bean pods.

Pour & Churn

Pour your vegan vanilla ice cream mixture into the chilled freezer bowl of your ice cream maker. Churn your ice cream according to your ice cream maker’s directions. Here is the ice cream maker I use.Churn until firm.

Enjoy

Enjoy the best vegan vanilla ice cream ever! Or, if you like it firm, go ahead and scoop your homemade vegan ice cream into an ice cream containerand chill it until firm.

Vegan Ice Cream Recipes We Love: 3 Ingredient Mango Ice Cream · 4 Ingredient Banana Peanut Butter Ice Cream · Coconut Chocolate Chip Vegan Ice Cream

Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe (2)

3 secret ingredients for rich vanilla flavor

What makes this vegan vanilla ice cream the best vegan vanilla ice cream? In my opinion, three secret ingredients. You see, I spent oodles of time testing different amounts of vanilla, sweetener and coconut milk vs. coconut cream, guar gum vs. no guar gum and more. But something was always missing: an element of creaminess, lack of iciness and a flavor complexity.

These three ingredients solved it all:raw cashew butter,pure almond extractandreal vanilla bean.

Raw cashew butter added a boost of creaminess to the texture of this vegan ice cream, and it helped to cut down on the iciness that’s par for the course in homemade vegan ice cream recipes. Lastly, it added a nutty, cookie-like flavor that helped to balance out the coconut flavors present in the coconut milk and coconut cream.

Then, I started playing around with different amounts of vanilla extract and found that none quite worked. So I threw in some almond extract, just to see what happened. Guess what? It brought out a special level of sweetness and flavor complexity that really drew out the vanilla in this vegan vanilla ice cream.

Lastly, I used moist, freshly-sealed real vanilla bean pods to kick up the real vanilla flavor for the best vegan vanilla ice cream ever!

The best vegan vanilla ice cream—rich and creamy vegan ice cream made with real vanilla beans and simple ingredients.

Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe (3)

Recommended Tools for the Best Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream

Raw Cashew Butter + Vanilla Bean Pods + Pure Almond Extract

My 3 secret ingredients to creating the tastiest, best vegan vanilla ice cream. These 3 ingredients create creaminess, richer vanilla flavor and add a little sumthin’ sumthin’ to your new favorite vegan vanilla ice cream recipe.

Ice Cream Maker + Extra Freezer Bowls

I’ve been using the heck out of my ice cream maker! And tbh, I have several of them–that’s how much ice cream I make… 😉 The extra freezer bowls come in so handy–I can freeze multiples in advance and make several batches of vegan ice cream in a row without having to wait 24 hours for the first one to freeze.

So what do you think of today’s vegan vanilla ice cream recipe? You’re sooo ready for it, right? 🙂 I can’t wait to hear what you think! Leave me a comment below and let me know—I love hearing from you. Thank you for stopping by and sharing in these sweet dessert moments with me. ‘Til the next one…

Sending you all my love and maybe even a dove, xo Demeter ❤️

☀ Click below to Pin

Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe (4)

📸 Did you make this vegan vanilla ice cream recipe? Take a pic and share it on Instagram with the hashtag #beamingbaker & tag @beamingbaker. I’d love to see it! 📸

More Vegan Ice Cream Recipes

  • Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream
  • 4 Ingredient Almond Butter Paleo Ice Cream
  • Coconut Milk Ice Cream
  • Almond Joy Vegan Paleo Ice Cream
  • Best Strawberry Vegan Ice Cream
  • Dark Chocolate Nice Cream
  • Cashew Vegan Ice Cream

Print

Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe (5)

Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

★★★★★4.9 from 13 reviews
  • Author: Demeter | Beaming Baker
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: about 15 1/3-cup servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe

Description

Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe: this homemade vegan ice cream recipe is easy, rich ‘n creamy. The best vegan vanilla ice cream—incredible vanilla flavor, made with simple ingredients. Dairy-Free.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 can full-fat coconut milk (13.66 oz.)
  • 1 can coconut cream (13.66 oz.)
  • ¼ cup raw cashew butter
  • ¼ cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon pure almond extract
  • 1 vanilla bean pod

Instructions

  1. The day before, freeze your freezer bowl according to your ice cream maker’s instructions. This is the ice cream maker I use.
  2. Add all ingredients except the vanilla bean pod into a food processor.
  3. Slice the vanilla bean pod down the center, lengthwise. Using a spoon, scrape the beans cleanly out of the pod and add to the food processor. Save the pod for another recipe.
  4. Cover the food processor and blend until smooth and well mixed. Scrape down the sides of the processor as needed.
  5. Pour mixture into ice cream maker. Follow directions for making ice cream according to ice cream maker’s directions.
  6. Enjoy immediately if you like super soft ice cream. If you like firmer ice cream, pour into an ice cream container and freeze for 2-4 hours, until firm.
  7. Vanilla vegan ice cream is best the first day. On Day 2 and forward, set ice cream out at room temperature to thaw for 20-90 minutes, until creamy and scoopable. Enjoy! Storing instructions below.

Vegan Ice Cream Recipes You’ll ❤️

  • Best Strawberry Vegan Ice Cream! (Dairy-Free)
  • 3 Ingredient Homemade Mango Ice Cream Recipe
  • 4 Ingredient Almond Butter Paleo Ice Cream (Keto, Vegan)
  • Best Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

Notes

Where to Buy Ingredients: Vanilla Bean Pods | Full-fat Coconut Milk | Coconut Cream | Raw Cashew Butter | Pure Maple Syrup | Pure Almond Extract

Storing Instructions: Store in an airtight, freezer-friendly ice cream container. If serving after completely frozen, allow about 20-90 minutes to thaw—until creamy and scoopable.

For Quick Thaw: heat in the microwave in 10-second increments until the edges are a bit melty and ice cream is easy to scoop.

Recommended Tools: Ice Cream Maker | Extra Freezer Bowls | My Favorite Food Processor | Freezer Door Ice Cream Container | Mini Ice Cream Containers (super cute)

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 0 mins
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Chill
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: vegan vanilla ice cream, dairy free vanilla ice cream

© beamingbaker.com. All content and images are protected by copyright. Please do not use my images or recipe without my permission. Please do not republish this recipe, instead, include a link to this post for the recipe.

This post may contain affiliate links, which allow me to make a small commission for my referral, at no additional cost to you.

Vegan Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is vegan vanilla ice cream made of? ›

The base for this ice cream is coconut milk + cashew butter. It's a magical combo that creates a rich, creamy, dreamy texture. For sweeteners, we went with a mix of maple syrup and cane sugar.

What replaces dairy in vegan ice cream? ›

Here are 10 recipes and ideas to replace dairy in your ice cream.
  • Banana Puree. Bananas make a great ice cream ingredient. ...
  • Coconut Milk. Full-fat coconut milk creates a superb texture for your dairy-free desserts. ...
  • Almond Milk. ...
  • Cashew Milk. ...
  • Oat Milk/Oats. ...
  • Mixed Berry Puree. ...
  • Avocado. ...
  • Cashews.
Jul 24, 2014

How do you thicken vegan ice cream? ›

Plant-based fats are the best way to thicken vegan ice cream. Coconut cream, full-fat coconut milk and coconut oil will give the creamiest and thickest results. Cornstarch and tapioca starch can also be used to thicken but the end result will be a little more icy and a little less creamy.

Does vegan ice cream taste different? ›

So, most ice creams using substitutes like almond milk are all rather bland, lacking flavor, texture, and yumminess because of the lack of fat. It also breaks our heart to hear people say they didn't like non-dairy ice cream because it tasted chalky – they're just not trying to right ones!

What is Baskin Robbins vegan ice cream made of? ›

Made with premium, creamy coconut milk, our vegan ice creams currently come in two amazing flavors- the universal favorite Mississippi Mud, and the ever-classic Vanilla.

How healthy is vegan ice cream? ›

When compared to dairy-based ice cream, there are potential health benefits to plant-based alternatives. Chief amongst them are lower saturated fat levels and zero cholesterol. LDL cholesterol contributes to heart and circulatory diseases. Only animal products contain it.

Which vegan milk is best for making ice cream? ›

Kaminsky says that you'll get the best results from dairy-free counterparts that are higher in fat such as canned coconut milk. She typically uses almond milk as her base, but other non-dairy milks can work (steer clear of rice milk because it tends to be too watery).

What can I use instead of heavy cream for ice cream vegan? ›

By far the closest substitute for heavy cream in the vegan world is coconut milk in a can. There are several varieties to choose from. Look for the one with the highest fat, but don't fret if you can't find anything labeled “full fat.” They are all rich in fats.

What is ice cream without dairy called? ›

Sorbets. Sorbets are naturally lactose-free because they do not contain dairy. They're typically made from water and fruit juice or purée. Sherbets, on the other hand, will contain dairy in the form of dairy milk or cream, so be sure to inspect the label.

What is the best emulsifier for vegan ice cream? ›

A common - and better - emulsifier for ice cream is soy lecithin, which can be derived from soybeans, sunflowers and rapeseed. Soy lecithin has a neutral taste, and also allows you to make egg-less ice cream.

What are the stabilizers in vegan ice cream? ›

Guar, acacia, and xanthan gum can all be added to a recipe while cold. They can be blended into a recipe without needing to heat for them to activate. These ingredients are all similar in that they are thickener but they all have slightly different thickening properties. Guar creates a smooth creamy texture.

What is the best stabilizer for homemade ice cream? ›

Locust bean gum (E410)

LBG is a very popular stabilizer in ice cream. It's one of the best gums at reducing ice crystal size. And it produces, a smooth texture, a creamy mouth-feel, and a silky finish. It also works well with other gums, especially Guar and Carrageenan.

Is sherbet vegan friendly? ›

Sherbet is primarily fruit-based but contains either milk or buttermilk, which gives it a creamier, smoother texture than sorbet. The verdict: sherbet contains dairy and is therefore not dairy-free or vegan.

Why does vegan ice cream not melt? ›

Instead, many plant-based ice creams opt to use coconut oil, or coconut butter instead! This helps add some fats to the ice cream and helps slow down the melting process – meaning your plant-based ice cream stays nice and firm for a good amount of time.

What are the raw materials for vegan ice cream? ›

Ingredients that you can take into account for vegan ice creams
  • Soy milk, oat milk, rice milk, almond milk, among others. ...
  • Soy, oat or rice cream for cooking.
  • Soy milk or rice cream. ...
  • Whipped or whipped soy, coconut or rice cream.
  • Condensed soy milk, cooking cream with sugar, silken tofu.

Is vegan ice cream without milk? ›

Yes, it's dairy-free and vegan too (no eggs). Adding a little cornstarch to the coconut milk base, cooling then churning it before freezing, you're bound to make the best homemade vegan ice cream. Here's what you need to know.

Does vegan ice cream have oil? ›

Vegan ice cream obviously doesn't contain any dairy, which traditional ice cream relies on. Instead, many plant-based ice creams opt to use coconut oil, or coconut butter instead!

Is vanilla ice cream made from vanilla plant? ›

Ice cream is flavored by artificial or natural vanilla flavoring. Artificial flavorings contain 100% vanillin, the main ingredient that contributes to natural vanilla extract's flavor. Natural vanilla extract also contains nearly 200 more compounds in addition to vanillin.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Ray Christiansen

Last Updated:

Views: 6678

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ray Christiansen

Birthday: 1998-05-04

Address: Apt. 814 34339 Sauer Islands, Hirtheville, GA 02446-8771

Phone: +337636892828

Job: Lead Hospitality Designer

Hobby: Urban exploration, Tai chi, Lockpicking, Fashion, Gunsmithing, Pottery, Geocaching

Introduction: My name is Ray Christiansen, I am a fair, good, cute, gentle, vast, glamorous, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.