I’ve been on a mission to create creamy, rich vegan chocolate ice cream, and it almost stumped me.
My first attempt lacked depth of dark chocolate flavor.
My second attempt came closer, but lacked creaminess.
And my third attempt? Total winner.
Creamy, insanely rich chocolate flavor that’s somewhere between ice cream and gelato. Get your ice cream maker, kids. We’re doin’ this.
This recipe requires just 6 ingredients and simple methods. If you can whisk, blend, and pour into an ice cream maker, you can master this easy recipe.
The base is comprised of water, cocoa powder, rich coconut cream, and organic cane sugar, which is whisked together. Then comes the deep chocolate flavor: from plenty of vegan dark chocolate.
The last ingredient is vanilla extract, which enhances the flavor and helps prevent ice crystals (because of the alcohol content). Then simply blend, chill, and wait patiently until it’s time to churn.
This ice cream is insanely creamy and so, so rich in chocolate flavor. It satisfied that craving I had for the chocolate ice cream I enjoyed back in my dairy-eating days.
This will make the perfect treat to have on hand this summer for snacking or for hosting. I highly recommend serving this with fresh strawberries and coconut whipped cream. And whoops, what if a raw brownie falls in the bowl? Bliss.
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a picture #minimalistbaker on Instagram so we can see what you come up with. Cheers, friends!
NOTE: Recipe updated 10/04/19 to improve texture and simplify.
Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream
Creamy, 6-ingredient vegan chocolate ice cream infused with cocoa powder, vegan dark chocolate, and coconut cream. Simple methods, extremely rich and satisfying results. Print SAVE SAVED
from votes Prep Time 10 hours Cook Time 10 minutes Total Time 10 hours 10 minutes Servings 9Course DessertCuisine Gluten-Free, VeganFreezer Friendly 7-10 DaysDoes it keep? No
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Ingredients
US Customary – Metric3/4 cup water1 1/4 cups lite coconut milk2/3 cup organic cane sugar*2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder1/4 tsp sea salt6 ounces vegan dark chocolate (finely chopped // ~1 cup chopped per 6 ounces)1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
The day before, add your ice cream churning bowl* to the freezer to properly chill.The same day, prepare your base. Add the water, coconut milk, cane sugar, cocoa powder, and salt to a large saucepan and whisk to combine. Bring to a low boil over medium-high heat, whisking frequently. Once it reaches a low boil, continue cooking and whisking for 1 minute.Remove from the heat and add the chocolate and vanilla. Whisk until melted.Then transfer to a mixing bowl and chill in the fridge for 2 hours or until room temperature or cooler. Optional: To remove any graininess, add to a blender and blend for 30 seconds on high. Add your chilled base to the ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions – about 30 minutes or until it looks like soft serve (see photo).Enjoy as soft serve, or transfer to a parchment-lined dish or loaf pan, cover securely, and freeze for 4-6 hours, or until firm.Let thaw 10-15 minutes before serving to soften. Use a hop scoop to ease scooping. Enjoy within 7-10 days. This is excellent with ripe strawberries and coconut whipped cream!
Video
Notes
*There’s something magical that happens with sugar in this recipe, so I wouldn’t recommend subbing it for maple syrup or coconut sugar, as it will likely lack creaminess. But, if you give it a try, let me know how it goes in the comments!
*If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make this ice cream, but it won’t be as creamy. Follow the instructions up until churning, and instead add it to a mixing bowl or loaf pan and cover with foil. Freeze for a total of 8 hours, and remove from the freezer once an hour to whisk/stir to incorporate air and prevent ice crystals.
*Recipe loosely adapted from David Lebowitz.
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate.
Nutrition (1 of 9 servings)
Serving: 1 serving Calories: 248 Carbohydrates: 31.4 g Protein: 3.4 g Fat: 14.4 g Saturated Fat: 11.5 g Trans Fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 72 mg Fiber: 3.3 g Sugar: 25 g
