Where do I even start?
Perhaps by telling you this is the creamiest, dreamiest mint ice cream you’ll ever feast on. And that it’s loaded with raw brownie chunks. YES, brownie chunks. No wimpy chocolate chips here. Oh, and that it’s entirely vegan and gluten-free.
Whoo, that was a mouthful, but you need to know it all!
I used to despise mint everything, especially desserts. Mint belonged in fluoride and toothpaste as far as I was concerned; nowhere near my ice cream.
But then, one night at my aunt’s house, I was offered a piece of chocolate cake and the only ice cream available was mint chip. OK, fine. If it’s the only option. I was desperate.
I hate to admit it, but, I fell in love.
This ice cream is based loosely on my chai ice cream (Which has a video, by the way. Have you seen it!?).
It’s cashew-based, which makes it ultra creamy and thick. Coconut milk gives it an ultra velvety finish and pairs perfectly with the fresh mint.
If you love mint, you’re in luck because this ice cream gets its minty-ness from two sources: fresh mint leaves and peppermint extract. I don’t mess around.
While your ice cream is churning, make your raw brownie.
This is the most bare bones raw brownie recipe you can make: dates, raw nuts (I love a mix of raw walnuts and almonds), and cacao or cocoa powder (although cocoa makes it not technically “raw”).
Mix it all together and then form it into a little brownie brick and let it chill while your ice cream gets all soft serve like. Try not to eat it all (important).
Yes! The moment has come to add the brownie.
You don’t need to add it all, unless you really want to. But I like the emphasis to be on the ice cream with bites of brownie in most every bite. Plus, then I can snack on leftover brownie brick the rest of the week (huzzah!).
Friends! This ice cream is a dream. It’s:
Creamy
Smooth
Cold
Minty
Perfectly sweet
Velvety
Studded with raw brownie bites
Chocolaty
Luscious
& Altogether irresistible
Make it for yourself or share it with friends! OR, exercise the utmost self-control and save it for a killer recipe I have coming up for you guys this weekend! Stay tuuuuuned.
If you make this recipe, yo, let me know. Take a picture and tag it #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Or tweeter it to me. I love seeing what you lovelies cook up. Cheers!
Creamy Vegan Mint Brownie Ice Cream
10-ingredient vegan GF mint ice cream with brownie chunks! Print SAVE SAVED
from votes Prep Time 1 hour Cook Time 15 minutes Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes Servings 8Course DessertCuisine Gluten-Free, VeganFreezer Friendly 1 monthDoes it keep? No
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Ingredients
US Customary – Metric
For the Ice Cream
1/2 cup fresh mint (divided)1 1/2 cups raw cashews (soaked for 8 hours, then drained)1 14-ounce can full-fat coconut milk (or other non-dairy milk, though full-fat coconut will yield creamiest result)1/2 – 3/4 tsp peppermint extract (depending on how minty you like it)1/4 cup cane sugar1/4 cup agave nectar or maple syrup (or honey if not vegan)3 Tbsp coconut oil (melted)1 tps vanilla extract (optional)
For the Raw Brownie
1 cup packed dates (pitted // if your dates are dried out, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to plump them back up then drain)1 1/4 cups raw walnuts (I used a mix of almonds and walnuts)1/3 cup cacao OR cocoa powder (though cocoa powder makes it not technically raw)
Instructions
Set your churning bowl in the freezer the night before to chill. Soak your cashews the night before as well, or for at least 4-6 hours before blending.OPTIONAL STEP: When ready to prepare ice cream, steep HALF of your fresh mint leaves in the coconut milk. Bring the coconut milk to a simmer in a small saucepan and add the mint leaves, then turn to low. Use a wooden spoon or muddler to puncture the mint so it infuses the coconut milk. Keep on low for 15 minutes, then kill heat and let cool. Once cooled, strain out the mint leaves using a fine mesh strainer and pour the coconut milk right into a blender. (If not doing this step, just add all of the fresh mint and coconut milk right into the blender. The flavor won’t be AS strong, but it will still be delicious.)Add remaining ingredients, including DRAINED cashews and remaining fresh mint (vanilla extract is optional) and blend until creamy and smooth – about 3-4 minutes, using the “liquify option” if you have it. Taste and adjust sweetness/minty-ness as needed.Add mixture to your chilled ice cream maker bowl and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions until thoroughly chilled, about 45 minutes. It should resemble thick soft serve (see photo).While churning, prepare your raw brownie by processing dates in the food processor until small bits remain – it will likely form into a ball. Remove and set aside.Add nuts and process until small bits remain, then add back in dates and cocoa or cacao powder and process until well combined (see photo).Transfer to a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper and use hands to form into a “brick” shape. Set in freezer to chill.Once ice cream is done churning, break off chunks of your brownie and stir into the ice cream. I used about 3/4 of my brownie.Transfer ice cream to a freezer-safe container, cover with plastic wrap and freeze until hard – at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. Will keep in the freezer for up to one week, though best when fresh.Before serving, let thaw on the counter for 10-15 minutes to soften.
Notes
*Adapted from my Vegan Chai Ice Cream.
*Prep time does not include chilling/soaking.
*I’m not going to candy-coat it. This is a rich dessert and you only need a little bit to feel satisfied. So no whining about the high calorie count, Rhonda.
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate.
Nutrition (1 of 8 servings)
Serving: 1 serving Calories: 526 Carbohydrates: 52 g Protein: 8.9 g Fat: 35.2 g Saturated Fat: 15.4 g Polyunsaturated Fat: 9.4 g Monounsaturated Fat: 7.7 g Trans Fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 19 mg Potassium: 614 mg Fiber: 5.8 g Sugar: 37.7 g Vitamin A: 171 IU Vitamin C: 2.9 mg Calcium: 61.5 mg Iron: 3.8 mg