5 Delicious Homemade Dairy-Free Ice Cream Recipes

When it comes to summer desserts, it’s tough to beat the delicious appeal of ice cream. These recipes have all the flavor and indulgence of the traditional stuff, but without the dairy.

Whether you’re avoiding dairy products or simply want to try something different, you really can’t go wrong with these flavor-packed options.

All you need to make any of these recipes is a high-speed blender or food processor—no ice-cream maker or churner necessary! Whatever you use to make your smoothies will do just as fine.

If you make homemade ice cream a lot and do want to splurge on a dedicated ice-cream machine, be sure to check out our favorites first.

Piña Colada Nice Cream

Your favorite cocktail in the form of a delicious scoop of ice-cream is the perfect summer dessert to refresh you in the middle of a hot, busy day.

You’ll need the following ingredients:

• 3 frozen bananas
• 1 cup of frozen pineapple
• 1/2 cup of full-fat coconut milk (add a touch of rum for a boozy version)
• 2 tablespoons of coconut flakes

Then, just follow these steps:

1. In a food processor, pulse the frozen bananas and pineapple with coconut milk and slowly start adding in the coconut flakes.
2. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
3. Place in a container and freeze for at least an hour. (You can serve as is, but it will resemble soft serve more than actual ice cream.)
4. Get creative and sprinkle on some shaved chocolate or more coconut flakes, or pour on some hot caramel fudge.

Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream

Is there a better combination than chocolate on chocolate on chocolate? No, we don’t think so. This recipe is bound to satisfy all your chocoholic cravings. It’s also incredibly easy to make!

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1-1/2 cups of cashews (soaked in water overnight)
• 1-1/4 cups of your sweetener of choice (coconut, cane, or muscovado sugar, or maple syrup)
• 3 cups of water
• 1/3 cup of cacao powder
• 1/2 cup of chocolate chips
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• A sprinkle of sea salt

Next, just follow these instructions:

1. Put cashews in a high-speed blender with the water, and blend until smooth.
2. Squeeze the mixture through a cheesecloth or a nut milk bag to separate the pulp from the cashew milk.
3. Add milk to the blender once again with all remaining ingredients, except the chocolate chips, and blend until smooth.
4. Fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Place in freezer to set for about an hour.
6. Serve with chocolate hot fudge and enjoy!

Raspberry Basil Sorbet

This incredible pairing of a delicious summer fruit and an all-time favorite cooking herb is surprising, and oh, so refreshing! This one is so good, you’ll probably end up making it all summer.

You’ll need the following ingredients:

• 3 cups of frozen raspberries
• 1 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of your sweetener of choice (coconut, cane, or muscovado sugar, or agave nectar).
• Juice of 1 lime
• A handful of fresh basil leaves

Then, just follow these easy steps:

1. In a saucepan, bring the water and sweetener to a boil and let simmer for a few minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
2. Place the remaining ingredients in a food processor and pulse until smooth.
3. Slowly pour in the water and sugar mixture.
4. Transfer to a container and place in freezer to set for at least 3-4 hours (because water is the only liquid here, it’ll take longer to freeze).
5. Top with fresh berries or any other favorite fruit.
6. Serve on its own or with a piece of berry pie or crumble.

Salted Caramel Vanilla Ice Cream

Salted-caramel-flavored anything just sounds delicious. And knowing you can have this dessert whenever you want will only make it more desirable. The creaminess from the cashews makes it possible to enjoy this one as a soft serve or Italian gelato, as well. So, choose your favorite and enjoy!

You’ll need the following ingredients:

• 3 cups of raw cashews (previously soaked in water overnight)
• 8 dates (soaked in warm water for 20 minutes)
• 2-1/2 cups of cashew milk
• 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

The ingredients for the salted caramel swirl are:

• 10 dates (soaked in warm water for 20 minutes)
• 1/4 to 1 cup of cashew milk (start with 1/4 and add more as needed)
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt

Next, follow these instructions:

1. In a food processor, pulse the dates until they start forming a paste.
2. Add the cashews.
3. Pour in the cashew milk, add the vanilla and cinnamon, and blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
4. Rinse out your food processor, and then add all the salted caramel swirl ingredients.
5. Pulse and blend until thick and creamy.
6. Transfer the base into a container and swirl the salted caramel sauce into the ice cream.
7. Place in freezer to set for about an hour.
8. Serve with caramel hot fudge and pieces of chopped nuts or shaved chocolate.

Matcha Mint Chip Ice Cream

A combination that’s bound to cool you off on even the hottest day, this matcha and mint ice cream is full of healthy antioxidants and vitamins. It’s a treat that’s both delicious and healthy!

You’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1-1/2 cups of full fat coconut milk
• 3 teaspoons of matcha powder
• A handful of fresh mint leaves
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/3 cup of your sweetener of choice
• 1/2 cup of dark chocolate, chopped

Then, follow these instructions:

1. Place coconut milk and mint leaves in a small saucepan and steep over medium-low heat for 10 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool.
2. When cool, remove mint leaves and transfer the infused coconut milk to a bowl.
3. Add vanilla extract, sweetener, and matcha, and whisk until well-combined.
4. Place in the fridge to chill for 1-2 hours.
5. Once chilled, strain the mixture to get rid of any matcha clumps.
6. Pour in blender and blend until smooth.
7. Add chopped chocolate to blender and blend until incorporated.
8. Transfer to a container and freeze 1-2 hours before serving.

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Put that blender or food processor to good use making these delicious dairy-free ice cream treats!