A rich and creamy Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream with just 4 ingredients that can be made WITHOUT an ice cream maker. That’s right. It’s no churn… as well as gluten free, dairy free, and nut free.
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VEGAN CHOCOLATE ICE CREAM – PLANT-BASED DECADENCE
This Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream has all the lusciousness of its dairy cousin, but is totally plant-based. Rich and creamy, it needs only 4 ingredients (or even 3 if you ditch the vanilla). And it’s amazing!
Seriously… It’s hard to believe this ice cream is vegan. It’s sumptuous and deep with nature’s chocolate gift. So, if you are someone who turns your nose up at the suggestion that great ice cream can be dairy free… think again. This vegan chocolate ice cream proves that decadence can be plant-based.
Why I love no churn ice cream
At Gluten Free Alchemist, we have a passion for making no churn ice cream. Why? Because it can be mixed ready for the freezer in as little as 10 minutes from simple ingredients… With no need for an ice cream machine. As long as you have a whisk, a bowl, a spoon and a freezer… you can have homemade ice cream as delicious as any other you have tasted.
As far as no-churn dairy ice cream goes, we have some amazing recipes. From the legendary Baileys No Churn Ice Cream, to a divine Coffee Ice Cream. But the menu continues… Whether Cherry-Chocolate Brownie, simple Rhubarb, Cookies n Cream, or Mincemeat, we have you covered. We also offer no churn Mint Choc Chip, Blackberry. The list will continue to grow.
The down side is that while each and every one of them is delicious, dairy ice cream is made with high volumes of cream. Occasionally that’s fine. But I worry about cholesterol consumption in particular and this has prompted a desire to seek alternatives.
What 4 ingredients are used to make Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream?
I am almost certain that any of my no churn ice creams can be made dairy free as well, because the recipe for this Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream is pretty much the same… Except that it is vegan (obvs). The method also makes it one of the simplest ice cream recipes on the planet.
But what ingredients are used to make it that easy? Well basically, the usual whipped double cream and dairy condensed milk has been subbed for the vegan coconut versions of the same ingredients. Chilled well and whisked with care, coconut cream and coconut condensed milk give the same amazing result, but totally plant based! And I promise… the taste of coconut is barely noticeable.
For best flavour and to make this a Vegan chocolate ice cream, I have added raw cacao powder which offers a deep natural chocolate hit and a hint of an anti-oxidant boost as well. The slight bitterness of the cacao perfectly offsets any excess sweetness from the condensed milk.
Although I prefer to use cacao, cocoa can be used instead. And adding a little vanilla extract gives a wonderful, slightly exotic backdrop too.
Where can I find Coconut Condensed Milk to make Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream?
Although cans of coconut milk are easy to find in the supermarket (usually on the ‘Asian’ shelves), coconut condensed milk can be harder to source. The effort to track it down however, is more than worth it.
For vegan baking and treat making, it has become one of my favourite ingredients. In addition to Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream, it has been used in a vegan version of Lemon Tart with Dark Chocolate & Ginger (simply subbing all dairy for the equivalent coconut ingredient) and is a key ingredient in our incredible Cranberry & Apricot Vegan Seeded Flapjacks too.
A couple of companies now offer ready-made coconut condensed milk. Nature’s Charm (my favourite) offers different sized cans (200g; 320g; 3680g), and Biona also make a 210g can.
You can find the Natures Charm medium cans at Ocado and some Holland and Barrett stores. And also in Vegan on-line stores such as Vegan Kind. Amazon do offer, but it is hideously expensive in comparison to other sources.
Check your local wholefood stores
Actually, the first coconut condensed milk I came across was in a favourite local wholefood store. So, check and shop local first if possible.
I do confess to being a little excited when I found it. Actually ‘excitement’ doesn’t do the reaction justice… I was seriously ecstatic… Resulting in an almost possessive siege-like mentality (briefly!).
Looking around suspiciously to see whether anyone else might have spotted my find… almost the whole shelf-load was bundled into a basket, before I sidled up to the counter trying to look normal.
Who was I kidding? I looked like some crazed loon with the oddest addiction on the planet. But you know what? Those cans have brought happiness and lots of new-found creativity (including this Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream). And I feel smug that I snaffled them before anyone else got their hands on them.
What is the best way to enjoy a soft no churn Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream?
Like most home-made ice creams, this Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream doesn’t have any unnecessary extra ingredients to ‘make’ it extra soft. Coconut ice creams also have a lower level of fat (and thus more liquid), which while better to eat from a health perspective, will have an impact on how they freeze. Thus, Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream will freeze quite hard. Particularly if your freezer is very efficient.
At development stage, consideration was given to whether anything might be added to keep it softer at very low temperatures. Adding extra sugar for example can help to protect the liquid from freezing solid… But the ice cream would then be way too sweet. And anything artificial would have affected the flavour.
In reality, the freezing has not proved to be a problem… Leaving this vegan chocolate ice cream to sit at room temperature for a short while before eating usually softens it perfectly. The result? A gorgeously rich and creamy ice cream that rivals its dairy counterparts.
Ready to make Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream?
So, there you have it… Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream that can be made with little fuss and only basic equipment. If you make it, let me know! Actually, if you make any of my no churn ice creams either dairy or vegan, let me know! I love to hear from you guys and know that what I am doing is making a difference. Leave a comment, rate the recipe, tag me on social media (links at the top… #glutenfreealchemist).
If you are looking for other ice cream recipes, check out our dedicated Ice Cream Index… and if you are gluten free and Vegan, we also have you covered with our Vegan-GF Index too… Actually, for anyone thinking of trying the Vegan AND Gluten Free route, we also have a post that may be helpful… Gluten Free Vegan – Surviving Veganuary and Beyond
For everything else, browse our on-line Recipe Book to be inspired.
Other Vegan Ice Creams at Gluten Free Alchemist
Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream (no churn)
Key equipment
- can opener
- freezer
Ingredients
- 320 g vegan sweetened condensed coconut milk 1 medium tin Natures Charm make
- 800 ml full-fat coconut milk (cream only) at least 75% coconut solids (2 cans)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 50 g powdered raw cacao
Instructions
Prepare the Coconut Milks & Equipment
- Ahead of making the ice cream, chill all 3 tins of coconut milk for several hours/overnight. The straight coconut milk will separate whilst chilling and the cream within the can will harden during this process.
- Before you begin, ensure your mixing bowl will fit into the freezer (temporarily).
- When thoroughly chilled and being careful not to shake, open up the two cans of straight coconut milk.
- Depending on whether you have opened the can with the cream or liquid layer at the top, either tip off the coconut water into a glass and scoop out the coconut cream that is left into a bowl, or scoop the coconut cream off the top to a bowl and pour the leftover coconut water into a glass (save the coconut water to drink or put in a smoothie).
Make the Ice Cream
- Whisk the coconut cream with an electric whisk until light and airy. If it starts to become too loose, place the bowl in the freezer for 10 minutes to re-chill.
- Add the chilled condensed coconut milk, vanilla extract and powdered cacao to the whipped coconut cream and fold through until fully combined.
- Place the bowl in the freezer for one to two hours (depending on how cold your freezer is) to harden slightly and then remove and whisk again to add air.
- Pour the ice cream batter into an airtight container and freeze until firm.
To eat
- When you are ready to eat, the ice cream may be quite hard (particularly if your freezer is set very cold). Remove from the freezer for a short while before serving to allow to soften slightly.
Notes
Nutrition
© 2019-2023 Kate Dowse All Rights Reserved – Do not copy or re-publish this recipe or any part of this recipe on any other blog, on social media or in a publication without the express permission of Gluten Free Alchemist
Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream shared with
- Blogger’s Pit Stop #257
- Full Plate Thursday #514 with Miz Helen’s Country Cottage
- What’s For Dinner #292 with The Lazy Gastronome
- Over The Moon #257 with Eclectic Red Barn
- Meatless Monday with Confessions of a Mother Runner and A Whisk & Two Wands
- Fiesta Friday #357 with Angie and Of Goats and Greens
- Cook Blog Share with Lost In Food
Is there a non-vegan version for this chocolate ice-cream?
Yep! Just sub the vegan condensed milk for a can of standard condensed milk (397g can)… And use double cream (500 ml/g)… Then follow the recipe from ‘make the ice cream’.
You can optionally add a tablespoon of alcohol to keep it softer when it freezes… It’s up to you.
xx
Thanks so much for sharing your awesome post with us at Full Plate Thursday,514. Hope you are having a great week and come back to see us soon!
Miz Helen
Thank you Helen, You’re welcome x
I didn’t realise how simple it was to make icecream dairy free until now!
Yes… Absolutely Helen. The tricky bit is finding a ready source of Coconut Condensed milk xx
That looks so good!! Really creamy. Thanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party! Have a fantastic week.
Thank you Helen. Considering it’s Vegan, I’m really proud of this one xx
wow 4 ingredient ice cream! Who knew? Looks super easy and very tasty. Thanks for linking up today
Thanks Deborah. You’re so welcome. It is really really easy! x
Ooh, sweetened condensed coconut milk heh? I am going to have to find some of that. This looks so rich and delicious, I need to try it. I always use this method for making ice cream now, it's so easy 😀 Thanks for sharing with #WeShouldCocoa.
Oh you must Choclette! It is a total revelation, especially when you want to avoid dairy! x
Hahahaha, I wish I had been a fly on the wall whilst you packed as many cans of the condensed coconut milk in the basket whilst looking over your shoulder keeping everyone else away from your find! Love it! It certainly looks like an amazing icecream to have used it in – and made even more tempting with the sprinkles and wafer! #G2GGF
Angela x
Ha…. Yes…. I probably looked like some deranged woman who had mistaken the condensed milk for something more valuable…. But I know value when I see it! x
Still need to find me dome of that gorgeous coconut condensed milk…..it's my main mission this month!
Have you still not tracked it down? Do you want me to send you some?
That looks amazingly chocolatey! I might have to try and find the condensed coconut milk! x
http://www.jesseatsandtravels.com
Thank you Jess. I hope you find some of the coconut condensed milk without too much effort! x
I really need to get my hands on some condensed coconut stuff. That stuff sounds amazing and I can't wait to experiment with it.
Ha ha! Yes Emma….. you do! Loving it here xx
Your ice cream looks and sounds absolutely delicious. It's exactly what ice cream should be: rich, decadent, and also easy to make 🙂 Love it! I had no idea coconut condensed milk even existed! The possibilities are endless and I bet you're going to be writing ice cream recipe after ice cream recipe now!!! Thanks for joining in with #FreeFromFridays.
Thanks Mel. I was rather over-excited when I discovered the Coconut Condensed Milk.And yes….. I have 2 new ice cream recipes waiting in the wings (which have been delayed in the publishing due to my difficult January). Rest assured….. they are on their way xx
xxx
Any coconut milk alternatives, please? We are completely nut, dairy, egg and wheat free! x
Thanks. x
Ooooh tricky one Belinda. I don't know of any commercial dairy free alternatives to the coconut condensed milk, unless you make your own condensed rice milk? A coconut intolerance/allergy is a rare thing even for those with a nut allergy (I didn't think coconuts were usually classed as nuts) and coconut is such a helpful sub for dairy of you can eat it….. Must be difficult for you x
Look at those fabulous photos you clever lady! I've been wanting to get my hands on some coconut condensed milk for months for this very reason but can't seem to find it! I obviously need to come to your kitchen!!!!! I'm sharing this right now. Hope you had a lovely xmas and new year? xxx
Ahh thanks Vicki. I think it was luck that I stumbled on the condensed coconut milk….. but I may have gone a little overboard when I bought it (although most has disappeared over Christmas on various ice creams!). Good to hear you are back from your travels safely x
This looks so decadent! I really need to get some of that condensed coconut milk! I'm thinking vegan fudge could be made with it too!
Oooohhh yes…. Vegan fudge sounds delicious! I reckon it would work really well.
I found mine in a health/wholefood store….. I'm sure it must be relatively easy to source xx
Happy New Year to you Kate. I need to track down that coconut condensed milk, this looks really lush.
Also thank you so much for your support towards my blog over the years and I look forward to following your blog recipes in 2018.
Thanks Shaheen and Happy New Year to you too.
I am really thrilled to have found the condensed coconut milk. I have loads of plans for it….. (I just need time!) xx
It never ceases to amaze that you can make vegan versions of so much. Glad this works for you. I have tried it once but less successful than yours looks – probably the softening would help. That must make the dairy problem much easier to cope with. Happy new year and look forward to reading more blog posts next year.
Thanks Johanna…. It seems there is an ever growing range of products which are easy substitutes and I am enjoying discovering them…. I will continue to work on the best way to soften for the freezer, but meanwhile I am happy to give it a few minutes to warm slightly! x
This looks perfect for our dairy intolerant teen who loves loves ice cream.
Thanks Elinor. My daughter really loves it…. It's great to have an easy to make dairy-free no churn alternative!
It sounds amazing and looks so beautifully creamy too!
Thanks Corina. It worked really well….. Although it does need a little time at room temperature to get its full creaminess x
I'm so tempted! And thanks for sharing with #CookOnceEatTwice as well x
You're welcome x
Would glycerine help. Anyway, sounds lovely.
Ooh… That's an idea! Thanks DC…. I'll do a bit of research! Happy New Year xx