Description
This homemade vegan ice cream is creamy, rich, and incredibly easy to make with just 5 simple ingredients. It’s a perfect dairy-free dessert that no one will believe is vegan! Customize it with your favorite add-ins like cookie dough, brownie pieces, or fresh fruit for a truly indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/4 cups raw cashews
- (2) 13.5 oz cans full-fat coconut milk
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Ice Cream Maker Bowl: Place the bowl of your ice cream maker in the freezer the night before you plan on making the ice cream.
- Soak the Cashews: Bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Pour the hot water over the raw cashews in a bowl and let them soak for at least 5 minutes, or up to 3 hours.
- Blend the Ingredients: Drain the cashews and discard the soaking water. Add the soaked cashews to a high-powered blender along with the coconut milk, granulated sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Blend on high speed for 3-4 minutes, until the mixture is very smooth and creamy.
- Chill the Mixture: Pour the blended mixture into a large bowl and place it in the freezer to chill for about 30 minutes.
- Churn the Ice Cream: Set up your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Pour the mixture into the ice cream maker and churn for about 20-25 minutes, until it reaches the consistency of soft-serve ice cream. Add mix-ins in the last few minutes of churning if desired.
- Freeze the Ice Cream: Transfer the soft serve ice cream to a loaf pan, smooth the top, and cover with plastic wrap. Freeze for 4-5 hours until firm.
- Serve: Remove the ice cream from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. Scoop and enjoy with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- This recipe is designed for an ice cream maker. Without one, the texture may not be as creamy.
- For a coconut-free version, use 2 1/2 cups of vegan creamer, but the ice cream may be less creamy.
- Do not skip the cashews, as they are essential for the creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Churning
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 251
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 59mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg