Coconut Cream Ice Cream Recipe: Craving something creamy, dreamy, and dairy-free? You’re in the right place. This coconut cream ice cream recipe is a smooth and satisfying dessert that brings tropical vibes right into your kitchen. It’s perfect for vegans, those with lactose intolerance, or anyone looking for a refreshing treat with a twist. Made with just a few wholesome ingredients and no eggs or dairy, this recipe guarantees a silky scoop every time.
Let’s dive in and learn how to whip up this cool, coconutty goodness from scratch.
Why Choose Coconut Cream for Ice Cream?
Coconut cream is like the golden ticket to creamy non-dairy ice cream. It brings richness without the heaviness of traditional cream, making it perfect for plant-based recipes. But that’s not all—it’s naturally sweet, super smooth, and adds a touch of the tropics to every bite.
Health Benefits of Coconut Cream
- Rich in healthy fats (like MCTs)
- Contains iron, potassium, and magnesium
- Supports metabolism and brain function
- Lactose-free and vegan-friendly
Taste & Texture Advantage
Coconut cream has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with just about anything—from chocolate and fruit to spices like cinnamon or cardamom. Its thick, velvety consistency is what makes your ice cream scoopable and creamy.
So, whether you’re going vegan, going dairy-free, or just going for flavor—coconut cream has your back.
Is Coconut Cream Ice Cream Dairy-Free?
Absolutely. This recipe uses 100% dairy-free ingredients, making it perfect for vegans or anyone avoiding lactose. The rich, creamy texture comes entirely from full-fat coconut cream, not milk or heavy cream. You can indulge guilt-free without worrying about stomach issues or dietary restrictions.
Plus, you can customize it with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave if you’re avoiding refined sugars too.
List of Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s your simple shopping list for the creamiest coconut ice cream ever:
- 2 cans (13.5 oz each) of full-fat coconut cream
- ½ cup maple syrup (or agave nectar/honey if not vegan)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
Optional Add-Ins for Flavor Variety
Want to level up? Try adding:
- ½ cup shredded coconut for texture
- ¼ cup cocoa powder for chocolate flavor
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder for a coffee twist
- 1 cup fresh fruit puree like mango, strawberries, or blueberries
- Chopped nuts or chocolate chips for crunch
Everything you need is simple, accessible, and totally customizable. You can keep it basic or make it fancy—the choice is yours.
Essential Kitchen Tools and Equipment
You don’t need a professional kitchen to make coconut cream ice cream, but having the right tools helps. Here’s what you’ll want on hand:
- Blender or whisk (to mix ingredients smoothly)
- Mixing bowl
- Ice cream maker (for churning) OR a freezer-safe container and spatula
- Rubber spatula (for scraping and folding)
- Airtight container (for storage)
No ice cream maker? No worries—we’ll show you how to do it without one too.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Coconut Cream Ice Cream
Ready to get started? Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can make perfect coconut cream ice cream from home.
1. Preparing Your Ingredients
Start by shaking your cans of coconut cream well before opening. You want to use the thick, creamy part and avoid any excess water at the bottom. Pour the cream into a mixing bowl. If the cream and water have separated, scoop out the thick part and leave the water behind.
Add your maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt.
Pro tip: Warm your maple syrup slightly so it blends more easily with the coconut cream.
2. Mixing the Ice Cream Base
Using a blender, hand mixer, or whisk, mix everything together until smooth. You want a silky, lump-free mixture. If you’re adding cocoa powder or fruit puree, now’s the time to blend them in.
Keep tasting as you go. Want it sweeter? Add a bit more syrup. Want more vanilla flavor? Add another splash.
This base should be thick, smooth, and creamy with a dreamy coconut scent.
3. Chilling the Mixture
Cover your bowl and chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight for best results). This helps the flavors meld together and gives the ice cream a better texture when churned.
Chilling also helps it freeze faster and more evenly, giving you smoother scoops.
4. Churning the Ice Cream
Pour your chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. It usually takes 20–25 minutes to get a soft-serve consistency.
Don’t have an ice cream maker? We got you covered—just scroll down for the no-machine method.
Once the texture is thick and creamy, transfer the ice cream into an airtight container.
5. Freezing for Final Texture
For scoopable, firm ice cream, place the container in the freezer for 4–6 hours (or overnight). Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to soften slightly.
Tips for Perfect Coconut Cream Ice Cream
Making homemade ice cream might sound intimidating, but with a few simple tricks, you can make it taste like it’s straight from a fancy ice cream shop.
Here are some tried-and-true tips to make sure your coconut cream ice cream turns out perfect every single time:
Use Full-Fat Coconut Cream
Low-fat or light coconut milk won’t give you the creamy, rich texture that full-fat coconut cream does. Make sure you’re buying unsweetened full-fat coconut cream, not the kind labeled “coconut milk” for cooking.
Chill Everything Beforehand
Chilling your ice cream base and the bowl of your ice cream maker (if applicable) before churning will help the mixture freeze faster and more evenly. This results in smoother, creamier ice cream.
Don’t Over-Churn
If you’re using an ice cream maker, stop churning as soon as the mixture thickens and resembles soft serve. Over-churning can lead to a grainy texture, and nobody wants that.
Add Mix-Ins at the End
Planning to add chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or fruit chunks? Fold them in during the last few minutes of churning or right before freezing. This keeps them from sinking to the bottom or getting soggy.
Use a Touch of Alcohol for Softer Texture (Optional)
Adding a tablespoon of vodka or rum helps prevent the ice cream from freezing too hard, as alcohol doesn’t freeze. This is totally optional and only recommended for adults.
Store Properly
Store your finished ice cream in an airtight container with a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface. This prevents ice crystals from forming.
These small steps make a huge difference, especially if you want your coconut ice cream to be restaurant-quality at home.
Flavor Variations You Can Try
The best thing about coconut cream ice cream is how versatile it is. Coconut pairs beautifully with a wide range of flavors. Here are a few delicious variations you can make by slightly adjusting the base recipe.
Chocolate Coconut Cream Ice Cream
- Add ¼ to ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder to your base.
- Optional: Mix in dark chocolate chunks or a fudge swirl.
- Top with shredded coconut or a drizzle of chocolate syrup.
Mango Coconut Cream Ice Cream
- Blend in 1 to 1½ cups of fresh mango puree.
- Add a splash of lime juice for a tropical twist.
- This version is super refreshing and perfect for summer!
Coffee Coconut Cream Ice Cream
- Mix in 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder or strong brewed espresso.
- Add chocolate-covered espresso beans for a fancy finish.
- Great for coffee lovers looking for a creamy, dairy-free indulgence.
These are just the beginning. You could also try matcha, vanilla bean, raspberry swirl, or even peanut butter banana. Let your creativity take the lead!
How to Make It Without an Ice Cream Maker
Don’t have an ice cream machine? No problem—you can still make coconut cream ice cream at home using the no-churn method.
Step-by-Step No-Churn Method:
- Prepare the base as described earlier (coconut cream + sweetener + flavorings).
- Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container.
- Every 30 minutes for the next 3–4 hours, take it out and stir vigorously using a fork or whisk.
- This breaks up ice crystals and keeps the texture creamy.
- Once it’s firm and scoopable, it’s ready to serve!
This method takes a bit more effort, but the result is just as delicious. Plus, no fancy equipment required!
Serving Suggestions
How you serve your ice cream can take it from simple to sensational. Here are some fun and flavorful ways to enjoy your homemade coconut cream ice cream.
Best Toppings to Add
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Crushed nuts (almonds, pecans, pistachios)
- Fresh fruit (berries, mango, pineapple)
- Dairy-free chocolate chips
- Vegan caramel or chocolate sauce
- Granola or cookie crumbles
How to Serve It Like a Pro
- Ice Cream Sundae: Layer scoops with toppings, whipped coconut cream, and drizzle with sauce.
- Ice Cream Sandwich: Scoop between two vegan cookies or brownies.
- Milkshake: Blend with plant milk for a thick and creamy shake.
- Waffle Cone or Bowl: Add that crunchy texture for a satisfying treat.
Make it fancy or keep it simple—either way, it’ll taste amazing.
Storing Homemade Coconut Ice Cream
Once your ice cream is ready, transfer it to an airtight container. A loaf pan works well if you cover it tightly with plastic wrap. For best results:
- Press parchment paper directly on the surface to avoid ice crystals.
- Store in the back of your freezer, where the temperature stays the most consistent.
- Avoid storing it in the freezer door, where the temp fluctuates.
Proper storage ensures you enjoy the same creamy texture every time you scoop.
How Long Does Coconut Cream Ice Cream Last?
Homemade coconut cream ice cream will keep for about 2 to 3 weeks in the freezer. After that, it can start to form ice crystals and lose its creamy texture.
To keep it tasting fresh:
- Use a tight-fitting lid
- Don’t let it sit out too long during serving
- Label the container with the date you made it
It probably won’t last that long, though—it’s too tasty!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even a simple recipe like this can go sideways if you’re not careful. Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Using light coconut milk: It’s too watery and won’t give you the right texture.
- Skipping the chilling step: Warm mixtures won’t churn properly.
- Over-sweetening: Coconut cream is already sweet; taste as you go.
- Freezing too long without stirring (no-churn method): You’ll get icy, crunchy ice cream.
- Using unbalanced mix-ins: Wet fruits or too many mix-ins can water down your base.
Avoid these and your ice cream will be smooth, creamy, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount (Per ½ cup serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 210 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 14g |
| Sugars | 10g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Protein | 2g |
Note: Nutritional values will vary based on added ingredients and sweeteners.
FAQs about Coconut Cream Ice Cream Recipe
1. Can I use coconut milk instead of coconut cream?
Technically yes, but it won’t be as creamy. Coconut cream gives a thicker, richer texture that makes the best ice cream.
2. Is this recipe suitable for people with nut allergies?
Yes! Coconut is technically a fruit, not a nut. But always check with your doctor if you’re unsure.
3. How do I make this recipe keto-friendly?
Use a keto-approved sweetener like erythritol or monk fruit instead of maple syrup, and avoid sugary mix-ins.
4. Why is my ice cream hard to scoop?
It likely froze too hard. Let it sit at room temp for 5–10 minutes before scooping. A splash of alcohol in the mix also helps keep it softer.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure your equipment can handle the volume, especially if you’re using an ice cream maker.
Conclusion
There you have it—your ultimate guide to making rich, creamy, and totally dreamy coconut cream ice cream at home. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or just craving something delicious, this recipe is a go-to favorite that’s easy to customize and hard to resist.
From simple vanilla to bold mango or chocolate versions, this coconut-based treat offers a world of possibilities. And the best part? You don’t need fancy tools or hard-to-find ingredients. Just some coconut cream, a little sweetness, and a love for all things creamy.
So grab your spoon, gather your ingredients, and get ready to make your new favorite dessert!
