QUICK SUMMARY
Coconut milk ice cream is a creamy, dairy-free frozen dessert made with full-fat coconut milk, almond milk or coconut milk beverage, vanilla, natural sweetener, sea salt, egg replacer, and nourishing bioactive ingredients.
Mama Z’s Coconut Milk Ice Cream is rich, smooth, naturally sweetened, and easy to customize with essential oils, cacao powder, almonds, or allergy-friendly cookie dough.
This recipe is perfect for families who want a healthier ice cream option without dairy, refined sugar, artificial flavors, preservatives, or mystery ingredients.
Table of Contents
Why Make Coconut Milk Ice Cream?
Mama Z’s Coconut Milk Ice Cream includes only the best bioactive ingredients. It is creamy, delicious, customizable, and best of all, made with ingredients you can feel good about serving your family.
When I first started changing my eating habits, I was devastated when I learned I would have to give up my beloved ice cream. You can only imagine the joy I experienced when I found coconut milk ice cream!
Are you curious about why you should try dairy-free ice cream?
After all, many “healthy” ice creams are on the shelves, including organic varieties. So what makes this homemade version worth it?
Here’s the thing: when you make ice cream at home, you control every ingredient.
No refined sugar. No artificial flavors. No gums or fillers you do not want. No mystery ingredients. Just creamy coconut milk, natural sweeteners, real vanilla, and fun variations your family will love.
| Recipe type | Dairy-free homemade ice cream |
| Best for | Healthy desserts, summer treats, birthdays, holidays, and family nights |
| Dietary notes | Dairy-free, refined-sugar-free, customizable, vegan-friendly with proper ingredients |
| Main base | Full-fat coconut milk and unsweetened almond or coconut milk beverage |
| Flavor options | Vanilla, peppermint sticks, chocolate almond, and cookie dough delight |
| Prep time | About 10 minutes before churning |
Homemade Coconut Milk Ice Cream Is Cost-Effective
Many organic coconut milk ice creams are expensive, so people stick with cheaper unhealthy varieties.
Making your own ice cream saves money because when you purchase ingredients like stevia, egg replacer, vanilla extract, and vanilla beans, you have enough to make multiple batches.
Even if you splurge on quality ingredients, you are still ahead.
Making Homemade Ice Cream Is Easy
It may surprise you that making homemade ice cream is exceptionally straightforward.
Even a novice natural living guru can pull it off. This recipe takes about 10 minutes to put together.
If you have an ice cream maker like mine, it will do the hard work for you. All you have to do is blend, pour, churn, and wait for your healthy ice cream to chill.
Homemade Ice Cream Is Customizable
There is peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what is in your food.
No preservatives. No unpronounceable ingredients. Just simple, whole-food ingredients.
If you have a specific health need, your ice cream can work for you. Where else can you find a better-for-you peppermint stick ice cream made with essential oils?
Hint: Try our variations. You will feel a sense of accomplishment completing this simple DIY.
Healthy Ice Cream Ingredients 101
This recipe is free from dairy and refined sugar.
You may wonder how to achieve a creamy, sweet result without those two factors. Here’s what makes it work.
Organic Full-Fat Unsweetened Coconut Milk
Full-fat coconut milk is the foundation of this recipe.
It adds decadence to brownies, rice pudding, and, of course, ice cream.
When purchasing canned coconut milk, be sure to get the full-fat variety. The “lite” version does not contain as much coconut cream, and that is where the creamy goodness lies.
Organic Unsweetened Almond Milk or Coconut Milk Beverage
You can usually find this ingredient in the dairy section of your grocery store.
This dairy-free beverage gives the ice cream a smooth texture and adds volume without making the dessert too heavy.
Make sure your label says “unsweetened.” You would not think it, but dairy-free beverages sometimes contain hidden sugar.
Pure Vanilla Extract
There is nothing better than pure vanilla.
It smells heavenly and adds a beautiful flavor to this dessert. Imitation vanilla may be inexpensive, but it has nothing on the real deal.
Pure vanilla is free of unnecessary additives and artificial coloring. Plus, it tastes amazing.
Natural Sweetener
If you want a sugar-free option, use vanilla-flavored liquid stevia. Liquid stevia is free of the fillers that can hide in powdered versions.
Otherwise, you can use organic coconut sugar or raw organic local honey.
Pink Himalayan Salt or Sea Salt
Traditional table salt undergoes a rigorous harvesting process that strips most of its nutritional benefits.
We recommend using Colima sea salt because it is hand-harvested, leaving the salt closer to the way God intended it.
You can also use pink Himalayan salt.
Organic Egg Replacer
Egg replacer thickens the ice cream and helps create a soft texture.
If you are following a vegan diet or have food allergies, you will appreciate this simple swap.
Organic Ground Vanilla Bean
This secret ingredient makes the recipe extra special.
Vanilla beans are readily available in many well-stocked grocery stores.
If you cannot find ground vanilla, scrape open a vanilla bean and use the seeds.
How to Make Mama Z’s Coconut Milk Ice Cream
This recipe requires just 10 minutes of prep work.
It is the perfect dessert for busy days because the ice cream maker does the churning while you get other things done around the house.
The vanilla basic version is the perfect complement to any summer dessert.
Mama Z’s Coconut Milk Vanilla Ice Cream (With Vegan Option)
Servings
Ingredients
- 1 (13.5-ounce) can organic full-fat unsweetened coconut milk (1½ cups)
- 1½ cups organic unsweetened vanilla-flavored almond OR coconut milk beverage
- 1 tablespoon organic pure vanilla extract OR Homemade Vanilla Extract
- 5-6 droppersful organic vanilla-flavored liquid stevia OR ¾ cup organic coconut sugar OR raw organic local honey*
- 1 pinch of pink Himalayan salt OR sea salt, ground
- 1 tablespoon egg replacer PLUS ¼ cup purified OR distilled water
- ¼ teaspoon ground organic vanilla bean OR scraped seeds of ½ organic vanilla bean
Supplies
Instructions
- Place the interior bowl of an automatic ice cream maker in the freezer for at least 12 hours. Place the canned coconut milk in a blender. Add enough almond milk beverage to reach the 3-cup mark. Add the vanilla, stevia, sea salt, egg replacer, purified water, and vanilla bean. Blend well.
- Place the interior bowl and paddle in the electric ice cream maker. Turn the machine on and pour in the contents of the blender. Let the ice cream maker run for about 30 minutes or until the ice cream reaches your preferred consistency. Serve immediately, or store the ice cream in the interior bowl in the freezer.
Step One: Blend the Ice Cream Ingredients
Place the interior bowl of an automatic ice cream maker in the freezer for at least 12 hours.
I like doing this before I go to bed at night to ensure my bowl is cold enough.
Place the canned coconut milk in a blender. Add enough almond milk beverage to reach the 3-cup mark.
Add the vanilla, stevia, sea salt, egg replacer, purified water, and vanilla bean. Blend until smooth.
Step Two: Churn the Vanilla Ice Cream
Place the interior bowl and the paddle in the electric ice cream maker.
Turn the machine on and pour in the ice cream mixture.
Let the ice cream maker run for about 30 minutes or until the ice cream reaches your desired consistency.
Enjoy!
Alternative Coconut Milk Ice Cream Recipes
Vanilla ice cream is fantastic on its own, but we feel like changing things up occasionally.
We have had so much fun experimenting with different flavors.
These delicious variations will keep you on the path to better health while still letting your family enjoy a sweet frozen treat.
Peppermint Sticks Ice Cream Variation
Peppermint ice cream is delicious all year round, but it has a special place in our hearts during the holiday season.
Mama Z's Peppermint Sticks Ice Cream (With Vegan Option)
Servings
Ingredients
- 1 (13.5-ounce) can organic full-fat unsweetened coconut milk (1½ cups)
- 1½ cups unsweetened vanilla-flavored almond OR coconut milk beverage
- 1 tablespoon organic pure vanilla extract OR Homemade Vanilla Extract
- 5-6 droppersful vanilla-flavored liquid stevia OR 3⁄4 cup organic coconut sugar OR raw organic local honey*
- 1 pinch of pink Himalayan salt OR sea salt, ground
- 1 tablespoon egg replacer PLUS ¼ cup purified or distilled water
- ¼ teaspoon ground organic vanilla bean OR scraped seeds of 1⁄2 organic vanilla bean
- 1 tablespoon organic pure peppermint extract OR 2-5 drops peppermint essential oil
Supplies
Instructions
- Place the interior bowl of an automatic ice cream maker in the freezer for at least 12 hours.
- Place the canned coconut milk in a blender. Add enough almond milk beverage to reach the 3-cup mark.
- Add the vanilla, stevia, sea salt, egg replacer, purified water, vanilla bean, and peppermint extract. Blend well.
- Place the interior bowl and the paddle in the electric ice cream maker. Turn the machine on and pour in the contents of the blender.
- Let the ice cream maker run for about 30 minutes or until the ice cream reaches your preferred consistency.
- Serve immediately, or keep it in the interior bowl in the freezer.
Step One: Add Peppermint
To make this variation, blend either 1 tablespoon of organic pure peppermint extract or 2-5 drops of peppermint essential oil with the other ingredients.
Voila! A refreshing treat in no time.
Safety Disclaimer: Ingesting essential oils can be done safely when you use wisdom and proper dilution. Whenever you include essential oils in a recipe, you also need a dispersant. In this recipe, stevia helps bind to the essential oil and distribute it evenly. Without a dispersant, your mouth could get irritated. Remember: You never want to ingest an essential oil neat.
Chocolate Almond Ice Cream Variation
Who doesn’t love a good chocolate fix?
A hint of almond makes this recipe extra special.
Chocolate Almond Ice Cream (With Vegan Option)
Servings
Ingredients
- 1 (13.5-ounce) can organic full-fat unsweetened coconut milk (1½ cups)
- 1½ cups organic unsweetened vanilla-flavored almond OR coconut milk beverage
- 1 tablespoon organic pure almond extract OR Homemade Vanilla Extract
- 1 teaspoon organic pure almond extract
- 5-6 droppersful vanilla-flavored liquid stevia OR ¾ cup organic coconut sugar OR raw organic local honey*
- 1 pinch of pink Himalayan salt OR sea salt, ground
- 1 tablespoon egg replacer PLUS ¼ cup purified or distilled water
- ¼ teaspoon ground organic vanilla bean OR scraped seeds of ½ organic vanilla bean
- ¼ cup raw organic cacao powder
- ½ cup sliced OR slivered organic raw almonds
Supplies
Instructions
- Place the interior bowl of an automatic ice cream maker in the freezer for at least 12 hours.
- Place the canned coconut milk in a blender. Add enough almond milk beverage to reach the 3-cup mark.
- Add the vanilla and almond extract. stevia, sea salt, egg replacer, purified water, vanilla bean, and cacao powder. Blend well.
- Place the interior bowl and the paddle in the electric ice cream maker. Turn the machine on and pour in the contents of the blender.
- Add almonds. Let the ice cream maker run for about 30 minutes or until the ice cream reaches your preferred consistency.
- Serve immediately or keep it in the interior bowl in the freezer.
Step One: Add Cacao Powder and Almonds
To make this variation, replace the tablespoon of vanilla with 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon organic pure almond extract.
Add ¼ cup raw organic cacao powder to the mixture before blending.
Stir in ½ cup organic raw sliced or slivered almonds before freezing the mixture.
Cookie Dough Delight Ice Cream Variation
Cookie dough ice cream is one of the most popular flavors, and for good reason.
It is easy to make your own allergy-friendly variation at home. My recipe is free of gluten, dairy, and eggs.
This cookie dough is also a great treat on its own. Keep a bag in your freezer whenever the munchies hit!
Cookie Dough Ice Cream (With Vegan Option)
Servings
Ingredients
Cookie Dough
- ½ cup (1 stick) grass-fed organic sea-salted butter OR 1⁄2 cup coconut oil, extra-virgin AND unrefined AND 1⁄2 teaspoon pink Himalayan salt OR sea salt, ground
- ⅓ cup Christmas Cookie Blend
- ½ teaspoon pink Himalayan salt OR sea salt, ground
- ½ tablespoon organic pure vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon egg replacer PLUS 2 tablespoons purified OR distilled water
- 1⅛ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup sugar-free dairy-free mini chocolate chips*
Ice Cream
- 1 (13.5-ounce) can organic full-fat unsweetened coconut milk (1½ cups)
- 1½ cups organic unsweetened vanilla-flavored almond OR coconut milk beverage
- 1 tablespoon organic pure vanilla extract OR Homemade Vanilla Extract
- 5-6 droppersful vanilla-flavored liquid stevia OR 3⁄4 cup organic coconut sugar OR raw organic local honey
- 1 pinch of pink Himalayan salt OR sea salt, ground
- 1 tablespoon egg replacer PLUS 1⁄4 cup purified OR distilled water
- ¼ teaspoon ground organic vanilla bean OR scraped seeds of 1⁄2 organic vanilla bean
Supplies
Instructions
Cookie Dough
- Cream the Christmas Cookie Blend and butter in a mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add the sea salt, vanilla, and egg replacer. Mix until well combined. In a separate bowl, mix the flour and baking soda.
- Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, fold in the chocolate chips, and stir until the dough is formed. Form dough into small balls the size of a pea. Freeze on a small baking sheet. Freeze overnight or for a few hours. Add to the ice cream machine right before turning it on.
Ice Cream
- Place the interior bowl of an automatic ice cream maker in the freezer for at least 12 hours. Place the canned coconut milk in a blender. Add enough almond milk beverage to reach the 3-cup mark. Add the vanilla, stevia, sea salt, egg replacer, purified water, and vanilla bean. Blend well.
- Place the interior bowl and paddle in the electric ice cream maker. Turn the machine on and pour in the contents of the blender. Let the ice cream maker run for about 30 minutes or until the ice cream reaches your preferred consistency. Serve immediately, or store the ice cream in the interior bowl in the freezer.
Homemade Vanilla Extract (Vegan)
Servings
Ingredients
- 5-6 organic vanilla beans
- 80% proof organic vodka
Supplies
Instructions
- Place the vanilla beans in a glass bottle and carefully pour in the vodka. Store in a dark, cool place and shake occasionally. Let it work its magic for at least 6 months before using it. Use in all your favorite baked goods, drinks, and more.
Christmas Cookie Blend (Vegan)
Servings
Ingredients
- 6 ounces organic coconut sugar
- 11-16 ounces organic date sugar (based on your available container sizes)
- 6 ounces organic maple sugar
Instructions
- Place the coconut sugar, date sugar, and maple sugar in a gallon-size Ziploc bag. Shake to mix thoroughly.
- Place mixture in a blender and blend until powdery. I prefer milling this recipe in a Vitamix dry goods container. I start blending on one, then slowly increase until the mixture is fully blended. Then, I open the blender, stir, and repeat the process. The final color of your product will differ based on the brand of sweetener you use. Use in place of regular sugar in all your favorite baked goods. Store in a glass jar.
Step One: Mix the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, cream the Christmas cookie sugar blend and butter until light and fluffy.
Add the sea salt, vanilla, and egg replacer. Mix until well combined.
In a separate bowl, mix the flour and baking soda.
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, fold in the chocolate chips, and stir until the dough is formed.
Step Two: Freeze the Cookie Dough
Form the dough into small balls between the size of a pea and a dime.
You can use a 1/4 teaspoon measuring spoon to help make even-sized balls.
Freeze the cookie dough on a baking sheet for several hours or overnight.
Make the cookie dough ahead of time and store it in a Ziploc bag in the freezer.
To make the coconut milk ice cream, add the cookie dough chunks right before turning the machine on.
Enjoy!
Coconut Milk Ice Cream FAQs
Is coconut milk ice cream dairy-free?
Yes, coconut milk ice cream is dairy-free when made with full-fat coconut milk and dairy-free milk beverage instead of cow’s milk or cream.
Is this coconut milk ice cream vegan?
This recipe can be vegan-friendly when you use vegan sweeteners and egg replacer. Check each ingredient, especially sweeteners and any cookie dough add-ins, to make sure they meet your dietary needs.
Does coconut milk ice cream taste like coconut?
It has a mild coconut flavor, especially in the vanilla version. Stronger flavors like peppermint, chocolate almond, and cookie dough help balance the coconut taste.
Why use full-fat coconut milk?
Full-fat coconut milk contains coconut cream, which gives dairy-free ice cream its rich, creamy texture. Lite coconut milk usually makes the ice cream thinner and icier.
Can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?
An ice cream maker gives the best texture. Without one, you can freeze the mixture in a shallow container and stir every 30 minutes until firm, but the result may be less creamy.
What sweetener works best?
Vanilla liquid stevia works well for a sugar-free option. Coconut sugar, raw honey, or other natural sweeteners can also be used depending on your family’s needs.
Can I use peppermint essential oil in ice cream?
Yes, peppermint essential oil can be used in this recipe when properly dispersed and used in tiny amounts. Never ingest essential oils neat. You can also use peppermint extract instead.
How much peppermint essential oil should I use?
Use 2-5 drops of peppermint essential oil for the peppermint variation, depending on your taste and the strength of your oil. Start with less because peppermint is strong.
What does egg replacer do in ice cream?
Egg replacer helps thicken the ice cream and improves the texture without using eggs. It is helpful for vegan and allergy-friendly recipes.
Can I use almond milk instead of coconut milk beverage?
Yes, unsweetened almond milk works well as the beverage portion of the recipe. Be sure to use full-fat canned coconut milk for the creamy base.
How long does homemade coconut milk ice cream take to churn?
Most ice cream makers take about 30 minutes, but timing can vary depending on your machine and how cold the bowl is.
Why does the ice cream maker bowl need to freeze for 12 hours?
The bowl must be fully frozen so it can chill and churn the ice cream properly. If the bowl is not cold enough, the mixture may stay too soft.
How should I store coconut milk ice cream?
Store it in an airtight freezer-safe container. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping if it becomes very firm.
Can I make this recipe sugar-free?
Yes, use vanilla-flavored liquid stevia instead of coconut sugar or honey for a sugar-free version.
Can I make chocolate coconut milk ice cream?
Yes, use the chocolate almond variation by adding raw cacao powder, almond extract, and sliced or slivered almonds.
Can I add cookie dough to coconut milk ice cream?
Yes, make the allergy-friendly cookie dough chunks, freeze them, and add them to the ice cream right before churning.
Can kids eat this ice cream?
Yes, this is a family-friendly treat. If using essential oils, be sure they are appropriate for your child’s age and use peppermint extract instead if you prefer.
What makes this healthier than store-bought ice cream?
This recipe avoids dairy, refined sugar, artificial flavors, preservatives, and mystery ingredients. You control the ingredients and can customize the sweetness and flavors.
Final Thoughts on Coconut Milk Ice Cream
Healthy eating does not mean giving up sweet treats forever.
Mama Z’s Coconut Milk Ice Cream is proof that you can enjoy creamy, delicious frozen desserts while still choosing ingredients that support your family’s wellness goals.
Start with the vanilla base, then have fun with peppermint, chocolate almond, and cookie dough variations.
