Easy Strawberry Vegan Ice Cream

I was talking to my neighbor the other day and he mentioned to me how he could never think about how to make any recipes vegan. It truly was an interesting point of view to hear from someone who sees a vegan diet as such a restrictive diet. Thankfully, we live in an age where we can look up any bit of information online and can find easy vegan recipes. So he asked me to veganize his favorite ice cream flavor: strawberry ice cream. I accepted his challenge.

The Allure of Strawberry Ice Cream

The sweet aroma of ripe strawberries blending with the rich, creamy base creates a treat that is both indulgent and refreshing; strawberry ice cream is the best ice cream flavor! For those of us who follow a vegan lifestyle, finding a plant-based alternative that matches the creaminess and taste of traditional dairy ice cream can be challenging. It took me a couple of tries to figure out how to create a recipe that mimics non-vegan strawberry ice cream. But I figured it out! So, I’ll walk you through how to make the perfect vegan strawberry ice cream, along with tips and variations to customize it to your taste.

Vegan Ice Cream: Why should I choose it over regular ice cream?

Before diving into the recipe, let’s talk about why you might choose vegan ice cream over traditional dairy-based versions. It’s suitable for people who are lactose intolerant or are allergic to dairy, like my toddler daughter who gets severe eczema from eating dairy. I make this for her and I freeze it into pops or blend it into smooth ice cream and she cannot tell the difference. In addition, vegan ice cream is surprisingly versatile. With the abundance of plant-based milk and cream alternatives available today, it’s possible to achieve a creamy, rich texture without using dairy. Coconut milk, cashew cream, almond milk, and soy milk are all excellent bases for vegan ice cream, each offering a unique flavor profile or depending on your dietary needs.

The Ingredients for Strawberry Vegan Ice Cream

To create a creamy vegan strawberry ice cream, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Strawberries: 8 cups

  • The star of the show, strawberries add natural sweetness and a slight tartness to the ice cream. Opt for ripe, in-season strawberries for the best flavor or get frozen strawberries, I personally use frozen since it helps create more of an ice cream consistency.

• Coconut Condensed Milk: 1 can

  • A can of condensed coconut milk adds sweetness and creaminess. If you cannot find it, opt for coconut cream and maple syrup.

• Plant milk of Choice: 1.5 cups

  • I used soy milk for the

Optional

• Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the strawberries and adds depth to the ice cream.

• Lemon Juice: A small amount of lemon juice brightens the flavor of the strawberries and balances the sweetness.

• Salt: Just a pinch of salt is needed to enhance the overall flavor and bring out the sweetness of the strawberries.

Plant milk, strawberries and coconut condensed milk

Making the Ice Cream

Now that you have your ingredients, let’s get started on making the ice cream. This recipe is simple and doesn’t require an ice cream maker, although using one can give you a smoother final product.

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Start by washing and hulling the strawberries. If your strawberries are particularly large, you can cut them into halves or quarters.

Pro Tip: Place the strawberries in a bowl and sprinkle with a tablespoon of maple syrup or agave nectar. Let them sit for about 15 minutes. This process, known as maceration, helps to draw out the juices and intensify the strawberry flavor.

Step 2: Blend the Base

In a high-speed blender, coconut condensed milk, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. The mixture should be thick and rich. Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or acidity if needed.

Step 3: Add the Strawberries

After blending the base, add the macerated strawberries and their juices to the blender. Blend briefly, just until the strawberries are incorporated but still slightly chunky. If you prefer a completely smooth ice cream, you can blend longer, but I find that leaving some strawberry pieces gives the ice cream a lovely texture and bursts of strawberry flavor.

Blend it!

Step 4: Churn the Ice Cream

If you have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into the machine and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20-30 minutes. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, don’t worry! Pour the mixture into a loaf pan or a shallow container, cover with plastic wrap, and place it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, remove the container from the freezer and stir the mixture vigorously with a fork or whisk to break up any ice crystals. Repeat this process until the ice cream is firm, which should take about 4 hours.

pro tip: package in little cups for easy portioning!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the ice cream is ready, scoop it into bowls or cones and enjoy! The vegan strawberry ice cream will be soft and creamy straight from the ice cream maker, but if you prefer a firmer texture, you can let it freeze for an additional hour or two. Garnish with fresh strawberries or a drizzle of balsamic reduction for an extra touch of flavor.

Tips and Variations

• Add-ins: For a fun twist, you can add mix-ins like dark chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or shredded coconut to the ice cream during the last few minutes of churning.

• Alternative Flavors: While strawberries are delicious on their own, you can experiment with adding other fruits like raspberries or pineapple for a mixed berry or tropical flavor. Just make sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly.

• No Coconut?: If you’re not a fan of coconut, you can use almond milk or soy milk as the base. However, keep in mind that these alternatives might result in a slightly less creamy texture. You can compensate by adding cashew cream.

• Storage: Vegan ice cream tends to harden more than dairy-based ice cream when frozen for long periods. To make scooping easier, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving. Alternatively, you can add a tablespoon of vodka to the mixture before freezing to help keep it scoopable.

Making your own vegan strawberry ice cream is not only satisfying but also allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more ethical treat. The combination of fresh strawberries, creamy coconut milk, and rich cashew cream creates an ice cream that is just as indulgent as the dairy version, without any of the drawbacks. Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply looking for a delicious dessert, this strawberry ice cream is sure to become a favorite in your home.

This strawberry ice cream that is made by just a minimum of 3 simple ingredients is the perfect snack or dessert for the hot summer months. I like to make popsicles or you can throw it in an ice cream maker and keep that in a Tupperware. My 3 year old toddler approved this easy recipe from the first day I created it and it’s become a highly requested treat! So, the next time you’re craving something sweet and refreshing, skip the store-bought options and give this homemade vegan strawberry ice cream a try. With its vibrant flavor and creamy texture, it’s a treat that everyone can enjoy. Let me know what your kids think of it in the comments below! Happy churning!