This creamy coconut ice cream recipe is an easy vegan and dairy free dessert you can make at home, with no ice cream maker required!
The best coconut ice cream recipe
You need just four ingredients for this simple coconut milk recipe: vanilla extract, sweetener of choice, a pinch of salt, and a can of coconut milk.
In just a few steps, and with many different flavor options, a luxurious bowl of rich homemade coconut milk ice cream can be all yours.
I make a batch of this nondairy dessert at least once a month. Even my non vegan friends and family love the recipe.
Once you see how easy it is to make your own coconut ice cream at home, you will never want to buy another pint at the store again!
I also love this frozen Dole Whip Recipe
Can you really make ice cream with coconut milk?
Yes, you absolutely can!
If you are vegan or have dairy allergies, or even if you just want to try something new and delicious, coconut milk is the perfect ingredient for a rich and creamy ice cream without any actual heavy cream.
Many big brands are getting on the dairy free coconut ice cream bandwagon. Haagen Dazs, So Delicious, Ben & Jerry’s, and Halo Top now all offer vegan or coconut based frozen desserts.
However, by making your own ice cream at home, you control the ingredients to include. Add less sugar, no corn syrup, and no gums or preservatives if you wish.
You also get to choose what flavors to create, at a fraction of the cost of store bought plant based ice creams.
Try making multiple flavors from the same base. Have fun experimenting!
*Side Note: If you want a dairy free and low fat ice cream alternative, check out the following healthy recipe for banana free Nice Cream.
Coconut milk ice cream recipe video
Above, watch the step by step video
Chocolate coconut ice cream
To turn the vanilla version below into a dark chocolate coconut milk ice cream instead, simply add one fourth cup of cocoa powder at the very beginning.
Or make Nutella coconut ice cream. Stir three to four tablespoons of chocolate hazelnut spread or this Homemade Nutella Recipe into the chocolate base.
You can use regular unsweetened cocoa powder, Dutch process cocoa, raw cacao powder, or powdered hot chocolate mix for the chocolate ice cream.
For a low carb version, try this Keto Ice Cream
Coconut ice cream flavors
- Coffee Ice Cream: Use the basic coconut ice cream recipe below. Add two teaspoons of regular or decaf instant coffee to the liquid ingredients.
- Peanut Butter Ice Cream: Stir one fourth cup peanut butter into the liquid ingredients. Add some mini chocolate chips if desired.
- Cookie Dough Ice Cream: Use the basic ice cream recipe included below. Stir in chocolate chips and small spoonfuls of this Chickpea Cookie Dough Dip. Or stir pieces of your favorite eggless cookie dough (or the dough from any of my healthy cookies recipes) into the ice cream after blending.
- Strawberry Ice Cream: Add one cup strawberries, stems removed, to the basic recipe before blending. Omit the extra half cup milk of choice.
- Salted Caramel Ice Cream: Swirl in store bought or homemade Coconut Caramel. Sprinkle on a quick garnish of sea salt and optional shaved chocolate.
How to use a can of coconut milk
Canned coconut milk is one of my favorite ingredients to use in recipes.
It is a fantastic substitute for heavy cream in both sweet and savory dishes such as smoothies, milkshakes, pies, puddings, soups, or curries.
You can make Coconut Curry or my homemade Chocolate Truffles.
Use it for fancy Coconut Whipped Cream. Or you can even add coconut milk instead of cow’s milk to this reader favorite dessert recipe for Chocolate Banana Bread.
Statistics list over 60-75% of the world’s population as being lactose intolerant. My guess is that in the coming years, we will start to see more coconut milk recipes, as well as more products on the market made with coconut milk instead of dairy.
Extra coconut milk? Make Vegan Chocolate Mousse
Recipe tips and tricks
Be sure to use full fat canned coconut milk for the recipe, not lite coconut milk.
And do not substitute a carton of refrigerated coconutmilk beverage, because this is not the same product. Refrigerated coconutmilk does not contain enough fat to yield a creamy ice cream.
Culinary coconut milk usually comes in a can. Some popular brands of coconut milk include Thai Kitchen, Whole Foods, Goya, Chaokoh, or Native Forest.
Due to the lack of preservatives and gums, homemade ice cream is best the day it is made. This is when it will have the creamiest texture.
However, if you do not mind a bit of an icy texture, you can technically store leftovers frozen in a covered container for up to a few weeks. Thaw for at least fifteen minutes before eating.
For that rounded classic ice cream appearance, I like to scoop out the frozen dessert with an ice cream scoop instead of a spoon.
Coconut Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cup canned coconut milk
- 1/2 cup additional coconut milk or milk of choice
- 1/3 cup sweetener of choice, such as sugar or pure maple syrup
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- optional ingredients for different flavors (see flavor ideas above)
Instructions
- *Be sure to use full fat canned coconut milk, not lite or coconutmilk beverage. Sweeteners that work include pure maple syrup, regular sugar, coconut sugar, honey, agave, brown sugar, or xylitol for an added sugar free ice cream.To make coconut ice cream, stir all ingredients, minus optional add ins, in a bowl. If you have an ice cream maker, simply transfer the mixture to your ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s directions for your specific machine. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can freeze the mixture in ice cube trays, then blend the frozen ice cubes in a high-speed blender such as a Vitamix. Either eat the ice cream straight from the machine or freeze a few hours for a firmer texture. While homemade ice cream is best the day it is made, you can technically keep it frozen for up to a few weeks and thaw before eating.View Nutrition Facts
Notes
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More Ice Cream Recipes
Lisa says
Would coconut cream work better than coconut milk in this recipe?
Jason Sanford says
Absolutely! Coconut cream would be fantastic here.
Jill says
Thank you for answering. I bought canned coconut cream awhile ago but I’ve forgotten why! ☺
Dee says
Just be sure to check the fat & sugar content. I add 1/4 can of coconut cream to my 14oz. can of coconut milk for sweetness as 1 can has 22g sugar. It only has 4g fat so not sure how creamy it might be.
Tia W says
Love this!!!! I used sweetend condensed coconut milk( omitted sweetner)and coconut cream instead of coconut milk… Totally delicious!!! Using cream instead of milk, helps keeps it from become icy if stored and not eaten the same day.
Janice Frazier says
I checked the fat content on coconut cream vs coconut milk, because I thought the sane thing. I was surprised to find that coconut milk has a higher fat content than coconut cream.
Anne says
Make sure the serving sizes are the same. Trader Joes has both types of cans and the serving size for cream is half of that for milk.
michelle LaFayette says
Coconut cream is pure fat. check portion size. I prefer using coconut cream. I make my own coconut milk. I’ll pay extra for some recipes and get the cream.
Mary says
How do you make coconut milk?
sarah dutler says
Get the „ old coconuts“ the ones you see in the market all dehusked with brown hard shell. Do nut buy the green whole coconut. Break the coconut shell carefully to obtain the very firm to hard coconut „ flesh“. Make sure you get large pieces for grating. Grate in a Food processor until fine. Do not add water! Remove into a muslim cloth ( use a baby drool cloth, that will work) or a very fine sieve And squeeze the milk out. You can get a milk drink from the second squeezing by adding half cup of water to the grated coconut and squeeze into another container. Do not use this as it will be too diluted. You can use the second squeezing for cooking or drink. Put a pinch of salt if desired.
James Mardian says
Don’t forget to check the serving size when you read the label!!
Tessah Webb says
I made the mistake of following the directions a bit to literally. The cuisinart ice cream maker suggests est using all ingredients chilled so I had put the coconut cream in the fridge for a couple hours. Oops! It had such big hard chunks they never softened and became a smooth consistency. additionally, if you choose to add strawberries, cut them up small first as they will also lodge in the ice cream maker preventing churning. Flavor was great, texture was a real fail.
michelle LaFayette says
I was told (and it works) Put a tsp of vodka as you churn it will keep it from freezing into a huge brick.
Amber says
So much better with a tsp of Vodka! Was even way creamier after a week!
Nicole Bradham says
Yes, I think so. CocoGoodsCo Coconut Cream is the best and creamiest in the industry from what I’ve found.
Sara W says
Thays because you dont have Ayam Brand pure coconut cream. Its.insanely.perfect
Sadly I’m in the UK now and ita importation is too expensive and I’ve.not found a local brand compsrable
yukon25 says
I used this as a base for german chocolate ice cream in my ice cream maker. Followed the above ingredients but used a whole can of full fat coconut milk, boxed coconut milk in place of regular milk, omitted the salt, added 1/3 cup sweetened shredded coconut, 1/4 cup cocoa powder, and 1/4 cup pecan pieces. Very yummy!
Carol Keith says
Since I couldn’t see the replies, I’m going to ask this question again. Sorry to be repetitious, but what happens when you use coconut cream instead of coconut milk? Thanks.
Jason Sanford says
That is fine 🙂
Diane says
My version with coconut cream was delicious!
Jason Sanford says
Coconut cream is a great option, because it’s even thicker than coconut milk.
MrsT says
I can’t have nuts, coconut or bananas. Is there some way to use apples to make nice cream?
Another fruit?
Jason Sanford says
You can definitely do roasted frozen sweet potatoes to make “nice” cream instead of banana. Or this one can be done with any milk, not just almond: https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2018/08/06/almond-milk-ice-cream-recipe/
Dee says
Frozen dates and/or bananas.
Melissa says
Have you tried oat milk or pea milk?
A says
Avocado should work
Mai says
Maybe try frozen avocado?
Penny says
I have made ice-cream using cooked (without salt) parsnips, blended smooth. I added flavor to this and it was scummy.
Myra says
Frozen mango chunks work wonderfully but it’s a sorbet. Frozen avocado chunks are a good base to chocolate to.
Layla Rose says
Also, avocados, they’re full fat & creamy. I’ve used them to make smoothies & it’s terrific!
Marilyn McCord says
I would think so. I’ve seen other recipes that call for coconut cream.
jek says
The fat ratios of a typical ice cream mixture (2c heavy cream, 1c half&half) is 28%
The fat ratio of coconut cream is about 24%, coconut milk is about 17%
Coconut cream would give you a more similar fat percentage to standard ice cream base. However coconut milk has starch, fiber, carbs, and protein that cream does not have. This makes coconut milk inherently thicker than cream, even at lower fat ratios. So it’s a little bit apples to oranges, it can make sense to strive for the same fattiness, but it’s also not gonna behave the same way
If youre going to increase the fat, I would recommend some additives to help keep the texture soft, coconut milk can freeze very hard. 2 tbsp of booze helps and can add fun flavors. 1/4-1/2 tsp xanthan gum or locust bean gum can also help, but you need to mix it into dry ingredients before adding it to the liquid base or it will clump up
Juliette | Namastay Traveling says
Love coconut flavor! I think I might add a little lemon zest in fro a citrus punch. Yum!
Jason Sanford says
That sounds delicious!
Felicity says
I can’t eat coconut…do you think cashew cream would work?
Jason Sanford says
Sure! Just use this recipe instead: https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/2013/07/05/ice-cream-recipe-healthy-vegan/
Kat says
I love coconut ice cream but I never even thought about making my own. I should try it!
Emily says
This looks insanely delicious! My husband is a coconut addict and will love this! I want to try the coffee flavor ASAP 🙂
xo,
Em
Natasha says
Can I substitute coconut cream for the coconut milk?
CCK Media Team says
Yes!
Caitlin says
This sounds incredible! I just tired coconut milk for the first time recently and am in love with it! This reminds me of banana ice cream but with more flavor choices. I can’t wait to try it!
Caitlin
wandererandwolf.com
Ashley says
Hi! May I ask if coconut ice cream has a slight taste of coconut? Or does it have a plain kind of flavor..? Thanks!
Jason Sanford says
I thought it was more plain with a slight coconut flavor. If you want more coconut flavor, you can look for coconut extract at most grocery stores, but just use a little because it’s strong. If you don’t want any coconut flavor, then add a little peppermint extract or peanut butter or coffee or something like that to mask any slight coconut taste.
jordan @ dancing for donuts says
i can’t even believe how easy and simple this recipe is, but SO genius!!!! coconut milk is one of my new favorite pantry staples so i cannot wait to make this! love that there are flavor options too – thank you for sharing, this one’s a game changer 🙂
Izzy Bruning says
This looks amazing – and so creamy!
Izzy | Pinch of delight
Lisa // Cucicucicoo: Eco Sewing and Crafting says
This looks amazing! I love coconut milk and have a can sitting in my pantry right now! Must try this! 🙂 Lisa
Pongodhall says
Five? I would like a saucer of each in front of me right now and I would just try each and just drift off into my happiness of ice cream world!
Ps coconut can sitting y kettle at this very minute ?
Natasha says
Do you use just the cream or the coconut water in the can as well?
Jason Sanford says
You use all of it, including the liquid part. But if you have a can of coconut cream, that would be even richer!
gbear says
Not to spoil the partay, but,canned coconut cream is coconut milk plus a thickener. Yes, the oil or fat also makes it creamy & a thickener is also added. Please read the label to confirm. The only ‘real’ coconut milk I’ve found, besides home made from fresh is frozen in Asian food marts. Defrost & blend for better than canned. If adventurous, here’s a all day recipe for the best coco-cream, IMHO:
https://talesofthecocktail.com/techniques/bartender-shares-his-housemade-coconut-cream-recipe
Heidi says
Trader Joe’s has no thickeners. Just 100% coconut milk.
Rita says
I buy the Earth’s Choice brand coconut milk in Canada which has a guar gum free version. Only 2 ingredients – organic coconut and water.
Becky says
Making this tonight. Sounds fantastic. I love coconut. I think I will drizzle chocolate on top.
Rich says
I’ve NEVER tried coconut ice cream before. Lovely sounding recipes which I WILL try. Thanks Katie!
Laura says
Ohhhh yum! I’ve always wanted to know how to make this! Thanks Katie!
Ashley Diana says
I never think to make my own ice cream but this looks so easy and healhty I’ll definitely give this a go! Perfect for hot days this summer! Great idea adding other ingredients into it! Recipes like this that are sweet and tasty always catch my eye! Thanks x
Cassie Autumn Tran says
This looks to die for! Thank you for such an easy recipe!
SONIA says
Katie, do you know if this will work if I put them in my ice pop molds? Thanks!
SONIA says
Just made the Coconut Ice Cream and added peanut butter. Poured it into my popsicle molds, it made 6 total. Will come back and let you know how it turned out.
SONIA says
Katie, success! They came out perfect and delicious. Thanks for the recipes! God bless!
Jason Sanford says
I love the picture!
Antionette says
Hi, I have a Silk Coconut milk in the carton and coconut cream. Can I use them? Also I would like to put it a loaf pan. Will it still make ice cream?
Mira says
I just made this coconut ice cream with honey and it turned out being super delicious . This is the most awesome and yummy ice cream ever <3
CJ says
Easy recipe and amazing ice cream! I added activated charcoal and yummy!
Debbie says
Has anyone tried making this in a Vitamix? Does it turn to icecream ? Thank you
Cindy says
I would love to know too! I think I’ll give it a try but freeze the 1 1/2cups of coconut milk then add to the Vitamix with the other 1/2 cup of milk. The reason being is that most of the recipes I see for the ice cream include ice or something frozen. Hence, another option would be to add all those ingredients into the Vitamix with some frozen fruit (strawberry, etc.) Honestly, at this point it just seems easier to mix up all the ingredients…freeze and then pop it into the Vitamix.
Jennifer Strattard says
I doubled the basic recipe and added a can of pumpkin along with some Cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Came out like a creamy frozen pumpkin pie. Two thumbs up!
Sandy says
I love this idea!!
Jess says
Hi Katie, I am trying this recipe with my new ice cream maker and it is turning out really icy and grainy and not at all creamy like your beautiful photo. I’m not sure what I’m doing wrong but I really want to perfect this recipe because the flavour was amazing! Do you know if it turns out better without the ice cream maker and maybe coconut milk doesn’t turn out the best in them, I’m new to using one so I’m just experimenting!
Jason Sanford says
Hmm that’s so weird. What brand of coconut milk are you using? Is it the full fat kind? There are a lot of recipes online for coconut milk based ice creams so it definitely should be creamy. Maybe it was a bad can of milk? Sometimes that happens where the can of coconut milk is mostly water.
Jill says
I used to make vanilla coconut ice cream with stevia. Really delicious. I used a coconut milk powder to make mine(Ben Kim’s]. I put it in the fridge to get cold in my blender then ran the blender before putting it in the ice cream maker. A real vanilla bean makes it amazing… I added xanthan gum but some frozen avocado would work, too.
Sanaz Ebriani says
Which Vitamix do you own? The 5200? Thanks!
Jason Sanford says
Yes Katie has the basic 5200 model.
hamed says
wow yummi. i like coconut. i will try to make it. thanks for great recipe.
Liz says
Can you use almond milk for the addl 1/2 cup of milk?
Jason Sanford says
You can!
Vani says
Katie,
Very healthy ice cream and a must try one.
I do not prefer to use canned milk.
Is it enough to make a thick paste of fresh coconut using blender to replace canned coconut milk ?
amanda says
I love doing this and working it with really tropical flavours. I do one where i blend a mango into a puree and use palm sugar and a squeeze of lime. It can freeze more grainy so use an ice cream maker tho!
Wanetta Woodard says
This was great. I used a cup of crushed pineapple and a half cup of toasted coconut. ?
maya says
I have an ice cream maker but I believe the right name for it should be “semi freddo maker” because the result is a cold cream but not really ice cream. I use honey as sweetener and make it with mango puree or with cocoa and choco chips. Yummy!
Jenn says
Made it. Yum! What would be the best way to add coffee flavor?
Jason Sanford says
Instant coffee powder is always good!
Shireen says
Oh Wow looks delicious. Thank you for this.
Crystal says
Question..I’ve attempted making ice cream in my ice cream maker using canned coconut milk in the past but as soon as it gets cold it gets a gritty texture. The photo of yours looks SO smooth and yummy! Any suggestions?
Anika B Enger says
I seriously cannot stop making this! But, I usually add some cocoa powder to it, yum! Thanks for the recipe.
yosi says
Does the coconut milk have to be chilled?
Jason Sanford says
No because you’re freezing it anyway
Katrina says
This is really good!. I wanted a recipe that was non-dairy. I wasn’t really shooting for vegan. I just don’t do well with dairy. This tastes amazing. I just used regular sugar. You could take this basic recipe and make just about any flavor with it! It doesn’t taste over the top coconut like I would have thought. I will never buy ice cream again after this, because I can finally eat ice cream without getting an immediate belly ache!
Ashley says
I added maple syrup, pumpkin spice, and an avacado for an extra creamy touch.
Turned out great! Excellent versatile recipe. BRAVO
April says
How many cans of coconut milk is 1 1/2 cups???
Danielle says
A typical can is 13.5 oz, just over 1.5 cups (12 oz). I just use a whole can and don’t worry about the extra 1.5 oz. Or you could lessen the additional ½ cup of milk by 1.5 oz to be more precise. Lastly, just take 1.5 oz of the watery part of refrigerated coconut milk and discard (or drink it!).
Lisa says
My husband and I are so delighted to have found this basic recipe for coconut milk ice cream! It is delicious and doesn’t make us feel like we were cheated out of the real thing. Thank you so much!
Allison says
Hi there, I know your notes recommend not to use lite coconut milk but that’s the only one I can find in our neighbourhood grocery store. What will happen if I use lite? Will it still work? Thanks!
Jason Sanford says
You never know unless you experiment!
Danielle says
You could try adding cream instead of the ½ cup of milk to compensate. That might help. Also, adding 1-2 Tbsp of vodka helps keep it soft and not icy. (I hate alcohol, but you can’t taste the small amount per serving in ice cream). Lastly, 1/8th to ¼ tsp of xanthan gum helps with creaminess and softness.
Savannah says
Wow!! My husband just confirmed this is better than So Delicious!! He actually prefers less of the coconut flavor, and we agree that this is creamier and tastes less like coconut!! Thank you!
Dawn says
Hi there, when using coconut sugar and other granulated sorts, is heating required to melt the sandy texture? It didn’t mention that in the directions. ?
Thank you so much!
Love your recipes, thank you from a gf/df/soy free chick ?
Jason Sanford says
Nope! 🙂
Azi says
Hi if I add strawberry to the recipe to make ice cream, does it taste ? or coconut?
Jason Sanford says
Probably more strawberry!
Josephine says
Hi, l don’t have an ice cream maker, so I am wondering if l can put it in a loaf pan instead of ice cube trays? And how long do l leave it in freezer without it getting very frozen like ice? When l made ice cream before it turns rock solid frozen, so any suggestions because l would love to try this and have it look like the picture that you show. . Thank you!
CCK Media Team says
Hi, sorry we have not tried it in a loaf pan so really can’t say!
Melissa says
Can Stevia be used as the sweetener for a low carb option?
Jason Sanford says
Sure!
Maggie says
Coconut ice cream
When do you add optional extras? Recipe does not state….
Jason Sanford says
I do it at the very end
Maija says
I’m thinking about trying to make it without any of the sweeteners. I hope they are not needed for thickening or setting… I’m thinking they are not, since you’ve given alternatives to sugar.
PATTI HOMIER says
Hi KATIE……i AM GOING TO MAKE THE COCONUT ICE CREAM TOMORROW….ABOUT TWO MONTHS AGO, WAS DIAGNOSED
WITH CANDIDA YEAST INFECTION….ON THE FIRST PHASE OF 4, JUST EATING FRESH VEGGIES AND REALLY HAVE TO READ ALL LABELS TO MAKE SURE NO YEAST OR SUGAR IS IN THE INGREDIENTS…..YOUR ICE CREAM RECIPES ARE THE
PERFECT ANSWER TO A LITTLE DESSERT…..MOSTLY HAVE TO USE COCONUT AND ALMOND FLOURS, BUT THE COCONUT IS A FANTASTIC YEAST KILLER……AND YOU ARE RIGHT THE COCONUT MILK OR CREAMS DO NOT HAVE MUCH OF A FLAVOR……i LOVE OUR WEBSITE, SO MANY GOOD IDEAS AND HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING A LONG TIME FOR THE GLUTEN
FREE DIET ALSO…….SO WILL WATCHING FOR MORE OF YOUR GREAT RECIPES…….oATTI
Jennifer Talbert says
This looks awesome and thanks for sharing!! I was wondering, if my coconut cream does not have guar gum in it, is that ok?
Thanks!
Jennifer
Jason Sanford says
I’ve made it a few times with great results and mine has none either 😉
Tony says
A little confused as to why 1 1/2 cups coconut milk, then 1/2 cup coconut milk are listed separately? Can’t we just add the 2 cups all at once?
Jason Sanford says
The second 1/2 cup can be replaced with another milk. If using all coconut milk, then yes add all together 🙂
jenny says
I tried this recipe but the ingredients just went all icy and got all stuck around my ice cream maker. Why do you think this happened? I am really sad because coconut ice cream is my favourite. I have tried a variety of canned coconut milks also. I don’t want to add extra cream as trying to keep it healthy. I have a cuisine art ice cream maker. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Also once the ingredients had melted I tried it and it tasted like paint stripper even though it was full fat milk.
Jason Sanford says
Sounds like maybe a bad can of coconut milk? Is that a possibility? It’s the only thing I can think of because I’ve never had that experience with this recipe!
Bee says
Best vegan ice cream I’ve ever made. The peanut butter flavour is out of this world.
Just made a mango flavour, based on the strawberry one and it turned out beautiful. Thank you so much!
Holly Couch says
Oh my goodness. I just made this for the first time (I did the plain vanilla, since that’s the ice cream I’ve been craving but recently realized I’m lactose intolerant) and it is amazing. So simple and so delicious!
Sherry says
Maybe different types of coconut milk have different percentages of fat. I used Trader Joe’s full fat coconut milk, put it in my ice cream maker, and got a very icy ice cream. It was not smooth or ice cream-like. I’m wondering if the fat content is lower than other brands. Next time, I will definitely use coconut cream to achieve a better consistency.
Jason Sanford says
Not only do different brands differ, but often it can even differ using different cans of the same brand! It’s very frustrating that cans can differ so much and some have so much more water than others. But yes, coconut cream works!
Tim says
I have found that vegan ice cream tends to freeze very hard. DO you recommend a gelatin or some other type of starch to help make it creamy and softer?
Amanda says
Okay taste but horrible texture. Also wouldn’t thaw — it was just a frozen rock.
Jason Sanford says
Hi! Because of the lack of preservatives and unhealthy, hard-to-digest gums, homemade ice cream is best the day it’s made. If you still want a creamy texture, I’d recommend re-blending. Hope that helps!
Jason
Allison says
I’m from the islands and coconut ice cream was an every weekend treat for my family. A note on canned coconut cream or milk. Read the ingredients carefully as you don’t want any extra additives in your homemade ice cream. If you’re looking for a bit of an arm workout. I say buy a whole coconut from the grocery crack it open discard the water inside scoop the meat (the white insides) out grate on the finest side of a grater add two cup of boiling water to the grated coconut and let it sit til cool. Then strain and voila fresh creamy coconut milk. Or for a shortcut cut meat into small pieces add warm water and blend well in a blender on high Results not as rich as the old fashioned way but at least it’s fresh
Andrew says
Where I live 12 month old coconuts are infinitely easier to come by than some imported canned product , How many ml/volume of freshly pressed coconut cream should I substitute? I’m sorry to be a pain asking, I’m just used of working with %es so all this cups and spoons seems a bit arbitrary and harder for me to get my head into scaling recipes this way.
Megan O'Rourke says
I thought this sounded great so I just made some using organic maple syrup as the sweetener. If you want that white coconut color, don’t do what I did! The base tastes good and I can’t wait to taste the finished ice cream. Next time I’ll use Xylitol. The vanilla also gives it an off-White color, just FYI.
Han says
would you care to share what ice cream maker you used to make the ice cream in the photos?
Jason Sanford says
Hi! Here is the ice cream maker she says in another post that she owns: https://amzn.to/2JOfuqf
But it looks like she made the coconut ice cream with a vitamix, based on the video! https://amzn.to/2ENszvI
T says
This was absolutely delicieuse! I will definitely be using this recipe again for a late Father’s day meal!
Josephine Fusco says
Absolutely delicious!!!!! What a treat!!!
yvonne barnes says
I have made this for some time for a friend who is lactose intolerant, and it is really good. We all eat it now. Just love it.
Kathryn Davidson says
I have made many things with full fat coconut milk, including the whipped cream that the family loves! But, this recipe makes ice cream as hard as brick. Even leaving it out on the counter for half an hour didn’t crack this nut. And you don’t drain any of the coconut water from the canned milk That’s probably why.
Jason Sanford says
It’s hard as a brick after freezing because of the lack of preservatives, that’s all. If you look at any commercial ice cream made with coconut milk (or even ice creams made without coconut milk), they will all have preservatives or things like guar gum, xanthan gum, etc. to stay soft. This ice cream is more natural and therefore is best as soon as you eat it. Or if you want it the same creaminess as when you first make it, you can re-blend the partially thawed brick into ice cream again.
Jason
Belinda Jolie says
Hi Sis, my name is Belinda Coconut ice recipe is very interesting and useful for me. I will try to make it at home. Thank you for the information.
Wendy says
This is such a great simple recipe! I just made the simple coconut recipe and mixed it in my thermomix then transferred it to silicone cupcake moulds. I then blitzed it in the thermomix again when it was frozen! Absolutely delicious! I then put the remaining pieces in a zip bag and they are ready to blitz for our next dessert! Thank you so much for sharing the recipe we have been on the Keto diet for about 9 weeks and both lost over 10kg! We have both been craving ice cream! Thanks again!!
Angela says
Your recipe was on point!!! Thank you so much!!! My 3yr old loved it.I used ice cream maker and just 1/3 of honey.Its perfect!!!
Jaxkie says
Came out a teensy too salty for me but still delicious and so easy to make
Michelle says
Ok, I have to ask…do you only use the solid portion of the coconut milk?
Jason Sanford says
You can use both!
Michelle says
I would really like to see a video of this ice cream being made. Thank you in advance 😉
Jason Sanford says
Hi, there’s a video in this post above the recipe 🙂
Michelle says
thank you!! here goes…fingers crossed 🤞 🙃🙂
Ruby Miller says
Oh my i have some sorting to do…I put 2 cups coconut milk into my blitzer…(Food processor) with erythritol and vanilla stevia…it came out all lumpy hahaha…i just ignored it put it inti ice cream silicon moulds then into the freezer, blitzed it and it as fantastic, put the rest in the freezer and now i have just taken it out and its solid, on the counter turning into liquid…It tastes ood though…haha…I will try again and not blitz it at the 1st off…just mix in the jug then pour into silicone and freeze…got it..thanks anyhow..massive new fan…..Ruby….x
Harvey says
While this recipe is delicious, there are little globs of fat (coconut oil) in the ice cream.
What did I do wrong?
Danee says
Depending on how hard the coconut oil is coming out of the can, I will heat it and mix it. It works for soups and all sorts of recipes. I have found it helps with the consistency.
Afaf says
Hi! I’m wondering if using ‘Ayam Brand’ coconut milk in a carton instead of a can is alright? 🙂 Thank you so much!
CCK Media Team says
Not in this one because it wouldn’t have enough fat. But you can use carton milk of any variety in this one: https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/almond-milk-ice-cream-recipe/
Afaf says
Alright, thank you! 🙂 I can’t wait to try this recipe out!
Nuno Dias says
AYAM’s carton coconut milk is like a typical canned one, not a coconut milk beverage. It actually has a bit more fat than the canned coconut milk from the same brand (17.6% VS 16%). Also, AYAM is one of the brands listed as having “policies of sourcing only from farms that don’t use monkey labour”, which is cool.
Rhonda Jordan says
Can 100% organic pumpkin be added?
Brigitte Davies says
I made some coconut milk ice cream today. lOVED IT! Although, I used Lite coconut milk and some regular milk too. The texture came out very good. I may have added some other ingredients like cinnamon, some honey, and pumpkin seeds.(organic) Then to make sure it stayed together, I added a tablespoon of pb.
Loved every bit of it.
Gave it to my mom and she ate most of it.
Yvette says
Tasted good but disapointed it wasnt creamy like ice cream. Very iced hard from tub that i had to let it sit at room temp to be able to scoop. My first time trying to make coconut ice cream I think I’ll keep looking for different recipe.
CCK Media Team says
Hi, it sounds like you maybe froze it too long? Homemade ice cream is best right out of the blender/machine or only frozen for a half hour or so once made. This is because of the lack of gums, stabilizers, or preservatives in storebought ice cream.
Yvette says
Also I wonder if using coconut cream instead or in addition to, would help create a creamier texture?
Joanna says
I have a question. Do you pour whole content of the coconut milk can or just the top (white part, not liquid) of the can after freezing it in the fridge overnight?
CCK Media Team says
Hi you can use the whole can 🙂
Susan Chmura says
When do you put in the add ins, like coffee grounds?
When using the blender after frozen in ice cubes?
Thanks so much, this recipe looks delicious…………
CCK Media Team says
For coffee, either works! For chocolate chips, after blending unless you want them blended too… which sounds good too. So really, any time 🙂
Carrie says
I love coconut ice cream and recently bought a home ice cream maker. This recipe is fantastic!!! It is an instant favorite and I will be making this all the time (it’s so simple)!
Chocolate Covered Katie says
Thank you so much for making it 🙂
Lola says
Thank you, Katie, for this recipe!! I have lots of food allergies and have had trouble finding coconut ice cream in the stores with ingredients I can tolerate. I just made my second batch and it is delicious! I’m so pleased to be making it without an ice cream maker, avoiding another appliance to store.
Jasmine says
This icecream is amazing!!! I used an icecream bowl attachment for my mixer which worked perfectly. I can’t wait to make it again and try with different flavour combinations!
Kaity says
It says “No Ice Cream Maker Required” and then your instructions say to use an ice cream maker…
CCK Media Team says
It says it is not required, and it’s not. That is only one of the options listed 🙂
Chelsea says
I made this recipe with frozen strawberries and I puréed a fresh mango. It’s delicious!
Danielle says
Hi. I was wondering if this ice cream would be keto if made with allulose instead of sugar/maple syrup/etc.? It’s such a great recipe, but too many carbs as written. Thanks!
CCK Media Team says
You can! Just use this keto ice cream recipe: https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/keto-ice-cream-recipe-low-carb/
Tracy says
I tried this while on a very restrictive immunocalm diet. I think texture wise it might be better in an ice cream maker. I froze it in small containers and it was too hard to scoop with a spoon and as it softened didn’t really have an ice creamy texture. I think I’ll try mixing it in a blender then freezing it or getting a small ice cream maker. I haven’t found a commercial nondairy frozen dessert without corn or gums, and this has a nice short ingredient list.
Robynne Catheron says
This looks absolutely delicious! Could I put all the ingredients in the blender first, before freezing? My NutriBullet RX doesn’t do well with just ice cubes- I’d have to add more liquid.
CCK Media Team says
You can for mixing purposes, but you’d still need to use one of the ice cream making methods later because otherwise it’d just be a big ice block.
Dawn says
It’s very frustrating when recipes are in cups. For people who follow you from around the world it would be better for your fans for recipes to be in grams. Thanks.
Carolyne (Dolson) Lain says
I am a senior (81) in Canada. We have been on the metric system for years, but I grew up using pounds, ounces, cups, etc., and still prefer my recipes that way. Since so much of the world has gone metric, it might be useful if recipes were published using both systems. That way, everyone would be happy and able to use whatever recipe that they want.
Beth says
I made this today. I don’t have ice cube trays so I put it in Tupperware hoping it still freezes (I’m sure it will take longer than the cubes) going to have it with your keto brownies I made today!
Vern says
Hi! Is there anything I can do to prevent the ice cream from solidifying too much? I find it very hard to scoop after taking it out from the freezer!
Jessica says
Try adding 1 tbsp of vodka before churning, it should help.
Mari says
I am a new to the art to make ice screen and would love to make a fabulous recipe for my guest on Saturday.
I make a mean coconut cream and lime ice cream. Will share later. If anybody is interested.
I would love to get a coconut/or other fruit receipe . Some ice screams tend to be very hard and taje a looong time to soften
Amber Green says
Would love to read your coconut cream ice cream recipe. I bought two cans of cream without looking closely at the label, instead of coconut milk. Oops! 🙂
CCK Media Team says
You can use coconut cream in this one if you want!
Mari Nel says
Help help please. Any other ice creams and frozen yougurt.
Thanks for your hwlp. Lioking forward to hear from you.
Mari
Kriszti says
The recipe is ok but better if no one ( who dont have ice cream maker ) try the frozen cubes option… its very stupid because if froze it cant put in the blinder because if you do u maybe manage to make one frozen cube to make smooth then the all will stuck and the blades just make a hole in the ice… maybe froze it 1,5 hour make a little bit thicker, half way frozen max…
dont ever do how this page says… good luck
CCK Media Team says
Hi, it sounds like you used a regular blender, not a vitamix?
Jen NC says
Could I add in some pecans and brown sugar to make butter pecan?
CCK Media Team says
That sounds absolutely fantastic!
Julia says
So I tried my hand at this recipe about 4 days ago using a whole can of Goya coconut milk (13.5 fl. oz), I used regular white sugar, used maple syrup as the additional sweetener, and vanilla extract, mixed in a bowl then poured it in one ice cube tray. I didn’t get around to blending until today, however. As I removed the cubes from the tray, I could see a thin layer of clear ice on the bottom of each cube, which I guess was separation of the water content of the coconut milk from the rest of the mixture. I used our Nutri Ninja blender that includes functions to blend ice and make smoothies etc., so that was no issue. Some of the mixture did get stuck around the sides, so I had to go about 3 or 4 rounds to get all the cubes broken down. The end result, however, was less of a creamy, dense ice cream like in the picture, than it was more like sherbert-like/frozen ice consistency? Before I blended, I did put a little less than a capful of coconut Ciroc vodka thinking it might help with consistency with blending as I read in prior posts. So I’d say the taste was successful, as it tasted good and my daughter enjoyed it. She even added some nestle quick mix to see if it might make a good chocolate flavor, which it did. Not my personal choice, but she enjoyed it. I will say there was a strong coconut flavor, but it was pleasant and enjoyable. So if you don’t want to taste a coconut ice cream, I’m not sure how’d you’d get around that. I’m guessing next time I may try to freeze only a few hours and blend the same day to see if there’s a different with consistency/improvement in creaminess. On the other hand, I’m wondering if it could have been the brand of coconut milk? Goya’s does include potassium metabsulfite as a preservative, in addition to the coconut milk, and water, as listed on the ingredients, so I don’t know if that makes a difference. For what it’s worth though, great recipe for a refreshing, tasty iced treat.
Janina Glass says
There is a blue can at Walmart called “Imperial Dragon” or something like that. It’s $1.64, and while the texture is creamy, it has hardly any coconut flavor (I hear this is also true of the yellow can). While usually that’s a downside, in this case go for the milder coconut to get other flavors.
Colleen says
hi in the video it uses 1 can of coconut milk plus half a cup milk yet in the recipe it says 1 1/2 cup coconut milk plus 1/2 cup milk so which is it please 🤔? thanks
CCK Media Team says
Hi, 1 can of coconut milk is roughly 1 1/2 cups of liquid, so it’s the same thing 🙂
Tricia Catherine Dobrzynski says
Home made ice cream is so much more refreshing than store bought ice cream. Thank you so much for coming up with the recipes and sharing them. They are much appreciated by my family!
Liz says
I just made this with watermelon I cubed and froze and date sugar. I put it all in my nutribullet blender and mix until it is completely smooth then chill it in the fridge before pouring it into the ice cream maker. I’m doing a cucumber mint one later today.
Laura B says
Hi
Love the sound of this recipe but I don’t have an ice cream maker OR any ice tray moulds. I’ve made it and put it in a bread tin but I’m concerned all the sugar will just sink to the bottom and I’ll just have a big block of ice when I take it out tomorrow and if I blend it then it will defrost? Can anyone advise please?
Anna says
Hello! I was wondering if erythritol or a sugar free maple syrup would work for this recipe. Thanks!
Ronald says
Hi, I really enjoy reading your recipes! I am looking for the mint chocolate chip recipe but I can’t seem to find it anywhere.
-Ronald
CCK Media Team says
Here you go! https://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/nice-cream-recipe-mint-chocolate-chip/
D. says
How can I use sweetened coconut cream and cow’s milk to make ice-cream? Do I need a blender? Or could I melt the coconut cream in a frying pan, add milk, and then place into a container and freeze it?
Rain says
Hello new favorite ice cream recipe!!! This was good!
Carol says
This is SO GOOD. Made it with coconut milk and xylitol for sweetener with a little stevia as in the recipe. Added toasted unsweetened coconut toward the end. Love it!
CCK Media Team says
Thank you so much for making it!
Christie says
This had a nice texture when consumed immediately, but was not nice the next day in the freezer, it went rock hard and icy. Definitely eat it straight away. Maybe it would also go back to being nice if left to thaw a while. I made mine with brown sugar, 1 banana & peanut butter. Yum!
Kay says
Has anyone used the optimal choice of ingredients if so how did it turn out
Jenine says
Hi would adding pineapple work here? I can’t wait to try to try it.
CCK Media Team says
Yes absolutely!
Anita says
Does the coffee flavor use liquid coffee or dried? I really want to make this.
CCK Media Team says
Hi, we have always use dried 🙂
Laura Pelton says
I want to start using coconut milk, but it confuses me. Full fat is anything in the can that does NOT say lite, right? And am I supposed to use the water and the thick part in the can, or drain it and only use the thick part? If I’m supposed to use both, how do I combine it so it mixes fully? I really need some direction on this ingredient! Thank you!
CCK Media Team says
For this, you can use both parts. Just shake it before opening the can. Yes, any can that doesn’t say low fat or lite should be full fat. Just don’t use the carton type.
Lisa says
What is the additional half cup of coconut milk for?
CCK Media Team says
Hi sorry we are not sure what you mean. This is part of the recipe and should be included to ensure proper taste and texture.
Dana Chiu says
I made this using Thai KItchen organic coconut milk (has guar gum in it) and Savoy coconut cream. It was rather hard and icy once frozen. I was looking for scoopable. Any ideas why this result?
CCK Media Team says
Hi, do you mean the ice cream was hard or the coconut milk? The ice cream should be the same texture of real dairy ice cream straight from the machine, but homemade ice cream does usually freeze solid because of the lack of preservatives.
L says
Excellent recipe! Creamy, delicious and not overly sweet either. Highly recommend it.
Mimi says
This turned out perfectly!!! We followed this recipe and swirled in some blueberry pie filling just before putting our churned ice cream into the freezer to set and it was delicious! 10/10 recommend!
CCK Media Team says
Your version sounds wonderful!
norma jean says
I see that you recommend Xylitol for a sweetener. Never , ever feed this to a pet as it is extremely toxic to dogs.
Jess Wilner says
You are the best chocolate covered Katie!! thank you for you supporting our healthy lifestyles! I could never live life without your amazing chocolate covered recipes. You are the bomb! To one chocolate lover from another. Have a beau-tiful day! Stay golden girl!
Tracy says
So we are using an ENTIRE can of coconut milk? Like, the liquid too, not just the hard cream on top?
CCK Media Team says
Yup!
Lisa says
O – M – G this is ridiculously delicious, even ice cream stand worthy!!! The only thing I would change is the serving size, as I ate the entire batch in 1 sitting all by myself! 😏😬😋❤️
Amb says
For some reason when I made this, the texture was rough because there were a ton of little bits of cold coconut oil. I’m not sure how to avoid that when the mixture needs to be cold before pouring into the machine. I did try warming the liquids when I mixed it before putting back in the fridge but I’m afraid the oils just separated again while I chilled. Any advice?
Andie says
I love this recipe! But would using a sweetened cream of coconut (like what’s used for pina coladas) work with this recipe by simply omitting the sugar? Specifically the Goya Cream of Coconut brand, which also has guar gum in it. I…bought 6 cans of this stuff accidentally…trying to find uses for it.
CCK Media Team says
Texture-wise, it should be fine! We do not know if you’d still need to add any sugar or not for it to be sweet enough once frozen, so be sure to report back if you experiment!
Susan says
Delicious! This is the best dairy-free ice cream I have ever eaten and I’ve tried several different ones calling for eggs, nut butter, cooking on top of the stove, making a “custard” first… what I love so much about this recipe is it’s Easy, creamy and oh so good! I use canned unsweetened coconut milk (1 1/2 c) and 1/2 c. Canned coconut cream, both by Thai Kitchen. Thank you Katie for a great recipe:)
Mel says
Thank you so much for this recipe! this was the best ice cream ever….it’s undetectably vegan, seriously, it tastes like a real gelato. I made the original version and also the chocolate one! sooooo good!!
Jenn says
what is a serving size? It say’s 4-5 servings but would like to know for nutrition info
American Patriot says
I’m sure this dessert tastes fine although no need to placate the militant terrorists by avoiding the use of real milk. The vegans aren’t worth losing your integrity and food quality/taste just to pander to their silly militant demands.
One can’t really have real ice cream if it isn’t actually milk.
Sara says
All the adds take away from the actual recipe… Otherwise the recipe is great
CCK Media Team says
Hi Sara, ads are how Katie is able to pay her bills and the high expenses associated with running a large website while still keeping the recipes free for readers. If you have a suggestion of a different way, we are happy to take suggestions. But we do have bills to pay and would like to keep the recipes free for everyone.
Tanya says
This is the best basic vanilla coconut milk recipe. I use this as the base for anything else. I have added cooked and pureed blackberries after deseeding them and made mint chocolate chip ice cream. Thank you for an egg free recipe that is easy to use.
richard says
Hi Katie, i know this is part of on line advertising but as I’m reading you’re recipe and instructions it gets broken up with all these other ideas and recipes.i must have scrolled down over 15 advertisement s and alternatives to finally get a recipe for Coconut milk base ice cream ,,yikes 😳
Jv says
What’s being done with the extra half cup of coconut milk?
Christian McCulloch says
Weird video that doesn’t include measurements or names of ingredients.
CCK Media Team says
Hi, those are included in the recipe box below the video.
Jacqueline Peranio says
Nice simple recipe. I add diced pinapple pieces at the end of churn. I use a small 1 pint all electric icecream maker.
Lisa says
I made the coconut ice cream and it was delicious! Had 1 cup of coconut milk left from another recipe and 1 cup of heavy cream…used honey from my bee apiary as the sweetener. Wow! So yummy!! Will make it again!
Dara says
Made this recipe today in my cuisinart ice cream maker (but I forgot to refrigerate the mix for 2 hours before putting it in the frozen bowl) . It did work, but not as well as it could. I did add some extra sweetener since I was using golden monk fruit – 1/3 cup + 2 tbs and a tbs of raw honey. I did use two cans of full fat coconut milk and 2 tbs vanilla extract. Added the sea salt. I would definitely make this again!!! I may try adding cacao, caramel or some of your other suggestions. Thank you for the base recipe 😊
Rachel says
Thank you for this recipe! I have to be dairy, corn, and grain free. Along with a few other things. My food options are very limited and it’s so nice to find an ice cream I can eat! (Dairy free store bought options still have some ingredients I can’t tolerate). I do have a ninja ice cream maker and it works well with this recipe. 🙂 the straight vanilla is really strong with coconut (obviously) but the chocolate covers most of it up. I like making myself a nice chocolate/vanilla twist.