Indulge in Creamy Goodness: Vegan Ice Cream Sandwiches

Vegan Ice Cream Sandwiches offer a delicious and refreshing treat that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe guides you through creating these delightful treats with a homemade cashew-based ice cream and simple yet flavorful chocolate cookies.

Gather Your Ingredients:

For the vegan chocolate cookies:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup vegan butter, softened
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the vegan cashew ice cream:

• 1 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for at least 1 hour, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt

Let’s Get Baking:

Crafting the Perfect Vegan Chocolate Cookies:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened vegan butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

   Light and fluffy vegan butter and sugar mixture for cookies

4. Beat in the applesauce and vanilla extract until well combined.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

6. Using a cookie scoop or a spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie.

   Rounded tablespoons of vegan cookie dough on parchment paper

7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges of the cookies are set and slightly firm.

8. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheet before filling.

Creating the Creamy Vegan Cashew Ice Cream:

1. While the cookies are baking, prepare the ice cream. In a high-speed blender, combine the soaked cashews, coconut milk, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt.

2. Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides of the blender as needed.

   Smooth and creamy vegan cashew ice cream mixture in a blender

3. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container, cover, and freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until solid.

   Chef’s Tip: For a firmer ice cream consistency, freeze for a longer period, up to 8 hours.

Assembling the Vegan Ice Cream Sandwiches:

1. Once the cookies and ice cream are completely chilled, it’s time to assemble the sandwiches.

2. Scoop a generous amount of cashew ice cream onto the flat side of one cookie.

   Scooping vegan cashew ice cream onto chocolate cookies for sandwiches

3. Gently top with another cookie, pressing down slightly to spread the ice cream to the edges.

4. Repeat with the remaining cookies and ice cream.

5. For a cleaner look, use a sharp knife to trim any excess ice cream around the edges of the cookies.

6. Serve immediately or wrap each sandwich individually in plastic wrap and freeze for later.

A Sweet Conclusion to a Delightful Treat:

These vegan ice cream sandwiches are a delicious and refreshing treat that everyone can enjoy. This recipe provides a simple, step-by-step guide for creating the perfect vegan ice cream sandwiches at home, using wholesome ingredients and easy-to-follow techniques.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use a different type of nut butter for the ice cream? Absolutely! Almond butter or sunflower seed butter are great alternatives to cashew butter. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture of the ice cream will vary slightly depending on the nut butter used.

2. Can I use a different type of sweetener for the ice cream? Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with agave nectar or another liquid sweetener of your choice. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.

3. How long can I store the vegan ice cream sandwiches? For best results, store the assembled sandwiches in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

4. Can I make the cookies gluten-free? Certainly! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking flour blend.

5. Can I add mix-ins to the ice cream? Of course! Get creative and fold in your favorite ingredients, like chopped nuts, vegan chocolate chips, or fruit pieces, before freezing the ice cream.