Vegan Strawberry Ice Cream: A Refreshing Treat

Vegan Strawberry Ice Cream is a delicious and refreshing dessert that’s perfect for hot summer days. This creamy and flavorful treat is surprisingly easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. You’ll be amazed at how incredibly delicious and satisfying homemade vegan ice cream can be.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan strawberry ice cream recipe is:

• Easy to make: With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can whip up this delightful dessert even if you’re a novice in the kitchen.
• Dairy-free and vegan: This recipe is perfect for those with dairy allergies or following a vegan lifestyle.
• Bursting with fresh strawberry flavor: We use fresh, ripe strawberries to infuse the ice cream with vibrant, natural sweetness.
• Customizable: Adjust the sweetness and add your favorite toppings to make this recipe your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Fresh Strawberries
• 1 cup (150g) fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk, refrigerated overnight
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) unsweetened almond milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Making Your Vegan Strawberry Ice Cream

1. Chill the coconut milk: Refrigerate the can of coconut milk overnight or for at least 8 hours. This will allow the cream to separate from the liquid, resulting in a richer and creamier ice cream.

   Coconut Milk in Refrigerator

2. Blend the strawberries: In a blender or food processor, combine the sliced strawberries, sugar, almond milk, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until smooth, making sure there are no large chunks of strawberries remaining.

   • Pro tip: For a smoother texture, you can strain the strawberry puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds.

   Blending Strawberries

3. Whip the coconut cream: Open the chilled can of coconut milk carefully, without shaking. Scoop out the thick, solidified coconut cream from the top, leaving the watery liquid behind. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to whip the coconut cream until stiff peaks form, similar to whipped cream.

   Whipped Coconut Cream

4. Combine and freeze: Gently fold the strawberry puree into the whipped coconut cream, using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix, as this can deflate the whipped cream. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for at least 4-6 hours, or until solid.

   Strawberry Ice Cream Mixture in Container

5. Scoop and Enjoy! Once the ice cream is firm, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before scooping. Serve your homemade vegan strawberry ice cream immediately and enjoy!

   Scoops of Vegan Strawberry Ice Cream

Tips for the Best Vegan Strawberry Ice Cream

• Use ripe, sweet strawberries: The flavor of your ice cream heavily relies on the strawberries, so choose the ripest and sweetest ones you can find.
• Don’t skip chilling the coconut milk: Chilling the coconut milk is crucial for achieving a creamy texture, as it allows for proper separation of the cream and liquid.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing can lead to a dense and icy texture. Gently fold the strawberry puree into the whipped coconut cream until just combined.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

• Chocolate Strawberry Swirl: Add a swirl of vegan chocolate sauce to the ice cream before freezing for a decadent treat. You can find delicious recipes for vegan cake and other treats right here on Purely Vegan.
• Fruity Delight: Combine the strawberries with other berries like raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry ice cream. You could even add some of that to a vegan strawberry rhubarb crumble for an explosion of fruity goodness.
• Toppings Galore: Get creative with your toppings! Sprinkle with fresh berries, chopped nuts, vegan chocolate chips, or a drizzle of vegan caramel sauce.

FAQs About Vegan Strawberry Ice Cream

Can I use a different type of milk instead of almond milk?

Yes, you can use other plant-based milk like soy milk, oat milk, or cashew milk. Just make sure it’s unsweetened for the best flavor.

Can I make this recipe without an ice cream maker?

While an ice cream maker will give you the creamiest texture, you can still make this recipe without one. Follow the instructions as directed, but after freezing for 4-6 hours, break up the frozen mixture and blend it in a high-powered blender until smooth. Return to the freezer and freeze for another 2-3 hours before serving.

How long can I store homemade vegan strawberry ice cream?

Store leftover ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks.

This vegan strawberry ice cream is a testament to how easy and delicious plant-based desserts can be. With its fresh strawberry flavor, creamy texture, and endless possibilities for customization, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your household! Looking for more refreshing ice cream inspiration? Check out this guide on how to make vegan ice cream, and discover even more incredible flavor combinations!