Homemade Dairy Free Ice Cream

Homemade Dairy Free Ice Cream

Kid-friendly and so yummy!

There are many ways to make delicious dairy-free ice cream at home, but one simple and proven approach to creating a healthy version of this cool, sweet treat begins with the following essential ingredients:

• 3 cups dairy-free milk (coconut, almond, cashew, sesame, etc.)

• 1/3 - 1/2 cup natural sweetener (maple syrup, coconut sugar, honey, etc.)*

• Flavoring to taste (vanilla, cinnamon, cacao powder, maca, mint extract, etc.)

• Add-ins of choice (berries, peaches, banana, cacao nibs, nuts or seeds, chocolate chunks, etc.)*

The type of *sweetener, flavoring and add-ins that you choose will affect the sugar content of the ice cream. Keep nutrition in balance by choosing wisely. The Academy of Culinary Nutrition has a variety of recipes for you to choose from. Below is one of my favorites. Be sure to include your kids in the ice-cream making fun!

Dairy Free Chocolate Mint Ice Cream

• 1 cup raw cashews (150g), soaked overnight, washed & drained

• 1 cup coconut cream (250ml)

• 1/3 cup coconut nectar

• 1/3 cup coconut oil, melted

• 1/4 tsp Spirulina

• Few drops peppermint extract

• 1/2 cup cacao nibs (or raw chocolate grated)

Preparation
You don't necessarily need an ice cream maker. While these machines do whip air into your frozen desserts, producing a fluffier result, you could easily put your ice cream mixture directly into the freezer instead. 

1. Blend cashews, coconut cream and coconut nectar in a blender until smooth and creamy.

2. Add coconut oil and blend until combined

3. Add peppermint oil (add more or less to liking) and spirulina and blend until combined.

4. Pour into metal loaf tin. Stir through cacao nibs.

5. Cover tin with foil and freeze overnight until set.

6. Remove from freezer 10 minutes before serving to soften.