Dairy-free ice cream has become a popular choice for anyone seeking delicious frozen treats without the lactose or dairy ingredients.
Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply looking to enjoy a lighter, plant-based dessert, dairy-free ice cream offers endless flavor possibilities that are creamy, satisfying, and wholesome.
Made from ingredients like coconut milk, almond milk, avocado, and fresh fruits, these ice creams deliver rich texture and bold flavors without the need for traditional dairy.
In this article, you’ll find over 21 dairy-free ice cream recipes, ranging from classic coconut vanilla to vibrant fruit sorbets and decadent chocolate blends — perfect for cooling off on a hot day or treating yourself any time.
21+ Delicious Dairy-Free Ice Cream Recipes to Try Today
Exploring these 21+ dairy-free ice cream recipes proves that you don’t need dairy to enjoy creamy, indulgent frozen desserts.
With a variety of bases like coconut milk, nuts, and fruits, combined with natural sweeteners and flavor enhancers, you can create everything from silky vanilla and chocolate to refreshing sorbets bursting with fresh fruit flavors.
These recipes offer healthier alternatives that are kinder to your digestive system and often more nutrient-dense than traditional ice cream.
Whether you’re making your first batch or looking for new ideas to impress friends and family, these dairy-free options make dessert both delicious and accessible.
Coconut Vanilla Ice Cream
Coconut vanilla ice cream is a classic dairy-free treat that offers a rich, creamy texture and a smooth, sweet vanilla flavor.
Made primarily with coconut milk, this recipe is perfect for anyone seeking a luscious, plant-based dessert without compromising on taste or creaminess.
Ingredients:
- Full-fat coconut milk
- Maple syrup or agave nectar
- Vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
Whisk together coconut milk, sweetener, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for a few hours. Pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until thick and creamy. Freeze for a few hours to firm up before serving.
This coconut vanilla ice cream offers a smooth and velvety texture, with a naturally sweet and fragrant vanilla profile.
It’s a versatile base that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with your favorite toppings.
Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream
Chocolate avocado ice cream is a nutrient-packed, creamy dessert that uses ripe avocados and cocoa powder to create a dairy-free ice cream with deep chocolate flavor.
This recipe is not only rich and indulgent but also provides healthy fats and antioxidants.
Ingredients:
- Ripe avocados
- Cocoa powder
- Maple syrup or honey
- Almond milk or coconut milk
- Vanilla extract
Instructions:
Blend ripe avocados, cocoa powder, sweetener, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn until thick. Freeze for a few hours before serving.
This chocolate avocado ice cream is a perfect balance of creamy texture and intense chocolate flavor.
It’s a delicious, guilt-free dessert option that satisfies both chocolate cravings and nutritional needs.
Mango Sorbet
Mango sorbet is a refreshing, naturally dairy-free frozen dessert that highlights the sweet, tropical flavor of ripe mangoes.
Unlike creamy ice creams, sorbets are made without any dairy or fat, making this a lighter option that’s still bursting with flavor.
Ingredients:
- Fresh or frozen mango chunks
- Lime juice
- Maple syrup or agave nectar
- Water
Instructions:
Blend mango chunks with lime juice, sweetener, and a little water until smooth. Pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes until it reaches a sorbet consistency.
Mango sorbet is bright, tangy, and refreshingly sweet.
It’s a perfect palate cleanser or a light dessert on hot days, offering intense fruit flavor without any dairy or added fat.
Banana Coconut Ice Cream
Banana coconut ice cream is a creamy, naturally sweet dairy-free dessert that combines ripe bananas with rich coconut milk.
This recipe is easy to make and delivers a smooth, tropical flavor perfect for warm days or anytime you want a healthy frozen treat.
Ingredients:
- Frozen ripe bananas
- Full-fat coconut milk
- Maple syrup or honey
- Vanilla extract
Instructions:
Blend frozen bananas with coconut milk, sweetener, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately as soft-serve or freeze for a firmer texture.
This banana coconut ice cream offers a delightful tropical twist on classic banana ice cream.
It’s creamy, naturally sweet, and free from dairy, making it a perfect treat for those with dietary restrictions or anyone craving a refreshing dessert.
Almond Butter Ice Cream
Almond butter ice cream is a rich and creamy dairy-free treat that combines the nutty flavor of almond butter with a smooth, velvety textur.
It’s a protein-packed dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth while keeping things wholesome.
Ingredients:
- Almond butter
- Coconut milk or almond milk
- Maple syrup or agave nectar
- Vanilla extract
- A pinch of sea salt
Instructions:
Blend almond butter, milk, sweetener, vanilla, and salt until smooth. Chill the mixture, then churn it in an ice cream maker until creamy. Freeze for a couple of hours before serving.
This almond butter ice cream offers a luxurious, nutty flavor and creamy texture without any dairy.
It’s a delicious and satisfying choice for those seeking plant-based indulgence with added nutrition.
Strawberry Sorbet
Strawberry sorbet is a light, refreshing dairy-free dessert bursting with the natural sweetness and bright flavor of fresh strawberries.
It’s a simple recipe that’s perfect for hot days or as a palate cleanser between meals.
Ingredients:
- Fresh or frozen strawberries
- Lemon juice
- Maple syrup or honey
- Water
Instructions:
Blend strawberries with lemon juice, sweetener, and a splash of water until smooth. Freeze the mixture in a shallow dish, stirring every 30 minutes until firm and scoopable.
Strawberry sorbet is vibrant and naturally sweet, providing a cool and refreshing treat without any dairy or cream.
It’s an excellent option for a light dessert that feels indulgent yet healthy.
Cashew Cream Ice Cream
Cashew cream ice cream is a rich, silky dairy-free dessert made from soaked cashews blended into a smooth, creamy base.
It’s a versatile recipe that you can easily customize with your favorite flavors like vanilla, chocolate, or fruit.
Ingredients:
- Raw cashews (soaked overnight)
- Coconut milk or almond milk
- Maple syrup or agave nectar
- Vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions:
Drain soaked cashews and blend with coconut or almond milk, sweetener, vanilla, and salt until completely smooth. Chill the mixture, then churn in an ice cream maker until creamy. Freeze to firm up before serving.
Cashew cream ice cream delivers a luxurious, creamy texture that rivals traditional dairy ice cream.
It’s perfect for those seeking a rich, plant-based treat that can be easily flavored to suit any craving.
Chocolate Banana Ice Cream
Chocolate banana ice cream is a creamy, dairy-free dessert that combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with rich cocoa powder for a guilt-free chocolate treat.
This simple recipe is quick to prepare and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients:
- Frozen ripe bananas
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Almond milk or coconut milk
- Maple syrup or honey (optional)
Instructions:
Blend frozen bananas with cocoa powder, milk, and sweetener until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately as soft-serve or freeze for a firmer texture.
This chocolate banana ice cream is a perfect balance of fruity sweetness and chocolate richness.
It’s a healthy alternative to traditional chocolate ice cream, packed with nutrients and free from dairy.
Lemon Basil Sorbet
Lemon basil sorbet is a refreshing, dairy-free frozen dessert that combines bright citrus with the herbal aroma of fresh basil.
It’s light, tangy, and perfect for cleansing the palate on warm days.
Ingredients:
- Fresh lemon juice and zest
- Fresh basil leaves
- Water
- Maple syrup or agave nectar
Instructions:
Blend lemon juice, zest, basil leaves, water, and sweetener until smooth. Strain to remove basil bits if desired. Freeze in a shallow container, stirring every 30 minutes until firm and scoopable.
Lemon basil sorbet offers a crisp, vibrant flavor that’s both cooling and uplifting. It’s an elegant, dairy-free dessert that brings a fresh twist to traditional sorbets.
Mango Coconut Ice Cream
Mango coconut ice cream is a tropical, dairy-free dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe mangoes with the creamy richness of coconut milk.
This refreshing ice cream is perfect for hot days or anytime you crave a luscious, fruity treat.
Ingredients:
- Ripe mango chunks (fresh or frozen)
- Full-fat coconut milk
- Maple syrup or agave nectar
- Lime juice
Instructions:
Blend mango chunks with coconut milk, sweetener, and a splash of lime juice until smooth and creamy.Chill the mixture before churning in an ice cream maker. Freeze until firm before serving.
This mango coconut ice cream offers a perfect balance of tropical sweetness and creamy texture.
It’s a naturally dairy-free treat that feels indulgent and refreshing all at once.
Coffee Almond Ice Cream
Coffee almond ice cream is a rich, dairy-free dessert that combines bold coffee flavor with the nutty undertones of almond milk.
It’s a sophisticated treat for coffee lovers looking for a creamy, plant-based indulgence.
Ingredients:
- Strong brewed coffee (cooled)
- Almond milk
- Maple syrup or agave nectar
- Vanilla extract
Instructions:
Mix coffee, almond milk, sweetener, and vanilla extract. Chill the mixture thoroughly, then churn in an ice cream maker until creamy. Freeze until firm before serving.
Coffee almond ice cream offers a smooth, bold flavor with a subtle nuttiness that complements the coffee perfectly.
It’s an energizing and creamy dessert without any dairy.
Raspberry Lime Sorbet
Raspberry lime sorbet is a bright and tangy dairy-free frozen treat bursting with the fresh flavors of ripe raspberries and zesty lime.
This light sorbet is perfect as a refreshing dessert or palate cleanser.
Ingredients:
- Fresh or frozen raspberries
- Fresh lime juice and zest
- Water
- Maple syrup or agave nectar
Instructions:
Blend raspberries with lime juice, zest, sweetener, and water until smooth. Strain if desired. Freeze in a shallow container, stirring every 30 minutes until firm and scoopable.
Raspberry lime sorbet delivers a vibrant and refreshing flavor that’s both sweet and tart.
It’s a perfect dairy-free option for a cool, fruity dessert any time of year.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Ice Cream
Peanut butter chocolate ice cream is a decadent dairy-free dessert that blends creamy peanut butter with rich chocolate flavor.
This recipe is perfect for those craving a luscious, nutty treat without any dairy.
Ingredients:
- Natural peanut butter
- Cocoa powder
- Coconut milk or almond milk
- Maple syrup or agave nectar
- Vanilla extract
Instructions:
Blend peanut butter, cocoa powder, milk, sweetener, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Chill the mixture, then churn in an ice cream maker until thick. Freeze for a few hours before serving.
This peanut butter chocolate ice cream offers a perfect balance of nutty richness and chocolate indulgence, making it a satisfying and wholesome dairy-free dessert.
Pineapple Mint Sorbet
Pineapple mint sorbet is a refreshing dairy-free frozen treat that combines the tropical sweetness of pineapple with the cool, invigorating flavor of fresh mint.
It’s a perfect light dessert for hot days.
Ingredients:
- Fresh or frozen pineapple chunks
- Fresh mint leaves
- Lime juice
- Maple syrup or agave nectar
- Water
Instructions:
Blend pineapple, mint, lime juice, sweetener, and water until smooth. Strain if desired. Freeze in a shallow container, stirring every 30 minutes until firm and scoopable.
This pineapple mint sorbet is bright, fruity, and refreshingly cool, offering a delightful dairy-free option that’s perfect for cleansing the palate or enjoying as a light dessert.
Salted Caramel Coconut Ice Cream
Salted caramel coconut ice cream is a creamy, dairy-free dessert that combines rich caramel flavors with the tropical creaminess of coconut milk, finished with a touch of sea salt for contrast.
Ingredients:
- Full-fat coconut milk
- Coconut sugar or brown sugar
- Coconut oil
- Sea salt
- Vanilla extract
Instructions:
Cook coconut sugar and coconut oil over medium heat until caramelized. Stir in coconut milk and salt, then simmer until slightly thickened. Cool the mixture, add vanilla, chill, and churn in an ice cream maker. Freeze until firm before serving.
This salted caramel coconut ice cream offers a luscious blend of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors, making it an indulgent and satisfying dairy-free treat.
Cherry Almond Ice Cream
Cherry almond ice cream is a dairy-free dessert that combines juicy cherries with the rich, nutty flavor of almonds.
This refreshing ice cream is creamy and naturally sweet, making it perfect for warm weather or anytime you want a fruity treat.
Ingredients:
- Frozen or fresh cherries
- Almond milk
- Almond butter
- Maple syrup or agave nectar
- Vanilla extract
Instructions:
Blend cherries, almond milk, almond butter, sweetener, and vanilla until smooth. Chill the mixture, then churn in an ice cream maker until creamy. Freeze to firm up before serving.
This cherry almond ice cream delivers a harmonious blend of tart and nutty flavors with a creamy texture that’s both satisfying and dairy-free.
Watermelon Sorbet
Watermelon sorbet is a light and refreshing dairy-free dessert bursting with the juicy sweetness of ripe watermelon.
It’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for hot days when you want something cool and hydrating.
Ingredients:
- Fresh watermelon chunks
- Lime juice
- Maple syrup or agave nectar
Instructions:
Blend watermelon with lime juice and sweetener until smooth. Freeze in a shallow dish, stirring every 30 minutes until firm and scoopable.
This watermelon sorbet is refreshingly sweet and tangy, offering a naturally hydrating treat that’s free from dairy and full of summer flavor.
Matcha Coconut Ice Cream
Matcha coconut ice cream is a creamy, dairy-free treat that combines the earthy bitterness of matcha green tea with the rich creaminess of coconut milk.
This sophisticated dessert is both refreshing and indulgent.
Ingredients:
- Full-fat coconut milk
- Matcha powder
- Maple syrup or agave nectar
- Vanilla extract
Instructions:
Whisk together coconut milk, matcha powder, sweetener, and vanilla until smooth. Chill the mixture, then churn in an ice cream maker until creamy. Freeze to firm up before serving.
Matcha coconut ice cream offers a unique blend of flavors with a smooth, velvety texture, making it a perfect dairy-free option for green tea lovers.
Blueberry Lemon Sorbet
Blueberry lemon sorbet is a vibrant, dairy-free dessert that combines the sweet, juicy flavor of blueberries with the bright zestiness of lemon.
This refreshing sorbet is perfect for cooling off on warm days.
Ingredients:
- Fresh or frozen blueberries
- Fresh lemon juice and zest
- Water
- Maple syrup or agave nectar
Instructions:
Blend blueberries, lemon juice, lemon zest, sweetener, and water until smooth. Strain if desired. Freeze in a shallow container, stirring every 30 minutes until firm and scoopable.
This blueberry lemon sorbet is bursting with fresh, tangy flavors and a smooth texture, making it a delightful and refreshing dairy-free treat.
Pistachio Coconut Ice Cream
Pistachio coconut ice cream is a creamy, dairy-free treat that pairs the rich, nutty flavor of pistachios with the tropical creaminess of coconut milk.
It’s an indulgent yet wholesome dessert option.
Ingredients:
- Shelled pistachios
- Full-fat coconut milk
- Maple syrup or agave nectar
- Vanilla extract
Instructions:
Blend pistachios with coconut milk, sweetener, and vanilla until smooth. Chill the mixture, then churn in an ice cream maker until creamy. Freeze for a firmer texture before serving.
Pistachio coconut ice cream offers a luxurious texture and a nutty, tropical flavor combination that’s both satisfying and dairy-free.
Orange Ginger Sorbet
Orange ginger sorbet is a zesty, refreshing dairy-free dessert that combines citrusy orange with the warm spice of fresh ginger.
This sorbet is perfect for cleansing the palate or enjoying as a light, flavorful treat.
Ingredients:
- Fresh orange juice and zest
- Fresh ginger (grated)
- Water
- Maple syrup or agave nectar
Instructions:
Blend orange juice, zest, grated ginger, sweetener, and water until smooth. Strain if desired. Freeze in a shallow container, stirring every 30 minutes until firm and scoopable.
Orange ginger sorbet offers a bright and spicy flavor profile that refreshes and excites the palate, making it an elegant dairy-free dessert option.
Conclusion
Dairy-free ice cream recipes have revolutionized the way we think about frozen desserts, proving that plant-based ingredients can create luscious, creamy, and deeply satisfying treats. From rich and nutty to light and fruity, the recipes shared here showcase the versatility and creativity possible without dairy. With natural ingredients and minimal processing, these ice creams not only taste great but also align with healthier, more mindful eating habits. So why not embrace these dairy-free delights and experiment with your own favorite flavors? You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to whip up tasty ice cream that everyone can enjoy.
