This is an easy no-churn recipe for Dairy-Free Strawberry Ice Cream. The creamy ice cream is made with only 5 ingredients including coconut milk, fresh (or frozen strawberries), and honey. Plus a secret ingredient that makes this ice cream extra smooth!
Dairy-Free Strawberry Ice Cream
Is it possible to have velvety smooth ice cream made without milk or cream? I say yes, it is! I have made another ice cream without dairy – my pina colada ice cream – and you would never know it is dairy-free!
If you have read or tried any of my other recipes on the blog, you will know that I love canned coconut milk. I use it to make Whipped Coconut Cream, Butter Free Vanilla Frosting, and a perfectly creamy Strawberry Float.
Make no mistake, it may be hard to replace the richness of a dairy ice cream. However, this strawberry ice cream will give it a run for its money! But, should you still crave traditional ice cream, check out my fresh cherry ice cream, cherry chocolate swirl ice cream, and malted milk ball ice cream.
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Ice Cream
- Rich Strawberry Flavor – Strawberry ice cream should taste like strawberries, right!? Fresh strawberries will give you a bright flavor, but frozen strawberries work great too!
- Creamy – The key to this creamy dairy-free ice cream is to use only the coconut solids from the can of coconut milk.
- No-Churn – You do not need an ice cream maker/machine to make this strawberry ice cream! Only a good blender.
- Only 5 Ingredients – I don’t think it can get easier than just 5 ingredients! Check out the recipe for the few ingredients you need. Hint: I’ve already named 3 of them …
- You Can Make It Vegan – We use honey as the sweetener in the ice cream, but you could certainly swap in maple syrup or any sweetener of your choice.
- Secret Ingredient To Make It Creamy and Smooth – It’s not as exciting as you may think … but keep reading to find out what the secret creamy ingredient is!
What Does DAiry Free ice Cream Taste Like
Probably the most important question to ask!
- It’s Lighter – The coconut cream base naturally makes the ice cream lighter than its dairy counterpart.
- Pure Strawberry Flavor – Because this is a lighter ice cream, the strawberries and their flavor are the primary flavor you’ll notice.
- Creamy – I think I’ve touched on the texture of the ice cream enough by now, but just in case – this ice cream is deliciously creamy!
- Delicately Sweet – I like using honey in this recipe because it has more fruity and floral notes. Additionally, the honey doesn’t overpower the strawberry flavor.
Ingredients To Make Dairy-Free Strawberry Ice Cream
- Strawberries – I recommend fresh in season. However, frozen strawberries will also work.
- Unsweetened Canned Coconut Milk or Cream – We only use the coconut solids from the can.
- Dairy-Free Strawberry Yogurt – Because we use coconut milk, I like to use coconut milk yogurt. However, any yogurt will work.
- Honey – To make the ice cream vegan, use maple syrup or regular sugar.
- Lemon Juice – This does not add lemon flavor but rather brightens the strawberries.
- Salt – Just a pinch – and I mean a pinch. We are not making the ice cream salty. The salt enhances the flavors, especially the sweetness.
How To Get The Can Of Coconut Milk or Cream To Solidify
If you notice your can of coconut milk sloshes around when you turn it upside down, that is a good indicator that there is a lot of liquid in the can. If you happen to be checking the cans while at your grocery, try another can and turn it upside down. We are looking for cans that don’t slosh.
- Do not shake the can of coconut milk. While testing your cans, resist the temptation to actually shake the can. Shaking the can essentially emulsifies the liquids and solids.
- Put the can of coconut milk in the refrigerator. Refrigerating the can of coconut milk firms up the coconut solids and the liquids will separate to the bottom.
Helpful Tips
- Refrigerate the can of unsweetened coconut milk overnight – the coconut solids and liquid separate better when refrigerated.
- Use a good blender – I recently invested in one, and it has been a game-changer. Otherwise, you may run the risk of the ingredients not blending well. Or, you could be left with chunks of strawberries (which I suppose is not that bad!)
- Let the ice cream sit at room temperature before serving – The ice cream freezes well and it will need to sit for a few minutes before easily scooping.
Recipe FAQ’s
No, it will not. Carton coconut milk has more water added to it which will yield a an icy ice cream.
Nope. This dairy-free ice cream freezes very well. You will want to set it on your counter for a few minutes to let it soften before serving.
Cake pans, casserole dishes, loaf pans, or any other freezer-proof container will work. I recommend covering the top of the ice cream with plastic wrap if using one of these. This will help insulate the ice cream and keep ice crystals from forming.
More Homemade Ice Cream Recipes
Dairy-Free Strawberry Ice Cream
Equipment
Ingredients
- 13.5 ounces unsweetened canned coconut milk or cream, full fat (1 can refrigerated overnight)
- 5.3 ounces coconut milk strawberry yogurt
- 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries
- juice from 1/2 a lemon
- 2 tablespoons honey (sweeten to taste)
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Refrigerate the can of unsweetened coconut milk the night before – This will cause the coconut solids and liquids to separate in the can. We are only using the coconut solids from the can. Note – If your can of coconut milk is mostly solid, use the whole can. If it half solid, half liquid, use 3/4 of the whole can (all solids, some liquid). If the solids are less than half, add another can to get more solids. If there are no solids, try another can.
- Add all of the ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. This may take about 3 minutes.13.5 ounces unsweetened canned coconut milk or cream, full fat, 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, juice from 1/2 a lemon, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 pinch salt, 5.3 ounces coconut milk strawberry yogurt
- Pour the ice cream mix into the ice cream container and freeze overnight.
- When ready to serve, remove the ice cream from the freezer and let sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften. Serve on an ice cream cone or in a bowl and Enjoy!
RECIPE NOTES
- Coconut Milk – Refrigerate the can of coconut milk overnight. This will separate the coconut solids and liquid. Do not use carton coconut milk. If there are hardly any coconut solids in the can, try another can.
- Sweetener – Use any sweetener of choice, or omit altogether. To make the ice cream vegan, use maple syrup.
- Defrost Slightly – The ice cream freezes well and will need a few minutes on the counter to soften slightly.
- Yogurt – I use the small single-serve coconut yogurt from So Delicious.
- Ice Cream Container – If you don’t have an ice cream container, you can use a loaf pan, small cake pan, small casserole dish, or heavy Tupperware. For everything but the Tupperware, I would recommend covering with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to keep the ice cream cold.
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I'm Erin and I'm all about desserts - and a little bit of butter!
I've tested, written, and photographed hundreds of recipes on my website. Here you'll find the tastiest small batch desserts - all homemade, all simple, and all for you! Click here to learn more about me!