A Homemade Coconut Ice Cream Recipe

Enjoy the tropical flavours of a Creamy Homemade Coconut Ice Cream, rich and indulgent. Learn how to make this delicious ice cream yourself.

Our homemade coconut ice cream is super easy to make, rich and luxurious in taste AND an ice cream that meets everyone’s needs in that it’s vegetarian, vegan friendly, and it’s low-fat, and to top it off, it’s dairy free for those with lactose intolerances too.

Even by meeting all those requirements, due to the use of coconut milk, this ice cream is incredibly creamy and full of coconut flavour.

In this article, we’ll discuss the nut that is coconut, or is it a fruit? It’s origins, its incredible health benefits, and of course, we will show you step-by-step how you can make your own with our Homemade Coconut Ice Cream Recipe.

If you’d prefer, you can head straight to the recipe, or follow along to learn more about the incredible coconut.

Coconuts – From Tropical Shores to Endless Uses

Coconuts have a rich history dating back centuries, originating from tropical regions. These tropical treasures have been a staple in many cultures, providing nourishment and versatility.

Coconuts are multi-layered in how they can be used. Offering an array of uses that extend far beyond their refreshing water.

From the sweet, creamy milk within to the nutrient-rich flesh, every part of this tropical treasure is a source of goodness.

Coconut milk, extracted from the flesh, is a perfect dairy alternative that we use in our creamy homemade coconut ice cream. This versatile, richly sweet milk is equally at home in curries, smoothies, and soups, imparting its distinct tropical sweetness.

The flesh, used for a touch of crunch in our ice cream, adds an additional texture, but it’s also a delicious and healthy snack when dried.

And let’s not forget the hardy coconut husk and shell, which are transformed into eco-friendly products like brushes and bowls. Coconuts truly embody the “waste not, want not” philosophy, offering a variety of applications for every part that showcases their incredible utility and sustainability.

Coconuts – Guess What, They’re Not Nuts!

While the name might suggest otherwise, coconuts are not nuts; they are in fact, a fruit of the coconut palm tree, scientifically known as Cocos nucifera.

These large, brown, and hairy fruits belong to the drupe family, which also includes other stone fruits like peaches, plums, and cherries.

The confusion arises due to the hard, woody shell that encases the inner “nut.”

🌴 Coconut – Nature’s Tropical Powerhouse

Beyond their refreshing water, every part of the coconut has a use:

👉🏽 Coconut Milk & Cream – creamy, dairy-free base for curries, soups, smoothies, and of course, ice cream.
👉🏽 Flesh – eaten fresh, toasted, or dried; adds texture and natural sweetness.
👉🏽 Water – electrolyte-rich hydration straight from the shell.
👉🏽 Shell & Husk – crafted into bowls, brushes, and eco-friendly tools.

Health Benefits of Coconuts:

Here are some health benefits of coconuts:

• Rich in potassium, manganese, and copper.
• Packed with fibre to support digestion.
• Contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) — quick energy + metabolism boost.
• Supports heart health and stable blood sugar.
• Natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Lauric acid with immune-boosting benefits.
• Coconut oil also shines in skincare and haircare.

In short: Coconuts are a true waste-not, want-not fruit — versatile, nutritious, and the star of our delicious ice cream recipe.

Dairy Free to Boot!

In addition to its nutritional punch, coconut milk is dairy-free, making it an excellent choice for those with lactose intolerance or following a vegan or vegetarian diet. With they’re very impressive list of healthy benefits, it makes sense to use coconuts in our diets and our homemade ice creams.

Not only is our homemade coconut ice cream recipe deliciously luxurious, it’s also a health-conscious treat that satisfies your sweet tooth while nourishing your body.

Let’s show you how you can make your own delicious homemade coconut ice cream.

Homemade Coconut Ice Cream Recipe

Coconut ice cream, with its luscious and creamy texture, is a delicious treat that not only tantalises the taste buds but also caters to a wide range of dietary preferences.

This creamy dessert is entirely plant-based, making it suitable for vegetarians and vegans. It’s also a dairy-free and low-fat alternative, making it a versatile option for those with dietary restrictions.

Here’s our homemade coconut ice cream recipe:

(Prep Time: 10 mins | Chilling: 2 hrs | Churning: 20 mins | Freezing: 4 hrs | Total Time: ~6 hrs 30 mins)

Ingredients:

• 1 can (400ml) of coconut milk
• 120ml of coconut cream
• 120ml of almond milk
• 100g of granulated sugar (You can use 80ml of alternative sweeteners (e.g., maple syrup, agave nectar, or honey), however, bear in mind these may bring an additional flavour profile to your homemade ice cream)
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1 cup (75g) of shredded coconut (optional for added texture)

Method:

• Prepare the Ice Cream Maker: If you have an ice cream maker, ensure that the bowl is properly frozen, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Mix the Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the coconut milk, coconut cream, almond milk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved.
• Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours or until it’s thoroughly chilled. Chilling it allows for better results during the churning process.
• Churn the Ice Cream:
  • If you’re using an ice cream maker: Pour the chilled mixture into the ice cream maker and churn it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
  • If you don’t have an ice cream maker: Pour the mixture into a shallow container and place it in the freezer. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture with a fork to break up any ice crystals. Repeat this process for about 2-3 hours, or until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Add Shredded Coconut (Optional): If you’d like to add texture to your ice cream, fold the shredded coconut into the ice cream during the last few minutes of churning or before transferring it to the freezer.
• Final Freeze: Once the ice cream reaches your desired consistency, transfer it to a lidded container and place it in the freezer. Allow it to firm up for at least 4 hours or overnight.
• Serve: Scoop your homemade coconut ice cream into bowls or cones, and enjoy your dairy-free, healthy, luxurious treat!

Nutrition (per serving, based on 6 servings):

• Energy: ~280 kcal | Fat: ~22 g of which saturates: ~19 g | Carbohydrates: ~19 g of which sugars: ~17 g | Protein: ~2 g | Salt: ~0.1 g

👉🏽 Please note: these are estimated values based on standard UK averages for coconut milk, coconut cream, almond milk, and sugar. Actual results may vary depending on specific brands used.

Perfect Pairings for Coconut Ice Cream

This coconut ice cream is a delicious flavour on it’s own, but you can enhance it even more with some additional toppings:

• Fresh fruit: mango, pineapple, passion fruit, berries
• Crunchy nuts: almonds, cashews, macadamias
• Chocolate: dark, milk, or white chunks
• Spices: cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg
• Toasted coconut flakes for extra crunch
• Sauces: caramel, butterscotch, or chocolate drizzle
• Cookies & bits: shortbread, ginger snaps, choc-chip
• Mint or basil leaves for a refreshing finish

Mix, match, and get creative — every scoop is a chance to discover a new favourite combo!

🥥 The Final Scoop

Creamy, dreamy, and dairy-free — this Homemade Coconut Ice Cream is proof that indulgence and health-conscious eating can go hand in hand. Whether you keep it classic or dress it up with tropical toppings, it’s a refreshing treat for every occasion.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our article and that we’ve inspired you to try this tropical dessert at home. If you have any questions, drop us a comment below — and don’t forget to share your creations with us on social media!

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