This coconut milk chocolate ice cream with brownie chunks is the perfect summer indulgence. Made with real food ingredients, it’s a guilt-free treat you can enjoy!
Rich, creamy, dark chocolate ice cream with chunks of brownies. This coconut milk chocolate ice cream is sure to please!
Summer is here and with it is the celebration of all things sweet and cold, particularly ice cream. Ice cream is what “takes the cake” so to speak. Other cool treats like strawberry coconut chia popsicles are perfectly delicious but there is something extra special about ice cream.
People that need to be dairy-free may tend to grieve the season a bit as they look longingly at shelf after shelf of dairy-based cartons of ice cream in their local grocery store. If you are blessed to have a few dairy-free options, they tend to be extremely expensive, and full of ingredients like guar gum and agave syrup that you might be trying to avoid.
Homemade Ice Cream: It’s Worth the Effort
What if someone told you that you could make creamy, dairy-free ice cream for less at home, with no additives?
Guess what you can! Coconut milk makes silky-smooth dairy-free ice cream. It’s rich, creamy, and everything ice cream should be. Before my raw milk days, coconut milk ice cream was all I would make. Even now, I often prefer it to dairy ice creams. If you need to go dairy-free like many families, now you have a recipe in your back pocket to make things a little easier and happier.
Benefits of Homemade Coconut Milk Chocolate Ice Cream
- easy recipe
- you are in control of the ingredients
- money-saving
- contains healthy fats
- creamy ice cream unlike some non-dairy ice cream
- full of nourishing ingredients, no corn syrup or regular sugar in this recipe
- fun to make!
Chocolate coconut ice cream on its own is always delightful but when you add grain-free brownies, well, it is all over folks. You might as well call it death by chocolate ice cream instead of chocolate brownie chunk ice cream, because well, you’ll be in chocolate heaven. A dairy-free and grain-free chocolate heaven that is. It is the perfect treat!
Often ice cream requires making an egg based custard. Not this one. Honestly, I don’t have time for it. Does a custard make for a creamier base? Maybe? Yet in the grander scheme of things, it doesn’t make that much of a difference, so unless I am making ice cream for a birthday or something special, I tend to go for simple. If you are new to making coconut milk ice cream this is a great first time ice cream recipe.
What are the Main Ingredients?
Instead, this dairy-free chocolate ice cream has the benefit of raw egg yolks, while it may make some people squirm, they are actually quite healthy. To clarify, it’s not a good idea to consume raw yolks from conventionally raised chickens or “cage-free” hens, since we know that is just a marketing term. You want to use yolks from eggs that are raised as close to how God intended.
Raw honey is used to sweeten this ice cream with brownie chunks, instead of typical dry sweeteners. It is one of the reasons that this no-cook version is smooth. Typically dry sweeteners have a harder time dissolving completely when they are not added to a warm liquid, like a custard base. Aside from health benefits, a smooth texture is another reason for using a liquid sweetener. If you prefer you could use maple syrup or palm sugar paste.
Vanilla extract is another key to this recipe, I prefer to use homemade extract because the flavor is delicious and it’s easy to make. Typically extracts are made with alcohol which, when added to an ice cream recipe helps the ice cream not become too firm. Coconut milk ice cream tends to be on the firmer side when left in the freezer for a few days, so the vanilla extract helps it not be quite as hard. Plus vanilla is always a nice addition to any chocolatey treat.
How to Make This Recipe in a Nutshell
Homemade ice cream is one of those things that seems so complicated to make. The beauty of this chocolate coconut milk ice cream recipe is that the only tool that you really need is a blender or a food processor. There is no cooking required. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, there is a tip for that too!
The key to this recipe is using canned full-fat coconut milk. Coconut milk from cartons or canned light coconut milk won’t give you that creamy texture you are looking for. Full fat coconut milk ice cream is extra creamy!
- Add the coconut milk, cocoa powder, raw honey, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and salt to a blender. Blend on high until smooth.
- Pour the chocolate mixture into an ice cream machine and churn coconut milk ice cream according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, chop the brownies into small pieces, set them aside in a small bowl.
- Once the ice cream is done, transfer the mixture into a freezer-safe container. Gently fold in the brownie cubes.
- Cover and place in the freezer in an airtight container allowing to ripen (firm up) for a couple of hours before serving. When is first done churning it will almost have a soft-serve consistency.
- Once frozen, coconut milk ice cream is firmer than dairy-based ice cream. When you are ready to serve set the ice cream on the counter at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping.
- Be sure to wash and put your canister back in the freezer so you can make a second batch as soon as you want!
Can I Make it Without an Ice Cream Maker? No Problem!
If you don’t have an ice cream maker you can still make this coconut milk ice cream recipe!
- Pour the ice cream mixture into ice cube trays and freeze until the cubes are solid.
- Then add the cubes to a food processor or blender and pulse until smooth. It will be similar to the consistency of soft serve.
- Fold in the pieces of brownie to make it chocolate brownie chunk ice cream. Pour into an airtight container and freeze until ready to serve. The end result might have a few more ice crystals than when you use a machine but the results will still be delicious!
Coconut Milk Chocolate Ice Cream: Expert Tips & Tricks
Is Coconut Milk Ice Cream Healthy?
This full fat coconut milk ice cream is practically a health food, well at least it is if you leave out the brownie chunks… It’s your choice, if it was me, I would leave them in. I currently have a batch of my favorite grain-free cassava flour brownies in the freezer to pull out for a quick dessert, or to chop up to add to tasty coconut milk ice cream recipes like this one. (And the ingredients in those brownies are all nourishing real food too!)
Overall – it’s a homemade treat made with whole food ingredients that provide nutrition, which is exactly how I like my desserts! Of course it’s meant to be eaten in moderation with a balanced diet – and always after eating your veggies. (And that’s not a random food rule – eating veggies before sweets or carbs actually helps to mitigate the blood sugar impact!)
The Superstar Ingredients in This Chocolate Coconut Ice Cream
Simple ingredients have a chance to shine in this easy-to-make homemade ice cream. The hardest part is waiting for it to churn.
Coconut Milk
Coconut is one of the world’s healthiest food, it contains lauric acid, which is a medium-chain fatty acid. It is readily absorbed and used by the body for energy. Lauric acid even has antibacterial and antiviral properties. Coconut is full of essential minerals like magnesium, iron, and potassium. It makes for a creamy texture in this chocolate coconut ice cream. If you have the choice organic coconut milk is the best option.
Raw Pasture-Raised Egg Yolks
Egg yolks are nutritional powerhouses, full of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Consuming yolks raw preserves the Vitamin B6 content, which is diminished when cooked. It’s key to know your source. I wouldn’t make this with commercially raised eggs from the store.
Raw Honey
Like egg yolks and coconut milk, raw honey is beneficial to your health. Since it’s a type of sugar, it is good to treat it as such but isn’t it great to know that the sugar you are using is actually doing your body some good as well? Similar to coconut milk, raw honey has antiviral and antibacterial properties. If you use local raw honey, it can even help with decreasing your body’s reaction to seasonal allergies. Plus it is full of antioxidants.
Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
I prefer to use organic, but in a pinch, regular cocoa powder will work as well. You could also use raw cacao powder for added health benefits. Cocoa powder adds that deep chocolate flavor that the chocolate coconut milk ice cream recipe needs to pop. It can reduce inflammation and is full of antioxidants.
Is coconut milk ice cream vegan?
No, this is a coconut milk ice cream recipe with eggs and honey. It’s a great middle-ground for those avoiding dairy who aren’t necessarily vegan. The eggs can be left out and the honey swapped for another sweetener but the consistency may be slightly different.
Is coconut milk ice cream dairy-free?
For sure! There is no dairy in this recipe, the coconut cream on the top of the cans of coconut milk is what makes it so rich and creamy.
Can I make substitutions in this recipe?
This coconut milk chocolate ice cream is delicious the way it so but if you want or need to make substitutions here are are some tips on how to do that.
- Coconut milk– Full fat coconut milk is what makes this recipe turn out so well. It’s not advisable to use almond milk or other similar substitutes. If you really want the recipe to be a bit lighter try using light coconut milk. It has a lower fat content, so the recipe may end up having more of an icy texture. Full fat milk creates the creamy texture people think of when they think of ice cream. It is a great substitute for the real deal.
- Honey– Pure maple syrup, coconut syrup, or palm sugar paste are all equal 1:1 substitutions. You can use a dry sweetener, but you will want to increase it by 1/4-1/2 cup. It may not fully dissolve in the recipe which is why the recipe doesn’t call for it. I try to avoid brown sugar and even organic cane sugar. If you really want to use a dry sweetener coconut sugar would be a good option.
- Vanilla Extract– Your favorite extract can easily take the place of the vanilla extract. Peppermint and orange would both taste fantastic. If you are worried about the alcohol content you can leave it out. The amount is so minimal that it is perfectly safe for children to consume.
- Brownies– If you don’t have brownies or feel like using them try adding chocolate chips or chocolate chunks.
Fun variations for coconut milk chocolate ice cream
Chocolate Peanut Butter– Swirl in peanut butter or your favorite nut butter in the last few minutes.
Chocolate Peppermint– It’s hard to go wrong with chocolate and mint. Add 1/2 a tablespoon of peppermint extract in addition to the vanilla extract.
Plain Chocolate– There is no shame in straight chocolate ice cream. It’s probably my favorite ice cream flavor. Simply leave the brownies out. Or if you want to be fancy, sprinkle a little bit of sea salt on top to make the chocolate flavor pop!
Double Chocolate– Chopped up a dark chocolate bar into small pieces and add it in place of the brownie chunks.
Ice Cream Sandwiches– Place a scoop of this ice cream between two cookies for an extra special treat!
Cookie Dough– If you have cookie dough on hand or want to make some, pinch off little pieces and add it to the last few minutes of churning.
Simple and fun toppings for coconut milk ice cream
Toppings make a this fabulous ice cream all the more fun! The whole family can customize their own Sundee’s!
- Coconut Flakes
- Cocao Nibs
- Coconut Milk Whipped Cream
- Chocolate or Carmel Syrup
Are raw eggs safe?
Pastured eggs, or at least eggs that are from chickens that are given space to roam, grass to eat, fresh air, bugs to forage, and sunlight. If you are still uncertain about consuming raw egg yolks, Dr. Mercola, does an excellent job shedding light on why you might want to.
Why is my ice cream so hard?
Coconut milk ice cream is firmer than dairy-based ice cream when you are ready to serve set the ice cream on the counter for about 10 minutes before scooping.
More dairy-free treats and no-bake treats to try
Don’t stop with just this coconut milk ice cream recipe. There are more tasty and healthy recipes to be tried!
- Blackberry Ice Cream Bon Bons
- Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
- Homemade Peanut Butter Cups
- Chocolate Coconut Macaroons
Helpful Tools
While it’s not 100% necessary to have an ice cream maker, I really like my Cuisinart ice cream maker. It’s been a faithful part of my kitchen for over 10 years. This cute container is what I use to store my ice cream, but any airtight container will work well.
Good times are ahead when you scoop up dishes of this coconut milk chocolate ice cream and share them with all the special people in your life. The following recipe is so simple, if your kids have already been learning how to work in the kitchen, this is a recipe that they could make on their own!
Chocolate Coconut Milk Ice Cream with Brownie Chunks
Ingredients
- 2 cans full-fat coconut milk
- 1/2 recipe grain-free brownies cubed
- 3/4 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup raw honey
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 TBS vanilla extract
- 1/8 tsp unrefined salt
Instructions
- Add the coconut milk, cocoa powder, raw honey, egg yolks, vanilla extract, and salt to a blender. Blend on high until smooth.
- Pour into an ice cream maker and freeze according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually takes about 20 minutes.
- Once the ice cream is done, spoon into a freezer-safe container. Gently fold in the brownie cubes.
- Cover and place in the freezer, allowing to ripen (firm up) for at least two hours before serving. Coconut milk ice cream is firmer than dairy-based ice cream when you are ready to serve set the ice cream on the counter for about 10 minutes before scooping.
Nutrition
Guest Post by Katie Mae Stanley of Nourishing Simplicity.
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Frances
Yum, this looks SO good!