Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe

Creating your own vegan mint chocolate chip ice cream at home is an exciting culinary adventure. This recipe is not only dairy-free, but it also offers a delightful twist on classic mint chocolate chip ice cream. Packed with refreshing minty flavor and the rich taste of bittersweet chocolate, this treat is sure to please all palates.

Photos of Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe

The main ingredients for this recipe are coconut milk, granulated sugar, kosher salt, cornstarch, vanilla extract, peppermint extract, and bittersweet chocolate. Most of these ingredients should be available in your pantry. Note that we are using full-fat coconut milk, which has a creamy texture that works perfect for our vegan ice cream. Bittersweet chocolate will provide that decadent, luxurious taste, but make sure to pick a quality brand, which is dairy-free.

Ingredients for Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Coconut milk: A creamy, plant-based alternative to regular milk, it is a staple ingredient in many vegan recipes.

Granulated sugar: This is your basic table sugar, it sweetens the ice cream.

Kosher salt: Helps to enhance the sweet and minty flavors.

Cornstarch: This is used to thicken the ice cream base, ensuring a creamy consistency.

Vanilla extract: Adds a layer of flavor complexity to the ice cream.

Peppermint extract: Provides the refreshing, mint taste in the ice cream.

Bittersweet chocolate: Provides the rich chocolatey bits dispersed in the ice cream, ensure it is vegan.

One reader, Ernaline Sasser says:

This vegan mint chocolate chip ice cream recipe is a game-changer! The creamy coconut milk base is perfectly balanced with refreshing mint and rich chocolate. It's easy to make and tastes absolutely divine. I love that it's dairy-free and still so indulgent. A must-try for all ice cream lovers!

Ernaline Sasser

Essential Techniques for Making Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

How to make the ice cream base: This involves combining the coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a saucepan, warming the mixture until the sugar dissolves, and then thickening it with cornstarch. The base is then flavored with vanilla and peppermint extracts.

How to churn the ice cream: After the base mixture is completely chilled, it is poured into the ice cream machine and churned for 10 to 15 minutes until it reaches a soft but thick consistency, similar to frozen custard or soft-serve ice cream.

How to add the chocolate chunks: While the ice cream is churning, the chocolate chunks are added to the mixture and processed until just combined.

How to freeze the ice cream: Once the ice cream is ready, it is scraped into a loaf pan or other freezer-safe containers, covered tightly with plastic wrap, and then frozen for at least 3 hours to allow it to harden.

How to serve the ice cream: Before serving, the ice cream should be allowed to sit out on the counter for about 10 minutes until it’s soft enough to scoop.

How To Make Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Coconut milk, peppermint, and bittersweet chocolate makes up this refreshing mint chocolate chip ice cream that’s churned into a thick and rich vegan treat.

Preparation: 20 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Total: 30 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

28ozcoconut milk,(2 cans), full-fat
½cupgranulated sugar
¼tspkosher salt
2tbspcornstarch
¼tspvanilla extract
¾tsppeppermint extract
3½ozbittersweet chocolate,(about ¾ cup), chopped into pieces

Instructions

The day before making the ice cream, place the freezer bowl of the ice cream maker into the freezer.
Pour ¼ cup of the coconut milk into a small bowl and set aside. Combine the remaining coconut milk, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Warm for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sugar has fully dissolved.
Whisk the cornstarch into the bowl of reserved coconut milk until completely dissolved.
Stir the cornstarch mixture into the warm coconut milk base on the stove and cook over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. Be careful not to let the mixture come to a boil.
Remove the mixture from heat and stir in the vanilla and peppermint extracts.
Pour the mixture into a shallow container and allow it to cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Cover the container and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or for up to 3 days.
When ready to churn the ice cream, make sure the base mixture is completely chilled. Pour the base into the ice cream machine and churn for 10 to 15 minutes, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The consistency must be soft but thick, like frozen custard or soft-serve ice cream.
When ice cream is ready, with the mixer still running, add in the chocolate chunks and process until just combined.
Scrape the ice cream into a loaf pan or other freezer-safe containers, and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Freeze for at least 3 hours to allow the ice cream to harden.
Before serving, allow ice cream to sit out on the counter for about 10 minutes until it’s soft enough to scoop.
Serve cold, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 622.82kcal
Fat: 49.77g
Saturated Fat: 41.94g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4.27g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.70g
Carbohydrates: 50.12g
Fiber: 1.51g
Sugar: 38.50g
Protein: 5.06g
Sodium: 146.78mg
Calcium: 44.33mg
Potassium: 528.73mg
Iron: 7.36mg
Vitamin A: 0.21µg
Vitamin C: 2.02mg

Key Technique for Perfecting Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

When adding the chocolate chunks to the churned ice cream, make sure they are finely chopped. Larger pieces can freeze solid and become too hard to bite into. Smaller pieces will distribute more evenly throughout the ice cream, providing a burst of chocolate flavor in every spoonful.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Prepare the ingredients: Gather and measure all the ingredients before starting to make the ice cream. This will help streamline the process and prevent any last-minute scrambling for items.

Chill the ice cream maker: Place the freezer bowl of the ice cream maker in the freezer the day before making the ice cream to ensure it's thoroughly chilled and ready for use.

Use pre-chopped chocolate: Save time by using pre-chopped bittersweet chocolate instead of chopping it yourself. This will cut down on prep time and make the process more efficient.

Chill the base in advance: Plan ahead and chill the ice cream base in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, or up to 3 days, before churning. This will save time on the day of making the ice cream.

Pre-portion the ice cream: Consider pre-portioning the ice cream into single-serve containers before freezing. This can save time when serving and make it easier to grab a quick treat from the freezer.

Substitute Ingredients For Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe

coconut milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk has a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor, which can work well as a substitute for coconut milk in this recipe. It also complements the mint and chocolate flavors.
granulated sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup adds a natural sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor, which can enhance the overall taste of the ice cream. It also blends well with the other ingredients.
bittersweet chocolate - Substitute with dairy-free dark chocolate: Dairy-free dark chocolate provides the rich, intense chocolate flavor and can be used as a suitable substitute for bittersweet chocolate in this vegan recipe.

How to Beautifully Present Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Elevate the scoop: Use an ice cream scoop to create a perfectly round and smooth scoop of vegan mint chocolate chip ice cream. Place it delicately in the center of a chilled dessert plate.
Garnish with fresh mint: Add a touch of freshness and color to the dish by garnishing the ice cream with a sprig of fresh mint. The vibrant green will contrast beautifully with the creamy white ice cream.
Drizzle with chocolate sauce: Create an elegant drizzle of rich, dark chocolate sauce around the base of the ice cream. This adds a luxurious touch and complements the mint and chocolate flavors.
Sprinkle with chocolate shavings: Using a fine grater, sprinkle delicate shards of bittersweet chocolate over the top of the ice cream. This adds a sophisticated texture and enhances the chocolate flavor.
Serve on a chilled dessert plate: Present the ice cream on a chilled plate to maintain its perfect consistency. This attention to detail ensures the ice cream stays firm and visually appealing.
Accompany with a tuile: Serve the ice cream with a delicate tuile for an added element of texture and elegance. The crisp, thin cookie will provide a delightful contrast to the creamy ice cream.
Add a touch of gold leaf: For a truly luxurious presentation, consider adding a small, edible gold leaf to the top of the ice cream. This opulent detail will impress and delight the diners.

Essential Tools for Making Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Ice cream maker: An ice cream maker is essential for churning and freezing the ice cream mixture to achieve the desired creamy texture.
Saucepan: A saucepan is used to heat and mix the coconut milk, sugar, and salt to create the ice cream base.
Whisk: A whisk is necessary for incorporating the cornstarch into the coconut milk and for stirring the ice cream base while it cooks.
Small bowl: A small bowl is used to hold a portion of the coconut milk for mixing with the cornstarch.
Medium container: A medium container is used to cool and refrigerate the ice cream base before churning.
Shallow container: A shallow container is used to initially cool the ice cream base before refrigerating it.
Loaf pan or freezer-safe containers: These are used to store the ice cream in the freezer after churning.
Plastic wrap: Plastic wrap is used to cover the loaf pan or freezer-safe containers to protect the ice cream while it freezes.
Food processor: A food processor can be used to chop the bittersweet chocolate into small chunks for mixing into the ice cream.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl can be used to combine the cornstarch with a portion of the coconut milk before adding it to the warm coconut milk base.

Storing and Freezing Homemade Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Once the ice cream has hardened in the freezer for at least 3 hours, you can scoop it into individual serving bowls or cones and enjoy it immediately.
If you have leftover ice cream, make sure to store it properly in the freezer to maintain its texture and flavor.
Transfer the ice cream to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. this will prevent any unwanted odors from seeping into the ice cream and will also prevent ice crystals from forming on the surface.
If using a loaf pan, cover the top of the ice cream tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface to prevent air from coming in contact with the ice cream. then, cover the entire loaf pan with a layer of aluminum foil for an extra layer of protection.
Label the container or loaf pan with the date you made the ice cream, so you can keep track of how long it's been in the freezer.
When stored properly in the freezer, this vegan mint chocolate chip ice cream will keep well for up to 2 weeks.
For best results, consume the ice cream within the first week to enjoy the freshest flavor and texture.
If the ice cream has been in the freezer for longer than 2 weeks, it may start to develop ice crystals and lose its creamy texture. while it will still be safe to eat, the quality may not be as good as when it was freshly made.
To serve the ice cream after it's been frozen for a while, let it sit out on the counter for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly before scooping. this will make it easier to scoop and will also help to bring out the flavors.

Interesting Fact About Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Coconut milk is a great alternative to dairy milk in vegan ice cream recipes, as it provides a creamy texture and a subtle coconut flavor.

Is Making Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream at Home Cost-Effective?

The vegan mint chocolate chip ice cream recipe is fairly cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as coconut milk and sugar, are relatively affordable and readily available. The addition of bittersweet chocolate may slightly increase the cost, but it's a worthwhile investment for the flavor. Overall Verdict: 9/10. Approximate cost for a household of 4 people: $10-$15.

Is This Vegan Ice Cream Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?

The vegan mint chocolate chip ice cream recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream, but it still contains some ingredients that may not be considered entirely healthy. Let's break it down:

Positives:

The recipe uses coconut milk instead of dairy, making it suitable for vegans and those with lactose intolerance.
It doesn't contain any artificial colors or flavors, relying on natural ingredients like peppermint extract and bittersweet chocolate.

Negatives:

The recipe still contains a significant amount of sugar, which can contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess.
Coconut milk, while a good dairy alternative, is high in saturated fat, which can raise cholesterol levels if consumed in large quantities.

To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of sugar used in the recipe, or replace it with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit extract.
Use a lighter variety of coconut milk, such as lite coconut milk, to reduce the overall fat content.
Increase the amount of peppermint extract used to enhance the minty flavor without adding extra calories.
Opt for a higher percentage of dark chocolate (70% or above) to reduce the sugar content and increase the antioxidants.
Add in some spinach or avocado to the base mixture to boost the nutrient content and create a unique color and flavor profile.
Experiment with other non-dairy milk alternatives, such as almond milk or cashew milk, which may have a lower fat content than coconut milk.

Editor's Opinion on This Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe

The recipe for vegan mint chocolate chip ice cream is a delightful and refreshing treat. The use of coconut milk creates a creamy base, while the combination of peppermint extract and bittersweet chocolate provides a perfect balance of flavors. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, ensuring a smooth preparation process. This dairy-free alternative to traditional ice cream is a great option for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking for a delicious and guilt-free dessert. Overall, this recipe is a winner and is sure to impress vegans and non-vegans alike.

Enhance Your Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Pineapple with Cinnamon Sugar: Grilled pineapple slices sprinkled with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, creating a sweet and caramelized side dish that pairs perfectly with the refreshing mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Roasted Banana Slices: Sliced bananas roasted with a touch of brown sugar and cinnamon, creating a warm and caramelized side dish that complements the cool and creamy mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Mixed Berry Compote: A medley of mixed berries cooked down with a hint of sugar, creating a sweet and tangy compote that adds a burst of fruity flavor to the mint chocolate chip ice cream.

Delicious Alternatives to Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Spicy Black Bean Soup: This hearty and flavorful soup is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of black beans, spices, and vegetables creates a delicious and satisfying dish.

Mango Salsa Chicken: Add a tropical twist to your chicken dinner with this vibrant and zesty mango salsa. The sweet and tangy flavors of the mango complement the savory chicken perfectly.

Grilled Peach Salad: Take your salad to the next level with grilled peaches. The caramelized sweetness of the peaches pairs beautifully with the crisp greens and tangy vinaigrette.

Appetizers and Main Dishes to Complement Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

Appetizers:

Stuffed Mushrooms: Impress your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, breadcrumbs, and vegan cheese. They're the perfect bite-sized appetizer for any occasion.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip: Indulge in this creamy and decadent spinach and artichoke dip, served with crispy tortilla chips or fresh vegetable sticks. It's a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will leave everyone coming back for more.

Main Courses:

Vegan Lasagna: Create a flavorful and hearty vegan lasagna using layers of savory marinara sauce, plant-based cheese, and a variety of fresh vegetables. This dish is sure to satisfy even the most dedicated meat-eaters!

Stir-Fry Noodles: Whip up a delicious stir-fry noodle dish packed with colorful veggies, tofu, and a savory sauce. This quick and easy meal is perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.

Why trust this Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe:

This recipe uses coconut milk as a creamy and dairy-free base, ensuring a rich and luscious texture. The addition of peppermint extract provides a refreshing and invigorating flavor, while the bittersweet chocolate adds a decadent touch. The careful instructions and attention to detail in the preparation process guarantee a smooth and velvety consistency. Trust in the quality of the ingredients and the expertise behind this recipe to indulge in a delightful and satisfying vegan mint chocolate chip ice cream experience.

Have you tried this vegan mint chocolate chip ice cream recipe? Share your experience and discuss variations or tips with other dessert lovers in the Baking and Desserts forum section.

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of milk instead of coconut milk?

Yes, you can use other non-dairy milks like almond milk or cashew milk, but keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

Can I substitute the granulated sugar with a different sweetener?

Absolutely! You can use maple syrup, agave nectar, or any other sweetener of your choice. Just adjust the quantity to your taste.

How can I make this ice cream without an ice cream maker?

If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze it. Every 30 minutes, take it out and stir vigorously to break up the ice crystals until it reaches the desired consistency.

Can I omit the peppermint extract for a different flavor?

Of course! You can omit the peppermint extract and add other flavors like almond extract, coconut extract, or even a hint of cinnamon for a unique twist.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of bittersweet chocolate?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Just chop it into small pieces and fold it into the ice cream during the final stages of churning.