Almond Milk Ice Cream Recipe

Dreamy Almond Milk Ice Cream Recipe: Silky Sweet Summer Bliss

Cool summer afternoons become magical with homemade almond milk ice cream that melts smoothly on your tongue.

Creamy textures and nutty hints combine in this delightful dessert perfect for warm weather.

Dairy-free enthusiasts will appreciate how simple ingredients create something spectacular.

Blending almonds into a silky base ensures rich, luxurious results without complicated techniques.

Minimal kitchen skills work wonderfully for crafting this sweet treat.

Each spoonful promises pure refreshment and delicate flavor complexity.

You’ll fall in love with how effortlessly this recipe comes together.

Why Almond Milk Ice Cream Is Creamy, Cool, And Dairy-Free

  • Craft a Creamy Delight: Discover an indulgent almond milk ice cream that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious dessert with rich, smooth textures.
  • Master Easy Technique: Learn a straightforward cooking method that requires minimal professional skills, making this recipe accessible for home cooks of all experience levels.
  • Customize Your Treat: Experiment with different flavor additions like chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit swirls to personalize your ice cream and create unique variations that suit your taste preferences.
  • Enjoy Flexible Serving: Perfect for various occasions from casual family desserts to elegant dinner parties, this versatile recipe adapts seamlessly to different dining settings and guest expectations.

What You’ll Need For Almond Milk Ice Cream

Dairy Base:
  • Almond Milk: A smooth, plant-based liquid that provides a light and creamy foundation for the ice cream.
  • Heavy Cream: A rich dairy component that adds luxurious thickness and smoothness to the dessert.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: A sweet, thick milk product that enhances the ice cream's richness and sweetness.
  • Egg Yolk: A creamy ingredient that contributes to a silky and smooth texture of the ice cream.
Sweeteners and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Granulated Sugar: A pure sweetener that balances the overall flavor and helps create a smooth consistency.
  • Vanilla Extract, Vanilla Bean Paste: Aromatic ingredients that provide a deep, classic vanilla flavor to the ice cream.
  • Salt: A small but crucial ingredient that enhances and balances the overall taste of the dessert.
Thickening Agents:
  • Cornstarch: A natural thickener that helps create a smooth, creamy texture and prevents ice crystal formation.

How To Make Almond Milk Ice Cream Smooth And Scoopable

Step 1: Blend Creamy Base

Grab your medium saucepan and whisk together these ingredients smoothly:
  • Almond milk
  • Heavy cream
  • Sweetened condensed milk

Stir until everything looks silky and combined.

Step 2: Add Sweet Flavor Boosters

Incorporate these taste-enhancing elements:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Keep stirring until sugar completely dissolves and creates a harmonious mixture.

Step 3: Prevent Lumpy Texture

Sprinkle cornstarch gradually into the liquid. Whisk energetically to ensure zero lumps develop. This step guarantees a super smooth final product.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Richness

Gently fold egg yolk into the mixture. This introduces incredible depth and creates a velvety foundation for your frozen treat.

Step 5: Heat and Thicken

Place saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously while mixture transforms and slightly thickens. Watch for gentle simmering, which typically takes 6-8 minutes.

Step 6: Enhance Flavor Profile

Remove from heat and mix in vanilla bean paste. Let those wonderful aromatic notes infuse throughout the base.

Step 7: Chill Thoroughly

Transfer mixture to a clean bowl. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until temperature drops below 40°F. Patience ensures perfect texture.

Step 8: Churn Into Creamy Goodness

Pour cold mixture into ice cream maker. Churn according to machine instructions, usually 20-25 minutes, until it reaches soft-serve consistency.

Step 9: Freeze to Perfection

Move churned mixture into freezer-safe container. Freeze 4-6 hours until delightfully firm.

Step 10: Serve with Ease

Let ice cream sit at room temperature 3-5 minutes before scooping. This ensures ultra-smooth, dreamy servings.

Tips To Get Creamy Almond Milk Ice Cream

  • Prevent Lumps Easily: Whisk cornstarch gradually and steadily into the mixture to guarantee a silky-smooth base without any unwanted clumps.
  • Boost Flavor Intensity: Add a splash of vanilla bean paste for a deeper, more complex taste that elevates the entire ice cream experience.
  • Master Chilling Technique: Refrigerate the base until it reaches exactly 40°F to create the perfect texture and consistency for churning.
  • Soften Before Serving: Let the ice cream rest at room temperature for 3-5 minutes to achieve that dreamy, creamy scooping experience.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream for a completely plant-based version that maintains rich, indulgent flavor.

Flavorful Twists On Almond Milk Ice Cream

  • Chocolate Almond Bliss: Add 1/4 cup cocoa powder and 2 ounces melted dark chocolate to the base mixture for a rich, indulgent chocolate version.
  • Caramel Crunch Almond: Mix in 1/2 cup crushed caramel pieces and drizzle caramel sauce throughout the churned ice cream for added sweetness and texture.
  • Nutty Almond Crunch: Fold in 1/3 cup toasted chopped almonds and a tablespoon of almond extract during the final churning stage for extra nutty depth.
  • Berry Swirl Sensation: Gently swirl 1/2 cup homemade berry compote through the churned ice cream before freezing, creating beautiful marbled patterns and fruity bursts.

What To Serve With Almond Milk Ice Cream Treats

  • Flavor-Boosting Companion: Warm cinnamon apple crumble perfectly complements the almond milk ice cream's delicate sweetness, creating a harmonious balance of temperatures and textures.
  • Beverage Pairing: Serve a rich espresso or cappuccino alongside the ice cream, letting the coffee's robust notes enhance the dessert's creamy vanilla undertones.
  • Garnish and Enhance: Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds and a drizzle of salted caramel sauce over each scoop, adding crunch and depth to the smooth ice cream base.
  • Wine Selection: Choose a late-harvest Riesling with its subtle sweetness and light acidity, which beautifully matches the dessert's creamy and smooth profile.

How To Store Almond Milk Ice Cream Without Ice Crystals

  • Transfer the ice cream to an airtight, freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal flavor and texture.
  • Keep the ice cream at the back of the freezer where temperature remains most consistent, avoiding frequent temperature fluctuations that can create ice crystals.
  • Cover the surface of the ice cream directly with plastic wrap before sealing the container to create an additional protective layer against air exposure and potential freezer odors.
  • Enjoy the homemade almond milk ice cream within 1-2 weeks for the best taste and quality, checking periodically for any signs of ice crystal formation or texture changes.

Almond Milk Ice Cream FAQ Guide

  • Is almond milk ice cream dairy-free?

Not entirely. This recipe contains heavy cream and egg yolks, which are dairy products. It’s not a completely dairy-free option.

  • Can I use alternative sweeteners instead of sugar?

Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with honey, maple syrup, or stevia. Just adjust the quantity to match the sweetness level you prefer.

  • Why do I need to add cornstarch to the recipe?

Cornstarch helps prevent ice crystals from forming, ensuring a smoother and creamier ice cream texture. It acts as a stabilizer for the mixture.

  • How can I make the ice cream more flavorful?

Experiment with additional mix-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or fruit purees after churning. You can also try different extracts like almond or coconut to enhance the flavor profile.

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Almond Milk Ice Cream Recipe

Almond Milk Ice Cream Recipe


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4.8 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 6-8 hours
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy almond milk ice cream delivers a delightful dairy-free dessert that whispers sweet indulgence. Cool summer nights become magical when smooth, silky scoops melt gently on your palate, offering pure refreshment without compromise.


Ingredients

Scale

Dairy Base:

  • 2 cups almond milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk

Sweeteners and Flavors:

  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/8 tsp salt

Thickening and Stabilizing Agents:

  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp egg yolk
  • 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste

Instructions

  1. Whisk almond milk, heavy cream, and sweetened condensed milk in a medium saucepan until smooth and fully integrated.
  2. Incorporate granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt into the liquid mixture, stirring consistently to dissolve sugar completely.
  3. Sprinkle cornstarch gradually into the mixture, whisking vigorously to prevent lumps and ensure even distribution.
  4. Gently fold in egg yolk, creating a rich and creamy base that will enhance the ice cream’s texture.
  5. Place saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and reaches a gentle simmer, approximately 6-8 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla bean paste, allowing the intense flavor to permeate the base.
  7. Transfer the mixture to a clean bowl and refrigerate for 2-3 hours until completely chilled and temperature is below 40°F.
  8. Pour the cold mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions, typically 20-25 minutes.
  9. Once churned to a soft-serve consistency, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 4-6 hours until firm.
  10. Allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for 3-5 minutes before scooping to ensure smooth, creamy texture.

Notes

  • Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth blending and consistent texture.
  • Whisk cornstarch carefully to prevent clumping, ensuring a silky-smooth ice cream base.
  • Experiment with alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for unique flavor profiles.
  • For dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use plant-based condensed milk alternative.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 19 g
  • Sodium: 75 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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