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Chocolate Coconut Milk Ice Cream Recipe

5 from 77 reviews

This rich and creamy Chocolate Coconut Milk Ice Cream is a dairy-free, vegan-friendly dessert that combines the indulgent flavors of cocoa and coconut. Made easy with just a handful of wholesome ingredients, it’s naturally sweetened with your choice of maple syrup, honey, or powdered sweetener, enhanced with a touch of vanilla and coconut oil for extra creaminess. Topped with dark chocolate chips and roasted hazelnuts, this homemade ice cream is perfect for a delightful, guilt-free treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cans coconut milk (full-fat, chilled overnight)
  • ⅓ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
  • ½ cup sweetener (maple syrup, honey, or powdered sweetener, to taste)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pinch salt
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil (for extra creaminess)
  • ¼ cup dark chocolate chips
  • Roasted chopped hazelnuts (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the base: In a mixing bowl, combine the chilled coconut milk with cocoa powder, your chosen sweetener, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and glossy.
  2. Adjust sweetness: Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness if needed to suit your preference, ensuring a balanced chocolate flavor.
  3. Add coconut oil: Stir in the coconut oil thoroughly to add richness and enhance the creaminess of the ice cream.
  4. Freeze the mixture: Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container, smoothing the top with a spatula.
  5. Initial freezing phase: Place the container in the freezer for 3–4 hours. Every hour, remove and stir well to break up forming ice crystals, which helps achieve a creamy texture.
  6. Firm up the ice cream: If you prefer a firmer ice cream, continue freezing for longer than 4 hours without stirring.
  7. Let it soften: Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes to soften, making it easier to scoop.
  8. Serve and garnish: Scoop the ice cream into bowls and sprinkle with dark chocolate chips and roasted chopped hazelnuts for texture and added flavor.

Notes

  • Chilling the coconut milk overnight ensures a thicker, creamier base.
  • Use full-fat coconut milk for the best texture and richness.
  • Stirring every hour during freezing prevents large ice crystals from forming.
  • Sweeteners can be adjusted or substituted based on dietary preferences.
  • Letting the ice cream soften before scooping improves texture and flavor release.
  • For a nut-free version, omit the roasted hazelnuts or replace with seeds.

Keywords: chocolate coconut milk ice cream, vegan ice cream, dairy-free dessert, homemade ice cream, coconut milk dessert, healthy chocolate ice cream