Vegan Strawberry Ice Cream

Yield

About 1 liter (4 cups) of ice cream

---

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled)

• 1 cup full-fat coconut milk

• ½ cup cashews (soaked 2 hours or in hot water 20 minutes)

• ⅓–½ cup maple syrup or sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Pinch of salt

Optional for extra creaminess:

• 1 tbsp coconut oil

---

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

1. Wash and remove the green tops from the strawberries.

2. Chop them into small pieces.

3. Place in a bowl and add 1–2 tbsp sugar (optional).

4. Let sit 10–15 minutes.

This step releases juices and intensifies the strawberry flavor.

---

Step 2: Blend the Ice Cream Base

Drain soaked cashews.

Add the following to a blender:

• strawberries

• coconut milk

• soaked cashews

• maple syrup

• vanilla extract

• lemon juice

• salt

• coconut oil (optional)

Blend 1–2 minutes until completely smooth.

The mixture should look like a thick pink cream.

---

Step 3: Chill the Mixture

Pour the mixture into a container.

Refrigerate for 1–2 hours.

Chilling helps the ice cream freeze more smoothly.

---

Method 1: Using an Ice Cream Maker

1. Pour the chilled mixture into the ice-cream machine.

2. Churn for 20–25 minutes until thick and creamy.

3. Transfer to a freezer container.

4. Freeze 2–4 hours to firm up.

---

Method 2: Without an Ice Cream Maker

1. Pour mixture into a shallow freezer-safe container.

2. Freeze for 1 hour.

3. Remove and stir vigorously with a fork or whisk.

4. Break up ice crystals.

Repeat every 30–45 minutes for about 3–4 hours.

This keeps the texture smooth.

---

Step 4: Final Freezing

Freeze until scoopable, about 4–6 hours total.

Before serving, let it sit 5 minutes at room temperature.

---

Optional Add-Ins

You can mix these in after churning:

• Strawberry chunks

• Dark chocolate chips

• Coconut flakes

• Crushed vegan cookies

• Roasted almonds

---

Tips for the Best Vegan Ice Cream

1. Use ripe strawberries
Sweeter berries give better flavor.

2. Use full-fat coconut milk
Low-fat milk makes icy ice cream.

3. Blend very smooth
Cashews must be fully blended.

4. Add a little lemon juice
This brightens the strawberry flavor.

---

Quick 3-Ingredient Version (Super Easy)

Ingredients:

• 3 frozen bananas

• 1 cup frozen strawberries

• 2–3 tbsp plant milk