My husband loves ice cream, but dairy doesn’t love him. I’ve been experimenting with different dairy-free ice cream recipes, like this mint chocolate chip ice cream (with homemade chocolate chips). I wanted to make affordable dairy-free ice cream that tasted amazing. Even better, something covered in a rich hot fudge sauce.
Growing up my mom made the best homemade vanilla ice cream on special occasions, like memorial day and birthdays; I think we even had it for Christmas one year! As good as it was, it was loaded with processed sugar and pasteurized milk. I’ve since discovered the joys of coconut milk ice cream.
Isn’t dairy-free ice cream expensive?
A can of coconut at my local store costs about $3.25 and will make about 1 pint. You can find the same non-gmo, organic coconut milk I get here.
I lucked out and found a stash of coconut milk at my local discount grocery for $0.35 each! Even though my stash of discount cans is gone, $3 a pint is still a steal for this delicious ice cream. Coconut ice cream at the big box store costs almost $6 a pint, and it’s not even as tasty as homemade! These ice cream recipes are rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
So Just How Healthy is It?
I love chocolate. Need I say more? Well I will because my love for chocolate is what inspired this scrumptious hot fudge sundae recipe. As with all sweets this should be enjoyed sparingly, but unlike most sweets, this one is good for you. This recipe is full of:
- antioxidants
- healthy fats
- vitamin D
- magnesium
- phosphorous
- potassium
- iron
- live healing enzymes
A 1/2 cup serving of this ice cream delivers over 55% dv of manganese, 12% phosporous, 10% potassium and selenium as well as loads of other nutrients your body needs to function.
The benefits of raw honey
It may be tempting to substitute regular honey for the raw, but don’t do it! Pasteurized honey is the same as refined white sugar. Maple syrup can be substituted though, and pairs especially well with the chocolate flavor. Raw honey:
“Contains up to 80 different substances important to human nutrition… all of the B complex, A,C,D,E, and K, minerals and trace elements, magnesium, sulfur, phosphorous, iron, calcium, chlorine, potassium, iodine, sodium, copper and manganese.” – source
Tips for making the perfect ice cream
If you don’t have an ice cream machine, add 2 tsps. of gelatin or alcohol (rum, amaretto or even vodka will work). This prevents the mixture from getting too hard and gives it a creamier consistency. If using gelatin, sprinkle it evenly across the surface of the ice cream, allow it to “bloom” for a few minutes, then blend.
*If you’re not using an ice cream machine, the mixture should be stirred every 15-30 minutes, not blended as in the directions below.
Click here to print Strawberry Ice Cream recipe.
Click here to print Dark Chocolate Ice Cream recipe.
Click here to print Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe.
Click here to print Hot Fudge Sauce Recipe.