This vegan salted ice cream is made with cashews, cocoa, and creamy coconut milk. The addition of sea salt makes the chocolate shine in this easy vegan ice cream! You don't need an ice cream maker for this recipe and it's free from granulated sugar and starches.
For some more warm-weather treats, try some of my summery ice pops. Make a batch of strawberry matcha popsicles or tie-dye raspberry mango paletas.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Cashews: note that these need to be soaked overnight before you start, so plan ahead. The nuts should be raw and unsalted.
- Coconut milk: full-fat. You can use coconut cream from a can instead, but don't use creamed coconut (usually in a kind of tetra pack).
- Liquid sweetener: this can be maple syrup, agave, or honey. I like honey if it doesn't need to be fully vegan as it makes the ice cream freeze a little softer.
Top Tips
- Don't skip the cashews: this homemade cashew milk adds a thickness and creaminess that makes the salted ice cream most like a custard-based version.
- Add extras: I love the added salt and cocoa nibs, but you could stir in some fresh fruit like cherries or a smidgen of peppermint extract.
- Choose raw cocoa: this is a personal choice, but I prefer cold-pressed raw cocoa to something like Dutch process. If you can't find raw, natural is the next best option.
FAQ
Can I use a different salt?
I recommend sticking with flaky sea salt for this recipe. Other salts will have different volumes and levels of saltiness.
Can I make this recipe without oil?
While you can omit the oil, it will make a big difference in terms of how rich and creamy the ice cream turns out!
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Recipe
Chocolate Salted Ice Cream
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender
- Metal bowl
Ingredients
- ¾ cup cashews soaked for at least 8 hours
- ½ cup + 2 Tablespoons water
- 3 tablespoons. melted coconut oil
- 1 cup coconut milk full fat
- 6 tablespoons liquid sweetener honey, agave, maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon high quality flaky sea salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 5 tablespoons raw cacao powder or cocoa powder
- 2- 4 tablespoons cacao nibs
Instructions
- Drain the cashews and combine them with a splash of the fresh water in a high-speed blender. Begin to puree, slowly adding the water, until a smooth milk has been made.
- Add the melted coconut oil, coconut milk, sweetener, salt, vanilla, and cacao. Puree just until mixed.
- Place the ice cream mixture in a metal bowl and pop it into the freezer. After a few hours give it a stir and return it to the freezer. Stir it every once in a while until its reached pudding consistency. Then stir in the cacao nibs and place in a sealed container to set fully.
- Let soften up prior to serving. Garnish with more cacao nibs, or if you're feeling crazy, maybe some Maldon!
When you say coconut creme do you mean like liquid canned coconut cream or the solid cream layer you get from refrigerated coconut milk ? If it makes any difference 🙂
hey Taylor! Gosh, I should be clearer. As this was few years ago I can't be 100% sure, but I think I'd use a can of coconut cream. Hope that helps 🙂
Made this last night and this morning it was almost gone. I guess my kids ate it all for breakfast.
I hope you saved me some, to make up for the lack of cake 🙂
No one made you cake?! Not even my mum!? Well, you'll be sure to fine the best darn cake ever when you come to visit! <3
I'm so happy you like it, Anna! I always make nana ice cream too, but this is a real treat! Enjoy <3
looks super easy and delicious!! I aways make nana ice cream but this looks amazing, I'll try it for sure 😀
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Oh, I'm so pleased you enjoyed the post, Sarah! Being able to make ice cream without having to buy another kitchen gadget is such a treat! <3
Thanks a million, Jessie! It took me ages to get on the cashew ice cream bandwagon, but I totally think I'm going to stick with it. It's really surprising how un-icy it is. And oh so creamy! I'll be sure to let Adam know of your well wishes! Thanks again, friend 🙂
ah thank you so kindly, Katrina! Coconut creme is the best, isn't it 🙂
That's it! I have to give this cashew + coconut cream + coconut oil combo a try. After reading about the magic this combination crates, and now seeing your post, I'm convinced its the way to go. And no ice cream make needed?! I mean, I have one, but I'd love a reason not to use it! Just gorgeous, friend. Happy birthday to your man and hip hip for treating yourself to some frozen deliciousness! <3
I LOVE ice cream recipes that don't require an ice cream machine. This version looks absolutely amazing... it looks so creamy and chocolatey, you'd never guess it was cashew-based! 🙂
This ice cream sounds awesome! I love the coconut cream in there - so delicious!