Avocado Ice Cream (Vegan No Churn Recipe) - Foolproof Living (2024)

Home / Recipes / Dessert / Ice Cream / Avocado Coconut Milk Ice Cream Recipe

Published on July 3, 2023 · · By Aysegul Sanford

No churn Avocado Ice Cream is a healthy, vegan, naturally sweetened frozen dessert bursting with tropical flavors. Enjoy this ice cream made with avocado on Cinco de Mayo or during the warmer months with a finish of toasted coconut flakes.

One of the photos from this post made it to the cover of National Geographic Traveller Magazine a few years back. Feel free to read about My First Magazine Cover to learn more.

Yields: 4 servings

Prep Time: 20 minutes mins

Total: 4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Jump to Recipe

Avocado Ice Cream (Vegan No Churn Recipe) - Foolproof Living (1)

You heard that right – vegan avocado ice cream is made with coconut milk and ripe avocados for a homemade treat you can feel good about. Much like my other vegan frozen desserts, including Strawberry Coconut Milk Popsicles and Cashew Ice Cream, this one gets its richness and fatty texture from whole plant foods.

And because it is a no-churn recipe, no ice cream maker is required. If you are a fan of avocados, you are going to love this one.

Avocado Ice Cream (Vegan No Churn Recipe) - Foolproof Living (2)

Table of Contents show

Ingredients

Avocado based ice cream requires just a handful of simple ingredients you can pick up from your local grocery store. For the complete list of ingredients, we will need:

Avocado Ice Cream (Vegan No Churn Recipe) - Foolproof Living (3)
  • Coconut Milk: We recommend a can of full-fat coconut milk, shaken or blended until smooth, for the best flavor. That being said, coconut cream can also be used. Though I liked the version of it made with coconut milk better. Do not use a carton of coconut beverage, as this does not impart the same flavor or creamy texture.
  • Avocado: Look for avocados with dark green to black skin that yield slightly to pressure. When you pop the cap off the top, the avocado flesh should be bright and green. This means they are ripe but not browned and spoiled.
  • Banana: One ripe banana adds creaminess and a slightly sweet flavor.
  • Maple Syrup: Go for pure maple syrup for the best flavor.
  • Lime Juice + Lime Zest: The lime juice and lime zest add a beautiful pop of citrus flavor. Lemon juice and lemon zest can be used instead. You could also add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to further enhance its flavor profile.
  • Unsweetened Coconut Flakes: Coconut flakes add a nice crunch and tropical finish. Make sure to toast the coconut flakes for the best flavor.
  • Coconut shells: If you have access to coconut shells, they make the pretties “bowls”.

Optional Add-Ins & Variations

  • Chocolate: With a little inspiration from Tom Brady and for a chocolate avocado ice cream treat, add 2-3 tablespoons cocoa powder or antioxidant-rich cacao powder. And if you are a fan of chocolate mint ice cream, add a mere ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract, too.
  • Keto: To make keto avocado ice cream, omit the banana and maple syrup. Replace the banana with ½ cup heavy cream and sweeten it with ⅓ cup of your favorite keto sweetener (such as allulose).

How to Make Avocado Ice Cream?

This creamy homemade avocado ice cream recipe comes together after a quick whiz in your food processor and some freezing time – no ice cream machine required. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Chill loaf pan: Place a 9×5 inch loaf pan in the freezer for 30 minutes before making the ice cream.
Avocado Ice Cream (Vegan No Churn Recipe) - Foolproof Living (4)
  1. Puree ingredients: Place the coconut milk, avocados, banana, maple syrup, lime juice, and Kosher salt in a food processor fitted with the S-blade. Puree for about 1 minute, until all the ingredients reach a smooth texture, scraping down the sides of the bowl halfway through. Once the avocado mixture is smooth, add the lime zest and pulse a few times.
  2. Store: Transfer the ice cream base to the chilled loaf pan. Smooth into an even layer with a spatula or the back of a spoon. Cover the surface of the ice cream mixture directly with plastic wrap, removing as much air as possible.
  3. Freeze: Place the avocado ice cream into the freezer for at least 4 hours before serving.
  4. Scoop: Remove it from the freezer 15 minutes before serving for it to soften. Scoop into bowls (or coconut bowls) and garnish with coconut flakes, if preferred.

How to Store?

This dairy-free avocado ice cream will keep for up to 1 week in the freezer if stored properly. For best results and prolonged shelf life, make sure to:

  • Use a frozen container: We found a pre-chilled loaf pan to be the best mode of storage for this avocado frozen dessert as the larger surface area makes it easier to scoop. That being said, you can store it in an ice cream container (affiliate link) or a freezer-safe airtight container.
  • Cover with plastic wrap: Place a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface of the ice cream to prevent air bubbles and the formation of ice crystals.
  • Allow good airflow: Place the loaf pan in the coldest part of your freezer (usually in the back, away from odorous foods) with good air circulation. A consistent temperature maintains the texture and flavor.
  • Avoid frequent thawing and refreezing: Constant temperature fluctuations may create an icy texture.
  • Consume within one week: Homemade ice cream does not have as long a shelf life as commercially-made ice cream. For the best texture and flavor, enjoy within 5-7 days.

How to Serve

This healthy avocado ice cream recipe can be served just as is or jazzed up to really play up its tropical vibe. Some of my favorite ways to serve include:

Avocado Ice Cream (Vegan No Churn Recipe) - Foolproof Living (5)
  • Cone or Bowl: Keep it simple by scooping into your favorite cone or ice cream bowl.
  • Coconut Bowls: If available to you and to really give it the island appeal, serve it in fresh coconut halves with a sprig of fresh mint and toasted coconut flakes, as pictured here.
  • Blend into Smoothies and Milkshakes: This avocado ice cream has a minimal amount of natural sugars, which means it is healthy enough to enjoy on the regular in daily smoothies or milkshakes.
  • With Toppings: Finish with any and all of your favorite healthy or crunchy toppings, such as fresh fruit, dark chocolate chips, toasted nuts, or even granola.

Expert Tips

  • Blend coconut milk well: Whether you shake the can vigorously or blend the coconut milk in a blender, make sure the coconut milk is a smooth consistency before pureeing.
  • Process well: Be sure to use a high-powered food processor or high-speed blender, such as a Vitamix, to achieve optimal texture.
  • Ripeness is key: Since avocados are the main ingredient in this recipe, it’s important that the avocados are at the right degree of ripeness. Brown or mushy avocados will result in a bitter flavor. The same is true for the banana.
  • Add lime zest at the end: A few specks of lime zest running throughout the ice cream add visual appeal and pops of citrus flavor. And adding it at the end prevents it from disappearing into the ice cream.
  • Churn, if desired: While we did not find it necessary to churn the avocado ice cream in an ice cream maker, you can certainly do so following the manufacturer’s instructions. It takes about 15-20 minutes for it to fully freeze in my ice cream maker (affiliate link.)
  • Allow to thaw for 15 minutes before serving: Because this ice cream with avocado has a ton of healthy fats and lower water content when compared to dairy-based ice cream, it takes longer to reach a softer consistency. Allow to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, or until it is scoopable.
  • Fun fact: Did you know that avocado ice cream is Tom Brady’s favorite ice cream?

FAQs

What is avocado ice cream made of?

Avocado ice cream is made with ripe avocados, coconut milk, banana, and maple syrup, along with lime juice and lime zest for a tropical feel.

What does avocado ice cream taste like?

Avocado ice cream tastes like avocados, with its earthy, mild, almost fruity flavor coming through with each bite. It is pleasant, delightful, and refreshing, with a creamy and rich texture.

Other Ice Cream Recipes You Might Like:

  • Honey Vanilla Ice Cream
  • Chocolate Ice Cream with Honey

If you try this Avocado Ice Cream recipe or any other recipe on Foolproof Living, please take a minute torate the recipeand leave a comment below. It is a great help to others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them onInstagramusing #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.

Avocado Ice Cream Recipe

By Aysegul Sanford

Yields: 4 servings

Here’s a creamy and rich avocado ice cream that requires no ice cream maker. Made with healthier ingredients and sweetened with maple syrup, this is the perfect vegan ice cream to serve on a hot summer day.

Avocado Ice Cream (Vegan No Churn Recipe) - Foolproof Living (6)

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 can unsweetened coconut milk – 13.5 ounces
  • 2 Hass Avocados ripe, total weight 1 pound with pits; skinned and pitted
  • 1 banana ripe
  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • 2 teaspoons lime juice freshly squeezed
  • ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon lime zest from 2 limes

Optional Garnishes

  • 2 tablespoons Unsweetened toasted shredded coconut

For Serving (Optional)

  • Coconut Bowls

Instructions

  • Place a 9×5 inch loaf pan in the freezer for 30 minutes before making the ice cream.

  • Place the coconut milk, avocados, banana, maple syrup, lime juice, and Kosher salt in a food processor and puree until all the ingredients are smooth for approximately 1 minute. Scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through processing so that all the ingredients are pureed.

  • Add the lime zest and pulse into the mixture for a couple of “bursts.”

  • Transfer the mixture to the loaf pan and smooth it out evenly. Cover with stretch film, removing as much air as possible.

  • Place the covered ice cream into the freezer for at least 4 hours before serving.

  • Remove it from the freezer 15 minutes before serving for it to soften. Scoop into bowls (or coconut bowls) and garnish with coconut flakes, if preferred.

Notes

  • Yield: This recipe yields a little less than 1-quart ice cream.
  • Coconut Milk vs Cream: This recipe was tested both with canned coconut milk and canned coconut cream. We prefer the version made with the milk better as the version made with cream had an overwhelming coconut taste whereas the milk version allowed the avocado flavors to shine.
  • Storage: Be sure to store in an airtight container, cover it tightly and consume within 5-7 days.
  • This recipe is adapted from David Lebovitz’s Avocado Ice Cream recipe with minor changes.

Nutrition

Calories: 527kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 23g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Sodium: 171mg | Potassium: 951mg | Fiber: 10g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 168IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 74mg | Iron: 2mg

Course: Ice Cream

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegan

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You might also like:

  • Homemade Maple Whipped Cream

  • Coconut Sugar Cookies

  • Overnight Coconut Buckwheat Porridge

About Aysegul Sanford

Avocado Ice Cream (Vegan No Churn Recipe) - Foolproof Living (10)

Hello Friend! I’m Aysegul but you can call me “Ice.” I’m the cook/recipe-tester/photographer behind this site.

If you’re looking for approachable yet creative recipes made with everyday ingredients, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’re all about recipes that have been meticulously tested to provide you with a truly foolproof cooking experience regardless of your level of cooking.

Check out my about page to learn more about me.

Did you make a recipe? Be sure to tag @foolproofliving on Instagram so that I can see.

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Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply

  1. Barbara P Turner

    Avocado Ice Cream (Vegan No Churn Recipe) - Foolproof Living (13)
    I just made this only I put 1/2 cup dark cocoa, 2 cups 10x conf. pwdrd sugar along with the lime juice, coconut milk and 1/8 tspn salt and blended it for about 3 mins. in the processor and OMG it is sooooooo good, right when I made it tasted like choc pudding. But I poured it into a bowl for the freezer and we’ll see how it does in 12 hrs in the freezer.

    Reply

    • Aysegul Sanford

      Wonderful. Thanks for letting me know Barbara.

      Reply

  2. Belle

    Can I just use my Vitamix blender to make this ice cream? I do not have an ice cream maker.

    Reply

    • Aysegul Sanford

      Hi Belle,
      Sadly, for this recipe you do need an ice cream maker. I don’t think that Vitamix would create the ice cream consistency you see in this recipe.

      Reply

  3. Erica

    What if you don’t have an ice cream maker how else can you make it

    Reply

    • Aysegul Sanford

      Hi Erica..
      I actually did try without an icecream maker and unfortunately it did not turn out well.
      Hope this helps.

      Reply

      • gillian

        I am with Erica, how can you make it work without an icecream maker, what is it that they do, surely the process can be replicated some other way……

      • Aysegul Sanford

        Hi Gillian.
        I have tried making this without an ice cream maker and sadly it didn’t turn out as creamy.
        Though I have not tried making them, but I have seen some recipes made with frozen bananas as the base (they call it nicecream). You may try adding some bananas to the mix and process them in a blender to see if they soften it.
        I am sorry that this wasn’t the answer you needed, but like I said I tried it and it was not good.
        Thanks.

  4. Steve Heikkila

    Wow! How wonderfully creative and gorgeous. This is such a great idea.

    Reply

    • Aysegul Sanford

      Hi Steve. It is delicious too 🙂
      Thank you for stopping by!

      Reply

  5. Pang @circahappy

    I truly am a lover of avo & coco, so I will definitely love this ice cream 🙂
    It’s such a fantastic idea to serve it on coconut ‘bowl,’ too.
    <3 <3 <3

    Reply

    • Aysegul Sanford

      Thank YOU Pang.. 🙂

      Reply

  6. Adriana

    Your creativity and talent really shines on this one! Beautiful presentation and the mixture of avocado and ice cream sounds delicious, I’ll have to make this but from Bavaria I may to settle for a beer mug 😉 hugs my friend, beautiful work as always…x

    Reply

    • Aysegul Sanford

      Oh thank you so much Adriana.. This was for our final project for Aiala’s class and I got an 85/100.
      I will respond to your e-mail today and tell you all about it.
      PS: I am still laughing at the blog post you wrote today.. :))

      Reply

  7. Emilie @ The Clever Carrot

    Yum. Yum. Yum. This is mouthwatering. It was a million degrees today and I’d do anything to swim around in that little coconut bowl. Speaking of, I’m so glad you wrote about how to crack open a coconut; I’ve never had any luck! Or, rather, didn’t know the proper way (20 seconds?). I think it’s so cool to live in a community where someone is kind enough to show you the process. And thank you for sharing it all with us! Next time, I won’t be so intimated if I find myself under a coconut tree 😉 x

    Reply

    • Aysegul Sanford

      I know, right? It was so easy. He just did it in less than 20 seconds.
      Thank you Emilie 🙂

      Reply

  8. Laura&Nora @Our Food Stories

    The combination of avocado and coconut sounds (and looks!!) amazing. Never had it before. Really have to try this <3

    Reply

    • Aysegul Sanford

      Hi Laura & Nora, I have not had it before either but it was so good. I highly recommend it.
      Cheers from the Caribbean!

      Reply

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