Mint Chip Ice Cream
Yum, yum, YUM! This plant-based ice cream is sure to please as an occasional indulgence. It’s one of our favorites and continues to remain on my summer dessert menu rotation.
It’s…
MINTY
SWEET
CHOCOLATEY
SMOOTH
REFRESHING
and utterly DELICIOUS!
The base of this deliciousness is cashews for ultra creaminess. Yes, it’s high in calories and fat… like I said, an occasional indulgence. I’ve also used full fat coconut milk and this works well too, though it is loaded with saturated fat.
You will need an ice cream maker for this recipe. I found a great churner on Amazon here. It is reasonably priced and just so easy to use. And, of course, you’ll need a good blender for that wonderful smooth texture! Do you own a Vitamix yet? I highly recommend them and use mine daily!
So what’s the best way to store your work of art? I found these fabulous ice cream storage tubs, again on Amazon, here. They really are great and come in some fun colors, too! Alternatively, I LOVE these paper ice cream containers… they’re perfect for sharing, which I love to do, and they hold exactly one pint.
Ingredients
1 heaping cup raw cashews (or 4 cups full fat coconut milk and leave out the water)
3 cups water
3/4 cup erythritol (or any granulated sweetener of your choice—use enough to satisfy your own sweet tooth and remember that when the mixture freezes it will taste less sweet)
small bunch fresh peppermint leaves (optional)
1 tsp peppermint extract
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp sea salt (see notes)
1/4 tsp spirulina powder (for color)
1/2 cup vegan chocolate chips or chocolate chunks (see notes)
a few peppermint leaves for garnish (optional)
I love this colorful ice cream tub! 💚
Method
Blend the cashews with just enough water to cover until smooth, then add remaining ingredients, except for the chocolate chips/chunks.
Transfer to a jar or pitcher and refrigerate for several hours or overnight. It's important that your mixture is cold when you pour it into your ice cream maker! Alternatively, if you’re in a hurry, you could add a few ice cubes at the end of your blending to cool it down some more.
Set up your ice cream maker, per the instructions, and slowly pour in your mixture. When the allotted time is up (usually about 20 minutes for most churners), slowly add the chips until incorporated.
Add love. 💗
Freeze for at least a few hours before enjoying.
You will need to let the ice cream soften a bit before scooping.
Makes 2 pints. Enjoy!
