11 Dairy-Free Ice Cream Recipes You Have to Try

All the flavor, none of the dairy.

By
Cathy Jacobs
Cathy Jacobs
Cathy Jacobs
A freelance journalist and avid home cook, Cathy Jacobs has more than 10 years of food writing experience, with a focus on curating approachable menus and recipe collections.
Learn about The Spruce Eats' Editorial Process
Updated on 12/20/21
Vegan Chocolate Sorbet

The Spruce / Andrea Livingston

Whether you're avoiding dairy or just looking for something deliciously different, you'll find plenty to love in our collection of dairy-free ice cream recipes. These dreamy frozen treats will satisfy a sweet tooth while steering you clear of any milk products. Many can be prepared without an ice cream maker and most are suitable for a vegan diet, too.

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  • 01 of 11

    Dairy-Free Vanilla Ice Cream

    Dairy-Free Vanilla Ice Cream

    Sarah Menanix / Getty Images

    When it comes to topping a slice of vegan pie, nothing beats vegan vanilla ice cream. You'll find yourself making this dairy-free ice cream recipe again and again for milkshakes, sundaes, or simply topping cones in the summer. It uses a short list of inexpensive pantry ingredients and delivers all the creaminess you want without a hint of dairy.

  • 02 of 11

    Paleo Avocado Ice Cream

    Paleo Avocado Ice Cream

    The Spruce / Christine Ma

    Lean, green avocado ice cream is an unexpected treat for kids and adults alike. Ripe avocados lend creaminess and color to this tasty dessert that uses coconut milk and honey for an entirely dairy-free frozen treat. A squeeze of lime juice adds a nice brightness.

  • 03 of 11

    Banana Ice Cream

    Dairy-free frozen banana dessert with non-dairy whipped topping and a cherry on top

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni 

    If you send your kids to daycare or camp, you may already know this creamy concoction as "nice cream." Our magical banana ice cream recipe calls for just one ingredient—frozen bananas. Use your food processor to whizz them into a creamy, healthy, kid-friendly treat that tastes amazingly like honest-like-goodness ice cream.

  • 04 of 11

    Peach Sorbet

    Peach Sorbet

    The Spruce / Leah Maroney

    Homemade peach sorbet is the perfect summer dessert or afternoon treat and a yummy way to celebrate the goodness of fresh peaches (though you can substitute canned fruit out of season). It can be made without any special equipment and needs only four ingredients, so it's a simple and delicious way to cool off anytime.

    Continue to 5 of 11 below.
  • 05 of 11

    Vegan Strawberry Sorbet

    Vegan Strawberry Sorbet

    The Spruce / Emily Hawkes

    Strawberry sorbet is a healthy, dairy-free, fat-free treat for kids and adults alike. Our easy vegan version needs just a few simple ingredients and can be made in a blender or food processor. Enjoy it in bowls topped with additional fresh strawberry slices or serve it alongside strawberry shortcake for dessert.

  • 06 of 11

    Vegan Cookie Dough Ice Cream

    Vegan Cookie Dough Ice Cream

    jules /Flickr /CC BY 2.0

    Delight your inner child (or actual kids) with our scrumptious vegan cookie dough ice cream. Creamy vegan vanilla ice cream is loaded with chunks of vegan cookie dough and chocolate chips for a delicious taste of childhood. Try sandwiching it between vegan chocolate chip cookies for the ultimate summer comfort food treat.

  • 07 of 11

    Keto Ice Cream

    Keto Ice Cream

    Anna Pustynnikova / Getty Images

    Following a keto diet doesn't mean you have to skip ice cream. You can whip up a batch of vanilla ice cream that rivals any you can get at the store without the carbs and sugar often included in prepared versions. Use the coconut milk variation to make it dairy-free and vegan.

  • 08 of 11

    Sugar-Free Low-Carb Orange Sorbet

    Sugar-Free Low-Carb Orange Sorbet

    The Spruce / Kristina Vanni

    Satisfy your sweet tooth and feel great about what you're eating with this easy and virtuous orange sorbet. Our updated take on the perennial, refreshing summer treat cuts out the carbs and sugar and swaps in healthier ingredients for a guilt-free dessert that tastes like a creamsicle.

    Continue to 9 of 11 below.
  • 09 of 11

    Dairy-Free Vanilla Frozen Yogurt

    Vanilla frozen yogurt

    svariophoto / Getty Images

    Delicious dairy-free frozen yogurt uses dairy-free soy yogurt, agave nectar, xanthan gum, and finely ground cashews to achieve its pleasant texture and flavor. Serve it alone or with sundae toppings for an extravagant treat. This recipe does not require an ice cream maker; you can use your food processor or blender.

  • 10 of 11

    Fried Ice Cream

    Fried Ice Cream

    The Spruce/Kristina Vanni

    Fried ice cream is a popular Mexican restaurant treat that's surprisingly easy to make at home. Creamy, crunchy, hot, and cooling all at once with a batter coating that includes crushed coconut and cereal, this delicious treat defies logic and tastes absolutely amazing. Use dairy-free vanilla ice cream (either store-bought or homemade) to make it a dairy-free dessert.

  • 11 of 11

    Oat Milk Milkshake

    Oat Milk Milkshake

    The Spruce / Leah Maroney

    Brimming with crispy oatmeal cookie pieces, this oat milk milkshake is crunchy, creamy, and decadent all at once. You can make your own oat milk from scratch if you've got time or use your favorite brand. It's a shake so insanely delicious, even non-vegans will beg to get in on the fun.