Thai Coconut Milk Ice Cream (Print Version)
A rich, dairy-free frozen dessert featuring coconut cream and vanilla, inspired by Thai street flavors.
# What You Need:
→ Coconut Base
01 - 2 cups full-fat coconut milk
02 - 1 cup coconut cream
03 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Optional Mix-ins
06 - 1/2 cup toasted coconut flakes
07 - 1/3 cup roasted unsalted peanuts, chopped
08 - 1/2 cup diced ripe mango
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine coconut milk, coconut cream, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until sugar completely dissolves, approximately 3–5 minutes. Avoid boiling the mixture.
02 - Remove saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
03 - Allow mixture to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until thoroughly chilled for at least 2 hours.
04 - Process chilled mixture in ice cream maker according to manufacturer instructions, typically 20–25 minutes, until reaching soft-serve consistency.
05 - If using optional ingredients, gently fold toasted coconut flakes, roasted peanuts, or diced mango into ice cream during final minutes of churning.
06 - Transfer ice cream to lidded freezer-safe container. Freeze for minimum 2 hours until firm.
07 - Let container sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping. Serve plain or with additional toppings as desired.
# Expert Hints:
01 -
- The texture mimics premium dairy ice cream but comes together with ingredients you can pronounce
- Its naturally vegan but will convert even the most dedicated dairy skeptics at your table
02 -
- Shake your coconut cans before opening because the cream can separate and settle at the top, which affects your ratios
- Refrigerating the mixture overnight instead of just two hours makes a noticeable difference in the final texture
03 -
- Warm your ice cream scoop in hot water between servings for those picture-perfect rounded scoops
- Store the ice cream in the back of your freezer rather than the door to maintain consistent temperature