Embrace the Sweetness of Homemade Chocolate Almond Ice Cream
Friends, gather around! I’m here today to share with you a recipe that will make your taste buds dance with sheer delight. I’m excited to present our delicious chocolate almond ice cream recipe, made entirely without dairy – so it’s totally guilt-free!
As a nutritionist and food blogger, I always appreciate a recipe that is healthy and packs a punch of flavor. With this chocolate almond ice cream, we have created the perfect combination of taste and nutrition that will leave you coming back for more.
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to make. You don’t need any fancy cooking equipment or ingredients that only wizards can find. All you need are some simple ingredients, a few utensils, and a little bit of time. Trust me, it’s worth the effort.
So let’s dive in and explore the world of dairy-free ice cream with this double chocolate almond milk ice cream recipe. It will be sure to satisfy your sweet cravings and maybe even become your new favorite dessert recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Friends, I’m about to let you in on a little secret that will change the way you think about ice cream. This Chocolate Almond Ice Cream is not only dairy-free, gluten-free, and processed with organic ingredients, but it’s also downright delicious.
Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “But Mark, how can an ice cream made with almond milk and no dairy possibly taste good?” Trust me; the combination of creamy almond milk, cocoa powder, maple syrup, and vanilla extract creates a decadent chocolate flavor that will leave your taste buds screaming for more.
What makes this recipe even better is that you don’t need an ice cream maker or any fancy equipment to make it. With three simple ingredients- frozen bananas, almond butter, and cocoa powder- you can whip up a bowl of banana chocolate ice cream in no time.
Not only is this recipe simple and delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients. Bananas provide a natural sweetness without added sugars while adding potassium and fiber to your diet. Almond butter offers healthy monounsaturated fats and protein while being a great substitute for dairy products in ice cream recipes.
So friends, give this Chocolate Almond Ice Cream recipe a try; I assure you’ll love it. Whether you’re vegan or looking to add some guilt-free indulgences to your diet, this dessert is what dreams are made of.
Ingredient List
Let’s gather the ingredients for this dairy-free chocolate almond ice cream recipe!
Here’s what you need:
– 2 cups of homemade almond milk or almond milk (unsweetened, vanilla flavored)
– 1 can (14 oz) full-fat coconut milk
– 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or honey (can add more or less depending on your preference)
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
– 3 tablespoons coconut oil
– Pinch of sea salt
– 1/4 cup almond butter (optional)
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Note: You can find raw cacao powder at health food stores or online. If you can’t find it, you can use additional unsweetened cocoa powder instead.
These simple ingredients will make a creamy and rich chocolate almond ice cream that is perfect for satisfying your dessert cravings without any dairy. Of course, if you prefer a sweeter taste, feel free to adjust the sweetness with more maple syrup or honey. Get ready to indulge in the double chocolate delight that this ice cream recipe offers!
The Recipe How-To
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty! Here’s how you can make your very own Chocolate Almond Ice Cream:
Ingredients:
– 2 cups almond milk
– 1/2 cup cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup raw cacao powder
– 1/4 cup honey or pure maple syrup
– 1 banana, frozen
– 3 tablespoons coconut oil
– Pinch of sea salt
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- In a large saucepan, heat the almond milk and cocoa powder over medium heat for 5 minutes until the cocoa is completely mixed.
- Add the cacao powder, honey or maple syrup, coconut oil and sea salt, stirring continuously until everything is dissolved.
- Set aside and let cool for about an hour.
- In a food processor, blend the cooled mixture with the frozen banana until smooth.
- With a spatula, pour the chocolate almond ice cream into a container.
- Place it in the freezer and freeze for at least three hours (six hours will give it an even better consistency).
- Take it out from the freezer and let it sit for five minutes before serving.
- Scoop and enjoy!
Tips:
- To make this recipe sugar-free, use stevia or xylitol instead of maple syrup or honey.
- If you like chunky ice cream, add in some dark chocolate chips before freezing.
- You can also experiment with different flavors by adding peanut butter or almond butter in step four.
- Use ripe bananas for a sweeter taste and smoother texture.
- For an extra touch of decadence, drizzle some melted dairy-free chocolate on top.
With just these simple steps, you’ll have yourself a creamy and delicious chocolate almond ice cream that’s perfect for any occasion!
Substitutions and Variations
Now, let’s talk about some of the substitutions and variations you can make to this decadent treat! There are plenty of ways to customize this recipe to your liking or dietary restrictions.
First off, if you prefer a richer flavor and texture, you could swap out the almond milk for full-fat coconut milk. This will give the ice cream a creamy and luscious texture that’s hard to beat!
For those who love chocolate just as much as I do, you can add in some vegan chocolate chips or a tablespoon of cocoa powder into the mix. This will amp up the chocolate flavor and leave you with a double chocolate almond ice cream – yum!
If you want to sweeten things up, try swapping out the honey for pure maple syrup or even coconut sugar. These natural sweeteners are lower on the glycemic index and provide a unique taste profile.
For a unique twist, add some frozen bananas into the mix when blending everything together. This will give it an added sweetness without the need for additional sweeteners while also making your ice cream nice and thick.
Lastly, if you happen to have an ice-cream maker at home, use it! The texture will be extra smooth and creamy without having to worry about any icy bits forming.
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have made this delicious chocolate almond ice cream, it’s time to serve and pair it with some tasty accompaniments. Here are some suggestions on how to best enjoy this dairy-free dessert.
To serve, garnish the ice cream with some vegan chocolate chips or chopped almonds for a crunchy texture. You can also drizzle some pure maple syrup on top for an extra touch of sweetness.
If you’re looking for a decadent treat, try making a chocolate banana split with this double chocolate almond ice cream as the centerpiece. Top with fresh fruit, homemade whipped cream (use coconut cream if you want to keep it dairy-free), and maybe even some cookie dough pieces. This dessert will be an instant crowd-pleaser.
For a healthier option, serve the ice cream alongside some fresh strawberries or blueberries. The fruity flavor will complement the rich chocolate taste and make for a guilt-free indulgence.
If you want to step up your ice cream game, try making an almond joy ice cream sundae by adding a scoop of creamy almond butter on top of the ice cream, then drizzle with plenty of hot fudge sauce. Or, if peanut butter is more your thing, swap out the almond butter for your favorite peanut butter and add crumbled cookie pieces for a peanut butter cookie dough sundae.
Whether you’re serving it as a dessert after dinner or indulging in a sweet treat during movie night, this double chocolate almond ice cream will be the perfect addition to any occasion. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite toppings and share it with your loved ones!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now that you have made this heavenly dessert, you might be worried about leftovers or if you can prep it ahead of time. Don’t worry, I have got you covered.
If you want to make it ahead, simply store it in an airtight container and keep it in the freezer until ready to serve. It will keep well for up to a month. When you’re ready to serve it, give it a few minutes to thaw before scooping.
If you have any leftovers (which I highly doubt), simply cover the container with cling wrap tightly or resealable freezer bags and store them in the freezer.
To reheat the ice cream for later use, allow it to soften in the refrigerator first. This way, it will be easier to scoop and churn again. But be careful not to leave it out on your counter for too long as this may impact its quality.
If you love having a quick fix dessert at your fingertips, then you are lucky because this chocolate almond ice cream recipe is perfect for making ahead of time and storing for when you need a sweet treat. Just make sure that you follow these guidelines for storing and reheating, and you will always have a healthy alternative in the freezer waiting for you!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have gone through the recipe and the instructions, let me give you some tips to achieve the perfect chocolate almond ice cream every time.
First and foremost, make sure to use good quality ingredients. Use unsweetened cocoa powder and raw cacao powder instead of sweetened chocolate powder. Use ripe bananas for added sweetness, which also aids in creating a smoother texture.
When making homemade almond milk, use a ratio of one cup of raw almonds to four cups of water. Soak overnight, blend well and strain with a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh sieve. This will ensure that your almond milk has a smooth and creamy consistency, which in turn will make your ice cream creamier.
Another tip to improve the texture is using full-fat coconut milk. It adds richness and deliciousness that is unparalleled, especially when combined with creamy almond milk. Be careful not to shake the can too much before opening it because it separates into cream and water layers. The cream on top will make your ice cream more indulgent, so be sure to scoop it out and add it to your mix.
Freezing the mixture in an ice cream maker is recommended for maximum results. The churning process helps break up any ice crystals that tend to form while freezing, allowing air into the mixture that results in a creamy texture.
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can just skip churning it by regularly whisking your mixture while it’s in the freezer or use no-churn methods like stirring frozen mixture every hour or using frozen bananas instead of blending them.
Lastly, don’t forget that patience is key when making ice cream. Allow ample time for everything – from freezing the base mixture to letting the flavors mature after mixing. Waiting for 6-8 hours may seem like forever but trust me; your patience will be rewarded with delicious, homemade chocolate almond ice cream!
Follow these tips, put your love into the dish, and enjoy the best chocolate almond ice cream you have ever tasted!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Chocolate Almond Ice Cream recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the flavor of chocolate and almonds but has a dairy intolerance or is vegan. This recipe is easy to make and requires only a few simple ingredients that can be found in most kitchens. By using almond milk instead of cow’s milk, this recipe is lower in saturated fats and higher in nutrients, making it a healthier alternative to traditional dairy ice cream.
Don’t let dietary restrictions prevent you from enjoying delicious treats like ice cream. With this Chocolate Almond Ice Cream recipe, you can indulge in a tasty dessert without worrying about upsetting your stomach or breaking your dietary restrictions.
So why not give this recipe a try – it’s double the chocolate, double the almond, and all dairy-free! You won’t regret it.
Chocolate Almond Ice Cream (Dairy Free) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 banana, frozen
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (I like dark cocoa power but you could use regular cocoa powder)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2-1 tablespoon slivered almonds, toasted
Instructions
- Place banana, cocoa, honey and vanilla extract in a food processor and allow the motor to run until it’s smooth and creamy. Stop and break up large clumps with a spatula as needed.
- Top with toasted almonds, make sure they are cooled as you wouldn't want to melt your ice cream.
- **Tips: Can easily double.
- **If you are not going to eat right away put in freezer safe container with a lid being sure to stir every hour or so to keep it from getting too icy.
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