Vegan oat milk ice cream is a delicious and creamy dessert perfect for anyone who is looking for a plant-based treat.
Non-dairy ice cream is made with dairy-free milk and can also be called nice cream, vegan ice cream, or dairy-free ice cream. Typically, they are made with an oat milk base that mimics traditional ice cream in a creamy texture. The creamy ice cream has a different taste but works well for those who can’t consume dairy.
Whether you have an ice cream maker or want no-churn ice cream recipes, this homemade ice cream recipe is the perfect treat for those who want a dairy-free snack with a few simple ingredients. If you have an ice cream machine, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prepare the bowl. Luckily, you don’t need any special equipment to make ice cream if you make a no-churn recipe.
You can make this oat milk ice cream recipe more quickly with an ice cream machine, but it works without one as well. Before starting the recipe, freeze your ice cream machine bowl or a loaf pan. This helps the ice cream set properly.
Although this recipe is written with oat milk, you can use any non-dairy milk for dairy-free ice cream recipes, such as coconut milk, almond milk, cashew milk, or soy milk. Oat milk will be the most creamy, but you can also add a little bit of coconut cream to help thicken the ice cream.
Ice cream lovers will tell you that this is the best treat to enjoy on a hot summer day.
Add-In Options
- Fresh Mint: For a minty fresh taste.
- Chocolate Chips or Chunks: Dark chocolate works great for a vegan option.
- Caramel Swirls: Use vegan caramel sauce for gooey ribbons.
- Cookie Dough: Add chunks of vegan cookie dough.
- Crushed Cookies: Oreos (vegan-friendly!) or any plant-based cookies.
- Sprinkles: Make sure they’re vegan—some contain confectioner’s glaze.
- Berry Compote: Swirl in cooked-down raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries.
- Fresh Fruit Pieces: Dice mangoes, peaches, or strawberries.
- Citrus Zest: Lemon or orange zest adds a refreshing twist.
- Chopped Pineapple or Kiwi: Great for a tropical vibe.
- Toasted Nuts: Almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts for added crunch.
- Nut Butter Swirls: Peanut, almond, or cashew butter.
- Granola: Adds texture and a breakfast-for-dessert feel.
- Coconut Flakes: Toasted for extra flavor.
- Matcha Powder: Swirl in a bit of matcha paste.
- Coffee Granules: For a mocha or coffee flavor.
- Vegan Marshmallows: For a rocky road vibe.
- Cacao Nibs: A crunchy, less-sweet chocolate alternative.
- Candied Ginger: Adds a spicy-sweet kick.
- Peanut Butter: Adds some protein and nutty taste.
Vegan Oat Milk Ice Cream Step by Step
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 14 oz cashews, raw and unsalted
- 2 cups oat milk
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Preparation
Place a loaf pan in the freezer for at least 6 hours before making the ice cream
Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan
Remove the pot from the heat, add the cashews, and cover the pan
Soak the cashews for 45 minutes then drain the excess water
Place the cashews with half of the oat milk in a high-speed blender and blend for one minute until combined
Add the remaining milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract and blend for another minute until frothy and smooth
Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and place in the freezer
Gently mix every 20 minutes for the first hour
Freeze another 6-8 hours, up to overnight
Once frozen, let the ice cream sit out for 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly
Vegan Oat Milk Ice Cream Leftovers
Storage: Keep any extra ice cream in the freezer in a freezer-safe container or covered tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, for up to one month.
Recipe
Originally Published On: December 9, 2024
Vegan Oat Milk Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 14 oz cashews (raw and unsalted)
- 2 cups oat milk
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Place a loaf pan in the freezer for at least 6 hours before making the ice cream
- Bring the water to a boil in a medium saucepan
- Remove the pot from the heat, add the cashews, and cover the pan
- Soak the cashews for 45 minutes then drain the excess water
- Place the cashews with half of the oat milk in a high-speed blender and blend for one minute until combined
- Add the remaining milk, maple syrup, and vanilla extract and blend for another minute until frothy and smooth
- Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf pan and place in the freezer
- Gently mix every 20 minutes for the first hour
- Freeze another 6-8 hours, up to overnight
- Once frozen, let the ice cream sit out for 10 minutes before serving to soften slightly
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutrition content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.
More Homemade Ice Cream Recipes to try
- Ice Cream Sandwich Cake Recipe: Perfect Summer Dessert
- Vegan Coconut Ice Cream
- Homemade French Vanilla Ice Cream
- Blackberry Sorbet
- Sweet and Creamy Butterbeer Ice Cream
- Creamy Vegan Oat Milk Ice Cream
- Sautéed Apples with Ice Cream
More Vegan Snacks
- Easy Vegan Chocolate Hummus Recipe
- Fried Vegan Beignets Recipe
- Vegan Mounds Bars
- Two Minute Salsa
- Savory Vegan Cream Cheese Wontons
- 3 Ingredient Vegan Red Velvet Cookies
- Vegan Breakfast Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Cookies with No Butter or Dairy (Vegan Recipe)
- Salad with Warm Potatoes and Hummus
- Easy Vegan Funnel Cake
- Almond-Date Energy Balls
- Vegan Coconut Ice Cream
- Crystallized Pineapple: A Sweet Snack with Only 3 Ingredients
- Chunky Guacamole Recipe
- Garlic Hummus
- BBQ Waffle Chips from Scratch
- Frozen Fruit Cups: The Perfect Summer Treat
- Creamy Vegan Oat Milk Ice Cream
- Pico de Gallo Recipe
- Vegan Oatmeal Cream Pie Cookies
- Beyond Meat Burger Copycat
This sounds really good! I’ve never had vegan ice cream, but I love oat milk. I’d love to try it.
I have to try this! I love all the cashews used in it. It’s so full of healthy fats as well as flavor.
This looks delicious! I use oat milk with my coffee but have never thought about using it to make ice cream. I’ll have to try out your recipe and make myself some of this yummy treat!
This looks so yummy! I love ice cream, but it’s been so hard to find a good alternative since I’ve switched to a predominantly vegan diet. I have to try this!
Now this is one vegan recipe I would love to try. So easy to make and very healthy. My daughter is a vegan and I bet she would enjoy this ice cream
Oh my goodness, this vegan ice cream recipe of yours looks so delicious and easy. I wait to make this at home!
I am a huge fan of anything with coconut in it, so perhaps changing to coconut milk could be a great idea for me
I need to try this myself. I love the add-in options to make it an even yummier treat!
This sounds like a great ice cream. I do like the sound of trying to make a vegan one. I haven’t had an ice cream with cashews in it before. It sounds like it would be really yummy!!