Vegan Salted Caramel Ice Cream - Dairy-Free Ice Cream Recipe | Paleo | (2024)

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This VeganSalted Caramel Ice Cream is sweet, creamy, delicious and made with homemade caramel sauce, coconut cream and crunchy almonds. It’s easy to make and ready in no time with or without an ice cream maker, making it the perfect easy sweet treat for summer! Paleo, dairy-free, vegan and includes low carb keto sweetener options.

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Updated June 2020

Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe

There’s nothing better than a cool frozen treat on a hot summer day. If you’re looking for a healthy homemade ice cream recipe, this paleo and Vegan Salted Caramel Ice Cream is a delicious favorite.

It’s creamy with sweet swirls of homemade caramel sauce swirls and crunchy almonds in every bite.And instead of traditional dairy cream cheese, we use coconut cream and cashew butter to give that rich and creamy texture and taste.

Why we love this Dairy-Free Ice Cream

We love that we can make this paleo ice cream whenever that ice cream craving hits. Plus, we have even included instructions to make this homemade ice cream without an ice cream maker.

It’s perfect for enjoying outside in the backyard and is filled with the sweetest flavors that just come together so easily. The hardest part about this ice cream recipe is just waiting for the ice cream to freeze!

And if you’re looking for more homemade ice cream recipes, we also love this have this Mango Ice Cream,Strawberry Cheesecake Ice Creamand classic Vanilla Ice Cream.

Ingredients you need

Like most no churn ice cream recipes, this one is simple to customize and starts off with:

  • coconut cream –we like to buy the one from Trader Joe’s or you can spoon out the thick part of chilled full-fat coconut milk
  • full-fat coconut milk – be sure to buy the canned full-fat coconut milk and not lite coconut milk from a carton
  • cashew butter – is what gives this ice cream the best “cheesecake” flavor without traditional cream cheese. However, if you don’t have cashew butter, you can sub another nut butter such as almond butter or even homemade cashew cream
  • maple syrupfor vegan ice cream OR you may alsosub with honey, agave or your favorite low carb keto liquid sweetener such as liquid monk fruit sweetener, stevia or Lakanto sugar-free maple syrup
  • pure vanilla extract

SALTED CARAMEL SWIRL:

  • Easy caramel sauce– use our paleo caramel sauce below or your favorite store-bought brand

OPTIONAL:

  • sliced almonds – for a delicious crunch
  • crushed grain-free keto chocolate cookies OR use your favorite brand

Paleo Caramel Sauce Ingredients

  • Canned Coconut milk – be sure to use canned full-fat coconut milk
  • Coconut sugar – a refined sugar-free sweetener that resembles the look and taste of brown sugar with a lower glycemic level
  • Coconut oil – use refined coconut oil if you are not a fan of the coconut taste
  • Vanilla extract – be sure to use a high quality vanilla extract
  • Flaky sea salt – adding a pinch of fleur de sel makes this a delicious and healthier paleo salted caramel sauce

How to Make Vegan Salted Caramel Ice Cream

  • MAKE THE ICE CREAM: Place the coconut cream, almond milk, nut butter, sweetener and vanilla into a Vitamix or a high-speed blender.Blend on high for 30 seconds, or until smooth and the mixture is combined.

  • ICE CREAM MAKER INSTRUCTIONS: If you have an ice cream maker, have it ready and the bowl chilled prior to starting. Pour the blended mixture directly from your blender into the ice cream maker while it is moving. Churnfor 20-25 minutes until it becomes a firm ball or the ice cream maker stops rotating.

  • WITHOUT AN ICE CREAM MAKER: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into ice cube trays for 2 hours, or until frozen. Blend frozen ice cubes in a high-speed blender until smooth.
  • TRANSFER TO ICE CREAM CONTAINER: Spoon half of the ice cream mixture into a 9 x 5 loaf pan or 2-quart ice cream container. Pour half of the salted caramel sauce on top and gently swirl with a knife to form ribbons.
  • Sprinkle in half of the almonds. Pour in remaining half of the ice cream then top with more salted caramel.
  • Swirl again with the knife then top with almonds & crushed cookies, if using. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.
  • REMOVE FROM FREEZER TO SOFTEN: When ready to serve, remove from freezer and allow to stand at room temperature for at least 20 minutes to slightly soften.
  1. Vegan Salted Caramel Ice Cream - Dairy-Free Ice Cream Recipe | Paleo | (5)
    Vegan Salted Caramel Ice Cream - Dairy-Free Ice Cream Recipe | Paleo | (6)

    Vegan Salted Caramel Ice Cream - Dairy-Free Ice Cream Recipe | Paleo | (7)
    Vegan Salted Caramel Ice Cream - Dairy-Free Ice Cream Recipe | Paleo | (8)

    Vegan Salted Caramel Ice Cream - Dairy-Free Ice Cream Recipe | Paleo | (9)
    Vegan Salted Caramel Ice Cream - Dairy-Free Ice Cream Recipe | Paleo | (10)

How to make Vegan and Paleo Caramel Sauce

  • Start by bringing the coconut milk and coconut sugar to a light boil in a medium saucepan, stirring the mixture constantly over medium heat.

  • Once boiling, reduce heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer slowly for about 25 minutes,stirring constantly so that it doesn’t burn.

  • Once the mixture starts to thicken and turn darker in color it’s ready. Remove from heat and stir in the coconut oil and vanilla extract. Set aside to cool, and store in an airtight jar in the fridge.

Vegan Ice Cream Flavors and Variations:

Instead of salted caramel, add melted chocolate or fresh fruit like strawberries, add raspberries, blueberries or chopped peaches

Add-ins: add chocolate chips, chopped vegan cookies or edible cookie dough to switch things up

How long can I keep this dairy-free salted caramel homemade ice cream for?

Although most store-bought ice creams will last longer than two weeks in the freezer, werecommend enjoying the fresh flavors of this frozen coconut caramel ice cream on the same day since the flavors and texture is best the day it is made. You can technically keep it frozen for up to a few weeks and thaw before eating.

Although most store-bought ice creams will last longer than two weeks in the freezer.

This ice cream will be super hard to resist, though, so it may not last two weeks!

Vegan Salted Caramel Ice Cream - Dairy-Free Ice Cream Recipe | Paleo | (13)

More Vegan Ice Cream Recipes You Will Love

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream

No-Churn Cake Batter Ice Cream {Funfetti}

Easy Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars

Dairy Free No Churn Oreo Ice Cream

5 from 1 vote

Vegan Salted Caramel Ice Cream - Dairy-Free Ice Cream Recipe | Paleo | (14)

Print

Salted Caramel Ice Cream

Prep Time

15 mins

Chill Time

4 hrs

This dairy-free Salted Caramel Ice cream is creamy, delicious and made with homemade caramel sauce, coconut cream and crunchy almonds. It's easy to make and ready in no time with or without an ice cream maker, making it the perfect easy sweet treat for summer! Paleo, vegan and includes low carb keto sweetener options.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: easy homemade ice cream, salted caramel ice cream

Servings: 12 servings

Calories: 268 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1.5 cups coconut cream ,we like to buy the one from Trader Joe's or you can spoon out the thick part chilled full-fat coconut milk
  • 2 14- ounce cans full-fat coconut milk chilled
  • 1/4 cup creamy cashew butter can sub with any other nut butter
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup OR sub with any liquid sweetener of choice
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup homemade paleo caramel sauce (recipe below) , or use your favorite brand

OPTIONAL:

  • 1/2 cup sliced almonds

For Homemade Paleo Caramel Sauce

  • 1/2 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
  • 1/4 cup coconut sugar
  • 2 tsps coconut oil , use refined if you are not a fan of the coconut taste
  • 1 tsp high-quality pure vanilla extract
  • 1/8 tsp flaky sea salt
  • crushed homemade grain-free chocolate cookies or use your favorite brand

Instructions

  1. MAKE THE ICE CREAM: Place the coconut cream, milk, nut butter, sweetener and vanilla into a Vitamix or a high-speed blender. Blend on high for 30 seconds, or until smooth and the mixture is combined.

    Vegan Salted Caramel Ice Cream - Dairy-Free Ice Cream Recipe | Paleo | (15)

  2. ICE CREAM MAKER INSTRUCTIONS: If you have an ice cream maker, have it ready and the bowl chilled prior to starting. Pour the blended mixture directly from your blender into the ice cream maker while it is moving. Churn for 20-25 minutes until it becomes a firm ball or the ice cream maker stops rotating.

    Vegan Salted Caramel Ice Cream - Dairy-Free Ice Cream Recipe | Paleo | (16)

  3. WITHOUT AN ICE CREAM MAKER: If you don't have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into ice cube trays for 2 hours, or until frozen. Blend frozen ice cubes in a high-speed blender until smooth.

  4. TRANSFER TO ICE CREAM CONTAINER: Spoon half of the ice cream mixture into a 9 x 5 loaf pan or 2-quart ice cream container. Pour half of the caramel sauce on top and gently swirl with a knife to form ribbons.Sprinkle in half of the almonds. Pour in remaining half of the ice cream then top with more caramel sauce. Swirl again with the knife then top with almonds & crushed cookies, if using. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.

    Vegan Salted Caramel Ice Cream - Dairy-Free Ice Cream Recipe | Paleo | (17)

  5. When ready to serve, remove from freezer and allow to stand at room temperature for at least 20 minutes (or more) until desired consistency.

    Vegan Salted Caramel Ice Cream - Dairy-Free Ice Cream Recipe | Paleo | (18)

TO MAKE THE HOMEMADE CARAMEL SAUCE

  1. Start by bringing the coconut milk and coconut sugar to a light boil in a medium saucepan, stirring the mixture constantly over medium heat.

    Once boiling, reduce heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer slowly for about 25 minutes,stirring constantly so that it doesn't burn.

    The sauce is ready when it has reduced and thickened to a darker syrup. Remove from heat and stir in the coconut oil and vanilla extract. Set aside to cool, and store in an airtight jar in the fridge.

    Vegan Salted Caramel Ice Cream - Dairy-Free Ice Cream Recipe | Paleo | (19)

Nutrition Facts

Salted Caramel Ice Cream

Amount Per Serving (1 serving (1/2 cup))

Calories 268 Calories from Fat 252

% Daily Value*

Fat 28g43%

Carbohydrates 25g8%

Fiber 1g4%

Sugar 8g9%

Protein 4g8%

* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Vegan Salted Caramel Ice Cream - Dairy-Free Ice Cream Recipe | Paleo | (20)Did you try this recipe?

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Vegan Salted Caramel Ice Cream - Dairy-Free Ice Cream Recipe | Paleo | (2024)

FAQs

What replaces dairy in vegan ice cream? ›

The secret is nothing more than coconut milk. Full-fat, creamy coconut milk. Other vegan milk substitutes, like almond milk or soy milk, just don't cut it when it comes to ice cream.

What is the best non-dairy milk for homemade ice cream? ›

Kaminsky says that you'll get the best results from dairy-free counterparts that are higher in fat such as canned coconut milk. She typically uses almond milk as her base, but other non-dairy milks can work (steer clear of rice milk because it tends to be too watery).

How to give vegan ice cream that creamy taste minus the milk? ›

They key to creamy ice cream, especially with vegan ice cream, is the addition of fat. Add richness to your vegan ice cream by incorporating healthy fats such as coconut oil and cashew butter, which not only enhance texture, but also contribute beneficial nutrients.

What do they put in dairy-free ice cream? ›

Dairy-less frozen desserts replace milk and cream with alternatives like coconut, soy, oat, cashew, or almond milk. Many other ingredients remain the same between the dairy and dairy-free versions. And, just like dairy ice cream, non-dairy ice cream can vary widely in terms of sugar, fat, and calorie content.

What is the best plant-based milk for ice cream? ›

Here are some common examples of plant-based milks used in non-dairy ice cream: Coconut Milk: Taken from the pulp of a coconut, the milk is rich and creamy thanks to a high saturated fat content. To save on calories and fat, try light coconut milk or a blend of coconut and almond milk.

What is the best oil for vegan ice cream? ›

Blends of vegetable oils (60% to 80% coconut oil or palm kernel oil with 20% to 40% of a liquid oil such as sunflower oil, soybean oil, peanut oil, or olive oil) are often used in vegan ice cream production to obtain the optimum amount of solid fat.

How do I substitute milk for ice cream? ›

Milk Substitutes for Making Ice Cream
  1. Oat Milk. To produce this variant, you can use ground oats and blend them with water. ...
  2. Coconut Milk. Use shredded coconuts and rinse them off. ...
  3. Peanut Milk. The process is similar to other plant-based milk.
Mar 10, 2020

What is the closest non-dairy alternative to milk? ›

Soy Milk. Soy milk is the OG of non-dairy milk and is made by soaking soybeans (which have been hulled and ground) in water. Soybeans contain essential amino acids, high levels of protein, and iron, and soy milk has lower fat and cholesterol levels than cow's milk. Soy milk has a subtly sweet, creamy, and mild flavor.

Which non-dairy milk freezes best? ›

Dairy substitutes like almond milk, oat milk, soy milk, and the likes can be frozen. Just know they tend to get grainier than regular milk when stored in the freezer. If you do end up freezing plant-based milks, use them in smoothies or cook with them.

How do you stabilize vegan ice cream? ›

Use stabilizers that hydrate cold.

I've been using a 50/50 blend of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose and guar gum. Use about 0.7% the weight of the total water (recipe weight minus total solids). This is a higher level than I use in dairy ice creams.

How do you thicken vegan ice cream? ›

Plant-based fats are the best way to thicken vegan ice cream. Coconut cream, full-fat coconut milk and coconut oil will give the creamiest and thickest results. Cornstarch and tapioca starch can also be used to thicken but the end result will be a little more icy and a little less creamy.

What emulsifiers are in vegan ice cream? ›

A common - and better - emulsifier for ice cream is soy lecithin, which can be derived from soybeans, sunflowers and rapeseed. Soy lecithin has a neutral taste, and also allows you to make egg-less ice cream.

What is the healthiest non-dairy ice cream? ›

For example, So Delicious' Creamy Vanilla soy milk ice cream has only 120 calories and 0 grams of saturated fat per half-cup serving. Similarly, Dream's vanilla-flavored almond milk ice cream has 140 calories and 1 gram of saturated fat per half-cup serving.

What are some vegan replacements for dairy products? ›

Plant-based alternatives to milk include almond milk, soy milk, and oat milk. For eggs, you can use substitutes like flaxseed or chia seed eggs, mashed bananas, or tofu. Cheese alternatives include options made from nuts (like cashews or almonds), soy, or nutritional yeast-based varieties.

What is a dairy alternative for vegans? ›

rice, oat, almond, hazelnut, coconut, quinoa and potato milks. foods that carry the "dairy-free" or "suitable for vegans" signs.

How do vegans replace dairy? ›

Soy, oat, almond, coconut, and other milk alternatives are available at all natural food stores and most supermarkets. Vegan milks are sold in two types of packaging: conventional milk cartons stocked in the refrigerated dairy case, and aseptic juice boxes sold at room temperature.

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