This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
Learn how to make creamy and smooth paleo ice cream with just four ingredients and no special equipment.
You know we are good at making ice cream. These coconut ice cream, brownie ice cream, and avocado ice cream recipes are some of our favorites.
But we know not all ice cream recipes are paleo. The good news is, you CAN enjoy this creamy frozen dessert in the comfort of your home!
Table of Contents
Can you eat ice cream on a paleo diet?
You can’t eat conventional ice cream on a paleo diet as it contains milk and sugar that are not permitted on this diet.
However, this doesn’t mean you can’t eat ice cream if you are on a paleo diet. Many brands now make paleo-friendly ice cream. But don’t worry if you can’t find them in your nearby stores. You can easily make paleo ice cream at home even if you don’t have an ice cream maker.
Why you’ll love this paleo ice cream recipe
- Only 4 ingredients. Even if you are not on a paleo diet, this ice cream recipe is too easy and too good to not give it a try.
- No churn recipe. You don’t need any special equipment to make this ice cream.
- Easy to customize. You can switch up the sweeteners, add mix-ins or change up the flavors.
Ingredients needed
As we’ve already told you, you only need four ingredients to make this creamy coconut milk-based ice cream.
- Coconut milk. Use canned coconut milk and make sure you chill it before you start making the ice cream. You can use coconut cream if you like.
- Chocolate protein powder. To give the ice cream chocolate flavor and enhance its protein content.
- Cocoa powder. To make the chocolate flavor of the ice cream more prominent.
- Coconut sugar. One of the more friendly paleo sweeteners available.
How to make paleo ice cream
Whether you are making this ice cream following the original recipe or the date-sweetened version, the process is fairly simple.
- Blend all ingredients. Add the chilled coconut milk to a high-speed blender and blend it for 30 seconds. Add the remaining ingredients to the blender and blend until a thick and creamy mixture remains.
- Freeze. Pour the mixture into an 8×8-inch pan that has been chilled in the freezer. Put the ice cream into the freezer for 1 to 2 hours, mixing it every 30 minutes.
- Thaw and scoop. Thaw the ice cream for 15 minutes before serving it. Use a wet ice cream scoop to be able to easily scoop it into a bowl.
Flavor variations
You can add various ingredients to this ice cream to enhance its flavor and texture. Here are a few ideas.
- Cinnamon
- Chopped nuts
- Coconut flakes
- Dark chocolate chips
- Paleo-friendly crushed cereal
- Fruits chunks
- Paleo cookies
Tips to make the best recipe
- Chill ingredients. Chill your coconut milk before adding it to the blender. It will help achieve a smoother texture.
- Use full fat coconut milk. Avoid low fat or carton coconut milk as they do not have the texture to create a rich and creamy ice cream.
- Use a liquid sweetener. If you don’t want to use coconut sugar, try a paleo friendly sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- Thaw before serving. Let your ice cream sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before scopping.
Storage instructions
Freeze this ice cream in an airtight container. Consume it within 2 to 3 days.
The ice cream may be too frozen when you first remove it from the freezer. Allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes until it softens.
More ice cream recipes to try
- Cottage cheese ice cream
- Protein ice cream
- Peanut butter ice cream
- Almond milk ice cream
- Oat milk ice cream
- Matcha ice cream
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use an ice cream maker for this paleo-friendly ice cream recipe. Simply transfer the blended mixture into the ice cream maker and follow the instructions.
Halo Top is not paleo-friendly. While the brand does have a dairy-free and low-sugar keto series, none of its products are paleo-approved.
There is a variety of dairy-free ice creams made from non-dairy milks, including coconut milk, almond milk, soy milk, etc.
Paleo Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 2 13.66 oz cans canned coconut milk chilled
- 2 scoops chocolate protein powder 64 grams
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
Instructions
- Place an 8 x 8-inch loaf pan in the freezer to chill.
- In a high-speed blender or food processor, add your chilled coconut milk. Blend for 30 seconds before adding all your other ingredients. Blend until thick and creamy, but do not over-blend.
- Pour the ice cream mixture into the frozen loaf pan and spread evenly. To ensure the mixture doesn’t become icy, mix it every 30 minutes, for the first 1-2 hours.
- Once ready to enjoy, allow to thaw at room temperature for 15 minutes. Using a slightly wet ice cream scoop, scoop desired amount into a bowl and enjoy!
I love your recipes!!
Hi Arman, can canned coconut cream be used in lieu coconut milk or is the milk creamier? Thanks, Liz.
Sure can!
Hola!
Have you tried using Coconut cream instead of coconut milk?
Yes, it works well!
Can I use this recipe in the ice cream maker?
I haven’t tried but feel free to experiment and see 🙂
I understand putting the coconut milk in the fridge overnight but would like to know if I am to just scoop the solids from the can or put the entire contents in. TIA
Hi there, the entire contents, but add the solids first, and blend.
Hi, do you think I could use Julian Bakery egg white protein powder? Thanks!
Hi! I haven’t tried that, but let me know how it goes!
The nutritional facts are based on one serving. How much is a serving? Thanks for the recipe. The coconut milk is already in the freezer!!
Hi there, 4 servings! 🙂
2 13.66 oz cans canned coconut milk, what’s about grams ?
You could use a conversion tool to calculate it.
Do you put it into the freezer at all or does it just chill in the frozen pan?
Hi, of course- It needs to be frozen
This looks divine! Do you have a sub for the protein power?
It is key for this recipe 🙂 You can try my 3 Ingredient chocolate ice cream which doesn’t use protein powder 🙂
Thank you Arman! I will try it for sure! I’m pregnant and avoiding refined sugar. Your recipes are life savers! So glad I found your page! ?
For the 2 13.66 oz cans canned coconut milk, chilled – do you scoop out ONLY the solids or do you use EVERYTHING?
Can you use a different protein powder like Casein or whey with no carbs?
This looks great! Thank you! One question – how much of the recipe is a serving?
Never mind – I found it, lol
How many servings do your recipes typically make?
Updated the recipe card to include it 🙂
Hi Arman, love this recipe! What happens if you use light coconut milk instead of full fat coconut milk? Canned light coconut milk is all I have, but all recipes for coconut milk ice cream I have seen call for coconut milk!
Light coconut milk will freeze to a rock. You need the fat in regular full fat coconut milk to achieve the best results with this recipe. He mentioned you could use other types of milk if you’re going to use this for a smoothie or eat it right away.
Can I make this without the chocolate protein powder? Or replace it?
Thanks 🙏
You can try and see