Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe
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My 3-ingredient strawberry ice cream recipe yields thick, creamy ice cream that’s wildly refreshing. It’s easy to make and doesn’t need an ice cream maker. No dairy is needed!
Store-bought strawberry ice cream is delicious, but it’s often packed with fillers, gums, and excessive sugar. After testing this recipe dozens of times, I can confidently say homemade is creamier, fresher, and just as indulgent.
My no-churn strawberry ice cream needs just three simple ingredients and has zero dairy- and you’d never guess it. It blends up silky smooth, sets perfectly in the freezer, and has the same flavor as classic ice cream. My family calls it “the good stuff”, and asks for it every weekend!
Table of Contents
Why this is the strawberry ice cream recipe to make
- 3 key ingredients. Yes, you read that right: all you need are strawberries, maple syrup, and coconut milk- nothing artificial, just Whole Foods.
- Full of fresh strawberry flavor. I tested this with fresh and frozen berries, and both deliver an intense, natural strawberry taste. No extracts or syrups needed.
- No ice cream machine is needed. I love that all you need is a blender (or food processor) and a loaf pan. It churns up smooth and creamy every time.
- You won’t miss the dairy. I’ve served this to plenty of dairy-lovers, and no one guessed it was dairy-free until I told them!
★★★★★ REVIEW
“This is so good!!!!!!! I forgot about it, and it’s been a few days in the freezer, but it still tastes amazing. I love how it isn’t full of sugar and is super creamy♥️” – Justice
Key Ingredients
- Chilled coconut milk. Canned, full-fat coconut milk gives the ice cream its richest, creamiest texture. I’ve had the best results with Thai Kitchen and Whole Foods brands (both are consistent and not overly watery). Pop the cans in the fridge for a few hours before using- this helps the mixture chill faster and set up creamier in the fridge.
- Maple syrup. My #1 sticky sweetener of choice, but agave nectar also works. If you don’t mind the overpowering flavor of honey, you can use that too.
- Frozen strawberries. Frozen strawberries are preferred because they are naturally thicker and yield a creamier ice cream.
- Xanthan gum. This is totally optional, but after testing several batches side by side, I found that adding 1/4 teaspoon of xanthan gum keeps the ice cream smooth and easy to scoop- even after a few days in the freezer. It prevents ice crystals from forming, which is why many premium ice cream brands use it in their recipes.
Tested recipe variations
Here are some of the ways I’ve tweaked this ice cream to change things up:
- Make creamier ice cream. Swap the canned coconut milk for canned coconut cream, or discard the liquid at the bottom of the cans.
- Add more strawberry flavor. After blending, lightly fold in some strawberry chunks, stewed strawberries, or even strawberry jam. It’ll add a different texture and more sweetness.
- Add other berries. Why stop at strawberries? Toss in raspberries, blackberries, blueberries—you name it!
- Flavoe extracts. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract or lemon juice for a subtle note.
How to make strawberry ice cream
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Step 1- Combine ingredients. In a blender, add the ingredients (except the xanthan gum) and blend until thick and creamy.
Step 2- Freeze. Pour the ice cream mixture into the loaf pan and cover with plastic wrap. Every 20-30 minutes for the first hour, stir the ice cream by hand to prevent it from becoming icy.
Step 3- Thaw and serve. Let the ice cream thaw for 10-15 minutes before scooping it into your bowl.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Don’t use fresh strawberries. I know it may be tempting, but fresh strawberries will change the texture and make it difficult to firm up. If you only have fresh strawberries, freeze them before making the ice cream.
- Do not overblend. Overblending the ice cream mixture can result in an icy dessert that is difficult to scoop. Blend everything until smooth and just combined.
- Use an ice cream maker. While optional, it saves me the trouble of churning by hand and gives the ice cream a soft-serve consistency. Ensure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Wet the ice cream scoop. It’ll make scooping the ice cream easier.
Frequently asked questions
Transfer the ice cream into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 week. For best results, press a piece of parchment paper directly on top of the ice cream before sealing- this prevents ice crystals (I learned this trick during my weeks studying frozen desserts in culinary school!).
I don’t recommend refreezing once it has thawed. Since this is dairy-free, refreezing causes the texture to turn icy and rock-hard, making it difficult to scoop.
Yes! I’ve tested this recipe with heavy cream and half-and-half, and both work beautifully. Use the same amount as the coconut milk and chill it before blending. The texture is even creamier, but please note that it will no longer be dairy-free.
3-Ingredient Strawberry Ice Cream
Video
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen strawberries
- 14 ounces canned coconut milk refrigerated * See notes
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon xantham gum optional
Instructions
- Place a loaf pan in the freezer.
- In a high-speed blender or food processor, add the chilled coconut milk, adding the layer of cream first, followed by the liquid. Add your frozen strawberries and maple syrup and blend until thick and creamy. Do not overblend, or it will become too icy when thawing.
- If you choose to use xantham gum, add it halfway through blending and do not overblend.
- Pour the strawberry ice cream mixture into the frozen loaf tin. To ensure it doesn't become too icy, lightly mix your ice cream ever 20-30 minutes for the first hour.
- Thaw for 10-15 minutes before eating. Lightly wet an ice cream scoop before scooping the ice cream into a bowl.
Notes
- Coconut milk: Must be full-fat coconut milk from a can.
- Leftovers: Strawberry ice cream can be stored in a freezer-safe container in the freezer for up to 1 week.
- Ice cream machine: Once you’ve blended the ingredients, transfer it to an ice cream maker and churn as per the instructions (mine is 45 minutes).
- Dairy: Swap the coconut milk for heavy cream or half-and-half.
Made this last night and it was delicious! My husband agreed it was great, and said, why would we ever buy vegan ice cream again haha! Thanks for the recipe!
🙂 You are so welcome, Monica!
Could I use other fruits instead of Strawberries in the 3-Ingredient No Churn Ice Cream?
Like Peaces and/or Mangos?
I don’t see why not!
Love the sweet and salty combo! Sounds like a good one for when the weather finally warms up around here!
….or you could turn on the heater and faceplant in comfort. Not that I’ve ever done that before :s
This sounds absolutely delicious! I have a yonanas machine that easily makes me banana ice cream from frozen bananas but my favourite is to make it with frozen mango and banana and top it with shredded coconut, oh so good 🙂
oh yum that DOES sound delicious- If you get the chance, make a ‘cherry ripe’ ice cream- I made Nicole (Fruitnfitness) make it- frozen cherries, milk, cocoa powder, shredded coconut- So good! In fact, I MAY have a pancake recipe to come involving it..;) Shhh
i saw her make that and thought it sounded amazing!
Nom to a cherry ripe pancake recipe!
YUM! I’ve never tried mock ice cream before (or any of those blender “ice cream” treats you see everywhere). You’re right that it is waaayyy too cold for this around here right now but I’m going to hold onto this unusual sweet and salty combo for when things warm up 😉
how about you turn on the heater and consume it then…something I often did during Winter here haha.
UH THIS LOOKS AMAZING. I LOVE SWEET & SALTY (obvs). I have a secret banana mock cream recipe I need to make for the blog (but e-mail me and I’ll send you the recipe). I read this the other day but commenting on my phone sucks but anyway – point of the story is, I was talking about this recipe to someone last night haha.
Haha I’m not a fan of banana ice creams sadly- only in smoothies with other fruit too haha!
When we hang out, we will be having sweet and salty everything.
Sweet, salty, strawberry, ice cream – I literally can’t think of a better combo 🙂
The perfect combo 😉
Sweet and salty… and coconut?! I need this. I used to make strawberry and pretzel ice cream. Shouldn’t have given away the ice cream maker, but this is perfect for the Vitamix!
Umm……..strawberry and pretzel? I think you need to add pretzels to your next batter bowl 😉
I always put salt in my smoothies – I swear it brings out the sweetness & different flavours. Plus, I like to think I’m getting an extra mineral boost. I have one of those hippie salt lamps next to my bed and one time I licked it. Hahahaha. Um… if I’m being honest I’ve licked it more than once.
Oooh fav ice cream flavour? That’s a tough one. Anything with PB makes me weak in the knees, but I also love a really good quality vanilla bean, coconut or maple walnut. <– I'm a senior citizen/Canadian.
When you come to Kananaskis, I'm going to take you for gluten free crepes in Canmore, and then we'll go for a walk along the river and sing. WIll you hold my hand?
YES- dude, how amazing is salt at bringing out the sweetness in everything! Haha the mineral boost…does Iodised salt count?
I will indeed hold your hand..but make sure I didn’t do an arm workout the day before so it will be extra strong so when I squeeze it, it hurts.
PS I lol’d writing my Monday post for tomorrow.
PPS I had the most EPIC Ice cream flavour today prior to your amazing message.
Wow this sounds delicious! I absolutely love making smoothie bowls that are thick and creamy! I love your salty and sweet combo! And of course, you cant go wrong with coconut butter
xoxo Sarah Grace, Fresh Fit N Healthy.
Thanks, Sarah! smoothies MUST be thick or else it doesn’t count 😉