Thai Coconut Milk Ice Cream (Printable Version)
A rich dairy-free dessert blending coconut milk and cream with vanilla, inspired by traditional Thai street sweets.
# What You Need:
→ Coconut Base
01 - 2 cups full-fat coconut milk
02 - 1 cup coconut cream
03 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
04 - 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
→ Optional Mix-ins
06 - 1/2 cup toasted coconut flakes
07 - 1/3 cup roasted unsalted peanuts, chopped
08 - 1/2 cup diced ripe mango
# How To Make:
01 - Combine coconut milk, coconut cream, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar is completely dissolved, about 3–5 minutes. Avoid bringing to a boil.
02 - Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
03 - Allow the base to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, at least 2 hours.
04 - Process the chilled mixture in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer instructions, typically 20–25 minutes, until reaching soft-serve consistency.
05 - Gently fold toasted coconut flakes, chopped peanuts, or diced mango into the churned ice cream if desired.
06 - Transfer to a lidded freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours until firm.
07 - Let stand at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping. Serve plain or with additional toppings.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The texture rivals premium dairy ice cream but with that gorgeous tropical coconut perfume throughout
- Its naturally vegan yet satisfies even the most dedicated ice cream snobs I know
02 -
- Skip the ice cream maker method and you will end up with icy crystals no matter how many times you stir it every 30 minutes
- Full fat coconut products are non negotiable here the light stuff simply wont churn into anything remotely creamy
03 -
- Shake your coconut cans well before opening or you might end up with separated cream and milk that wont incorporate properly
- Freeze your ice cream storage container for 15 minutes before adding the churned mixture for even faster firming