Woman in Real Life: Vegan Strawberry Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream

When the opportunity for fresh strawberry picking arises, I tend to over-do it, leaving the field with enough strawberries for the next year and insufficient time to wash and prep them all for the freezer. But nevertheless I try. So the first recipe in "Operation Use Up 10 Litres of Strawberries" was Breadmaker Strawberry Jam. Next up on my list was vegan strawberry ice cream. There are several tasty vegan ice creams at the supermarket, but they tend to be expensive and packed with questionable ingredients. Fortunately, with the help of an affordable home ice cream maker, you can whip up a simple, inexpensive vegan ice cream in no time at all using canned coconut milk.

I always keep the bowl of the ice cream maker in my downstairs freezer so it will be ready if the urge to make ice cream hits. The ice cream is ready just as soon as the ice cream maker stops, however it will likely be a little soft at that point. You can freeze it for a bit to harden it. Be forewarned, though, once it's frozen overnight, it will be extra-hard and you'll have to leave it out for a bit to let it soften.

I decided to jazz up a simple vegan strawberry ice cream recipe by adding plant-based chocolate chunks, a hint of almond flavouring and some extra strawberry slices. My family taste testers noted the presence of a "different" flavour at first bite, but they found it pleasant. Still, you can leave the almond extract out if you prefer. Of course, you can also use chocolate chips instead of chunks.

🍓 Quick Recipe Summary – Vegan Strawberry Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream

Here’s how to make this fresh, creamy homemade vegan ice cream:

✅ Blend strawberries, coconut milk, sugar, vanilla and almond extract until smooth.
✅ Chill the mixture in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
✅ Churn in an ice cream maker until thick and creamy.
✅ Add chocolate chunks and extra strawberry slices during the last few minutes.
✅ Freeze to firm up if needed, then scoop and enjoy!

🍫 Try it in a cookie sandwich or top with extra fresh berries!

On Canada Day, I turned the Vegan Strawberry Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream into an ice cream sandwich using my favourite vegan chocolate chip cookie recipe.

What's your favourite recipe to make with strawberries?

🍓 Vegan Strawberry Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream

Homemade, dairy-free, creamy ice cream with fresh strawberries & chocolate chunks

Ingredients:

2 1/2 cups strawberries, cut in half
1 (14 oz) can of coconut milk
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract (optional)
1/4 cup chocolate chunks (or chocolate chips)
1/4 cup strawberries, sliced

Instructions:

Combine strawberries, coconut milk, sugar, vanilla, and almond extract in a blender. Blend until smooth.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill.
Process the mixture in an ice cream maker according to your machine’s instructions.
When the mixture begins to thicken, add the chocolate chunks and extra strawberry slices through the lid.
Transfer to a container and freeze to firm up slightly. Let sit out a few minutes before scooping if very firm.