Heart-Healthy Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Indulge guilt-free with this creamy, heart-healthy vanilla bean ice cream, a delightful dairy-free dessert that's both delicious and nutritious. Made with unsweetened almond milk and creamy soaked cashews, this plant-based treat is naturally sweetened with pure maple syrup and infused with the aromatic essence of a whole vanilla bean. The recipe requires minimal prep time and skips heavy cream and refined sugars, making it a perfect option for vegan and health-conscious eaters alike. Whether churned in an ice cream maker or frozen manually, the result is a smooth, luscious texture that can be enjoyed solo or topped with fresh fruit and nuts. With just six simple ingredients, this easy homemade ice cream is proof that indulgence can be heart-smart and packed with flavor.
Log this recipe in SnapCalorie
Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup Raw cashews (soaked for 4-6 hours and drained)
- 0.5 cup Pure maple syrup
- 1 whole Vanilla bean
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 0.25 teaspoon Sea salt
Instructions
1. Begin by soaking the raw cashews in water for 4-6 hours or overnight. After soaking, drain and rinse them thoroughly.
2. Split the vanilla bean down the length using a paring knife and scrape out the seeds. Set aside both the seeds and the empty pod.
3. In a high-powered blender, combine the almond milk, soaked cashews, maple syrup, vanilla bean seeds, vanilla extract, and sea salt.
4. Blend the mixture for 2-3 minutes or until completely smooth and creamy. Stop and scrape the sides of the blender as needed for an even consistency.
5. Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness if necessary by adding a touch more maple syrup.
6. Transfer the blended mixture to an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions (usually about 20-25 minutes). If you don't have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze for 3-4 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals and achieve a creamy texture.
7. Once the ice cream reaches your desired consistency, serve immediately for a soft-serve texture or transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for an additional 1-2 hours for firmer scoops.
8. Garnish with fresh fruit or a sprinkle of chopped nuts if desired. Enjoy your heart-healthy vanilla bean ice cream!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1200 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 66.2 g | 85% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.6 g | 53% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 903 mg | 39% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 128.4 g | 47% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.5 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 83.2 g | ||
| Protein | 28.0 g | 56% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.4 mcg | 22% | |
| Calcium | 976 mg | 75% | |
| Iron | 12.9 mg | 72% | |
| Potassium | 1400 mg | 30% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
