Indulge guilt-free with this Heart-Healthy Vanilla Ice Cream with Chocolate Chips—an irresistible homemade treat that's creamy, vegan, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Featuring silky cashews soaked overnight, unsweetened almond or oat milk, and a touch of pure maple syrup for natural sweetness, this recipe prioritizes both flavor and nutrition. Vanilla extract and sea salt enhance its delicate aroma, while arrowroot powder ensures a perfectly smooth texture. Fold in rich vegan dark chocolate chips to create bursts of decadent flavor in every bite. With just 15 minutes of prep time, this dairy-free frozen dessert is a healthier twist on a classic favorite and ideal for satisfying your sweet tooth without compromising on wellness. Perfect for summer gatherings or a cozy treat at home, it’s time to make your heart happy with this plant-based delight!
1. Soak the raw cashews in water overnight or for at least 6 hours. Drain and rinse them well before using.
2. In a blender, combine the almond milk, soaked cashews, maple syrup, vanilla extract, sea salt, and arrowroot powder. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
3. Pour the blended mixture into a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly. This should take about 7-10 minutes. Do not let it boil.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool to room temperature.
5. Transfer the mixture to a shallow, freezer-safe container. Cover it tightly and place it in the freezer for 1-2 hours, or until it begins to firm up but is still soft enough to stir.
6. Stir in the vegan dark chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
7. Return the mixture to the freezer and allow it to fully freeze for another 3-4 hours, stirring every 30-60 minutes to break up any ice crystals and ensure a smoother texture.
8. Once fully frozen, scoop and serve! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer and let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping.
Calories |
1370 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 81.1 g | 104% | |
| Saturated Fat | 31.1 g | 156% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 936 mg | 41% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 140.5 g | 51% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 21.4 g | 76% | |
| Total Sugars | 83.5 g | ||
| Protein | 24.8 g | 50% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.0 mcg | 25% | |
| Calcium | 1055 mg | 81% | |
| Iron | 19.8 mg | 110% | |
| Potassium | 1651 mg | 35% | |
*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.