Vegan Mint Chip Ice Cream (5 Ingredients, No-Churn!)

Craving a nostalgic dessert? This creamy vegan mint chip ice cream is a no-churn recipe made with just 5 simple ingredients, delivering rich flavor and smooth texture without any dairy or special equipment.

I never thought I would be able to eat the mint chip ice cream I loved ever again once I went vegan. This recipe took me right back to my childhood...and it's so easy! - Kate

Mint chip ice cream was my absolute favorite ice cream flavor growing up. Prior to developing this recipe, I hadn't had it for almost a decade!

Now that i've cracked the no-churn ice cream code, I can enjoy my favorite frozen desserts any day of the week.

If you love a no-churn ice cream recipe as much as I do, be sure to check out my vegan vanilla ice cream and my vegan rocky road ice cream!

Jump to:

• 5 Ingredients You'll Need
• Why You'll Love This Ice Cream
• How to Make Mint Chip Ice Cream (step-by-step with pictures)
• Tips & Tricks
• What is Nondairy Sweetened Condensed Milk?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Recipe Variations
• What to Serve With Mint Chip Ice Cream
• How to Store Vegan Mint Chip Ice Cream
• Vegan Mint Chip Ice Cream
• More Vegan Frozen Desserts:

5 Ingredients You'll Need

Here is everything you'll need to make your vegan mint chip ice cream:

• nondairy heavy cream: This is the base of the ice cream, providing richness and a creamy texture. When whipped, it helps incorporate air, which is key for a light, scoopable consistency.
• nondairy sweetened condensed milk: This adds sweetness and contributes to the smooth, velvety texture.
• peppermint extract: The star flavor of mint chip ice cream, peppermint extract gives that cool, refreshing taste that defines the recipe.
• salt: Just a small amount enhances the overall flavor, balancing the sweetness and making the mint and chocolate flavors pop.
• green vegan food coloring: While optional, this gives the ice cream its classic minty green appearance.
• nondairy mini chocolate chips: These provide the "chip" in mint chip, adding bursts of chocolate flavor and a satisfying contrast in texture.

Why You'll Love This Ice Cream

• No-churn recipe. No ice cream maker needed!
• Made with just 5 simple ingredients
• Rich, creamy, and perfectly scoopable
• Refreshing mint flavor with chocolatey bites in every spoonful
• Completely dairy-free and vegan-friendly
• Easy to make ahead for a stress-free dessert

Tips & Tricks

Here are a few tips to help ensure your vegan mint chip ice cream turns out perfectly:

1. Chill your mixing bowl first: A cold bowl helps the nondairy cream whip up faster and hold its structure better.
2. Whip to medium/stiff peaks: Since there is no dairy here, our cream needs a bit more structure before it is folded together with the other ingredients.
3. Use high-quality peppermint extract: A little goes a long way, and better quality extract gives a cleaner, more refreshing mint flavor.
4. Fold gently: When combining the whipped cream and condensed milk, use a light hand to keep the mixture airy.
5. Mini chips work best: Smaller chocolate chips distribute more evenly, so you get chocolate in every bite.
6. Don't overdo the food coloring: A drop or two is enough for that classic minty green color.
7. Freeze in a shallow container: This helps the ice cream freeze more evenly and makes scooping easier.
8. Let it sit before scooping: Allow the ice cream to soften at room temperature for 10-15 minutes for the perfect texture.

What is Nondairy Sweetened Condensed Milk?

Dairy-free sweetened condensed milk is a plant-based alternative to traditional sweetened condensed milk, made by slowly simmering dairy-free milk with sugar until it becomes thick, creamy, and syrupy.

In no-churn ice cream, it plays a crucial role by adding sweetness while also helping create that ultra-creamy, scoopable texture. Because it's thick and contains dissolved sugar, it lowers the freezing point of the mixture, which helps prevent ice crystals from forming.

If you're having trouble finding it, you can make it at home! This oat milk sweetened condensed milk works great!

Frequently Asked Questions

Recipe Variations

Here are a few ways you can mix up your mint chip ice cream flavor:

1. Chocolate Mint Swirl: Drizzle in melted nondairy chocolate or vegan fudge sauce and gently swirl it through the mixture before freezing for a ripple effect.
2. Mint Cookies & Cream: Fold in crushed vegan chocolate sandwich cookies for a fun twist on classic cookies and cream with a minty base.
3. Dark Chocolate Chunk: Swap mini chocolate chips for chopped dark chocolate chunks for bigger, richer bites of chocolate.
4. Mint Brownie Ice Cream: Add chunks of vegan brownies to make it extra indulgent and dessert-like.
5. White Chocolate Mint: Use vegan white chocolate chips instead of regular chocolate for a sweeter, creamier flavor profile.
6. Mocha Mint Chip: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the base for a subtle coffee flavor that pairs beautifully with mint.
7. Peppermint Candy Crunch: Fold in crushed vegan peppermint candies or candy canes for extra texture and a festive touch.
8. Protein Boosted Mint Chip: Mix in a scoop of your favorite vegan vanilla or chocolate protein powder for a more filling treat.

What to Serve With Mint Chip Ice Cream

1. Warm vegan brownies: The contrast of warm, fudgy brownies with cool mint ice cream is unbeatable.
2. Chocolate cake: A slice of rich chocolate cake pairs perfectly with the refreshing mint flavor.
3. Chocolate chip cookies: Serve as a scoop on top or make an ice cream sandwich.
4. Hot fudge sauce: Drizzle over the top for an extra decadent dessert.
5. Crushed cookies or Oreos: Add crunch and even more chocolatey goodness.
6. Fresh berries: Strawberries or raspberries add a bright, slightly tart contrast.
7. Whipped cream: A light, fluffy topping that complements the creamy texture.
8. Waffle cones or bowls: Classic and perfect for serving with a little extra crunch.
9. Espresso or coffee: The bold flavor balances the sweetness and mintiness beautifully.
10. Chocolate syrup-dipped pretzels: A sweet and salty combo that works surprisingly well.

How to Store Vegan Mint Chip Ice Cream

• Use an airtight container: Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent freezer burn and absorption of other odors.
• Smooth the top: Press a piece of parchment paper or plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream to minimize ice crystals.
• Freeze fully before serving: Allow the ice cream to set for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight for the best texture.
• Store in the back of the freezer: Keep it away from the door to maintain a more consistent temperature.
• Shelf life: Properly stored, this vegan mint chip ice cream will stay fresh for up to 1-2 weeks.

For the best scoopable texture, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.

If you make this recipe please tag @censoredbaker on Instagram!

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