Vegan Mint Chip Ice Cream

Delicious, melt in your mouth peppermint ice cream swirled with semisweet chocolate bits make up this Vegan Mint Chip Ice Cream. Made with only 8 ingredients, this recipe has very little active time and can be made by anyone with an ice cream maker. Let's learn how to make it!

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When I was a kid, mint chip ice cream was all the rage. It was easily the favorite of myself and all of my best friends. This was before the days of creative, small, pint-sized flavors. I think this is probably why mint chip became so popular among millennials.

That said, when I first went vegan, I had to kiss mint chip ice cream goodbye. While there are now plenty of dairy-free brands that boast this flavor among their selection, I prefer to make it myself to avoid all of the green food coloring.

Oh! As a self-proclaimed ice cream lover, it seems important for me to share all of the frozen treat recipes here on my blog.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mint Chip Ice Cream

• 14 oz can full-fat coconut milk: Coconut milk serves as the creamy base for the ice cream. Its richness provides a similar texture to traditional dairy-based ice cream.
• 1 ½ cups non-dairy milk: This ingredient adds volume and dilutes the intensity of the coconut milk, resulting in a smoother and lighter texture. Non-dairy milks like almond, soy, or oat milk are good options.
• ¾ cup agave nectar: Agave nectar acts as the sweetener in the recipe. It not only enhances the flavor but also helps to prevent the formation of ice crystals, ensuring a creamy consistency. Agave nectar is a popular vegan sweetener derived from the agave plant.
• ¼ cup canola oil: Canola oil contributes to the richness and creaminess of the ice cream. It also helps to prevent the formation of ice crystals and improves the mouthfeel. Additionally, canola oil is neutral in flavor, allowing the mint and chocolate to shine through.
• 1 teaspoon peppermint extract: Peppermint extract provides the refreshing and distinctive mint flavor characteristic of mint chip ice cream. It adds a cool and invigorating taste that balances the sweetness of the other ingredients.
• ¾ teaspoon guar gum: Guar gum serves as a stabilizer and emulsifier in the ice cream, preventing separation and ensuring a smooth texture. It helps to bind the ingredients together and improve the overall consistency.
• ¼ teaspoon salt: Salt enhances the flavor profile of the ice cream by balancing the sweetness and intensifying the other flavors. It also helps to suppress bitterness and enhance the creaminess of the coconut milk.
• 1 cup non-dairy chocolate chips: Non-dairy chocolate chips add texture and bursts of chocolate flavor throughout the ice cream. They provide the classic "chocolate chip" element to the mint chip ice cream while remaining vegan-friendly. Mini vegan chocolate chips also work well here.

How to Make Mint Chip Ice Cream (with pictures)

1. Blend: Place the coconut milk, nondairy milk, agave nectar, canola oil, peppermint extract, guar gum and salt into a blender. Blend for about 1 minute or until a smooth, homogenous mixture comes together. Transfer the ice cream base to a sealable container and place in the refrigerator to chill for at least 4 hours.
2. Churn: Pour the ice cream base into the drum of an ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer instructions*. Once ice cream is thick, transfer to a sealable, freezer-safe container. Fold in the chocolate chips. 
3. Freeze: Cover the ice cream with plastic wrap. You want the plastic to be touching the ice cream. This will help prevent freezer burn. Seal the container and place in the freezer to chill overnight. Allow ice cream to sit out for 10-15 minutes before scooping and serving.

Tips and Tricks

1. Use Full-Fat Coconut Milk: Opt for full-fat coconut milk for a rich and creamy base. This will ensure that your ice cream has a luxurious texture similar to traditional dairy-based ice cream.
2. Choose a High-Quality Non-Dairy Milk: Select a high-quality non-dairy milk, such as almond, soy, or oat milk, to complement the coconut milk. Make sure the non-dairy milk you choose is unsweetened and unflavored for the best results.
3. Sweeten to Taste: Adjust the amount of agave nectar or sweetener according to your preference. Taste the ice cream base before freezing it and add more sweetener if desired.
4. Add Peppermint Extract Gradually: Peppermint extract can be quite potent, so add it gradually to the ice cream base, tasting as you go. You can always add more if you prefer a stronger mint flavor.
5. Add Green Food Coloring: If you miss the green color of traditional mint chip ice cream, add a few drops of green vegan food coloring to the ice cream base before you blend it. Start small and add more gradually.
6. Chill the Mixture Before Churning: Chill the ice cream mixture in the refrigerator for at least a few hours, or preferably overnight, before churning. This will help the flavors meld together and result in a smoother texture.
7. Know Your Ice Cream Maker: Thoroughly read the directions for your ice cream maker before starting in on the recipe. Most ice cream maker drums need to be frozen for 8 hours prior to use.
8. Chop the Chocolate: If you are not using mini vegan chocolate chips, it's a good idea to lightly chop the normal-sized chocolate chips. Shake them in a colander with small holes after chopping to eliminate the chocolate "dust."
9. Freeze Properly: Once churned, transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container and press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface to prevent ice crystals from forming. Seal tightly with a lid and freeze until firm.
10. Let it Soften Before Serving: Before serving, let the ice cream soften at room temperature for a few minutes to make scooping easier. Enjoy your vegan mint chip ice cream on its own or in a cone for a delightful treat!

Why is Mint Chip Ice Cream so Good?

Mint chip ice cream is beloved by many for several reasons, making it a classic favorite among ice cream enthusiasts. Here's why mint chip ice cream is so good:

1. Refreshing Flavor: Mint chip ice cream offers a refreshing and invigorating flavor profile. The coolness of the mint provides a pleasant sensation, especially on a hot day, making it a refreshing treat to enjoy year-round.
2. Balanced Sweetness: Mint chip ice cream strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and freshness. The sweetness of the ice cream base complements the cool mint flavor, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that is not overly sugary.
3. Crunchy Chocolate Chips: The addition of chocolate chips provides a delightful contrast in texture to the smooth ice cream base. The chocolate chips add a satisfying crunch with each bite, enhancing the overall eating experience.
4. Nostalgic Appeal: For many people, mint chip ice cream carries nostalgic memories of enjoying scoops of this classic flavor during childhood summers or special occasions. This emotional connection adds to its appeal and makes it a comfort food for many.
5. Versatile Pairing: Mint chip ice cream pairs well with a variety of desserts and toppings, such as brownies, cookies, or fresh berries. Its versatile flavor profile makes it a great option for creating indulgent ice cream sundaes or adding a refreshing twist to milkshakes.
6. Eye-Catching Appearance: The vibrant green hue of mint chip ice cream is visually appealing and adds to its allure. The contrast of the green ice cream with the specks of chocolate chips makes it an attractive dessert option that is as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.

Overall, the combination of refreshing mint flavor, creamy texture, crunchy chocolate chips, and nostalgic appeal makes mint chip ice cream an irresistible treat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it difficult to make vegan mint chip ice cream?

Making vegan mint chip ice cream is not particularly difficult, especially with the wide availability of non-dairy ingredients. The process is similar to making traditional ice cream, but instead of using dairy milk and cream, you'll use non-dairy alternatives like coconut milk and non-dairy milk.

How can I achieve a creamy texture in vegan mint chip ice cream?

To achieve a creamy texture in vegan mint chip ice cream, it's important to use full-fat coconut milk. Adding a small amount of oil, such as coconut oil or canola oil, can also help improve the creaminess of the ice cream.

Can I make vegan mint chip ice cream without an ice cream maker?

While it's possible to make vegan mint chip ice cream without an ice cream maker, using one will yield the best results. Without an ice cream maker, you can freeze the mixture in a shallow dish, stirring it occasionally to break up ice crystals and achieve a smoother texture.

How can I ensure that my vegan mint chip ice cream is not icy?

To prevent vegan mint chip ice cream from becoming icy, be sure to include a stabilizer such as guar gum or xanthan gum in the recipe. Additionally, avoid over-churning the ice cream and store it properly in a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid to minimize exposure to air.

Will the ice cream taste like coconut milk?

The ice cream may taste slightly of coconut milk. The coconut flavor is diluted in large degree thanks to the other nondairy milk used and the peppermint extract.

Recipe Variations

Here are some variation ideas to add a unique twist to your vegan mint chip ice cream recipe:

1. Coconut Mint Chip Ice Cream: Enhance the coconut flavor by adding shredded coconut flakes to the ice cream base along with the chocolate chips. Toasted coconut flakes can add a nice crunch.
2. Matcha Mint Chip Ice Cream: Infuse the ice cream base with matcha powder to create a vibrant green color and a subtle earthy flavor.
3. Mint Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream: Instead of using chocolate chips, chop up dairy-free chocolate bars into irregular chunks and fold them into the mint ice cream base. The larger chocolate chunks will provide a more intense chocolate flavor and a satisfying texture.
4. Peppermint Patty Ice Cream: Incorporate homemade or store-bought vegan peppermint patties into the ice cream base. Chop the patties into small pieces and mix them into the mint ice cream.
5. Mint Chocolate Swirl Ice Cream: Create a chocolate swirl by drizzling dairy-free chocolate sauce into the mint ice cream base as you transfer it to the storage container. Use a knife or spatula to gently swirl the chocolate sauce throughout the ice cream for a visually stunning and decadent treat.
6. Nutty Mint Chip Ice Cream: Stir in chopped nuts such as almonds, pecans, or pistachios into the mint ice cream base along with the chocolate chips.
7. Mint Oreo Ice Cream: Crush vegan mint-flavored Oreo cookies and mix them into the mint ice cream base along with the chocolate chips.

These variation ideas offer creative ways to customize your vegan mint chip ice cream and experiment with different flavors and textures to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to mix and match ingredients to create your own unique flavor combinations!

How to Store Vegan Mint Chip Ice Cream

Storing vegan mint chip ice cream properly is essential to maintain its texture and flavor. Here's how to store it effectively:

1. Transfer to a Freezer-Safe Container: Once you've churned the ice cream, transfer it into a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid. A shallow and wide container works best as it allows for easier scooping and prevents air from getting trapped, which can cause freezer burn.
2. Press Plastic Wrap: Before sealing the container, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the ice cream. This helps prevent ice crystals from forming on the surface, maintaining a smoother texture.
3. Seal Tightly: Ensure that the container is sealed tightly to prevent any air from getting in. This helps preserve the freshness and flavor of the ice cream and prevents it from absorbing any odors from other foods in the freezer.
4. Keep Away from Strong Odors: Store the ice cream away from foods with strong odors, as it can absorb these flavors over time. Ideally, dedicate a section of your freezer solely to storing frozen desserts like ice cream.
5. Thaw Properly Before Serving: When you're ready to enjoy the ice cream, remove it from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. This makes scooping easier and ensures a creamy texture.

By following these storage tips, you can keep your vegan mint chip ice cream fresh and delicious for longer periods, allowing you to enjoy it whenever the craving strikes!

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

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