Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream {Vegan | Low Sugar}

I think I spoke too soon when I kept telling people that Southern California’s weather has been perfectly cool and breezy, because that couldn’t be farther from the truth this month.  I’m sure that most of you who live in the U.S. can relate to the madness that comes from this hot hot weather, along with the foods that the summer season has to offer, namely good old frozen yogurt and ice cream.  Mmmm!

Although I don’t normally crave rich and chocolaty foods in the summer heat, this time around it’s the complete opposite and all I’ve been wanting is pastries, chocolate, and ice cream.  I promise you I’m not pregnant!  Or so I think…*Nervous laugh*  Since I have to have at least some self control with my cravings—because let’s face it, healthy or not, too much of this heavn’ly stuff isn’t good for us. So I decided to come up with a fun and easy recipe for some homemade ice cream that will rock your socks off!   My curiosity got the best of me and got me started in the kitchen for a wholesome and vegan alternative of one of my favorites—mint chocolate chip ice cream. 

Don’t mind the color as it results in a slightly tan and white color.  Since I don’t normally use food coloring in my recipes, I’ll leave it as is.  But feel free to add some green to it if you decide to give it a try.

Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice cream {Healthier Alternative|Vegan}

This rich and creamy homemade ice cream is made of full-fat canned coconut milk.  I’m sure that it would also work with light coconut milk, but for that extra creamy consistency, I opted with the full-fat version.  If you just have a food processor or blender, this recipe will come together in a pinch.  It would be such a fun activity for moms with kids as well!  For those who are health conscious, it might be helpful to know that 1/4 C of the ice cream will equal to approximately 160 calories and very little added sugar. (For the hardcore vegans, honey may be substituted with maple or agave nectar) Bon appetit!

Ingredients

• 1 can of 13.5 oz coconut milk
• 4-5 ice cubes
• 14 droplets of neutral flavor Stevia
• 2 TBSP honey
• 1 tsp peppermint extract
• 1 TBSP arrowroot powder***
• pinch of sea salt
• 1/3 C semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

1. Grab an empty ice tray and put it in the freezer to chill.  Take your blender or food processor and pour in the coconut milk, ice cubes, Stevia, honey, mint extract, and salt.  Blend it together until all of the ice is dissolved.
2. Add the arrowroot powder and blend until the mixture gets a bit thicker, about 30 seconds.  Then add the chocolate chips and process until the chocolate turns into the desired consistency—chunky, fine, etc.
3. Take the chilled ice tray and fill it almost all the way up with the mixture.  If there’s anything left, then pour it in a separate bowl and try not to eat too much of it!   Freeze for 45 min-1 hour.

Gather ‘em up!

Poor ice tray will get chilly in the freezer…

See the creamy and melty consistency?  Yup, time to lick the lid, which is always the best part!

Fill ‘er up to the top, and no worries if it gets messy.

These cubes are great for snaking on when that scary craving suddenly hits you—that is, if you can just have one bite.  Once you pop, the fun don’t stop.

Surprisingly enough, the taste of coconut milk is barely detectable, and I know that for a fact because Greg did not mention the word “coconut” even once.  Usually, he can tell right away and gets a bit wary of it.  The texture is so rich and fluffy that even the pickiest ice cream eater will love it!  If there is such a person out there, hehe.

Have a beautiful Sunday and stay cool y’all (pun intended).

PS:  Let us keep Iran in prayer!  May we remember the victims of the earthquake and pray for the injured people as well as their families.  To me this is another reminder that life is short, so let’s say “I love you” as often as we can and live as meaningfully as possible.

What are your cravings this summer?

-All I want is veggies, chocolate, pastries, and ice cream!

Have you made “ice cream” at home? 

Love,

Ellie <33

Tagged as: Chocolate, food, gratitude, low calorie desserts, vegan