This paleo mint chocolate chip ice cream recipe is smooth and creamy, with a coconut milk base that's sweetened with dates. This delicious mint ice cream is paleo, gluten free, dairy free and can easily be made vegan.
I have a soft spot for all of my paleo ice cream recipes - I really love every one of them! However, this paleo mint chocolate chip ice cream recipe might just be my favorite.
It is super smooth and creamy and has a sweet minty flavor. Not only that, but this healthy mint ice cream is only sweetened with dates. That's right, there's no sugar added! But you'd never guess.
This ice cream is ultra creamy and smooth, has a sweet mint flavor and is loaded with chunks of dark chocolate.
Why You'll Love This Paleo Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
- paleo friendly - made with real, minimally processed ingredients
- dairy free - this avocado mint ice cream has a coconut base
- sugar free - only sweetened with dates
- vegan option - omit the collagen for a vegan mint chip ice cream
- creamy and smooth - the perfect ice cream texture
- freezes well - doesn't get icy after storage
Ingredients
Here's a list of what you need to make this dairy free mint chip ice cream:
- dates
- avocado
- spinach (optional)
- collagen (omit for vegan)
- full fat coconut milk
- peppermint flavoring (or extract)
- vanilla extract
- salt
- dark chocolate chips
The spinach and collagen are optional. I added spinach for a boost in nutrition and to give the ice cream a deeper green color. The collagen makes the ice cream creamier and ups the protein content.
How to Make Paleo Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
To make this sugar free mint chip ice cream, you'll need a high powered blender (for blending the ingredients), an ice cream machine (optional, but recommended) and a loaf pan or container for storing the ice cream.
Here are the step by step instructions:
Soak Dates
First, soak the dates in hot water to soften. Simply place the pitted dates in a ceramic bowl or mug, heat a pot of water (hot, but not boiling) and then pour the water over the dates so that they are fully submerged.
Let the dates sit for 5-10 minutes, then drain the water.
Blend Ingredients
Next, blend together all of the ingredients for the ice cream, except the chocolate chips. Start the blender at a low speed, then gradually increase it until the mixture is smooth and consistent.
Churn Ice Cream
Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker. While churning the ice cream is not required, it helps give the ice cream a thick, smooth texture. You'll want to churn the ice cream for 20-30 minutes, or until it's has the consistency of soft serve ice cream.
If you don't own an ice cream maker (but you should because they're amazing), you can simply pour the ice cream into a loaf pan and place it in the freezer. Every 30-40 minutes, vigorously mix the ice cream by hand, then place it back into the freezer.
Once the ice cream has started to freeze and thicken, add in the dark chocolate (or whatever mix-ins you prefer). The reason for not adding the chocolate right away, or in the blender, is because if the mixture is warm then the chocolate will melt (I learned this the hard way).
Once the ice cream has thickened, either enjoy right away or scoop it into a loaf pan and place it in the freezer to firm.
You can cover the ice cream with foil or saran wrap if you wish, but I did not. This mint chip ice cream does not get icy!
Storage
Store this paleo mint chocolate chip ice cream in the freezer. If you plan on eating the ice cream within a few hours, simply scoop the ice cream into a loaf pan and place in the freeze, no need to cover.
For longer storage, put the ice cream in a sealed container or cover it in the loaf pan with foil.
This paleo ice cream stores well and does not get icy! Ugh, it's the best!
Frequently Asked Questions
Churning the ice cream makes it creamier, but is not required. If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can hand churn the ice cream. Simply pour the blended ice cream into a loaf pan, set it in the freezer and mix the ice cream with a large spoon or spatula every 30-40 minutes until you reach the desired texture.
All ingredients except the collagen are vegan friendly. Simply omit the collagen for a vegan compliant mint chip ice cream. This will not affect the taste, just slightly change the texture.
Yes! This ice cream is super creamy and does not get icy in the freezer. While it can be scooped straight out of the freezer, I recommend letting it sit out a few minutes to soften.
More Paleo Ice Cream Recipes
PrintPaleo Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream (Dairy Free)
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
This paleo mint chocolate chip ice cream is thick and creamy. It freezes well and is only sweetened with dates - no sugar added!
Ingredients
- 1 cup pitted dates (160g)
- ½ large avocado
- 1 cup packed spinach (optional)
- ¼ cup collagen peptides (omit for vegan)
- 1 can full fat coconut milk (13.5oz)
- 1 ½ tsp peppermint flavoring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
- ¼ cup dark chocolate, chopped
Instructions
- Soak the dates: place the pitted dates in a ceramic bowl or mug, heat a pot of water (hot, but not boiling) and then pour the water over the dates so that they are fully submerged. Let the dates sit for 5-10 minutes, then drain the water.
- Blend ingredients: blend together all of the ingredients for the ice cream, except the chocolate chips. Start the blender at a low speed, then gradually increase it until the mixture is smooth and consistent.
- Churn Ice Cream: pour the mixture into an ice cream maker. You'll want to churn the ice cream for 20-30 minutes, or until it's has the consistency of soft serve ice cream*
- Once the ice cream has started to freeze and thicken, add in the dark chocolate (or whatever mix-ins you prefer). The reason for not adding the chocolate right away, or in the blender, is because if the mixture is warm then the chocolate will melt.
- Once the ice cream has thickened, either enjoy right away or scoop it into a loaf pan and place it in the freezer to firm.
- Storage: if you plan on eating the ice cream within a few hours, simply scoop the ice cream into a loaf pan and place in the freeze, no need to cover. For longer storage, put the ice cream in a sealed container or cover it in the loaf pan with foil.
Notes
*While churning the ice cream is not required, it helps give the ice cream a thick, smooth texture. If you don't own an ice cream maker, you can simply pour the ice cream into a loaf pan and place it in the freezer. Every 30-40 minutes, vigorously mix the ice cream by hand, then place it back into the freezer.
Katie
Our family's favorite mint ice cream! Enjoy!