Gluten-Free Coconut Ice Cream
By the Gluten Free Recipes team ·
This lusciously creamy and dairy-free coconut ice cream, a perfect frozen treat. Its rich coconut flavor is balanced by a hint of sweetness, creating a delightful dessert experience.
At a glance: This easy desserts recipe yields 4 servings in about 32 minutes (20 min prep, 12 min cook). It uses 5 ingredients — including full-fat coconut milk, granulated sugar or maple syrup, pure vanilla extract — and walks through 5 steps. Updated . Browse more desserts recipes or return to all gluten-free recipes.
Cross-Contamination Warning for Gluten-Free Coconut Ice Cream: When preparing this desserts recipe, in a shared kitchen, avoid porous materials — wooden spoons, wooden cutting boards, and scratched non-stick pans can harbor gluten proteins even after washing. Prefer glass, metal, or silicone tools.
Gluten-Free Notes for Gluten-Free Coconut Ice Cream: This recipe is naturally free from gluten-containing grains, relying on the richness of coconut milk for its creamy base.
Ingredients
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk, chilled overnight
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar or maple syrup
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.5 cup shredded unsweetened coconut (optional, for texture)
Instructions
- 1
Open the chilled can of full-fat coconut milk and carefully scoop out the solidified cream from the top into a large mixing bowl, leaving the liquid behind for another use. You should have about 1 to 1.5 cups of coconut cream. Add the granulated sugar (or maple syrup), pure vanilla extract, and salt to the bowl with the coconut cream.
- 2
Using an electric mixer or a whisk, beat the coconut cream mixture on medium-high speed for about 2-3 minutes, until it becomes smooth and slightly fluffy. If using shredded unsweetened coconut for added texture, gently fold it in now until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- 3
Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically for about 20-30 minutes, or until it reaches a soft-serve consistency. The ice cream will thicken as it churns and chills.
- 4
Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight, freezer-safe container. Press a piece of parchment paper directly onto the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming, then cover tightly with the lid.
- 5
Freeze the coconut ice cream for at least 4-6 hours, or until firm enough to scoop. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and the ice cream to achieve its final, scoopable texture.
Nutrition (per serving)
Tips & Notes
- Any plant-based milk works here — oat milk (certified GF) gives the richest mouthfeel; almond milk keeps it lighter.
- Coconut milk separates in the can — stir or shake well before using.
- Grade B (now labeled 'Grade A Dark') maple syrup has the most intense flavor for cooking.
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