Oat Milk Ice Cream Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide to Dairy-Free Sweetness

Oat Milk Ice Cream Recipe: Get ready to satisfy your sweet cravings with a dairy-free and creamy treat! Oat Milk Ice Cream is the perfect indulgence for those looking for a plant-based option that doesn’t compromise taste.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and guilt-free dessert that everyone will love.

So grab your favourite toppings, and let’s dive into this easy and delicious Oat Milk Ice Cream recipe!

Oat Milk Ice Cream Recipe – A Quick Overview

Delve into the joy of making oat milk ice cream with this simple yet satisfying recipe. Here’s a quick overview:

Recipe Description: A creamy, vegan-friendly ice cream made from oat milk and natural ingredients, offering a delightful alternative to traditional dairy ice cream.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 0 minutes (Freeze time not included)

Total Time: 15 minutes (Plus 4-6 hours of freezing time)

Type of Dish: Dessert

Cuisine of the Recipe: International

Quantity Produced by the Recipe: Approximately 1 quart

The Number of Calories in the Recipe: Varies depending on additional ingredients/flavours, but approximately 200 calories per serving for the basic recipe.

About Oat Milk Ice Cream Recipe

This Oat Milk Ice Cream recipe is more than just a delightful treat; it’s a testament to the versatility and benefits of oat milk as a dairy alternative.

By harnessing oat milk’s creamy texture and natural sweetness, this recipe introduces a delectable dessert that caters to a broad audience, including those with dietary restrictions or environmental concerns.

This creative culinary exploration invites novice and experienced cooks to experiment with flavours and mix-ins, personalizing their dessert experience.

This recipe offers a step into the world of homemade, plant-based ice cream and encourages a mindful approach to indulgence, balancing pleasure with health and sustainability.

It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients, when thoughtfully combined, can create something truly extraordinary and enjoyable for everyone at the table.

How Oat Milk Ice Cream Stands Out?

Choosing oat milk ice cream offers many benefits for individuals and the environment. Here are some compelling advantages:

• Healthier Option: Lower saturated fats than traditional dairy ice creams, making it a heart-friendly choice.
• Dietary Inclusion: Suitable for a wider range of dietary needs, including vegan, lactose intolerant, and certain allergy restrictions (such as nuts and soy).
• Sustainability: Oat milk production has a lower environmental impact, requiring less water and land and generating fewer greenhouse gases than dairy or almond milk production.
• Versatile Flavor Base: Oat milk’s natural sweetness and mild flavour make it an excellent base for various flavour profiles and mix-ins, from classic chocolate to exotic fruit blends.
• No Cholesterol: Plant-based, meaning it contains no cholesterol, which is beneficial for maintaining a healthy heart and vascular system.
• Easy to Make: This can be made with readily available ingredients and doesn’t require complex cooking or preparation steps, making it accessible to ice cream lovers of all skill levels.

Ingredients For Making Oat Milk Ice Cream

To craft your very own batch of oat milk ice cream, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups of oat milk (preferably barista edition or full-fat for creaminess)
• 1 cup of full-fat canned coconut milk (adds to the creaminess and richness)
• 3/4 cup of granulated sugar (adjust according to taste or substitute with a sugar-free alternative)
• 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract (for flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt (enhances the overall flavour profile)
• 2 tablespoons of cornstarch (acts as a thickener to achieve a creamy texture)
• Optional Mix-ins or Flavorings:
  • 1/2 cup of cocoa powder (for a chocolate version)
  • 1 cup of pureed strawberries (for a fruity twist)
  • 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract and a handful of crushed vegan chocolate cookies (for mint chocolate chip)
  • Vegan caramel sauce for swirling (for a caramel swirl flavor)
  • 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice (for a fall-inspired flavor)
  • 1/4 cup of strong brewed coffee or espresso (for a coffee-infused ice cream)
• Additional mix-ins (chocolate chips, nuts, fruit chunks, etc.)

Essential Equipment for Oat Milk Ice Cream

Ensuring you have the right tools can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

• High-Speed Blender: Essential for blending oat milk, coconut milk, and other ingredients into a smooth mixture. A high-speed blender can efficiently break down the ingredients to ensure your ice cream base is silky and homogenous.
• Ice Cream Maker: Critical for churning the mixture into ice cream. The churning process aerates the mixture and prevents the formation of ice crystals, resulting in a creamier texture.
• Mixing Bowls: These are useful for mixing ingredients before they go into the blender and preparing any add-ins you choose to incorporate into your ice cream.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precision is key in ice cream making, so having a full set of measuring tools will help you accurately follow the recipe.
• Spatula: A silicone spatula is ideal for scraping the sides of the blender and the ice cream maker, ensuring no delicious mixture goes to waste.
• Freezer-Safe Container: After churning, the ice cream must be transferred to a freezer-safe container for further freezing until it reaches the desired consistency.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Oat Milk Ice Cream

• Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all the oat milk ice cream ingredients. This includes 2 cups of oat milk, 1 cup of full-fat canned coconut milk, 3/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 2 tablespoons of cornstarch. Don’t forget your optional mix-ins!
• Blend the Base: In your high-speed blender, combine the oat milk, coconut milk, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is completely dissolved.
• Thicken with Cornstarch: Mix a small amount of your blended mixture with the cornstarch in a separate bowl until smooth. This will create a slurry. Pour the slurry back into the blender with the rest of the mixture and blend again to ensure it’s fully incorporated. This step is crucial for achieving a creamy texture in your ice cream.
• Chill the Mixture: Transfer the blended mixture into a mixing bowl and cover it. Place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours or overnight. This step helps the mixture cool down, essential for the churning process.
• Churn Your Ice Cream: Pour your chilled mixture into the ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually about 20-25 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
• Add Optional Mix-Ins: If you’re using any mix-ins, add them during the last few minutes of churning. This ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the ice cream.
• Freeze to Firm Up: Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container. Cover it and freeze for 4-6 hours or until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Serve and Enjoy: Once your ice cream is perfectly frozen, it’s ready to serve. Scoop it into bowls or cones, and enjoy your homemade oat milk ice cream!

The Ultimate Guide to Customizing Your Oat Milk Ice Cream Flavors

With just a few additional ingredients, you can transform your basic recipe into a gourmet delight that caters to all tastes. 

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Chocolate Dream: Mix in 1/2 cup of cocoa powder for a rich, chocolatey treat during the blending process. For an extra indulgence, add chocolate chips or a swirl of chocolate syrup during the last few minutes of churning.
• Strawberry Fields: Mix 1 cup of fresh or frozen strawberries with the base mixture for a fruity, refreshing flavour. For added texture, chop additional strawberries and add them as mix-ins.
• Minty Fresh: Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract and a handful of crushed vegan chocolate cookies during churning for a mint chocolate chip variation.
• Caramel Swirl: Create a vegan caramel sauce by heating sugar, vegan butter, and some oat milk. Cool the sauce and gently fold it into the ice cream after churning for a marbled effect.
• Pumpkin Spice: For a fall-inspired treat, blend in 1/2 cup of pumpkin puree and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice mix. Consider a drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness.
• Coffee Kick: Blend 1/4 cup of strong brewed coffee or espresso for a coffee-infused ice cream. Chocolate-covered espresso beans make a great mix-in for added crunch and flavour.

How to Solve Common Oat Milk Ice Cream Making Issues?

Making oat milk ice cream at home can be rewarding, but it’s not without its potential hiccups. 

Here are some tips to address common issues you might encounter:

• Ice Cream Too Icy or Hard: If your ice cream turns out too icy or hard, it might not have enough fat or sugar, which helps prevent ice crystals from forming. Add more full-fat coconut milk or a bit more sugar to the recipe. Ensuring your mixture is thoroughly chilled before churning can also improve texture.
• Not Creamy Enough: Use full-fat coconut milk and a barista edition or full-fat oat milk for a creamier texture. The fat content in these ingredients is crucial for a silky mouthfeel. If the ice cream still isn’t creamy enough, adding a tablespoon of alcohol, such as vodka, can help prevent freezing too hard without affecting taste.
• Mixture Not Thickening: Ensure the cornstarch slurry is well-mixed and fully incorporated if your base mixture doesn’t thicken after blending and chilling. Cornstarch needs to be evenly dispersed to work effectively as a thickener.
• Flavour Too Mild: Oat milk has a subtle flavour that might need a boost. Don’t shy away from adding a bit more vanilla extract, a pinch of salt to enhance other flavours, or more of your chosen flavourings (e.g., cocoa powder, or pureed fruit) to intensify the taste.

Tips for Serving and Storing Oat Milk Ice Cream

For a truly delightful dessert experience, following these serving and storage tips for your oat milk ice cream will ensure that every scoop is as perfect as the first.

• Let It Thaw: Remove your oat milk ice cream from the freezer about 5-10 minutes before serving. Oat milk ice cream can be a bit firmer than traditional dairy ice cream, so allowing it to thaw slightly will make scooping easier.
• Warm Your Scoop: Running your ice cream scoop under warm water before scooping can help glide through the ice cream more smoothly, making for prettier, easier servings.
• Airtight is Right: Always store your oat milk ice cream in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn and keep unwanted odours at bay. A layer of parchment paper on the surface before sealing can also help prevent ice crystals from forming.
• Deep Freeze: Store your ice cream at the back of your freezer where the temperature is most constant for optimal texture. Fluctuations in temperature can affect the consistency of your ice cream.
• Mind the Time: Homemade oat milk ice cream is best enjoyed within a month. Over time, the texture and flavour may degrade, so it’s a great excuse to indulge.

Oat Milk Ice Cream Recipe FAQs

Can I use store-bought oat milk?

Yes, you can use store-bought oat milk, although choosing a barista edition or full-fat version will result in a creamier texture. Homemade oat milk can also be used for a fresher taste.

Do I need an ice cream maker?

While an ice cream maker is recommended for achieving the best texture, you can still make oat milk ice cream without one. Simply freeze the mixture and stir vigorously every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals until they reach your desired consistency.

Can this recipe be made sugar-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the granulated sugar with your preferred sugar-free sweetener. Just be sure to adjust the quantity according to the sweetness level of your alternative.

How long does homemade oat milk ice cream last in the freezer?

Enjoy your oat milk ice cream at its best within a month. Although it can be stored longer, you might notice changes in texture and flavour over time.

Is oat milk ice cream gluten-free?

While oats are naturally gluten-free, ensure you use certified gluten-free oat milk if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, as cross-contamination with gluten-containing grains can occur.