Golden Milk Ice Cream (Vegan) Recipe

Creamy, dreamy, and beautifully spiced, Golden Milk Ice Cream is what happens when Ayurveda meets dessert in the best possible way. This vegan treat swirls the sunshine flavors of turmeric, warming ginger, and velvety coconut milk into a scoop that’s as nourishing as it is decadent. With its rich texture and stunning golden hue, you’re in for a seriously delightful scoop!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You might be surprised how short and sweet this ingredient list is, but each one really shines—bringing unique flavor, creamy texture, or luscious color to your Golden Milk Ice Cream. Here’s how each one plays its part:

• Full-Fat Coconut Milk (2 cans): This is the backbone for creamy, rich vegan ice cream. Coconut cream is even thicker if you want pure indulgence!
• Fresh Ginger (4 quarter-size slices): Infuses the base with a warm, spicy kick and that unmistakable golden milk essence.
• Maple Syrup (¼ cup): This natural sweetener gently enhances the spiced flavors while keeping things vegan—swap in some cane sugar if you like a bolder sweetness.
• Sea Salt (pinch): A touch of salt brings all the flavors into balance and heightens the spice notes.
• Ground Turmeric (2 tsp): The star: for iconic color, lovely earthiness, and those anti-inflammatory health perks.
• Ground Cinnamon (½ tsp): Adds warmth and deliciously sweet undertones—feel free to add extra if you crave more spice.
• Black Pepper (⅛ tsp): Don’t skip it! Pepper makes turmeric’s benefits more bioavailable, plus it brings depth and intrigue.
• Cardamom (⅛ tsp, optional): A hint of floral, citrusy note—the secret to truly memorable golden milk ice cream.
• Pure Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Rounds out the flavors and gives that classic, comforting ice cream aroma.
• Olive Oil (2 Tbsp, optional): For extra-silky texture; this is especially helpful if you want scoopable, melt-on-the-tongue results.
• Candied Ginger (¼ cup, optional): A little chewy zing in every bite and a playful surprise for ginger-lovers.

Variations

Don’t be afraid to make Golden Milk Ice Cream your own—the flavors shine with a personal twist! It’s incredibly easy to tweak ingredients or techniques to suit any preferences or dietary needs.

• Nutty Golden Milk: Swirl in a spoonful of almond, cashew, or pistachio butter before churning for an ultra-rich, nutty taste.
• Lower-Sugar Option: Substitute maple syrup with monk fruit or stevia for a lighter treat, or use just half maple syrup plus extra vanilla for subtle sweetness.
• Dairy-Free Yogurt Swirl: Add a few spoonfuls of coconut or almond yogurt for a bit of tang and more probiotic goodness in each scoop.
• Chai-Inspired: Increase the cinnamon, add a hint of ground cloves, and sprinkle in a dash more cardamom for true chai-vibes.

How to Make Golden Milk Ice Cream

Step 1: Prepare Your Ice Cream Base

The night before (or at least several hours ahead!), tuck your ice cream maker bowl into the freezer to get it nice and frosty. In a large saucepan, combine the coconut milk, fresh ginger slices, maple syrup, salt, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, and cardamom. Warm everything over medium heat until just simmering—don’t let it boil!—and whisk until smooth and fragrant.

Step 2: Infuse & Flavor

Once your mixture is gently simmering and beautifully golden, remove it from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and taste-test: adjust the sweetness, salt, or spice until it’s absolutely perfect for your palate. Don’t forget, the flavors mellow a bit once frozen!

Step 3: Chill Thoroughly

Pour the base (including those ginger slices) into a bowl, let it cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4-6 hours). This step ensures your Golden Milk Ice Cream will churn up dreamy and creamy, not icy.

Step 4: Remove Ginger and Add Extra Creaminess

Once the mixture is chilled, fish out or strain the ginger slices. Now’s the moment to whisk in olive oil for a little extra magic—hello, scoopable silkiness! (You can skip this, but it adds wonderful texture.)

Step 5: Churn and Flavor Burst

Pour the base into your prepared ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s directions (usually about 20-30 minutes) until it looks like thick, golden soft-serve. While it churns, chop your candied ginger. During the last few minutes, sprinkle it in for chewy, spicy bursts.

Step 6: Freeze and Serve

Scoop the freshly churned Golden Milk Ice Cream into a small loaf pan lined with parchment or a freezer-safe container. Smooth the top, cover well, and freeze for at least 4–6 hours until scoopable and firm. When ready to serve, let the ice cream sit out for 10 minutes, then use a hot scoop for perfectly round scoops.

How to Serve Golden Milk Ice Cream

Garnishes

Golden Milk Ice Cream absolutely shines with a handful of toasted coconut flakes, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, or a few extra nuggets of candied ginger. For special occasions, try a drizzle of vegan honey or a dusting of edible petals to play up its sunlit color.

Side Dishes

This golden treat plays oh-so-well with crisp almond biscotti, a chewy vegan oatmeal cookie, or a slice of spicy banana bread. You can even nestle scoops atop baked apples or roasted peaches for an unforgettable dessert duo!

Creative Ways to Present

For a truly show-stopping dessert, serve Golden Milk Ice Cream in coconut shells or tiny glass jars—finish with gold leaf sprinkles, or pair it with a shot of strong espresso for a “golden affogato.” Hosting guests? Layer scoops in parfait glasses with granola and tropical fruit for an Instagram-worthy sundae.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Golden Milk Ice Cream in a tightly sealed, freezer-safe container. To prevent ice crystals and keep the texture perfect, press a piece of parchment directly onto the surface before sealing with the lid.

Freezing

Golden Milk Ice Cream keeps beautifully in the freezer for up to 10 days (some say even longer!), but it’s at its creamiest and most vibrant within the first week. Be sure to freeze it solid before serving for best results.

Reheating

Since this is ice cream, there’s no true reheating required. Instead, let the container sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before scooping, or run your scoop under hot water for those picture-perfect rounds every time.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something dazzlingly different—and secretly nourishing—this Golden Milk Ice Cream is guaranteed to make you swoon. It’s more than dessert; it’s a celebration of sunshine, spice, and soul-soothing comfort. Give it a whirl and treat yourself to a scoop of golden bliss!

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