Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe — Homemade & Fresh

Healthy Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

This dairy-free mint chocolate chip ice cream is made with coconut cream, a natural sweetener (maple syrup or honey), and dark chocolate chips. Vegan-friendly when using maple syrup, it’s simple to make without an ice cream machine and contains no artificial colors or preservatives — a refreshing summer treat any day of the year.

Homemade healthy mint chocolate chip ice cream in a bowl.

Why you’ll love this recipe

This homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream is a healthier alternative to many store-bought varieties. It’s made without heavy cream, refined sugar, or artificial dyes. Using unsweetened coconut cream provides healthy fats and a creamy texture. Here are a few reasons to try it:

  • Simple and kid-friendly: This no-churn recipe requires no ice cream maker and is easy enough for kids to get involved. If your household prefers different flavors, try a homemade orange creamsicle version instead.
  • A healthier choice: Kids and adults can enjoy this flavor without artificial sweeteners or preservatives — just real ingredients. If you want more protein, consider a high-protein chocolate peanut butter ice cream alternative.
  • Customizable flavor and color: Blend fresh mint leaves for extra flavor and a natural tint, or experiment with a small amount of spirulina or wheatgrass powder. Always start with less and add more to taste.

Ingredients:

6 servings

  • 2 cups unsweetened coconut cream
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond, cashew, or coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup or raw honey
  • 1/2 tsp pure peppermint extract
  • tiny pinch of sea salt
  • 1/3 cup dark cacao chips or chunks
Mint chocolate chip ice cream frozen in a dish.

How to make Vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream without an Ice Cream Maker:

Step 1. On a low blender setting, blend all ingredients except the chocolate chips until smooth. If adding a natural green color (spinach, mint leaves, spirulina, etc.), start with a small amount and add more to taste.

Step 2. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe dish, sprinkle in the chocolate chips as desired, cover, and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 3. Scoop and serve immediately straight from the freezer.

Enjoy!

💚Rachel

Rachel’s Tips

  • Use a LOW blender setting to avoid clumping.
  • Peppermint extract strengths vary by brand; start with less, taste, then add more. Too much extract can be overpowering.
  • Use coconut cream, not coconut milk: Coconut cream (in a can) provides the fat needed for a creamy texture. Use the solid cream from the top of a chilled can and save the remaining liquid for smoothies.
  • Chill coconut cream cans overnight: Refrigerate the cans so the cream separates and rises to the top; you’ll only need the thick cream for this recipe.
  • Sweetness is personal — start with less maple syrup or honey, taste, then adjust.
  • Choose dark chocolate chips or chunks with a higher cacao percentage for the best flavor; you can also break a high-quality chocolate bar into pieces.
  • For lower sugar, consider chocolate sweetened with stevia.
Mint chocolate chip ice cream in a bowl.

Storage

Store in the freezer for up to two weeks in a well-sealed container to prevent freezer burn. The texture is best in the first two weeks, though the ice cream can remain safe for longer if kept frozen.

How to make mint ice cream green

Coloring is optional — the ice cream will taste minty without it. If you want a natural green tint, use one of these gentle options. Spinach and fresh mint both add color without a noticeable flavor when blended in small amounts.

Ideas for green color if desired:

  • 2–3 drops of all-natural food coloring
  • 1 cup baby spinach leaves
  • A handful of fresh mint leaves
  • A pinch of wheatgrass powder
  • A pinch of spirulina
Vegan mint chocolate chip ice cream in a bowl.

Recipe FAQ’s

Can I use coconut milk instead of coconut cream in dairy-free mint chocolate chip ice cream?

No. Coconut milk lacks the fat necessary for the thick, creamy texture this recipe relies on. Use canned coconut cream for best results.

How long will this homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream last in the freezer?

The creamiest texture is within the first two weeks, but properly stored in the freezer it can keep for 1–2 months.

Do I have to use peppermint extract in this ice cream recipe?

No. You can use blended fresh mint leaves for natural mint flavor instead of extract.

Is this recipe dairy free?

Yes. This recipe contains no dairy. It’s vegan if you use maple syrup as the sweetener instead of honey.

Healthy mint chip ice cream in a bowl.

More healthy dessert recipes you’ll love:

  • Protein-Stuffed Dates
  • Honey Sesame Granola Bark
  • Matcha Chia Pudding with Raspberry
  • Easy Pumpkin Pudding (15 minutes)
  • Pumpkin Ice Cream
Homemade healthy mint chocolate chip ice cream in a bowl.
Servings: 6

Healthy Homemade Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

A dairy-free mint chocolate chip ice cream made with coconut cream, natural sweetener, and dark chocolate. Vegan-friendly, no artificial colors, and simple to prepare without an ice cream machine.
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 0 minutes
Freeze Time: 4 hours
Total: 4 hours 5 minutes
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Ingredients 

  • 2 cups unsweetened coconut cream
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond, (or cashew, or coconut milk)
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup or raw honey
  • 1/2 tsp pure peppermint extract
  • tiny pinch of sea salt
  • 1/3 cup dark cacao chips or chunks

Ideas for green color if desired:

  • 2-3 drops of all-natural food coloring, there are some decent varieties available today
  • Or 1 cup baby spinach leaves
  • Or a bunch of fresh mint leaves
  • Or a pinch of wheatgrass powder
  • Or a pinch of spirulina

Instructions 

  • Using a low setting, blend all ingredients together except the chocolate chips. If using a natural coloring or fresh leaves, start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
  • Pour into a freezer-safe dish, sprinkle with chocolate chips, cover, and freeze for 4 hours or overnight.
  • Scoop with an ice cream scoop and serve immediately.
  • Store in the freezer up to two weeks in a well-sealed container to prevent freezer burn.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 379kcal, Carbohydrates: 25g, Protein: 4g, Fat: 31g, Saturated Fat: 27g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 60mg, Potassium: 320mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 16g, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 88mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.


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