Where do I even start?
Perhaps by telling you this is the creamiest, dreamiest mint ice cream you’ll ever feast on. And that it’s loaded with raw brownie chunks. YES, brownie chunks. No wimpy chocolate chips here. Oh, and that it’s entirely vegan and gluten-free.
Whoo, that was a mouthful, but you need to know it all!
I used to despise mint everything, especially desserts. Mint belonged in fluoride and toothpaste as far as I was concerned; nowhere near my ice cream.
But then, one night at my aunt’s house, I was offered a piece of chocolate cake and the only ice cream available was mint chip. OK, fine. If it’s the only option. I was desperate.
I hate to admit it, but, I fell in love.
This ice cream is based loosely on my chai ice cream (Which has a video, by the way. Have you seen it!?).
It’s cashew-based, which makes it ultra creamy and thick. Coconut milk gives it an ultra velvety finish and pairs perfectly with the fresh mint.
If you love mint, you’re in luck because this ice cream gets its minty-ness from two sources: fresh mint leaves and peppermint extract. I don’t mess around.
While your ice cream is churning, make your raw brownie.
This is the most bare bones raw brownie recipe you can make: dates, raw nuts (I love a mix of raw walnuts and almonds), and cacao or cocoa powder (although cocoa makes it not technically “raw”).
Mix it all together and then form it into a little brownie brick and let it chill while your ice cream gets all soft serve like. Try not to eat it all (important).
Yes! The moment has come to add the brownie.
You don’t need to add it all, unless you really want to. But I like the emphasis to be on the ice cream with bites of brownie in most every bite. Plus, then I can snack on leftover brownie brick the rest of the week (huzzah!).
Friends! This ice cream is a dream. It’s:
Creamy
Smooth
Cold
Minty
Perfectly sweet
Velvety
Studded with raw brownie bites
Chocolaty
Luscious
& Altogether irresistible
Make it for yourself or share it with friends! OR, exercise the utmost self-control and save it for a killer recipe I have coming up for you guys this weekend! Stay tuuuuuned.
If you make this recipe, yo, let me know. Take a picture and tag it #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Or tweeter it to me. I love seeing what you lovelies cook up. Cheers!
Creamy Vegan Mint Brownie Ice Cream
Ingredients
For the Ice Cream
- 1/2 cup fresh mint (divided)
- 1 1/2 cups raw cashews (soaked for 8 hours, then drained)
- 1 14-ounce can full-fat coconut milk (or other non-dairy milk, though full-fat coconut will yield creamiest result)
- 1/2 - 3/4 tsp peppermint extract (depending on how minty you like it)
- 1/4 cup cane sugar
- 1/4 cup agave nectar or maple syrup (or honey if not vegan)
- 3 Tbsp coconut oil (melted)
- 1 tps vanilla extract (optional)
For the Raw Brownie
- 1 cup packed dates (pitted // if your dates are dried out, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to plump them back up then drain)
- 1 1/4 cups raw walnuts (I used a mix of almonds and walnuts)
- 1/3 cup cacao OR cocoa powder (though cocoa powder makes it not technically raw)
Instructions
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Set your churning bowl in the freezer the night before to chill. Soak your cashews the night before as well, or for at least 4-6 hours before blending.
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OPTIONAL STEP: When ready to prepare ice cream, steep HALF of your fresh mint leaves in the coconut milk. Bring the coconut milk to a simmer in a small saucepan and add the mint leaves, then turn to low. Use a wooden spoon or muddler to puncture the mint so it infuses the coconut milk. Keep on low for 15 minutes, then kill heat and let cool. Once cooled, strain out the mint leaves using a fine mesh strainer and pour the coconut milk right into a blender. (If not doing this step, just add all of the fresh mint and coconut milk right into the blender. The flavor won't be AS strong, but it will still be delicious.)
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Add remaining ingredients, including DRAINED cashews and remaining fresh mint (vanilla extract is optional) and blend until creamy and smooth - about 3-4 minutes, using the "liquify option" if you have it. Taste and adjust sweetness/minty-ness as needed.
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Add mixture to your chilled ice cream maker bowl and churn according to manufacturer’s instructions until thoroughly chilled, about 45 minutes. It should resemble thick soft serve (see photo).
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While churning, prepare your raw brownie by processing dates in the food processor until small bits remain - it will likely form into a ball. Remove and set aside.
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Add nuts and process until small bits remain, then add back in dates and cocoa or cacao powder and process until well combined (see photo).
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Transfer to a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper and use hands to form into a "brick" shape. Set in freezer to chill.
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Once ice cream is done churning, break off chunks of your brownie and stir into the ice cream. I used about 3/4 of my brownie.
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Transfer ice cream to a freezer-safe container, cover with plastic wrap and freeze until hard - at least 6 hours, preferably overnight. Will keep in the freezer for up to one week, though best when fresh.
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Before serving, let thaw on the counter for 10-15 minutes to soften.
Notes
*Adapted from my Vegan Chai Ice Cream.
*Prep time does not include chilling/soaking.
*I'm not going to candy-coat it. This is a rich dessert and you only need a little bit to feel satisfied. So no whining about the high calorie count, Rhonda.
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate.
Nutrition Per Serving (1 of 6)
- Calories: 624
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated fat: 20g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 5.2g
- Sugar: 32g
- Protein: 11.6g
I’ve been trying all sorts of vegan ice cream recipes lately, especially to make chocolate chip mint varieties and this recipe was very interesting to me because the texture, I find, is the closest to that correct ‘creamy’ texture and it seems to freeze the right way too. The only problem is that the cashew texture and flavour (to a lesser degree) is a bit too pronounced; like I really do feel like I am eating mint flavoured cashew powder… which isn’t bad per se, just… odd.
I’d be curious to try this with less cashews, likes half as much, but then I wonder why this recipe has as much cashews as it does.
Banana based ice creams don’t do well with the mint flavour I find, and other bases freeze with ice crystals to the point where they aren’t really cream. I’ve tried heating the coconut milk with the sweetener but that actually made the fat separation problem much worse and the result was a white grainy mess… not sure why…
Thanks for sharing! We actually have it on our list to do some vegan ice cream testing that doesn’t rely as heavily on cashews. Stay tuned! In the meantime, this is definitely our favorite recipe.
Wondering if the plastic wrap is a crucial step in the final freezing? I’m trying to reduce the amount of plastic I use. Thanks!
That’s a great question! No, parchment paper would also work well!
Hi, I was wondering if I could omit completely the cane sugar or should I sub maple syrup in for it? Thanks:)
I’d recommend maple syrup over omitting but let us know if you experiment with the recipe!
hi, so I did try it with maple syrup, using only maple syrup and no cane sugar (subbing more maple syrup for the sugar), and I wanted to let you know that it worked! It was delicious and I finished it off within a couple days:) Definitely a make again recipe!
Are the Nutrition Per Serving totals for all 6 servings?
No, the nutritional facts are based on one serving!
So one single serving is over 600 calories? Just checking because that seems extremely high.
This is a rich dessert and you only need a little bit to feel satisfied!
I made this and LOVE IT. I added some cardamom and it brings out the mint flavour some more, thank you! :)
Yay! Glad to hear it, Marjan!
Hey, I’m dying to try this recipe, but I can’t have cashews. Can the cashews be replaced with something else?
Hi! We haven’t tried making it without the cashews and can’t say for sure, but if you experiment with it, report back!
How much ice cream does this recipe make? :)
Hi Racheal! ~6 servings!
If I use store bought cashew milk (or almond milk) instead of soaking the cashews, do you know how much I should use?
Hi Kim! We don’t recommend doing that as the recipe requires the soaked cashews an important ingredients, and not cashew milk. Hope this helps!
Not a huge fan of coconut over here. I know, I’m crazy! But anyway, could I use silken tofu to add thickness? Or a mix of silken tofu/almond milk?
Hi Dana! Hmm I am not sure it would work and can’t say for sure as we have not tested it, but if you give it a try, report back on how it goes!
Out of this world. Best vegan Ice cream of all time. I always half the agave and sugar (I use coconut sugar) because I don’t like it too sweet as it’s so rich. I find that’s the ideal sweeteners for me.
You guys have to try this!
I have been trying to master vegan ice cream and just made this – I must say it’s amazing! I reduced the sweetener and used coconut sugar, infused the mint into the coconut milk for a bit and used my Vitamix to blend it all up. The texture is perfect! So rich and creamy. Easy to make too! Thank you for the recipe!
1 14-ounce can full-fat coconut milk??
Is it 1 1/4 or 114?
How much in ml
Hi, One 14 ounce can (414ml)!
I’m not sure how to submit a picture, but I just made this.
I did not have peppermint extract and so I increased the fresh mint. I used 50g of it- 25 to steep in the coconut milk and 25 to add later.
Also, I don’t have an ice cream maker and so I searched online and found a way to do it (no one will like this, but it really, really worked). What you do is put it in the freezer in a bowl and then every 30 minutes for 4 hours, you pull the bowl out of the freezer and stir it. Slowly, but surely over the 4 hours it absolutely becomes ice cream!
Love the flavor of this ice cream! It is the first vegan ice cream I have made. It is very creamy. The only thing I would like to see if I could make it without the coconut oil. The texture the oil added was a bit strange for me. Would it work omitting the oil? I am going to try making your salted caramel recipe today :) Thanks for all the great recipes!
Yes! Omit the oil next time.
Wow! I have been dreaming of vegan mint ice cream for 5 years now! This looks amazing! The only problem is that i don’t have an ice-cream maker. If I simply allow to freeze after adding all the ingredients, do you think that would work? Or would it Crystallize and become icy?
If you give it a vigorous stir every hour that it’s in the freezer that will help lighten it up. Good luck!
is there a way to modify the recipe so I don’t have to use coconut milk? Can I just replace it with more cashew milk?
We haven’t tried this recipe without coconut milk but I think substituting it with more cashew milk or almond milk might do the trick!
I made this with some small adjustments. I only had 1/3 cup fresh mint and no peppermint oil so I infused the coconut milk with the fresh mint. For the brownies, I found them to be way to crumbly so to counter that, I melted some semi sweet chocolate and coated the top of the brownies with it. It helped keep the mixture together. The ice cream and brownies turned out really good, and I would definitely make this again! Thanks!
Is it okay to use coconut milk with guar gum? Also I don’t have peppermint extract so would doubling the fresh mint work?
I think so, yes!
Thank you! It turned out really good, and my little brother who hates nuts loves it. Its a great alternative to eating conventional ice cream and I would make it again.
What ice cream maker do you have?
Find it here!
Thanks
I am going to make a Bernie’s yearning ice-cream using this recipe tomorrow, however I will add a teaspoon of spirulina to make the ice-cream minty green and melt chocolate to form a disc for the top. Yummy!
What does the size T for coconut oil represent?
Can I make this without the brownie part? Anything you’d change in the recipe to do so? Thanks and can’t wait to try it!!
This … is happiness. LOVE this recipe so much!
Is there any way to make this without an icecream maker? I just can’t afford it at the moment. I was thinking whipping the cream like in your chocolate ice cream recipe but do you think it would work?
Yes! I would make the recipe as instructed, only don’t add the brownie pieces. Freeze batter for 2 hours, then remove from freezer every hour or so for about 6 hours, and whip/stir to incorporate air! Add the brownies when it’s thick soft serve consistency. Good luck!
This is the best vegan ice cream I’ve made yet! I wanted to make candy cane ice cream but I didn’t have ant mint leaves on hand so I used about double the amount of peppermint extract and added crushed candy canes. I wanted to dye it green with a few drops of chlorophyll and then I accidentally dropped the entire bottle in my blender… It still turned out really well, it’s just really green. Thank you for sharing! I’ll be using this base to experiment with other flavors.
Dear Dana, I just bought an ice cream maker and I really can’t wait to make this recipe but… could you please clarify what “1 14-ounce can full fat coconut milk” mean, as for the quantity? Did you mean 1 ounce and 1/4? I usually cook in grams so I am not so accustomed to this way of measuring… Thank you in advance!
It’s one 14-ounce can, which I believe is 425 ml.
Thank you so much!
Do you think you could you use date nectar and date sugar to replace the cane sugar and agave?
Could you use a food processor (which I have) instead of an ice cream maker? It only means putting the ice cream in the freezer and stirring it occassionally, and then you can add in the rest as written. Have you tried the recipe or has anyone tried the recipe this way? Perhaps I should be the first! Thank you for the idea, sounds yummy!
I think that would work! If you give it a try, let me know!
what is the function of putting so much cashews in there, would it not be as firm and rich if used only fullfat coconut milk ? you def have the most beautiful vegan icecream out there. I would love a technical explanation on why using cashews instead of just full fat coconuts? :)
If you use raw Cacao instead of cocoa then it would be totally raw brownies (with added antioxidants at that!) :)
I made this and it was gyad dang fantastical. The fake brownie date chunks are so badass! My whole family makes fake brownie date balls as snacks every week, and they’re pretty much what keeps us sane. Thank you for your culinary skills and wisdom
Can we make the ice cream with a blender? I don’t have an ice cream maker :(
You can, it just won’t be as creamy and thick.
This recipe looks delicious! I was wondering if I can use the chocolate no churn recipe and replace the cocoa Etc with mint?… If that’s a possibility how would I incorporate the mint leaves?
Just made this! Delicious! Instead of the brownie though I threw some fudge that I had made that was a little too rich in the blender and made fudge choc chips…. So good!
Is there any way to make this without cashews (i.e. substitutions)?
This is an incredible recipe, thank you so much! I followed it exactly except used only 1/4 tsp of “mint extract” (contains peppermint oil and spearmint oil). It is the richest, creamiest ice cream I have ever made (and I used to use heavy cream in my pre-vegan days!) So delicious with the brownie chunks! I can’t wait to share it… or better yet maybe I should hide it in the bottom drawer of the freezer ;)
Yay! So glad you enjoyed it, Eve-Marie! Beautiful name, btw!
Hello !
I have to say this looks AMAZING !! I can’t wait to try it it !
But I kind of have a hard time digesting cashews and coconut milk in large quantities, and even more together …. I wanted to know if I could use skinned almonds instead of the cashews ?? I guess I would have to let them soak a bit more ? And how much coconut milk can I replace and still get a good texture ?
Thank you for your help ;)
That could work! It’ll yield a different result, but should still taste good. Let me know how it goes!
Thank you !! I’ll be sure to tell you !
This looks crazy good!
This tastes SOOOO good! I’m only having one problem, and it happens every time I use cashews as a vegan alternative to cream. My ice cream has a grainy texture, like I can still feel the cashews. What am I doing wrong? It doesn’t look creamy and smooth the way it looks in your pictures. Any troubleshooting tips? LOVE the taste of the ice cream though and so happy to have found a viable vegan option!
It might be your blender. You want the “batter” when blended to be EXTREMELY smooth. If you’re using a Ninja, that might be the problem. Next time, add a bit more liquid and blend on high for as long as it takes. Otherwise, it might just be your blender!
Okay, I will give that a try! Thank you!
Can’t wait to try this recipe I love Mint, however it says to use both 1/4 cup cane sugar and
1/4 cup agave nectar or maple syrup (or honey if not vegan). Can you substitute the cane sugar. I am really trying to not use any kind of cane sugar in anything I make. Thank you and looking forward to trying a lot of these goodies!
Gosh these look so so delicious and that vegan brownie recipe! Killer!!
This recipe is absolutely amazing. The ice cream is soo creamy, honestly way better than any store bought vegan ice cream. I used both the fresh mint and the peppermint extract which resulted in a super duper minty flavor. My husband loved this recipe but said it did taste a bit like tooth paste so next time I would leave out the extract and taste test until I found the right balance.
haha, yeah, if you don’t use quality mint extract or if you use too much, it can turn out that way!
This ice cream looks absolutely divine!
I’m swooning, Dana. Absolutely SWOONING.
haha, thanks Rachel!
Is there a way to use this recipe with out an ice cream maker???
I came to here to ask the same question! I’m craving this ice cream so bad but unfortunately don’t have an ice cream maker. Please say there is a way!
It won’t be as creamy but it is possible! Just put the “batter” in a freezer safe container and freeze. Then once every hour for about 5-6 hours, take it out and give it a stir/whisk to aerate. Alternatively, you could freeze it into little bites like this! Hope that helps.
Add this to the cake was genius! Both recipes look so good, I need to make them ASAP!
Yum!! This looks fantastic! I adore mint ice cream, but the addition of brownie bites just takes this over the top!
i maaaay have to go buy an ice cream maker just so i can eat this ice cream!!! it looks sooo good!!
haha, do it! Now that I know ice cream this good is possible AT HOME, I couldn’t do without one!
Mint ice cream and raw brownie bites!!!!!???? I feel like my life suddenly has meaning!!!!! This is the healthiest indulgence EVER! I.WANT!
Brilliant idea! Mint chic-chip always was my favourite ice-cream flavour (almost to the point of being irritating because I’d ALWAYS end up choosing it, even if there were hundreds of other amazing flavours available. But then I guess I never regretted it either:P) I’m pretty sure a chocolate BROWNIE version would tempt me off the usual beaten track though:D
Oh goodness! This ice cream looks incredible. I love mint chocolate ice cream. One problem – if I make the brownies, I’m not sure they’ll last long enough to be put in the ice cream :)
haha, I know! That’s why you have to bury them in the ice cream ;D
I love this 1150bazillion percent, Dana! I have yet to make coconut milk ice cream but I’ve been seeing it a bit recently and can’t wait to try this recipe out. Thanks for converting me (just in time for the hot weather)!
OMG! I’m gonna die with this, I’m a die hard mint-choc fan. I must make this! which ice cream maker brand do you guys recommend?
This one!
Ok so seriously!? I am not a big commenter but I cannot believe that every day I come on here and you have the most amazing delicious recipes over and over! I just had to say something! THANK YOU for all the unbelievable recipes and ideas! All my friends think Im a baking genius but I just keep sending them here and telling them its not me its you!
What a kind thing to say! Thanks for taking the time to comment, Naomi. That seriously made my day. So glad you enjoy the recipes and are sharing them with your friends. Hope you enjoy this ice cream! Cheers!
It’s still chilly up here in the Pacific Northwest and I just can’t seem to get into the ice cream making mode yet! But as soon as July hits, I’ll have this on my ‘to make’ list! Love those date brownies in the mix. Delicious and pinned!
Ah, the Pacific Northwest! Miss it so much. We used to live in Portland. Just wait a little bit more and the sun will be out! Oregon summers are the best :D
OMG!!! That’s not something I even say but this ice cream put those words in my mouth! It looks insanely good! It has to happen this summer!
I need a large bowl of this immediately! Or maybe even in an ice cream sandwich with a couple super-chocolate cookies. PERFECT.
I am swooning so hard right now.
Where do you begin? Where do I begin! You’re incredible. This ice cream looks incredible. Every time you post about ice cream it just further convinces me that I absolutely need to invest in an ice cream maker. (which kind do you use, by the way?)
Oh and mint chip is my favorite flavor. Needless to say, I’m in love with this.
Pinning!
Thanks Abbie! Great question. Check the comments above where I posted the link. Make this ice cream, OK?! And then let me know what you think ;D Cheers!
Hi Dana!
Omg thank you for posting this recipe. Brownies and mint ice cream for the win!
I’m thinking of getting an ice cream maker. What ice cream maker brand do you recommend?
Best,
Camille
Of course! I use this one and love it! Good luck!
That’s a link to a blender, not an ice cream maker!
Sorry about that! Someone else asked what blender I use today. The link should be fixed!
When I posted my coconut chai recipe I have a picture just like yours in the ice cream maker. Now I feel really special that I did something like you :) this looks AMAZING! The raw brownie though. Perfect.
yummm! must try this :)
Mint ice cream, brownie chunks…heaven. Love all of your pics!!
Oh my god, I love brownie mint ice cream! And if you switch out the cane sugar for something else (maybe honey? though it’s not vegan), this would totally be the most decadent Paleo ice cream in the whole world. Thank you for sharing!
Great idea! Yeah, honey would work well in this recipe, as well as agave or maple syrup :D
I’ve alwaaaays loved mint chocolate chip ice cream [but not a fan of mint in non-dessert food]. Double points if it was mint cookies + cream. Triple points if it had brownies. So, you win! I’ve never added coconut oil to my coconut milk ice creams. Do you find it helps keep it from crystallizing as much? I recently used a bit of arrowroot starch and vodka to keep it creamier and softer and it helped immensely!
Yeah, it just makes it super creamy and rich like real ice cream. Not necessary, but totally worth it. Coconut oil also has an amazing effect in raw cheesecakes :D Adding vodka and arrowroot are fabulous additions to dairy-free ice creams! You’re so smart, friend. ;D
You’re a goddess.
Um, YOU ARE. (like seriously everything you post I’m like ‘oh snap, she did it again.’ #truestory)
The feeling is very mutual!
You guys killed it with this ice cream! I rarely make other peoples’ recipes only because I’m always trying to come up with my own and there are only so many hours in the day. (Which I hate – sometimes I want to take a year off of blogging and spend it making everything on my pinboards.) But I just had to give this a go, and I’m so glad I did – I’m OBSESSED. This is such a kick-ass recipe, Dana. The mint flavor is perfect with the richness of the ice cream. It’s so easy to make. And those raw brownies are just perfect – little pockets of gooey chocolate love. I’ve never had a vegan ice cream that is this rich and creamy – I applaud you!
I didn’t have peppermint extract but I did have a lot of mint, so I doubled the amount, and I used a technique I learned from a pastry chef where you blanch and shock the mint, then blend it in at the end. It makes the ice cream a pretty pastel green. Also, I may have added a bit of extra cashew and my mixture was very thick, so I thinned it with a bit of homemade almond milk. I didn’t have walnuts, but pecans worked perfectly well. OMG, I could live off of that brownie mixture.
Thank you SO MUCH for this recipe! I’m having a vegan over this weekend for a cocktail party and am thrilled to have such a heavenly dessert to offer (if I can stop myself from eating it all first). Thank you!!!
Ah, thanks Alanna! Thanks so much for sharing your modifications and fancy techniques! So helpful. I totally get what you’re saying about not having time to make other people’s recipes. I suffer from that, too! But I SO want to make your black sesame and milk chocolate ice cream. SUH genius. Have fun with YO vegan friend! Hope she likes the ice cream as much as you have. Hugs!
It was a huge hit with the vegan and non-vegans alike! I’d love to see you veganize that black sesame ice cream – I’m sure it would be killer. The sesame paste adds a lot of richness and body, so I’m guessing it would work well. And I’ve seen coconut milk chocolate! I’m hoping to try more variations of your ice cream base, too (like your chai ice cream ‘wiches, yummmm!)
I’d love to veganize that one, too! Great call with the richness of the sesame paste. Smart lady! I’m seriously going to have to do that this summer. It looked too good not to! Hugs.
Wow this looks amazing!! I love the look of the raw brownie chunks too!!
There is nothing better in the summer than fresh mint ice cream!
All ice cream should have brownies in it. It just makes sense!
AMEN. (i like the way you think ;D
This definitely makes me wish I had an ice cream maker!
It’s the one bulkier appliance I can justify owning. I just love ice cream that much and dairy-free ice cream at the store is too expensive!
I agree store bought dairy free is so pricey! May I ask what Ice Cream Maker you use? I have been researching one to purchase specifically to make dairy free ice cream and sorbet. Thanks in advance :)
Yes, please share your preferred ice cream maker. Thank you.