Wholesome Blueberry Ice Cream

Experience a truly extraordinary dessert with this Healthy Blueberry Ice Cream – a creamy, rich, and utterly delicious treat unlike any you’ve had before. Crafted with wholesome ingredients, it’s completely free from bananas, dairy, and refined sugar, making it the perfect guilt-free indulgence. The best part? You don’t even need an ice cream maker to achieve its luxurious texture!

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From My Kitchen to Yours: A Dairy-Free Delight Born from Love

Few people love ice cream as much as my husband, but his lactose intolerance often leaves him with limited options for truly satisfying frozen treats. This dilemma became my inspiration, driving me to create a recipe that delivers all the creamy indulgence of traditional ice cream, without any dairy, refined sugars, or even the common banana base. I wanted something truly special, and I’m thrilled to share that this recipe hits all the right notes!

I chose blueberries for this recipe because they are, without a doubt, his favorite fruit. However, from the very first spoonful, I was completely captivated. The vibrant, intense blueberry flavor, combined with the incredibly smooth and rich texture, is simply unparalleled. It’s hard to imagine a more perfect flavor combination, making it a guaranteed family favorite and a delightful surprise for anyone seeking a healthier, yet utterly delicious, dessert option.

The Wholesome Ingredients Behind Our Creamy Blueberry Ice Cream

Creating this remarkably creamy, flavorful, and healthy blueberry ice cream relies on a carefully selected blend of just six simple ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect taste and texture, demonstrating that a truly indulgent dessert can also be wonderfully nutritious. Let’s explore what makes each ingredient indispensable:

• Wild Blueberries: The Flavorful Heart of the Recipe. This is not just any blueberry ice cream! The secret to its incredibly intense and vibrant flavor lies in using frozen wild blueberries. These tiny berries are significantly smaller and less watery than their cultivated counterparts, meaning they pack a far more concentrated, tangy, and naturally sweeter punch. Their robust flavor is a game-changer for this recipe, giving the ice cream its signature depth and beautiful color. Stock up on these frozen gems; any leftovers are fantastic in a quick Blueberry Smoothie or a homemade Blueberry Syrup.
• Cashews: The Unsung Hero of Creaminess. For a truly rich, smooth, and dairy-free texture that rivals traditional ice cream, cashews are indispensable. When properly soaked and blended, these nuts create a velvety, buttery base that provides both incredible mouthfeel and a subtle, delightful nutty flavor. We highly recommend using plain, unsalted cashews – dry roasted and lightly salted varieties can add an extra layer of deliciousness.
• Full-Fat Coconut Milk or Cream: The Foundation of Richness. To achieve that luxurious, scoopable consistency, full-fat coconut milk is non-negotiable. The high-fat content is essential for a rich, creamy ice cream that won’t turn icy. While coconut cream can be used for an even more decadent result, ensure you steer clear of “light” coconut milk, as it will yield a thinner, less satisfying dessert.
• Pure Maple Syrup: Our Natural Sweetener. To keep this recipe free of refined sugars, we sweeten it naturally with pure maple syrup. This natural liquid gold provides a balanced sweetness that beautifully complements the tartness of the blueberries, along with a delicate, warm undertone. Always choose 100% pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup or corn syrup, for the best flavor and health benefits.
• Fine Sea Salt: The Essential Flavor Enhancer. A small but mighty ingredient, fine sea salt doesn’t make the ice cream salty; rather, it performs a crucial role in enhancing and balancing all the other flavors. It brings out the natural sweetness of the blueberries and maple syrup, preventing the ice cream from tasting flat and making every spoonful more vibrant and enjoyable.
• Vanilla Extract: A Hint of Aromatic Warmth. While listed as optional, a splash of pure vanilla extract is highly recommended. It adds a wonderfully smooth, aromatic dimension that rounds out the flavors, contributing a subtle warmth that elevates the overall profile of this blueberry delight.

Simple Steps to Crafting Creamy Blueberry Ice Cream

Creating this delightfully smooth and healthy blueberry ice cream is remarkably straightforward, and the best part is that you don’t even need a dedicated ice cream maker for fantastic results. Follow these easy steps to whip up your new favorite guilt-free dessert:

1. Soften the Cashews for a Silky Base: The foundation of this ice cream’s incredible creaminess lies in properly softened cashews. Choose the method that best suits your schedule:
   • Overnight Soak (6-8 hours): For minimal hands-on time, place the cashews in a bowl, cover them completely with fresh water, and let them soak for 6 to 8 hours, or until they become visibly plump and soft. Drain thoroughly before proceeding.
   • Quick Soak with Boiling Water (30-60 minutes): If you’re pressed for time, put the cashews in a heatproof bowl, pour 2 cups of boiling water over them, and let them sit for 30 minutes to an hour until they are tender and swollen. Drain completely.
   • Boil Method (10 minutes): For the fastest approach, add the cashews to a small pot, cover them with about an inch of water, bring it to a boil, and let them simmer for 10 minutes until they are soft and bloated. Ensure they are thoroughly drained afterward.
2. Blend All Ingredients Until Ultra-Smooth: Once your cashews are perfectly softened and well-drained, transfer them into a high-powered blender. Add the entire can of full-fat coconut milk (don’t forget to scrape in any thick cream that might have settled at the top of the can!), along with the frozen wild blueberries, maple syrup, fine sea salt, and the optional vanilla extract. Blend on high speed for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the mixture reaches an incredibly smooth consistency with no visible cashew pieces. This step is critical for a truly luxurious ice cream, so be patient and use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the blender a few times to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
3. Freeze for Delicious Results (No-Churn or Machine): Now, it’s time to transform your liquid base into scoopable frozen goodness.
   • The No-Churn Method (Ice Cube Trays): This is our go-to method for simplicity and outstanding texture. Pour the thoroughly blended mixture evenly into ice cube trays (you will likely need two standard trays). If you anticipate your blender might struggle with frozen cubes later, you can reserve about 1/3 cup of the liquid mixture and chill it in the fridge. Place the filled ice cube trays in the freezer for at least 8 hours, or preferably overnight, until the cubes are completely solid.
   • Using an Ice Cream Maker: If you prefer to use a traditional ice cream maker, first chill the blended mixture in the fridge for approximately 30 minutes (as the blending process can warm it slightly). Then, transfer the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn it according to the manufacturer’s specific instructions.
4. Final Blend for Creamy Perfection (No-Churn Method): For those using the ice cube tray method, carefully remove the frozen ice cream cubes. Running the bottoms of the trays under hot water for about 15-20 seconds usually helps them release effortlessly. Transfer the frozen cubes into your high-powered blender. Blend the cubes until they transform into a smooth, creamy, and irresistible ice cream consistency. No additional liquid is typically needed, but if you have a less powerful blender, add the previously reserved 1/3 cup of chilled mixture to assist in blending. Frequently scrape down the sides of the blender and stir the contents to ensure an even, uniform blend. Once perfectly smooth and luscious, scoop your healthy blueberry ice cream into bowls and serve immediately for the ultimate fresh taste!

Essential Equipment for Effortless Healthy Ice Cream Making

While this healthy blueberry ice cream recipe is designed for simplicity, having the right tools can significantly enhance your experience and guarantee consistently perfect results. Here’s a breakdown of the key equipment you’ll need:

• High-Powered Blender or Food Processor: This is arguably the most critical piece of equipment for this recipe. A robust, high-powered blender (such as a Blendtec® or Vitamix) is absolutely essential for two main reasons:
  • Silky Smooth Cashews: It ensures that the softened cashews are pulverized into an incredibly silky-smooth cream, eliminating any gritty texture and providing the luxurious base for your ice cream.
  • Effortless Frozen Blending: It can efficiently blend the frozen ice cream cubes into a creamy consistency without overheating the mixture or introducing too much air, which could lead to an icy texture. If you have a less powerful blender, you might need to blend in smaller batches and scrape down the sides more frequently, potentially adding a small amount of the reserved liquid (as detailed in the recipe notes) to aid the process.
  • Recommended: A High-Powered Blender
• Ice Cube Trays (for No-Churn) or an Ice Cream Maker: Your choice here depends on your preference and what you have on hand.
  • Ice Cube Trays: For the incredibly convenient no-churn method, simple ice cube trays are perfect. They allow the mixture to freeze quickly and provide ideal-sized portions for the final blending step, making the process much easier.
  • Ice Cream Maker: If you already own one and prefer the traditional churning process, an ice cream maker (like the Cuisinart ICE-30BC) can certainly be used. Just remember to thoroughly chill the blended mixture before churning to achieve the best possible texture.

Expert Tips for Success & Smart Storage

To ensure your healthy blueberry ice cream consistently turns out perfect and to make the most of this delightful recipe, consider these invaluable tips:

Healthy Blueberry Ice Cream

By
Chelsea Lords

This incredibly creamy Healthy Blueberry Ice Cream is a dairy-free, banana-free, and refined sugar-free delight that tastes wonderfully indulgent and sweet. Made with wholesome ingredients and adaptable for both no-churn and ice cream maker methods, it’s an effortlessly delicious treat everyone will love!

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Chill/Freeze Time:
8 hours

Total Time:
8 hours 15 minutes

Servings:
8 servings

Equipment

• High-powered Blender (see note 1 for less powerful blenders)
• Ice Cream Maker OR Ice Cube Trays (see note 2)

Ingredients

• 2 cups frozenwildblueberries (see note 3)
• 1/2 cup cashews (dry roasted and lightly salted recommended!)
• 1 (13.5-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk (see note 4)
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup (see note 5)
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but recommended!)

Instructions

1. Soften Cashews: Choose one method to soften your cashews for optimal creaminess:
   • Overnight Soak: Place cashews in a bowl, cover with water, and let soak for 6-8 hours until soft and bloated. Drain thoroughly.
   • Boiling Water Soak: Place cashews in a heatproof bowl, cover with 2 cups boiling water, and let stand for 30-60 minutes until soft. Drain thoroughly.
   • Quick Boil: Add cashews to a small pot, cover with 1 inch of water, bring to a boil, and boil for 10 minutes until soft. Drain thoroughly.
2. Blend Ingredients: Add the entire can of coconut milk (including any solids that have settled) to a large, high-powered blender. Add the remaining ingredients, including the well-drained softened cashews. Blend on high speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is exceptionally smooth.
3. Freeze the Mixture:
   • For Ice Cube Trays (No-Churn): Pour the mixture evenly into ice cube trays (you’ll likely need 2 standard trays). If your blender is less powerful, reserve 1/3 cup of the mixture and chill it in the fridge for later. Freeze the trays for at least 8 hours, or until completely solid.
   • For an Ice Cream Maker: Chill the blended mixture in the fridge for 30 minutes (as blending can warm it up). Then, add it to your ice cream maker and churn according to its specific instructions.
4. Final Blend & Serve (No-Churn Method): If using ice cube trays, remove the frozen cubes by running the bottoms of the trays under hot water for 15-20 seconds until they release easily. Transfer the frozen cubes to a high-powered blender. Blend the cubes until they transform into smooth, creamy ice cream. (Only add the reserved 1/3 cup liquid if using a lower-powered blender to aid blending). Scrape down the sides and stir frequently to ensure an even consistency. Once smooth and creamy, scoop immediately into bowls and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: High-Powered Blender is Key: A powerful blender (such as a Blendtec® or Vitamix) is crucial for achieving the perfect texture. It efficiently blends the cashews into a smooth cream and easily processes the frozen ice cream cubes without causing the mixture to overheat and become watery. If you have a less powerful blender, proceed with caution: blend in smaller batches, extend blending time slightly, and consider reserving 1/3 cup of the initial liquid mixture to add back in when blending the frozen cubes. This can help prevent your blender from struggling and ensure a smoother final product.

Note 2: Equipment Choice: If you’re using an ice cream maker, always chill the blended mixture thoroughly before adding it to the machine for optimal results. For those opting for the no-churn method, standard ice cube trays work wonderfully and yield fantastic creamy ice cream after the final blend.

Note 3: Wild Blueberries Make a Difference: It’s absolutely essential to use frozen wild blueberries, not regular cultivated blueberries. Wild blueberries are notably smaller, more compact, and have a lower water content. This translates to a significantly more intense, tangy, and naturally sweeter blueberry flavor, which is a game-changer for this recipe’s vibrant taste and color!

Note 4: Full-Fat Coconut Milk for Richness: For a truly rich and creamy ice cream, full-fat coconut milk is non-negotiable. Using lite coconut milk will result in a much thinner and icier dessert, lacking the luxurious texture we aim for. Always check the label to ensure you’re getting full-fat!

Note 5: Pure Maple Syrup Explained: When we refer to maple syrup, we mean 100% pure maple syrup, which is made simply from the boiled sap of maple trees. It’s a natural sweetener with a distinct flavor. Do not confuse it with corn syrup, pancake syrup, or other artificially flavored syrups, as these will alter the taste and health profile of your ice cream.

Storage & Make-Ahead: This ice cream is perfect for meal prepping your desserts! Make several batches, freeze the mixture in ice cube trays, then transfer the solid cubes to gallon-sized freezer bags. When a craving hits, simply blend a handful of cubes for instant, fresh blueberry ice cream. This keeps well for weeks in the freezer.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition information is an approximation based on standard calculations and should be used as a general guide.

• Serving: 1 serving
• Calories: 191 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 15.6g
• Protein: 2.7g
• Fat: 14.4g
• Sodium: 9.6mg
• Fiber: 1.8g
• Sugar: 6.5g