Almond butter ice cream is a delicious dairy-free treat that is super creamy and full of nutty almond flavor.

This ice cream is easy to make at home, requiring just a few simple ingredients and no special equipment.

Keep reading to learn all about how to make almond butter ice cream and enjoy this nutritious frozen dessert.

Table of Contents

Why Make Almond Butter Ice Cream?

There are several great reasons to give almond butter ice cream a try:

It's dairy-free - Almond butter ice cream contains no dairy, making it suitable for those with milk allergies or lactose intolerance. The base is made from almond milk or coconut milk.
High in nutrients - Almonds are rich in healthy fats, protein, fiber, magnesium, and vitamin E. Using almond butter gives this ice cream nutritional value.
Naturally sweetened - Most recipes sweeten the ice cream with fruit-based sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or dates which add flavor and keep it paleo-friendly.
Easy to make - No ice cream maker required! The steps are simple and you likely have most of the ingredients on hand.
Customizable - Flavor it however you like with extracts, cocoa powder, or mix-ins like chocolate chips or nuts.

How to Make Almond Butter Ice Cream

Making almond butter ice cream at home is surprisingly easy. Here is an overview of the basic steps:

Blend a base - In a blender, blend together almond milk and almond butter until smooth and creamy. This makes the base of the ice cream.
Sweeten - Add a natural liquid sweetener like maple syrup, honey, or date paste and blend again to incorporate.
Flavor - Stir in any extra flavorings like vanilla, almond extract, cinnamon, etc.
Freeze - Transfer the ice cream base to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for 1-2 hours until semi-firm.
Blend again - For the best texture, blend again before transferring it back to the freezer to finish firming up.

And that's it - easy homemade almond butter ice cream ready to enjoy! Let's look at some tips for making it successful.

Tips for Creamy, Delicious Almond Butter Ice Cream

Follow these tips for ice cream perfection:

Use very ripe bananas - Bananas add creaminess and natural sweetness. The riper the better!
Choose creamy almond butter - Look for almond butter that is smooth and pourable for the best consistency.
Blend thoroughly - Ensure the base is well blended so the texture stays smooth after freezing.
Sweeten to taste - The sweetness of ice creams can vary. Taste as you go and adjust.
Serve soft - Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving for ideal scooping consistency.
Store airtight - Keep ice cream well sealed in the freezer to prevent icy crystals from forming.

Serving Ideas for Almond Butter Ice Cream

Almond butter ice cream is delicious on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with all kinds of toppings and mix-ins. Here are some tasty serving suggestions:

Fresh fruit like sliced bananas, berries, or pineapple
Chopped nuts like almonds, walnuts, pecans, or peanuts
Shaved chocolate or chocolate sauce for chocolate lovers
Granola or crushed cookies to add crunch
Swirls of almond butter or Nutella for extra nutty flavor
Coconut flakes for a tropical twist
Crumbled brownies or cookies crumbles
Hot fudge for an old-fashioned ice cream parlor treat

Use your imagination and customize your almond butter ice cream however your taste buds desire!

FAQs

Is almond milk required or can I use a different milk?

You can use any unsweetened non-dairy milk like oat milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, etc. Almond milk gives it the most almond flavor, but another nut milk would work too.

Do I really need an ice cream maker?

Nope! An ice cream maker is convenient but not essential. You can simply freeze the base in a freezer-safe container, blending it once halfway through freezing to improve texture. But it will come out fine without blitzing it again.

How long does almond butter ice cream last in the freezer?

It will keep well in an airtight container for 1-2 weeks. Make sure to seal it so no ice crystals form. Let sit at room temperature briefly before serving if too hard straight from the freezer.

Can I use chunky almond butter instead of creamy?

You can, but creamy almond butter makes the smoothest textured ice cream. If using chunky, you may want to blend it first to break up the pieces for a more uniform texture.

Is this recipe safe for food allergies?

Always check your ingredients, but this recipe is dairy-free, egg-free, and nut-free (if you avoid almonds). Use certified gluten-free oats or almond milk if needed. The base recipe is allergy-friendly.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply use maple syrup, agave, or dates to sweeten instead of honey. And use dairy-free chocolate if adding mix-ins. Coconut milk often works better than almond milk for a richer base too.

Conclusion

Homemade almond butter ice cream is simple to whip up and makes for a nutritious and delicious dairy-free frozen treat.

With just a few ingredients and minimal steps, you can enjoy ice cream any time a craving strikes.