Well, friends, it’s been a rough week. I’ve lost my appetite and shed my weight in tears. Fortunately, a couple of dear friends are coming into town this weekend and their presence will surely lift my spirits. In the meantime, I thought I’d share this chai ice cream recipe that I’ve been tinkering with over the past month. I brought the latest batch over to girls night this week and the girls say it’s just right. As a frozen treat with warming spices, it seems like an appropriate dessert for this in-between weather.
Chai Coconut Ice Cream
- Author: Cookie and Kate
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Indian
Dairy-free, egg-free Chai ice cream made with coconut milk, honey and spices. It is perfectly scoopable from the freezer, but the texture is better if you let it rest at room temperature for five minutes before serving.
Ingredients
- 4 bags Assam black tea or regular black tea
- 2 cans (28 ounces) full fat coconut milk
- ¾ cup honey (use ⅔ cup for slightly less sweet ice cream)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¾ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- pinch fine grain sea salt
- 1 ½ teaspoon arrowroot starch whisked with a few tablespoons of the coconut milk mixture (optional, see note)
Instructions
- In a liquid measuring cup, pour one cup boiling water over the tea bags. Let steep for 4 minutes, then remove the bags (squeeze out some of the water they have absorbed).
- Shake up your cans of coconut milk before opening in case the coconut cream has separated from the coconut water. In a Dutch oven or a big, heavy-bottomed pot, whisk together the coconut milk, tea, honey, vanilla, spices and salt until thoroughly blended.
- If you are NOT adding arrowroot starch, you can go ahead and chill the mixture (if the coconut milk cream is still floating around in bits, first heat the mixture over medium heat for a few minutes while whisking until it the cream is incorporated, then cool).
- If you ARE adding arrowroot starch, heat the mixture over medium heat. In a small bowl, whisk the arrowroot starch with a few tablespoons of the coconut milk mixture until thoroughly blended. Pour the arrowroot mixture into the warm coconut milk mixture and bring it to a gentle boil, stirring frequently for one minute.
- Remove from heat, let cool to room temperature, then place the bowl in the refrigerator until the mixture is completely and thoroughly chilled. While you’re at it, place your future ice cream container in the freezer to chill.
- If you used arrowroot starch, scoop off the thickened top layer with a spoon and discard it. Whisk together the chilled mixture one last time, then pour it into your ice cream maker. Freeze according to your manufacturer’s instructions, then transfer it to your chilled container and freeze for several hours in the freezer (let it defrost for five minutes before serving). Or eat immediately for soft serve texture.
Notes
Recipe created with guidance from Oh, Ladycakes and A Couple Cooks. This recipe yields a little over 1.5 quarts, which is about as much as my ice cream maker will hold.
Make it vegan: Substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for the honey. You’re going to end up with ice cream that freezes harder than ice cream made with honey—let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Arrowroot starch is a natural root starch that helps absorb the ice crystals. It’s optional here; you can also help the ice crystals go away if you let the ice cream sit for five minutes before serving. Look for arrowroot in the baking section of well-stocked grocery stores.
Change it up: The girls added a few chocolate chips to their bowls of ice cream. I think finely chopped dark chocolate incorporated near the end of the freezing cycle would be a very good idea.
A note on ice cream makers: I love-love-love my 2-quart Cuisinart. If you don’t have an ice cream maker and don’t want to buy one, here are a couple of methods that might work for this ice cream (I haven’t tried them): how to make ice cream with a food processor (tips from Jeni Britton) and how to make ice cream without a machine (by David Lebovitz).
Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now. 
Le Grumeau
Wow, I would not have thought of combining the two flavors, it really looks incredible though. The texture seems amazing, bravo !
Sarah
This sounds amazing. I love the chai flavors!
Elizabeth
Oh no–I’m really sorry to hear things have been tough. I hope your friends do lift your spirits when they visit. My spirits are definitely lifted by this ice cream! It looks delicious, and you’re so right about the perfect flavor profile for this very in-between spring we seem to be having.
Kate
Thank you, Elizabeth. My friend has certainly lifted my spirits already. We just ate a little bowl of this ice cream as a pre-brunch snack! xo.
Laura
Hey girl, I love the light in these photographs. It’s so perfectly warm and clear. This treat sounds so wonderful and transitionally spot on, especially with that chocolate suggestion. More importantly though, I’m sending you the biggest hug via the internet that I can manage, you magnificent lady. xo
Yohann
I love the dairy free / egg free. It’s amazing how with a little (a lot) of brainstorming and tweaking [almost] everything can be healthy!
Cookin Canuck
I’m sorry that you’re having such a rough week. Hopefully a weekend with good friends will lift your spirits.
This ice cream sounds fantastic…warming spices in a refreshing treat.
Kathryn
Just love the idea of this. Can’t wait to give it a whirl. Sending lots of good vibes your way : )
Sonja
What a great idea! I love this chai variation on coconut ice cream. And I too want to send a cyber hug your way!! So sorry to hear you’re down, but hoping your friends’ visit is just the thing you need. XO
Kate
Thank you, Sonja. xo
Ashley
Aww, I’m so sorry to hear you’ve had a rough week. Hang in there and have fun with your friends! The ice cream sounds fantastic. Love chai flavors!
Grace
Once again you come through with a recipe that speaks straight to me. Definitely making this this weekend. Chai is on the list of my ultimate favorite things. Enjoy the time with your friends. Wishing you well. Love and light to you!
Jodi
This sounds delicious Kate! I love dairy free ice creams, I find they have just as much flavor and are so much better for you. I will have to try this one, I love the chai flavoring. Hoping your friend time will cheer things up for you :) Good friends have a way of making everything better.
Kate
Thanks, Jodi. I was pleasantly surprised to find that coconut milk ice cream has such great texture, even without eggs. Hope your weekend is off to a great start.
Shanna
Oh, dear. I don’t know what’s made for the rough week but I’m so sorry to hear it. In my experience, ice cream makes a good bedfellow in hard times (and good). Hope time with friends brings even more comfort!
Kate
Thank you, Shanna. :)
Chloe Moon
Oh my goodness I have to make this!!! =) I love chai & coconut!! =)
Abby @ The Frosted V
I’m sorry you are having a rough week, but friends are always the best sure to all! This looks perfectly lovely, have a good weekend!
Janet
This looks so amazing, it may inspire me to purchase an ice cream maker. I love all the spices. Hope your days get sunnier soon!!
Claire
Kate, I’m so sorry you are having a grubby week. I know I’ve never met you, but I (and I’m sure tons of your readers) feel grateful for little ol’ you. I work in a tiny office and whenever you update your site it makes my day. I print off your recipes and take them to my little kitchen and improve my health in doing so. I’ll even be making your recent chocolate chip cookie recipe next Friday for my wedding. So even though you don’t know me, you impact me. (…I’m sounding more and more like a stalker here, aren’t I?) Anyway, I guess what I’m trying to say is that you’ve touched a lot of people through your writing and I hope that this reminder lifts your spirits a little. And I’ll ask the big-man upstairs to make your tomorrow better than yesterday.
P.S. How did you know I’ve been lobbying for my local sweet frog to make this flavor?!
Kate
Claire, thank you so much for your kind comment. It really brightened my day. I’m so glad to know you’re out there and that you appreciate what I do. Thank you for reading and cooking my recipes, and for your support! Hope the cookies turn out beautifully for your wedding.
Claire
Update! The cookies turned out great! The cookie bar was a success and I was very happy to have a sweet available that everyone could enjoy! Thanks! xo
P.S. Hope you feel chipper soon and very soon. I’ll keep you in my intentions.
Kate
I’m so glad your wedding guests enjoyed the cookies, Claire! Thank you for the update. Hope your week is off to a great start.
Ashley
This looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it. I’m not seeing where the tea is added into the mix. Is that just boiled along with the coconut milk, honey, and spices? Thanks for the perfect recipe!
Kate
Ashley, thank you for pointing out the missing step. Yes, just boil the tea along with the coconut milk. I’ve corrected the recipe, so it should be good to go.
Jenna
I echo what Claire said above! And I don’t have an ice cream maker but it sounds so good I might have to make this into a smoothie.
Kate
Thank you, Jenna! I bet a smoothie with frozen bananas, coconut milk, and some of these warming spices would be a delicious treat.
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
So sorry to hear about your week, but I do love this ice cream – chai and coconut sound wonderful together!
Crystal
Oh Kate! :( I am so sorry it’s been a rough week. God, have we all been there! You are such a beautiful young lady with an equally beautiful spirit. I truly and sincerely hope your sorrow fades quickly and you have lots of fun with your girlfriends coming into town. Even though it takes time, sometimes a good movie, blanket, and enormous bowl of ice cream is what is needed :). Smile- you are amazing and all things are temporary. Pinning this to my ice cream board now and making this weekend. Sending you lots of love. Hang in there, sister!
Kate
Thank you, Crystal, for your kind words! I really appreciate your sweet comment and support.
Sarah
Sending you big hugs. And loving this ice cream flavor idea. If only NYC would arrange such in-between weather…still too cold for ice cream!
Doreen
I was more taken to comment on your rough week than the recipe. I am sorry to hear it was bad and I am sending good wishes your way. You sure brighten my life and thank you!
Kate
Thank you, Doreen!
ByGodsGrace
My boys and I are huge coconut and chai fans. Great combination!! I can’t wait to try.
I can relate to your tears… I shed many over the last 10 months. You are in my prayers.
Kate
Thank you. Sending love your way.
Stefanie
I’m so sorry to hear you are not having a good week. I hope that the isit from friends and a few cocktails will cheer you up! This is a fancy ice cream, so pretty!
Joanne
Oh girl I am so sorry. If this is boy-related, you should know that I would be more than happy to come down there and kick some butt! You are an amazing person and deserve so much happiness!!
Kate
Thanks, Joanne. xoxoxo
Barb
I’ve recently found your blog & am always inspired! Also recently became vegan & so appreciate your tips. I can tell that you are a kind and caring person and am sorry to hear about your week. I wish you the best as you spend time with your friends!
Kate
Thank you, Barb!
Deepa
Kate, so sorry to hear you’re going through a tough time. This too surely will pass. Hope the weekend with the girls helps.
The ice cream looks yum…..will try the smoothie version.
ashleigh
There’s nothing like a good girls weekend to lift spirits. I am sorry you went through a rough week. Still you produce amazing recipes, very inspiring. I am a huge ice cream fan….to a fault. This is one that I will have to try as well as the smoothie version.
Holly
I’ve been wanting a recipe for coconut ice cream, and I love chai, so this is perfect. Thank you for the recipe and hope you’re feeling better.
Gunhild
I am joining the chorus of well wishers here, so sorry you are having a rough week, I wish I could make it all go away for you, but then again I always find that the tears we shed always have a healing effect, even if we can only see it when the troubles are behind us. Am glad to know that you are not alone though, as one should never have to cry alone. I wish you strength and love and hope you will not have to suffer for much longer. You touch so many of us through your writing and I wish that somehow we, your readers, can pass some strength on to you through the vast mystery of the universe, which connects us all.
On a different note, I have been eating like a gallon of that tahini dressing from your previous post over the last few days and I’m planning to try out a few more of your recipes in the coming week. I have saved this one on my computer, but I’ll save it for later, as I’m having HUGE craving these days and need to keep them under control so as not to start ballooning all over the place, and I know that if I make this (and I know I will love it), I’ll just gobble it all up in one sitting and then go make some more. Veeeery dangerous!
Kate, I send you a huge hug and wish you love and sunshine!
Kate
Hi there, thank you so much for your kind words. I really appreciate your support and I’m so glad you enjoy my recipes! That tahini dressing is addictive. I bet you would like this kale salad, too: https://cookieandkate.com/2012/raw-kale-salad-with-creamy-tahini-dressing/ (more salad makes more room for ice cream, right?).
Angela
Aw Kate, I’m so sorry to hear you’ve been having a rough time. I’ve had my fair share of cries over the past couple of months, and although I don’t know your situation, I know what it’s like to feel like I’ve just knocked back a cocktail of crazy emotions that makes you feel totally all over the place. Whatever it is, I hope you had a great time with your friends, and that you’re starting to feel a little more like your old self. This ice cream sounds absolutely to die for – I LOVE Chai spices! Enjoy the rest of your weekend and here’s to a better week next week!
kimber
Oh, this looks just heavenly! My sister (and favorite neighbor!) is in India right now, and I’ve been wishing she were here to whip up a cup of her signature chai. Maybe I’ll just make this instead!
Jess
Take care, Kate. Hope a weekend with good friends and ice cream does the trick.
Kendra- apartment302
This looks so amazing!! And this is why I refuse to allow myself to buy an ice cream maker since I live alone… Haha
Marissa Pinch&Swirl
I hate to hear that you’ve shed your weight in tears. I’m so sorry.
I’ve never made ice cream with coconut milk, but it sounds so delicious. And with chai spices – even better.
Kate
Thank you, Marissa. Hope you’ll try coconut milk ice cream soon—it’s so so good. I’m not sure I can even tell coconut milk is in this spiced version.
Jennifer
This. Is. Amazing. Just made it this afternoon and couldn’t even wait for it to freeze all the way through before sneaking a few spoonfuls. It will be even better for dessert tonight. Thank you for sharing – one of many of your recipes I have bookmarked! (this one’s my personal record for saw-on-a-blog-and-then-made… I couldn’t wait)
Kate
Thank you, Jennifer! I’m so glad that you enjoyed the ice cream. My freezer is full of it (lucky me!).
Gemma @andgeesaid
Oh my goodness. YUM!!!!
xxx
dishing up the dirt
I hope you feel better soon. This ice cream sounds fantastic!
Beth | {local milk}
I can’t stand to hear that things have been rough. Because I think we all know what “can’t stop crying” rough feels like. I’m so sorry, Kate. The pain will pass, slowly or quickly. But it will. That’s the one thing we can count on. Your ice cream sounds delicious, as a reformed coconut hater I’ve been making up for lost time on a “put coconut in all things” kick lately. I will be making this during the summer, for sure. Take care & thoughts are with you upon reading this today.
Kate
Thank you, Beth. Sincerely. Glad you’re getting on the coconut bandwagon. I hated the stuff until I tried the not gooey, unsweetened varieties.
J.S. @ Sun Diego Eat
So I’ve seen a lot of chai ice cream but the addition of coconut is pretty amazing. I love to make my chai tea with coconut milk and I imagine this ice cream with some roasted coconut chips on top would be lovely :)
MR | Delicious Karma
It’s amazing how ice cream (and girlfriends) can heal so much! I hope this week is starting out much better for you! Anyway, love this recipe. I love Chai and love ice cream and have needed a recipe to inspire me to bring out my ice cream maker! Thank you for yet another great recipe and gorgeous photos.
HH @ EatGreatBEGreat
This ice cream sounds fantastic! I love non-dairy options for those of us who are lactose intolerant. Thanks!
Alicia
Hi Kate, hope you are feeling better, sending my best wishes to you. I’ve only recently found your site and just wanted to let you know how much I am loving it. Over the weekend, I tried a number of your recipes, including the Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Pancakes, Curried Red Lentil Soup, Butternut Squash Chipotle Chilli, Aragula & Walnut Pesto and of course, this one, the Chai Coconut Ice Cream. I’ve also previously tried your Meyer Lemon Curd (which went so well with the pancakes!) I can tell you that it was a weekend of awesome eating for my husband and I – we loved them all! So thank you for your beautiful (and well tested!) recipes. Your genuine blog posts make inspired reading. I can’t wait to try some more recipes.
Kate
Alicia, thank you so much for your sweet words. It really means so much that visitors actually make my recipes. You make my work worthwhile! I’m amazed that you made so many of them in one weekend, too. I think you set a record. :)
Tieghan
I have been wanting to make coconut ice cream for a while now so I can not wait to try this! The chai sounds amazing!
Kate
Thanks, Tieghan! Hope you’ll give this coconut ice cream a try soon. I think you’ll love it.
Batya
Aw, Kate. Sending you a big hug through my computer. I hope that you are feeling better. If you’d like, I can send you some Scout Mint ice cream…or I can just make your Orange Poppy Seed cake and send it back to you :) Food helps, but so do great friends. I hope their visit brought cheer and smiles. Best :) (And this ice cream looks delicious too…)
Kate
Thank you, Batya. xo.
Ariffa
Awesome, I’ve been meaning to try my hand at coconut milk icecream but didn’t know where to start! Great sounding flavour combination too
Kate
Thanks, Ariffa! This recipe has consistently turned out great for me. Hope you’ll give it a shot soon.
Angela
I’ve tried replacing heavy cream with coconut cream in the past, and found that the ice cream came out really tough. Does heating it help it reach a creamier consistency? I see that you said arrowroot helps with the ice.
Kate
Hi Angela, great question. I heated the mixture to activate the arrowroot starch. I’ve never tried using coconut cream, but I have played around with light and full fat coconut milk. I felt like using two cans of coconut milk without dilution via tea/natural sweetener produced ice cream that seemed a little too chewy. I think it might be because the fat content is too high? I really like the way this ice cream has turned out. Hope you’ll give it a try.
B @ Now Stir It Up
I love chai and it is so perfect with coconut. I love this recipe so much I want it tonight. I have been wanting to try making dairy free ice cream. :-)
Becky
Oh girl!! You are speaking my language with this post!! I love LOVE chai and coconut flavored anything. I’m sure this is amazing!!
I’m so sorry to hear you had a bad week. Praying things turn up for ya :)
Crystle
Hello Kathryne,
Sorry to hear you’re going through a rough patch. I don’t know the nature of your sadness, so I sure hope my attempt at empathy isn’t insulting, I can say I was in the same boat two weeks ago when we had to make the decision to get rid of our dog Iggy. I thought I would never be able to go a day without crying, so I definitely know what you mean when you say you cried your weight in tears. I hope by now you realize, like I have, that misery is temporary. When you make it through to the other side, you’ll find you’re stronger and richer in experience.
Good luck!
PS — The ice cream looks great…it’s just the reminder I need to bother my husband yet again for an ice cream maker. Although since we’re moving to Alaska in five months, I’m pretty sure the answer will be no :/
Kate
Hey Crystle, thank you so much for your kind words. I’m still sorting through things. I’m so sorry to hear about Iggy. I know you loved him immensely. Wish I could teleport some of this ice cream over to you. My freezer is full of it! Congrats again on your baby girl. She’s beautiful.
Crystle
Thanks, Kathryne! Hope your week is great.
dervla @ the curator
oh no, Kate. I hope that whatever it is, you can find a way to heal. Friends can be a soothing balm. And Cookie too, I hope?
Kate
Cookie is taking very good care of me, thank you Dervla. Hope you’re having a lovely weekend.
Dan
Hang in there, Kate. Thanks for this great post. I hope your spirits are lifted by knowing how many lives your are touching through this great recipe.
Kate
Thank you, Dan.
Holly RIley
This looks delicious! I’m thinking that an ice cream maker is on my to-buy list.
Kate
I’m really glad I took the plunge and bought an ice cream maker. It’s especially fun to make easy ice creams like this coconut one!
Bekah
This looks AMAZING. I have been on a coconut kick so I will try. I am afraid to make ice cream, but most things that I think are complicated turn out to be the BEST recipes. Thanks for sharing–and don’t cry the weekend is almost here.
Best
Ice Cream Abbie
Hi Kate, first of all great recipe I have become slightly addicted to making ice cream over the past few weeks and have been making more ice cream than I can eat. I would also like to say what a great website and I shall be trying out some of the other non ice cream related recipes soon. :)
Abbie.
Grace
What is the volume of a ‘can’ of coconut milk? We have different can sizes in Australia so I’m not sure how much to use. :)
Kate
Hey Grace, sorry for the confusion. Our cans are 14 ounces.
Joyous-Crocodile
I’m sorry you are sad, but I’m happy to have found your site (via OhLadyCakes). This recipe looks delicious and since my wife loves making ice cream, and we make our own home made chai, I think we’ll have to try it! Now I have to run as I have lot more of your blog to pore over. I’ve followed :-)
Kate
Thank you. I’m glad you found my site. I have no doubt you would love this ice cream if you love chai!
Melissa
Thinking about you my friend!
Kate
Thank you, Melissa. xo!
Jennie
Drooling over this ice cream! It looks amazing.
LeAndra
I am involved in a serious relationship with all things chai, and coconut can do no wrong. Naturally, I am looking forward to trying this recipe. Wishing you well and hoping things look up for you soon.
Kate
Thank you, LeAndra. Hope you’ll give this ice cream a try soon. It’s really delicious.
Averie @ AverieCooks
I just posted a homemade hot fudge recipe and said that I don’t even need ice cream for it. Well, I take that back. This is outstanding. Coconut milk AND chai are faves! I put coconut milk in my chai tea…I love this! Gorgeous spices you used, too. Mmmm, the flavors! Pinning!
MzBaker
This looks so good! I haven’t ever tried Chai anything but would like to!
Brianna
Hi Kate! I just made this recipe last night! I followed your steps without the arrowroot, and I’m a little miffed at the coconut milk texture. I shook the cans like crazy and poured them into the tea and honey mixture, but there were still tiny bits of the solid coconut cream. I whisked and whisked to mix it all up and thought maybe that’s just how it’s supposed to be. Should I have strained it first? Or maybe it needs to be heated first to melt into the other ingredients (even without arrowroot)?
Maybe it was just the Goya coconut milk that gave me trouble…. In the end, the flavors are amazing, but the texture leaves a bit to be desired. What would you suggest to fix it next time?
Kate
Hey Brianna, I’m so sorry your coconut milk gave you trouble! I’ve run into that before, and the only way I’ve found is to gently heat the mixture on the stove while whisking until the coconut cream incorporates into the other liquid. I tried to explain that in my instructions in step 3 (if the coconut milk cream is still solid, heat the mixture over medium heat for a few minutes while whisking), but I must not have been clear enough. I’ll revise the instructions. I hope you’ll give the coconut ice cream another shot! It’s wonderfully creamy and even textured when the coconut cream is all mixed in.
Brianna
Thanks, Kate. I did consider heating it but I guess I convinced myself it didn’t matter (when it does!). And next time I’ll try some arrowroot, I just couldn’t find it in the grocery store. Thanks so much for the recipe!
Amber
Great recipe. I subbed the honey with agave nectar and it still turned out great. Love you blogs and recipes. I hope you are feeling better and that some sunlight shines through this crazy weather just for you.
Kate
Thank you, Amy. I’m glad you enjoyed the ice cream.
Kim
I was so excited to make this today! I mixed it up last night and put it in the ice cream maker this morning, nice and chilled. Unfortunately for me, I used raw honey that someone had given me a few months ago. Little did I know, raw honey doesn’t freeze totally. So, I have very delicious soft serve! Tastes great, but I can’t wait to make it again to get the real texture :-)
Kate
Kim, I didn’t know that raw honey doesn’t freeze! I hope it firmed up in the freezer for you.
Emily
I don’t know you but have read your blog for years now and I just wanted to say that your food, your photos and your commentary have brought me so much joy over the years (in dark times and light). I truly believe you will get back all the positivity you have sent into the world. Also, thanks for the ice cream, veggies and cocktails. Those are always important. :-)
Kate
Thank you, Emily. :)
Sarah Engelland
This looks amazing, I will have to try it. This is my favorite summer ice cream recipe so far
http://trialbyfirewin.blogspot.fr/2013/04/ginger-ice-cream.html
Lisa Nolen
This sounded fantastic until I discerned this wasn’t an ice cream recipe. Disappointed… there is no cream so the title misrepresents the offering.
Kate
I’m sorry you’re disappointed, Lisa. Although the recipe doesn’t call for cream, it is as creamy as regular ice cream without it. It’s a great option for vegans/lactose intolerant individuals/ice cream lovers in general.
Tash
I think you will find there is cream, it’s just not dairy cream!!
Tessa
I love your blog! I just now found it and I can already tell that I’m going to be looking on here a lot. The ice-cream looks really good! And I really liked how you have pictures of the ingredients. Your blog is really inviting to me. I think its really cool that you have a vegetarian blog. The ice-cream looks awesome!
carisa
Thank you for this recipe. Do i just follow the instructions on my ice cream maker? Sorry you mention your ice cream maker but only briefly.. as you say put the base in an ice cream container and then in the freezer.. but I have an electric ice cream maker so do I just follow my machines instructions? thank you
Kate
Hi Carisa, sorry for the confusion. Yes, once the mixture has chilled, just follow the instructions for your ice cream maker and freeze as usual.
dabd
Tried this yesterday, it is delicious! I did it without arrowroot starch and used light sugar instead of honey. Since I don’t have an ice cream maker I took it out of the freezer every 30 minutes and used a blender to mix. It took a long time to get consistent (+6 hours) but it was worth it! Thanks for sharing!
Kate
Thanks! I’m so glad you enjoyed the ice cream, especially since you put forth so much effort to make it!
Dana
Absolutely incredible… If you’re thinking about making this, do it!
shankar
Whatz the quantity of coconut milk in ml or fl.oz. per can?
Kate
Hi, the cans are 14 ounces each.
shankar
Thank you. Plan to make it today.Will report back.
Brenda
All I can say is WOW!!!! I only recently stumbled upon your blog and I bookmarked it as soon as I saw it – I look forward to making many of your recipes.
I made this tonight and it is delicious! I don’t really do sweets, so I used 2/3 c. of honey, as suggested, and it is the perfect amount. I loe the intense chai flavor and they also lend a beautiful color to the ice cream; that it’s dairy free is just an added bonus.
Thank you so much for an absolutely terrific blog! :)
Kate
Thank you, Brenda! I hope to publish more coconut ice cream recipes soon. I’m obsessed. :)
Ellen Lederman
Loved this! Thanks so much. Chai ice cream w/o the guilt!
Carrie
I made this today, and it was awesome! I made 2 batches of ice cream prior to this, using cream and I was surprised to find that the texture of the coconut milk ice cream is far superior. Thanks for this great recipe. I am hoping to use it as a base for other flavors. Mint chocolate chip is next on my list. :)
Kate
Thanks, Carrie! I love the texture of coconut ice cream so much that I don’t want to go back to custard-based ice creams. They’re so much easier, too. I think Jeanine of Love and Lemons has a mint ice cream recipe like you’re describing. Can’t wait to try it!
Tammy
Hi there
Would golden syrup be substitute honey or will it be to overpowering? Also if you don’t have a machine, with food processing every few hours have the same effect?
Kate
Tammy, I’m sorry, I’m really not sure if golden syrup is a good substitute for the honey. I haven’t ever used it. You might be able to make it in a food processor, but I haven’t tried that, either. Here’s a post that shows how to make ice cream in a food processor, hope it helps: http://www.thekitchn.com/video-how-to-make-ice-cream-in-a-food-processor-171649
bakedalove
Wow. This was really good. I tried to make it without an ice cream maker…and it was taking forever to freeze so I couldn’t continually mix it every 30 minutes and it turned into an icy without an odd texture. But! I almost “ate” a whole cup of this before it even went into the freezer it was soooooo good. I will definitely have to buy an ice cream maker at some point just so I can make this again. I have a sweet tooth and I would say the 3/4 cup honey was just the right sweetness for me. Perfect amount of spice in my mind as well. So good! Thank you!
Kate
That’s great to hear! Glad you enjoyed the ice cream! I love my 2 quart Cuisinart ice cream maker. Highly recommend it.
Julie
THIS is seriously the best vegan ice cream I have ever had. Made it for the first time last summer and can’t wait to play with it some more this summer. Thank you so much for the recipe!
Kate
Hooray! So glad you’re loving the chia ice cream, Julie. I have a couple of other coconut ice cream flavors to publish before summer’s over!
LisaA
Well, I made this today and all I can say is, “WOW”! The Chai flavor is wonderfully complex without being overpowering. It has fabulous flavor and has a nice, creamy consistency. I modified it a bit…I used Peet’s decaf Irish Breakfast tea instead of Assam, and substituted one can of coconut cream for regular coconut milk, because that’s what I had on hand, and also added two egg yolks instead of arrowroot to provide a thicker, silkier texture. I’m definitely making this again. Thanks so much for sharing this great recipe!!!
Kate
Thanks, Lisa! I’m so glad you loved the ice cream!
Chelsea
Spreading some coconut oil in your measuring glass before adding the honey will help it to roll right out, no mess!
Andrea
What Ice cream maker would you recommend?
Is it necessary or can I just freeze it?
Kate
Hey Andrea! I use and love my 2-quart Cuisinart. If you don’t have an ice cream maker and don’t want to buy one, here are a couple of methods that might work for this ice cream (I haven’t tried them): how to make ice cream with a food processor (tips from Jeni Britton) and how to make ice cream without a machine (by David Lebovitz).
Paras
It looks very tempting. I would give it a try for sure.
Ana
I have made this ice cream several times. It’s consistently delicious. My hubby and sons love it. I add almond slivers. Yummy in my tummy. Thank you for sharing. Your site is awesome and I refer to it often. You are the best.
Kate
Thank you, Ana! This might be my favorite ice cream recipe on the site. Almond slivers sound like a great addition. :)
Archana
Thanks for sharing this! I made it last night – love all the intense spices/flavors! My only issue with it is how grainy it is. Is this because of all the spices, too much churning time (I did it for 20 mins in my cuisinart ice cream maker), or forgetting to skim the top off the mixture prior to pouring in the ice cream machine? Would the arrowroot starch cause this?
Thanks!
Kate
Hi Archana! I’m bummed that your ice cream is grainy. Mine definitely wasn’t. Is it grainy from ice crystals (do they melt on your tongue?)? Were your spices finely ground? Sometimes the arrowroot can create little bitty chewy bits, so skimming off the top helps in that regard.
Liz
I’ve just tried making this recipe and it is not thickening/freezing in my ice cream maker. Any idea why? Could it perhaps be because the chai is steeped in water and not the coconut milk?
Kate
Hi Liz, I’m sorry that happened. I have made quite a few iterations of this recipe and haven’t experienced that before! Are you sure your freezer bowl had been in the freezer for at least 24 hours beforehand? The chai tea shouldn’t make the difference, since water always freezes when it’s cold enough!
Almira Gorgonia
This dessert makes me happy and alive! haha <3
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Susan
Could you make this with Stevia?
Kate
No, I’m sorry, the honey is important for texture—without it, the ice cream will freeze rock solid.
Marcy Peel
Mine is not freezing properly in my Cuisenart ice cream machine. Ice on the outside liquid in the middle. It has been running for 45 minutes. Usually I have no trouble getting my ice cream just right in 20-25 minutes.
Kate
I’m sorry to hear that. I’m not sure why that’s the issue.
M Peel
Very tasty and nice to have a recipe in the Arsenal for a dairy free gluten free dessert.
Marisa
This didn’t work out for me :-( I used my Cuisinart ice cream maker which I use all the time, but this one didn’t churn and remained liquid. A very delicious cream I will be using as creamer for my coffee because it is delicious. I bought canned coconut milk, it doesn’t say it’s lite, low fat or anything like that, so I’m not sure what happened. Would putting the cans in the fridge and letting the water separate from the milk in the can and only using the solidified milk work better? I have done your whipped coconut cream following this instructions and it whips beautifully.
Kate
I’m sorry to hear that, Marisa. I appreciate your feedback.