This healthy ice cream recipe uses almonds, dates, and dark chocolate for a creamy, naturally sweetened frozen treat. No ice cream maker needed! Ready in just 25 minutes of prep, plus overnight freezing.
Craving ice cream but want to keep it healthy? This no-churn healthy ice cream is about to become your new favorite dessert! Made with just 7 simple, wholesome ingredients—almonds, cashews, oats, dates, and dark chocolate—this recipe delivers all the creamy, dreamy texture of traditional ice cream without refined sugar, heavy cream, or an ice cream maker.
What makes this healthy ice cream truly special is how incredibly simple it is to make. You soak nuts, dates, and chocolate in hot milk, blend everything until silky smooth, and freeze overnight. The result? A rich, decadent frozen treat that's packed with healthy fats, plant-based protein, fiber, and antioxidants.
Whether you're vegan, dairy-free, or simply looking for a nutritious dessert option, this recipe checks all the boxes. It's naturally sweetened with dates, loaded with heart-healthy nuts, and tastes absolutely incredible. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite toppings—think more chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or even a drizzle of almond butter!
This is the kind of dessert you can feel good about serving to your family or enjoying as a post-workout treat. No guilt, no compromise on flavor—just pure, creamy, chocolatey bliss.
Pit your dates if they're not already pitted. Measure out all your nuts, oats, chocolate, and cocoa powder. Heat your milk until hot but not boiling (you can use a microwave or stovetop).
In a large bowl, combine the almonds, cashews, oats, pitted dates, dark chocolate, and cocoa powder. Pour the hot milk over the mixture, ensuring all ingredients are submerged. Let everything soak for 20 minutes. This softens the nuts and dates, making them easier to blend and enhancing the overall creaminess.
After soaking, drain the mixture (reserve the milk). The almond skins should slip off easily now. Simply pinch each almond between your fingers, and the skin will pop right off. This step is optional but recommended for an ultra-smooth texture.
Return all ingredients (including the reserved milk) to a high-speed blender. Blend on high for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. You shouldn't see any chunks of nuts or dates. If your blender struggles, add a splash more milk.
Pour the blended mixture into a freezer-safe container (a loaf pan or shallow dish works great). Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top for extra chocolatey goodness.
Here's the game-changer: Press a piece of plastic wrap (or parchment paper) directly onto the surface of the ice cream mixture before covering with a lid. This prevents ice crystals from forming and locks in moisture, giving you that perfectly creamy texture.
Cover the container with a lid and freeze for at least 10-12 hours, or overnight. The mixture will firm up into a scoopable, creamy ice cream.
Remove from the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping (this makes it easier to serve). Scoop into bowls and enjoy your healthy, homemade ice cream!
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Milk Options:
Sweetness Level:
Texture Tips:
Storage:
Variations:
Make It Nut-Free: Replace almonds and cashews with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds (pepitas)