Homemade Ice Cream: 7 Simple and Healthy Recipes

Summer is here – and with it, the craving for refreshing treats. One of the most popular choices on hot days is ice cream. If you're someone who loves to experiment during the summer, we’ve got some great homemade ice cream recipes for you. They’re easy to make, healthy, and won’t take much of your time.

1. Mango and Quark Ice Cream

This recipe is perfect for those avoiding cream but still craving a creamy, flavourful ice cream. You only need a few ingredients and a blender.

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe mango,
• 200 g quark (or a plant-based alternative like soy quark),
• 4 tablespoons honey (or another sweetener of your choice),
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or a packet of vanilla sugar.

Method:

1. Peel the mango and cut it into smaller pieces.
2. Blend the mango, quark, honey, and vanilla in a blender or food processor until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into a mould or container and freeze for at least 4 hours.
4. Serve and enjoy a healthy, refreshing ice cream.

2. Banana and Chocolate Ice Cream

Bananas are perfect for making creamy ice cream, and when you add a touch of cocoa, the result is a truly delicious combination.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe bananas,
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder,
• 1–2 tablespoons honey (or another sweetener),
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract,
• Cream, milk or quark (optional – according to taste and preference).

Method:

1. Peel the bananas and freeze them. 
2. Once frozen, cut them into smaller pieces.
3. Blend the bananas with the cocoa, honey, and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth.
4. You can add any liquid ingredient (like cream or milk), or simply stick to bananas, cocoa and a bit of sweetener. If the bananas are ripe enough, sweetener might not even be necessary.
5. Pour the mixture into a container and freeze for at least 4 hours.
6. Serve and enjoy the fantastic banana and chocolate combo.

3. Healthy Coconut Ice Cream (Lactose-Free)

Coconut ice cream is a great choice for those looking to avoid lactose. This recipe is incredibly simple and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 400 ml coconut milk,
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil,
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup,
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Method:

1. Mix the coconut milk with the honey or syrup and vanilla extract.
2. Pour the mixture into an ice cream mould or a plastic container.
3. Freeze for 4 to 6 hours.
4. Serve and enjoy this smooth and refreshing coconut ice cream.

4. Strawberry and Almond Milk Ice Cream (Vegan)

This recipe is ideal for vegans and those avoiding lactose. Strawberries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, making this ice cream a great choice for a refreshing summer treat.

Ingredients:

• 250 g fresh or frozen strawberries,
• 200 ml almond milk (coconut milk also works),
• 2 tablespoons agave syrup or maple syrup,
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Method:

1. Wash the strawberries and cut them into smaller pieces (if using frozen strawberries, let them thaw slightly).
2. Blend the strawberries, almond milk, agave syrup, and vanilla extract until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into a mould or container and freeze for at least 4 hours.
4. Serve and enjoy this refreshing strawberry ice cream.

5. Avocado and Lime Ice Cream

Avocados are not only nutritious but also perfect for making creamy ice cream. Combined with lime, this ice cream gets a lovely refreshing twist.

Ingredients:

• 3 ripe avocados,
• Half a pot of plain yoghurt (about 5–7 tablespoons),
• 200 ml whipping cream,
• 5 tablespoons condensed milk (optional),
• Juice of 1 lime,
• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup.

Method:

1. Peel the avocados and remove the stones.
2. In a blender, mix the avocado and yoghurt, then add the condensed milk (if using) and lime juice.
3. Whip the cream until thick.
4. Gently fold the avocado mixture into the whipped cream.
5. Pour the mixture into a container and freeze for at least 4 hours.
6. Serve and enjoy this exotic and creamy avocado ice cream.

6. Blueberry and Yoghurt Ice Cream (Lactose-Free)

This refreshing recipe is packed with antioxidants thanks to the blueberries.

Ingredients:

• 200 g blueberries (fresh or frozen),
• 200 g lactose-free or plant-based yoghurt,
• 2 tablespoons honey or another sweetener,
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.

Method:

1. Blend the blueberries with the yoghurt, honey, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Pour the mixture into an ice cream mould or container.
3. Freeze for at least 4 hours.
4. Serve and enjoy this refreshing blueberry ice cream.

7. Pineapple and Coconut Ice Cream

Pineapple and coconut are tropical flavours that perfectly complement each other, creating a refreshing and healthy dessert.

Ingredients:

• 300 g fresh or frozen pineapple,
• 200 ml canned coconut milk,
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup.

Method:

1. Cut the pineapple into small pieces and place them in a blender.
2. Add the coconut milk and honey, and blend until smooth.
3. Pour the mixture into a mould or container and freeze for at least 4 hours.
4. Serve and enjoy this tropical ice cream.

Homemade ice cream is a great choice for anyone who wants to enjoy a refreshing dessert without added chemicals or unnecessary ingredients. Don’t forget to adjust the sweeteners to your taste so you can enjoy your ice cream just the way you like it. And if you feel like experimenting with your own ice lollies, invest in some moulds and treat yourself and your loved ones. 

And don’t forget: the beautiful scents from Puella are the perfect finishing touch for those dreamy summer evenings. :)