If you love rich, creamy ice cream but prefer desserts made with simple, nourishing ingredients, this Cashew Coconut Date Protein Ice Cream is about to become a freezer favourite. With no refined sugar, no dairy, and no ice cream machine required, this recipe proves that indulgence and wellness can absolutely coexist. It’s smooth, luscious, and naturally sweetened with dates, making it a dessert you can feel genuinely good about enjoying.

Traditional ice cream relies heavily on cream and sugar to achieve its signature texture. This no-churn version takes a different approach by using raw cashews and full-fat coconut cream or milk to create that same luxurious mouthfeel – without any additives or processed ingredients. When soaked and blended, cashews become incredibly creamy, acting as the perfect base for plant-based ice cream. Coconut cream adds richness while also helping the ice cream freeze smoothly instead of icy.

Dates are the real hero of this recipe. Not only do they provide natural sweetness, but they also bring subtle caramel notes that pair beautifully with coconut. Unlike refined sugars, dates contain fibre and minerals, which helps slow sugar absorption and creates a more balanced treat. The result is an ice cream that tastes decadent but doesn’t leave you with a sugar crash.

Another reason this recipe shines is its simplicity. There is no churning, no fussing or complicated steps. Everything goes into a blender, gets poured into a container, and freezes into creamy perfection. Stirring once or twice during freezing helps maintain a soft, scoopable texture, but even that step is optional if you are short on time.

This ice cream is also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it exactly as written or customise it to suit your tastes. Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for warmth, swirl through melted dark chocolate, or fold in toasted coconut flakes for extra texture. For a more dessert-style finish, serve it topped with fresh berries, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of tahini or almond butter.

Because it’s dairy-free and naturally sweetened, this Cashew Coconut Date Ice Cream is perfect for a wide range of dietary needs.  It can easily be vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar-free, and paleo-friendly depending on your ingredient choices. It’s ideal as a refreshing summer dessert, a post-dinner treat, or even a wholesome afternoon pick-me-up when you are craving something sweet and satisfying.

The best part? This ice cream doesn’t feel like a compromise. It’s thick, creamy, and incredibly satisfying – exactly what ice cream should be. Once you try it, you will realise just how easy it is to make beautiful, nourishing desserts at home with just a handful of real-food ingredients. ✨

Cashew Coconut Date Protein Ice Cream (No Churn, Naturally Sweetened)

Ultra-creamy no-churn ice cream made with cashews, coconut cream, naturally sweet dates, and a boost of protein for a nourishing twist on a classic treat. This easy-to-make treat combines heavenly vanilla with the natural sweetness of dates. With just a few ingredients, you can have a velvety-smooth ice cream that will satisfy your cravings with great flavor, and an incredible texture. Perfect for a wholesome dessert or post-workout indulgence. 🥥🍨

Course Dessert, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword cashew coconut date protein ice cream, cashew coconut date protein ice cream no churn naturally sweetened, cashew coconut protein ice cream, cashew date protein ice cream, clean eating dessert or snack, clean eating ice cream, coconut date ice cream

Servings 4

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 1–2 hours, then drained
• 1 13.5 oz can full-fat coconut cream or milk
• 1 cup dates, soaked 30 minutes, drained and mashed a little with a fork
• 1/2 cup vanilla or unflavoured protein power (whey, plant-based or collagen peptides all work well)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Add Ins Or OptionalToppings

• Chopped nuts
• Fresh, dried orfreeze-dried fruit
• Drizzle of nut butter
• Shredded coconut
• Chocolate chips

Instructions

• Place cashews in a bowl and cover with hot water. Soak for at least 1 hour, then drain well.

  Add soaked cashews, coconut cream, protein powder and vanilla extract to a food processor. Blend for 1–2 minutes until completely smooth and creamy.

  Fold the dates in by hand to keep them chunky for pops of flavour and colour.

  Taste the mixture and add more dates if you prefer it sweeter.

  Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container andsmooth the top.

  Freeze for 3–4 hours, stirring once or twice during freezing to prevent ice crystals.

  Let sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes before scooping. Serve plain or with your favourite toppings.

Print Recipe

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