Chai lovers, this chai ice cream recipe for you! If you enjoy the warm, spicy flavors of chai, here’s a way to enjoy it as ice cream. This recipe has everything you love about chai but in a cold, creamy treat. We’ve included both a dairy and a vegan option, so there’s something for everyone. Perfect when you want the taste of chai in a scoop instead of a sip. Let’s get started on this tasty chai ice cream!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need for a creamy, flavor-packed chai ice cream. We’ve included both dairy ingredients and vegan-friendly swaps so you can make it your way.
Spices for Chai Flavor:
- Cardamom: 1 teaspoon, ground
- Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon
- Ginger: 1/2 teaspoon, ground
- Cloves: 1/4 teaspoon, ground
- Optional: a small pinch of black pepper for extra depth.
Or to be more convenient, consider using a 1/4 to 1/3 cup of a high-quality sticky chai mix for authentic chai flavor.
Explore more: What Does Chai Tea Taste Like?
Creamy Base Options:
- For Dairy: 2 cups heavy cream and 1 cup whole milk
- For Vegan: 2 cups full-fat coconut milk and 1 cup coconut cream
Sweetener:
- 3/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- Optional: a teaspoon of vanilla extract for an added hint of sweetness
Optional Add-Ins:
For a bit of crunch or extra flavor, add these just before the ice cream fully sets:
- Chopped pistachios for nutty texture
- Cacao nibs for a slight chocolatey crunch
- A swirl of caramel for sweetness
Step-By-Step On How To Make Chai Ice Cream
This method keeps it simple while letting the chai spices shine. Follow these steps to create a rich, spiced base that freezes into a creamy, indulgent treat.
Infuse the Spices:
In a saucepan, combine your chosen milk base (either dairy or coconut) with all the spices and sugar. Heat on medium until the mixture is hot but not boiling, letting the spices infuse deeply—about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Blend and Cool:
If you want a smoother finish, strain the mixture to remove any larger spice particles. Let it cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to intensify the flavors.
Freeze:
Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow container and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes until creamy.
Optional Add-Ins:
Fold in your choice of add-ins (nuts, chocolate, etc.) just before the ice cream sets fully for a bit of texture.
Explore more: 10 Delicious Ways To Use Chai In Everyday Cooking
Nutritional Facts of Chai Ice Cream
| Calories | Fat | Carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| 291 | 23g | 22g | 1.6g |
Additional Insights
- Cardamom: Aids digestion and adds warmth.
- Cinnamon: Rich in antioxidants.
- Ginger: May reduce inflammation and adds a hint of zest.
- Vegan (Coconut Milk): Higher in fat due to coconut cream but generally lower in overall calories.
- Dairy (Heavy Cream & Whole Milk): Creamy and rich, with a classic ice cream texture.
Explore more: How Many Calories in Chai Tea - A Brief Guide