This chocolate chip ice cream recipe is creamy, delicious and easy to make. It is gluten free, dairy free, has no eggs and is refined sugar free (sweetened with dates). It’s the perfect homemade ice cream to make this summer.

I’ve had this idea for chocolate chip ice cream sitting on my to-do list since last summer! Finally, I got around to creating this paleo ice cream recipe and I’m so glad I did.

This homemade chocolate chip ice cream is thick and creamy, made with 5 simple ingredients and churned in an ice cream maker. Also, unlike some dairy free ice cream recipes, this one freezes well! It doesn’t get hard and icy, but keeps a fairly soft and smooth texture.

Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Recipe

Here’s why you’ll love this chocolate chip ice cream:

• 5 ingredients: made with just a handful of real-food ingredients
• paleo and vegan friendly
• dairy free: chocolate chip ice cream made without cream and without milk
• egg free: no eggs are used in this ice cream recipe
• gluten free
• easy to make: simply blend the ingredients and then churn in an ice cream maker

Ingredients

Here’s a list of what you need to make this vegan chocolate chip ice cream:

• dates – I used medjool dates, but any variety will work (just be sure to measure by weight if using another variety)
• Sunbutter – aka sunflower seed butter. Unsweetened Sunbutter is ideal for this recipe, but any brand will work.
• coconut cream – you will need the cream and the milk from a can of coconut cream, or full fat coconut milk.
• vanilla extract
• salt (optional)
• miniature chocolate chips – I used 100% dark chocolate chips, but any variety will work. Just be sure they’re dairy free if you want to keep this ice cream recipe paleo, vegan and dairy free. Chopped large chocolate chips or a chocolate bar will also work as a replacement.

This ice cream recipe is made with Sunbutter and dates to give it a caramel like flavor. Although you can use another nut/seed butter, I recommend sunflower seed butter.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

To make this paleo chocolate chip ice cream, you’ll need a food processor or high powered blender and an ice cream maker. I used my Cuisinart food processor and Cuisinart ice cream maker.

First, soak the dates in boiling water. This softens the dates and makes for a creamier ice cream. So, boil a pot of water. Place the dates in a small ceramic bowl and then pour the boiling water over the dates so that they are fully submerged. Allow them to soak for 5-10 minutes.

Drain the water from the dates, removing as much of the moisture as possible. I used a paper towel to help squeeze out excess water.

Then, place the dates and the Sunbutter in the food processor and blend until well mixed. See the first photo below for what this should look like.

Next, add in the canned coconut cream (use the whole can), vanilla and salt. Mix until just combined. Over-mixing can result in the coconut cream separating. There will be small chunks of dates left in the mixture, but it will not affect the texture.

Place the ice cream mixture into the insulated freezer bowl of the ice cream maker. Add the mini chocolate chips or chopped chocolate. Then, place the mixing paddle in the bowl, place the lid on top, plug in the ice cream maker and then turn it on to start churning.

Churn the ice cream for 15-20 minutes.

After churning, the ice cream has a soft-serve like consistency. You may eat as-is or scoop the ice cream into a small loaf pan and freeze. I think this ice cream is best eaten after an hour in the freezer.

Storage

Store any leftovers in the freezer. Cover with foil or bees wax wrap.

When ready to eat, defrost the ice cream for 10-20 minutes then enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of chocolate chips are best for ice cream?

Miniature chocolate chips are best for ice cream. I used Pascha 100% dark mini chips, but any variety will work.

Another option is to use regular sized chocolate chips, chunks or a chocolate bar. Just chop them prior to adding them to the ice cream mixture. Or, blend them into the ice cream mixture in your food processor until they are in small chunks.

How long do you churn ice cream in a Cuisinart?

This recipe only requires 15-20 minutes of churning. Some recipes will require more time, it just depends on the ingredients in the ice cream recipe.

Is chocolate chip ice cream gluten free?

Most chocolate chip ice creams are gluten free, but always look at the list of ingredients to be sure. This homemade chocolate chip ice cream recipe is gluten free.

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