36 Egg-Free Ice Cream Recipes + 17 Toppings!

Besides some sort of milk and a sweetener, what do almost all ice cream recipes contain? Eggs. Your search for the perfect egg-free ice cream ends TODAY with this compilation of 36 homemade ice cream recipes without eggs (and 17 toppings, too!).

Are you allergic to eggs?

You’ve likely wondered how to make homemade ice cream without eggs… since most homemade ice cream recipes include cooked or raw eggs as part of the base.

Well, your search for the perfect egg-free ice cream recipes ends TODAY with this compilation of 36 delicious and nutritious egg-free ice creams (and toppings, too)!

Plus, I’m sharing a deliciously simple vanilla ice cream recipe you can customize with tasty add-ins!

Eggs are a common food allergy — right up there with gluten, dairy, and soy — so it’s not surprising that many have difficulty finding an ice cream recipe to enjoy. We are excited to help you solve this problem with this collection of recipes.

Many of these recipes are dairy-free as well, and all of them are gluten- and soy-free!

Allergy-friendly ice cream has never looked (or tasted) soooooo good!

Before we get to the recipes, let’s address a few questions many people have about making ice cream without eggs…

Is Homemade Ice Cream Better With Or Without Eggs?

Many homemade ice cream recipes are made with an egg-custard base. This custard base makes for a creamy, rich ice cream mixture that many people enjoy.

There are a few downsides, however. 1) Those with egg allergies cannot enjoy it, and 2) making and cooling the custard can be time-consuming.

On the other hand, ice cream without eggs can be prepared a lot more quickly.

Many recipes use white sugar, which then requires some heating to help the sugar dissolve. Although, warming the milk to help the sugar dissolve does not take as much time as creating a custard.

Our recipe streamlines this even further by omitting granulated sugar and using maple syrup instead. This adjustment allows one to quickly stir the ingredients together and move straight to freezing or churning the mixture (depending on your ice cream maker).

Another benefit of making ice cream without eggs? The flavor of the cream really shines through!

If you are a dairy-lover, then you might really enjoy egg-free ice cream, even if you don’t have an egg sensitivity.

So… is homemade ice cream better with or without eggs? It’s really up to your individual preferences, allergies, and taste!

Can You Make Ice Cream Without Cooking?

As I mentioned above, most homemade ice cream recipes begin with a cooked custard base. However, it is entirely possible to make ice cream without cooking!

To remove the need for cooking, simply remove the eggs. That said, many people find gently warming the milk to dissolve granulated sugar is helpful.

But, not all ice cream connoisseurs do that. In fact, some simply whisk the cream, milk, and sugar until the sugar dissolves.

Another option is to also eliminate the sugar and use maple syrup instead (this is what you’ll find in our vanilla ice cream recipe below).

What Ice Cream Doesn’t Have Eggs?

A simple ice cream made without eggs includes heavy cream, milk, salt, vanilla extract (here’s our favorite recipe made with bourbon!), and sweetener of choice. This is often referred to as Philadelphia-style ice cream.

Other options include frozen desserts that aren’t technically ice cream (but are very similar) like sorbet and gelato.

Sorbet is a frozen dessert made with fruit and sugar. Gelato is similar to ice cream in that it contains cream and milk, but it generally has less cream than ice cream and usually does not contain egg yolks.

These three options are the most common ways to get “ice cream” without eggs.

How Do You Make Homemade Ice Cream Without Eggs?

It’s actually not as complicated as it might seem! In fact, in some ways, it is easier than making ice cream with eggs.

Simple and delicious ice cream can be made with cream, milk, and maple syrup.

The technique for making ice cream without eggs usually involves eliminating the eggs and increasing the fat content by using extra cream.

Some folks like to replicate the thickness and texture of egg yolks by adding a small amount of cream cheese and cornstarch or another thickener. However, I do not find this is necessary in order to achieve a creamy end result.

To make ice cream without eggs you will need some type of ice cream maker. Depending on the amount you wish to make, this could be large or small. Smaller batches are recommended to ensure the ice cream can be consumed before it turns icy.

Methods for making homemade ice cream without eggs:

• Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Maker — This type of ice cream maker uses ice and salt to surround a metal container in order to freeze the ice cream. They come in electric and hand churn models. These are usually the best option for making large batches of ice cream.
• Freezer-Bowl Ice Cream Maker — Best for smaller amounts, these ice cream makers contain a bowl that must be frozen before use. These are also available in hand churn and electric models. They are usually budget-friendly and allow you to make ice cream in 30 minutes or less. (Follow the manufacturer instructions!)
• Freeze and Stir Method — The mixture is poured into a bowl and placed in the freezer. Stir every 30 minutes or so. This takes a long time and does not work very well for ice cream without eggs.
• Plastic Bag Method — Another no machine method, requires you to place mixed ingredients inside a quart-size ziptop bag and squeeze out all the air. Place this bag inside another ziptop bag. Then, place inside a large gallon-size ziptop bag and fill with 4 cups crushed ice and 4 tablespoons coarse salt. Squeeze out the air and seal tightly. Wrap with a towel and shake vigorously, then massage the bag until ice cream freezes. This does not always yield the best texture but works in a pinch if you do not have an ice cream maker available.

Because ice cream can become icy if made too slowly, we suggest using an ice cream maker that allows you to make the ice cream in the shortest amount of time.

How To Get Creamy Ice Cream

Everyone loves creamy ice cream! To achieve an extra creamy ice cream, try these tips:

• High-quality ingredients. Be sure to use high-quality cream and full-fat milk. Also, note that ice cream made with dairy is going to be much creamier than dairy-free alternatives.
• Use an ice cream maker. An ice cream maker produces a creamier result since the churning process incorporates small air bubbles into the ice cream, which helps with creaminess, and it also aids in the formation of smaller ice crystals instead of large ones (which lead to icy ice cream instead of a creamy one).
• Store in shallow containers. This ice cream stays much creamier when stored in a shallow container as opposed to a deep tub.
• Add alcohol. A few tablespoons of alcohol can help the ice cream stay soft and creamy. Too much can prevent it from freezing entirely, so be careful not to overdo it. If you are only making enough to last a couple of days, this is generally not necessary.

For more tips and tricks, see this post on making homemade ice cream.

How To Keep Ice Cream From Getting Icy

Many of the suggestions that help ice cream stay creamy will also prevent it from getting icy. To reiterate, remember to only make enough to last a few days as ice cream made without eggs does tend to get hard and icy more easily if stored for a long time.

Store in small, shallow containers rather than large deep ones. It’s also important to use air-tight containers as this helps cut down on ice formation.

It also helps to cover the surface of the ice cream with plastic wrap or parchment paper to prevent ice crystals from forming.

Keep ice cream at a cold, consistent temperature. The best spot is usually at the back of the freezer.

Image courtesy of Recipes To Nourish.

How To Fix Granular Ice Cream

If ice cream feels gritty, sandy, or generally granular it is often because ice crystals have formed. The best way to fix gritty ice cream is to prevent it from happening in the first place, so follow the tips above.

Also keep in mind that the faster the ice cream freezes, the less gritty it is likely to be. This is because the ice crystals are small right after churning, but can grow from there.

So, churn quickly and freeze quickly. If using a freezer bowl, prepare it ahead of time and make sure it is frozen thoroughly. This will allow for the fastest churning and freezing times.

Unfortunately, once your ice cream has turning gritty, there’s not much to do to fix it. So, it’s best to take steps ahead of time to prevent this from happening.

If your ice cream is granular and you don’t enjoy the texture, you can try hiding it with lots of fun toppings (see below for suggestions!) or blend it in a shake or smoothie for a cold, creamy treat. This Shamrock Shake would be a great way to use it up!

Egg-Free Ice Cream Brands

It’s helpful to know which ice cream brands are egg-free for those moments when you need ice cream in a hurry or don’t have ingredients or equipment on hand. Thankfully, there are a number of egg-free ice cream brands available these days, with many carrying a multitude of flavors.

Most egg-free ice cream brands are also dairy-free and vegan. However, many do contain an ingredient or two that doesn’t quite fit with our Traditional Cooking School philosophy. We’ll leave it up to you to decide how you feel about having a little of those ingredients now and then.

Egg-free ice cream brands that contain mostly wholesome ingredients include:

• Breyer’s Natural Vanilla contains milk, cream, sugar, vegetable gum, and natural flavor. Breyer’s Homemade Vanilla Bean Flavor does contain eggs.
• So Delicious comes in almond milk-, coconut milk-, or a cashew milk-based ice cream.
• Talentini makes gelato and sorbet that is free of eggs. They do contain sugar and dextrose (and some have corn syrup).
• Nada Moo is a coconut milk-based ice cream that comes in a variety of interesting flavors. All flavors are dairy-free and vegan. Most flavors are also free of gluten and soy.

Egg-Free Ice Cream Recipes

If you’re ready to make some delicious homemade ice cream without eggs, we’ve gathered 36 amazing recipes for you! We hope in perusing this list you’ll some favorites to enjoy.

Chocolate Ice Cream Recipes

Image courtesy of TheHealthyFamilyandHome.com

Simple & Rich Chocolate Ice Cream {with Dairy-Free Option} – This classic chocolate ice cream is naturally sweetened and free of eggs.

No-Churn Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Ice Cream {Dairy-Free} – Rich and decadent, this classic pairing is utterly delightful. Plus, it can be made without an ice cream maker!

Easy Chocolate Ice Cream – Beautiful, rich, chocolate ice cream… without the eggs, of course.

Paleo Dark Chocolate Orange Ice Cream {Dairy-Free} – Dark chocolate and orange may be one of the best flavor combinations ever.

The Most Amazing Dark Chocolate Ice Cream Ever {No-Cook} – “The Most Amazing Dark Chocolate Ice Cream”? No further explanation needed.

Chocolate Coconut Ice Cream {Dairy-Free} – Delicious and rich, this ice cream is made without eggs or dairy.

Simple Chocolate Ice Cream (Coconut Milk) – Our simple, chocolatey recipe is made with coconut milk as the base and sweetened with honey.

Vanilla Ice Cream Recipes

Image courtesy of Downshiftology.com

Simple No-Cook Vanilla Ice Cream – No-cook? Check. Simple? Check. Egg-free? Check!

Naturally Sweetened Honey Vanilla Ice Cream  – Honey and vanilla are a perfect flavor combination and blend beautifully in this delicious ice cream recipe.

Dairy-Free Almond Joy Coconut Ice Cream (Paleo) – Flavored like Almond Joy candy (but healthy), this coconut milk ice cream combines sliced almonds, chocolate chips, and shredded coconut with a vanilla ice cream base.

Black Forest Ice Cream {Dairy-Free} – This vanilla ice cream base is made with coconut milk and includes chocolate, almonds, and cherries for a flavorful treat.

Salted Caramel Apple Pie Ice Cream {Paleo, Dairy-Free} – If you love vanilla ice cream on top of warm, caramel apple pie, blend the two together, and that’s what this egg-free ice cream is!

Rum Raisin Ice Cream – This delightful recipe can be made dairy-free and sugar-free if desired.

Caramel Swirl Ice Cream – This recipe contains real, homemade caramel! If you like creamy, salty, and sweet, you will love this!

Cinnamon Ice Cream with Candied Cashews {Dairy-Free} – “Fresh cinnamon spikes this coconut milk-based ice cream that is sweetened with pure maple syrup and dotted with candied cinnamon cashews.”

Salted Caramel and Coconut Ice Cream {Dairy-Free} – Go ahead. Indulge in this lightly sweetened, but oh-so-flavorful treat!

Gingerbread Ice Cream – Gingerbread flavor in a cold, creamy (egg-less!) bowl of delicious.

Maple-Maca Ice Cream with Chocolate Chips – When they go putting superfoods in my ice cream, I’m sold.

Mint Ice Cream Recipes

Image courtesy of Mommypotamus.com. 

Mint Chip Ice Cream {Dairy-Free} – Finally! A mint-chip ice cream that’s naturally, not artificially, green and minty.

Basil and Mint-Infused Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream – If you’ve never had basil and mint together, you’re missing out!

Dairy-Free Chocolate Mint Ice Cream With Essential Oils – This refreshing ice cream is naturally sweetened, naturally colored with spinach (shhh… don’t tell!) yet still full of mint flavor, thanks to peppermint essential oil.

Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream – Dairy-free, and egg-free, this homemade ice cream also includes healthy fats in the form of avocados!

Fruit-Based Ice Cream, Sorbet & Sherbet Recipes

Image courtesy of Eat Healthy Eat Happy. 

Cantaloupe Sea Salt Ice Cream – A great way to use fresh cantaloupe, this ice cream bursts with fresh-fruit flavor.

Herb, Flower, & Citrus Essential Oil Ice Cream – A delicious bouquet of flavors presented together in a base of cream and unrefined sugar!

Creamy Watermelon Ice Cream  – Light and refreshing, this Paleo ice cream is naturally sweetened and includes only 5 ingredients.

Orange Creamsicle Ice Cream – The combination of fresh orange juice, cream, vanilla, and honey will transport you back to childhood.

Blueberry Ice Cream  – This egg-free blueberry ice cream is easy to make and comes out a beautiful shade of purple.

Clean Eating Pumpkin Ice Cream – All the beautiful, earthy flavors of fall in a cool and creamy package.

No-Churn Lemon Ice Cream {Dairy-Free} – Tart, tangy, refreshing, and sweet, this naturally sweetened ice cream is bursting with lemony-goodness.

Banana Ice Cream  – This super simple recipe blends frozen bananas to a creamy ice cream texture. Experiment with different add-ins to create a unique flavor combination.

Pina Colada Sorbet {Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Paleo} – Light and tropical in just 4 ingredients!

Lavender-Infused Cherry Ice Cream {Dairy-free} – This Paleo ice cream is also GAPS and SCD compliant.

Rose, Pistachio, Saffron, Cardamom Ice Cream – An Ayurvedic blend of herbs and spices makes this ice cream extremely unique.

Egg-Free Ice Cream Sandwiches & Frozen Treats

Image courtesy Mommypotamus.com

Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches {Grain-Free} – If these don’t look and sound like the most wonderful way to eat ice cream ever, I don’t know what does!

Paleo Dessert Taco with Mexican Vanilla Ice Cream {AIP Option} – Ice cream in a taco?? Where do I sign up?!

Egg-Free Ice Cream Toppings

Image courtesy honestlyyum.com

Because what’s ice cream without delicious toppings?!

Toppings such as whipped cream, chocolate fudge, and nuts or berries are fairly common and extremely delicious, but we hope to introduce you to a few new ideas today!

These topping recipes and ideas are the kind we’d feed our own families because they beat the store-bought versions in both taste and nutrition. Some are quite unique and add an extra flair to any homemade ice cream.

Olive Oil and Sea Salt – This might be the healthiest ice cream topping EVER. Nourishing fat and mineral-rich salt! YUM!

Paleo Nutella – A creamy, chocolatey hazelnut spread will take any ice cream to the next level of delish!

Coconut Sugar Salted Caramel – If salted caramel sauce is one of your favorite toppings, how about the depth of flavor coconut sugar adds to this one?

Stiffened Whipped Cream  – Gelatin adds the nutrition, and whipped cream adds that special something to a bowl of ice cream, a sundae, or a banana split!

Perfect Chocolate Sauce – Who doesn’t love ice cream drizzled in chocolate sauce? This is dairy- and refined sugar-free chocolate sauce. Even better!

Slow Cooker Vanilla Peach Butter – Fruit butter isn’t just for toast anymore! A dollop of this peachy vanilla butter on vanilla or maple ice cream is a perfect pairing!

Basic Chocolate Syrup  – With a REAL cherry on top! This is all your ice cream needs!

Plum Sauce – Can you imagine this warm plum sauce pooling and melting your ice cream to create a dessert you just want to slurp up?!

Image courtesy of Coconuts and Kettlebells.

Homemade Magic Shell  – This one’s a favorite with the kids and no yucky ingredients from the squeeze bottles at the store!

Strawberry Syrup – This strawberry syrup contains no undesirables! Kiss those conventional syrups goodbye and say hello to this deep, real strawberry flavor made from in-season strawberries.

Chocolate Fudge Sauce – So easy to make, it’s absolute heaven!

Fermented Raspberry Preserves – Add a living probiotic punch to your favorite ice cream!

Grilled Peaches and Cherries with Honey-Cinnamon Syrup  – It’s three toppings in one!

Homemade Whipped Cream (raw or store-bought cream!) – Imagine irresistible peaks of freshly whipped, raw grass-fed cream!

Crispy Nuts And Seeds – Add a healthy crunch to your egg-free ice cream with soaked and dehydrated nuts and seeds.

Tropical Treat Toppings  – Take yourself to the beach in your bowl of ice cream with pineapple, coconut flakes, and mango!

Easy Coffee Sauce – I mean, we can’t stop you from having ice cream for breakfast now, right?

Do you have a hard time finding homemade ice cream without eggs? Which recipe and topping will you be trying first?

Main images courtesy of TCS, Divya’s Culinary Journey, Homemade in the Kitchen, and Honestly Yum. 

This post was originally published and written by Lindsey Dietz on 4/18/16. It was updated and republished on 8/10/20.