Good news for those who are looking for dairy-free substitutions for ice cream: oat milk can make a delicious, creamy alternative to regular dairy-ice cream. In this article, we will cover how to make a basic oat milk ice cream, as well as offer some tips and recipes for variations of this sweet treat.
Oat milk is one of the most popular dairy free alternatives to cow’s milk, and is also the easiest to use to make ice cream. It is naturally low in calories and fat, and is a good source of dietary fiber. The texture of oat milk is thicker than many other non-dairy milks, making it ideal for an ice cream base. It is also easy to make adjustments to the flavor and sweetness of the oat milk ice cream, depending on personal preference.
To get started, begin by soaking oats in a blender with coconut milk, maple syrup, and any desired mix-ins, such as cocoa powder, peanut butter, or ground nuts, for about 20 minutes. Strain the mixture with a cheesecloth or sieve, making sure to press as much of the liquid out of the oats. Next, place a medium-sized saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat and bring the oat milk to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to make sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. Finally, pour the oat milk mixture into an ice cream maker and proceed to make the ice cream following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Tips For Perfect Oat Milk Ice Cream
When making oat milk ice cream, it’s important to add in the right amounts of the ingredients to ensure the best texture and flavor. Too little coconut milk may make the ice cream runny and too much sweetener will cause it to be too overly sweet. Also, make sure to not boil the oat milk for too long or it will burn. The ice cream should be cooked on low heat until it thickens and takes on a custard-like consistency.
When pouring the oat milk mixture into the ice cream maker, add in additional mix-ins only after the ice cream starts to thicken. Before filling the ice cream into an airtight container, fold in chopped nuts or chocolate chips for an added crunch or flavor. Place the container in the freezer for about 4 hours before serving to allow the ice cream to firm up and mold to its shape.
Recipes For Oat Milk Ice Cream
Once the basics of oat milk ice cream have been mastered, there are plenty of variations to try. For a truly decadent treat, whip up an oat milk fudge swirl. Begin by preparing the oat milk ice cream as usual, but omit any mix-ins. As the ice cream is freezing in the ice cream maker, melt 2-3 tablespoons of dark chocolate chips and 2-3 tablespoons of almond butter in a small saucepan on the stove. Once the mixture has melted, add it to the ice cream maker and fold in the chocolate swirl until it has thickened and been evenly distributed.
For a subtle sweet flavor, opt for an oat milk strawberry swirl. Begin by preparing the oat milk ice cream as usual, this time adding a teaspoon of strawberry extract and a splash of pink food coloring. As the ice cream is freezing in the ice cream maker, mix together 2 cups of finely diced strawberries and 3 tablespoons of maple syrup in a medium-sized bowl. Once the ice cream has thickened, add in the strawberry mixture and fold in until evenly distributed.
Another unique flavor for oat milk ice cream is a creamy oat milk cappuccino. Start by preparing the oat milk ice cream, remembering to add a teaspoon of espresso powder to the mixture before freezing in the ice cream maker. Once the ice cream is layering, stir in 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg for added flavor.
Adding Toppings To Oat Milk Ice Cream
As with all of its dairy alternatives, oat milk ice cream is best served with its own special toppings. Follow the classic ice cream topping trend and go for nuts and sprinkles, or add some flair and prepare homemade whipped cream for an extra creamy topping. For a truly exotic taste, make a homemade caramel syrup with melted butter, brown sugar, and cream. Whisk the mixture over medium heat until it has thickened, then let it cool for 10 minutes before spooning it over the oat milk ice cream.
Adding fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries also adds a burst of flavor and sweetness to oat milk ice cream. For an extra fruity twist, consider making fruit purees and swirls to layer in the ice cream when it’s about two-thirds of the way done freezing. This adds color, texture, and flavor to the ice cream that is sure to impress even the most experienced palette.
Health Benefits of Oat Milk Ice Cream
Not only is oat milk ice cream delicious, it is also one of the healthiest dairy-free options out there. By replacing dairy with oat milk, it is naturally lower in calories and fat than regular ice cream, plus is dairy and lactose-free. Oats are high in dietary fiber, making this ice cream not only a tasty treat but also a nutrient-filled snack. Additionally, oat milk is high in calcium and magnesium, which are important for strong bones and teeth.
Oat milk ice cream is also a great vegan alternative to traditional dairy. By using oat milk, coconut milk, and natural sweeteners like maple syrup, this ice cream can be made entirely plant-based and is a great option for those who are looking for cruelty-free alternatives to dairy.
Conclusion
Oat milk ice cream is a fun, healthier alternative that provides more health benefits than traditional dairy ice cream. Not only is it lactose-free and vegan-friendly, but it is also high in dietary fiber and low in fat. With oat milk ice cream, you can easily experiment with different mix-ins and flavor combinations, making every batch unique and delicious. So the next time you’re craving a sweet, cold treat, give oat milk ice cream a try!
