Deep Chocolate Coconut Ice Cream
By Marty Cole · March 20, 2026
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Came out darker than I expected, in a good way. This Deep Chocolate Coconut Ice Cream uses full-fat coconut milk, cocoa powder, maple, and vanilla, and the Ninja Creami spins it into a scoopable dairy-free pint that doesn't taste like a compromise. My wife, who is normally suspicious of anything 'dairy-free,' went back for seconds before she clocked what it was. Whisk the cocoa powder in really well before freezing or you'll get dry little clumps in the spin. If the first pass looks crumbly, splash in a bit of coconut milk and re-spin.
How it spins
Tip: freeze the pint on a level shelf for a full 24 hours. If the first spin looks crumbly, add a splash of milk and run Re-spin.
Ingredients
- Full-fat Canned Coconut Milk1.5 cup
- Cocoa Powder2 tbsp
- Maple Syrup3 tbsp
- Vanilla Extract0.5 tsp
Directions
- 1Whisk the coconut milk with cocoa powder, maple syrup, and vanilla until no lumps remain.
- 2Pour into a Creami pint below the max-fill line.
- 3Freeze flat for about 24 hours.
- 4Process on the ICE CREAM setting.
- 5Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of coconut milk and Re-spin if it comes out crumbly.
- 6Scoop and serve.
Tips
- Freeze the pint completely flat and level in your freezer for at least 16-24 hours; a tilted pint will spin unevenly and give you a grainy texture.
- If your first spin comes out crumbly or icy, add just 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream or whole milk, re-insert the pint, and run the Ice Cream program again for creamier results.
- Stir the coconut milk base thoroughly before pouring into the Creami pint, since cocoa powder and maple syrup can settle at the bottom.
Variations
- Swap half the coconut milk for full-fat dairy milk or heavy cream for a richer, less coconutty version.
- Add 2 tablespoons of almond butter or peanut butter to the base before freezing for a chocolate-nut flavor boost.
FAQ
- Can I use lite coconut milk instead of full-fat?
- You can, but your ice cream will be thinner and less creamy when you spin it; full-fat coconut milk has the fat content needed for that smooth texture.
- How do I store leftover ice cream after spinning?
- Transfer it to a freezer-safe container right after spinning and eat within a few days; if you leave it in the Creami pint and re-freeze it, it'll harden solid again and need time to thaw before you can re-spin it.
- Why did my ice cream come out icy and not scoopable?
- Your pint likely wasn't frozen solid enough, or the base had too much sugar or liquid; make sure it's completely frozen for 16-24 hours and consider adding a splash of cream before re-spinning.
- Can I make a lighter version without so much fat?
- Use 1 can of lite coconut milk mixed with 1/2 cup of whole milk to keep some creaminess, then freeze flat and spin as normal; it'll be less rich but still smooth.
Nutrition
Per serving · makes about 2 servings · estimated
Ratings & Reviews
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Meet Marty Cole
I'm a home cook who got a little obsessed with the Ninja Slushi and Creami. I test every recipe in my own kitchen on a real machine, dial in the texture, and only post the ones my family actually finishes.
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