Hello everyone. Since we are right in the middle of a heat wave, it feels like the perfect time to share a fresh round-up of my favourite gluten free and dairy free ice cream recipes. When the weather is warm, nothing beats a chilled dessert, and there are plenty of ways to enjoy ice cream without gluten or dairy. Whether you fancy something fruity, rich and chocolatey, coffee flavoured, peanut buttery, or served as a nostalgic float, this collection has a recipe to suit your mood.
I have gathered together ten delicious gluten and dairy free frozen dessert ideas that are simple, fun, and ideal for summer. Some are classic ice cream recipes, while others are frozen treats, biscuit bars, choc ices, and floats. They are great for cooling down after dinner, serving at a family gathering, or keeping in the freezer for whenever you want something sweet. If you are looking for easy dairy free ice cream inspiration, this list is a lovely place to start.
Enjoy!
Fx
- 1. Coffee Chocolate Chip Ice Cream (Gluten & Dairy Free)
- I like to start the day with a good morning coffee, and it is also a flavour I love adding to ice cream. This gluten and dairy free coffee chocolate chip ice cream is made with coconut milk, maple syrup, espresso, and dairy free chocolate chips. It is a simple recipe with a lovely balance of creamy texture, bold coffee flavour, and little bites of chocolate. If you enjoy coffee desserts, this is a great one to keep in your freezer for a warm afternoon treat.
- 2. Banana PB Choc Ices (Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
- During my travels, I do not think I have often come across a gluten free and dairy free choc ice, so making them at home is a lovely option. These banana, peanut butter, and chocolate ices are easier to prepare than you might imagine. They are a fun frozen snack with a creamy centre and a chocolate coating, making them ideal when you want something a little more exciting than a scoop of ice cream. They are also a great recipe to make in advance and enjoy straight from the freezer.
- 3. Salted Caramel Ice Cream (Gluten & Dairy Free)
- When I asked my readers what ice cream flavour they would most like to see, salted caramel was one of the most popular requests. This gluten and dairy free salted caramel ice cream has that lovely mix of sweetness with a gentle salty finish. I added 1/4 teaspoon of salt, which gives the balance I enjoy, but you can adjust it slightly depending on your own taste. If you prefer a stronger salty caramel flavour, you may want a little more; if you prefer it sweeter, keep it lighter.
- 4. Raspberry Float (Gluten & Dairy Free)
- Bring back a little childhood nostalgia with this gluten and dairy free raspberry float. It is bright, refreshing, and perfect for hot days when you want a dessert that feels more like a drink. You can make your own dairy free vanilla ice cream if you have the time, or use a shop-bought version if you need something quick and easy. The raspberry flavour makes it feel fresh and summery, while the ice cream gives it that classic creamy float finish.
- 5. Peanut Butter Choc Chip Ice Cream (Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
- Peanut butter is an absolute classic and one of my favourite flavours to use in dairy free ice cream. This peanut butter choc chip ice cream is rich, satisfying, and full of flavour. The chocolate chips add texture and a little extra sweetness, making it a great choice for anyone who loves peanut butter desserts. If you cannot have nuts, you could try making it with a nut free butter or a seed based butter instead, depending on what works best for your diet.
- 6. Mocha Ice Cream (Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
- This gluten free and dairy free mocha ice cream is a lovely option if you enjoy the combination of coffee and chocolate. The recipe makes a fairly large tub, so it is useful for preparing in advance and sharing with family or friends. It is the kind of frozen dessert that works well after a meal, especially if you want something smooth, creamy, and full of familiar mocha flavour. Keep a tub ready for those warm evenings when you need a quick, cooling dessert.
- 7. Pumpkin Spiced Ice Cream Float (Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
- This recipe shows you how to make a delicious dairy free pumpkin spiced ice cream with warm, comforting flavours. You can decide whether to enjoy it simply as ice cream or turn it into a float for something a little different. Although pumpkin spice is often associated with cooler months, it can be a fun flavour to enjoy frozen too. It is a great choice if you want a gluten and dairy free ice cream recipe that feels slightly more unusual than the classic summer flavours.
- 8. Choc PB Banana Frozen Shells (Gluten & Dairy Free)
- You can use this recipe to make delicious, fudgy frozen treats with chocolate, peanut butter, and banana. I had run out of wooden lolly sticks, so I set these in my madeleine shell cake tin instead, which gave them a pretty shape and made them a little different. They are a useful reminder that you do not always need specialist equipment to make gluten and dairy free frozen desserts at home. Use what you have and enjoy a simple, chilled treat.
- 9. Ice Cream Biscuit Bars (Gluten & Dairy Free)
- These gluten and dairy free ice cream biscuit bars are a cross between an ice cream cookie sandwich and a choc ice. They are a fun option when you want a frozen dessert that feels a little more indulgent than a simple scoop in a bowl. The biscuit element gives them structure, while the ice cream centre keeps them cool and creamy. They would be lovely to serve as an after-dinner treat or to keep wrapped in the freezer for when a sweet craving appears.
- 10. Banana Ice Cream (Gluten Free, Dairy Free)
- I believe this was the first ice cream recipe I posted on my website, and it is still one I return to time and time again. This gluten free and dairy free banana ice cream is very simple to make and only uses a few ingredients. It remains a family favourite because it is easy, naturally creamy, and perfect for warm weather. I have topped it here with a drizzle of my gluten and dairy free caramel sauce, which makes it feel even more special without overcomplicating the recipe.
