Let’s talk about making something unexpectedly delightful. This bright pink beetroot ice cream? It’s creamy, slightly sweet, and speckled with rich chocolate chips. Think of it as a fun twist on the classic chocolate-strawberry combo—but with a veggie superstar at the center.
I’ll admit, when I first heard of beetroot in desserts, I was skeptical. But then I tried it. And wow… it’s a total game-changer for ice cream lovers who also care about using wholesome, plant-based ingredients. Plus, that color? Absolutely stunning.
Quick Recipe Snapshot
What’s the vibe?
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)
- Difficulty: Easy. Seriously.
- Serving Size: 4–6 scoops of happiness
What you need:
- Ice cream maker (or just a container if you’re up for hand-stirring)
- A blender
- Roasted beets (don’t worry, I’ll teach you how)
- Vegan staples like coconut milk and—wait for it—chocolate chips
Why This Ice Cream is Special
You know that earthy, slightly sweet flavor that makes beets so beet-y? Roasting them brings out their natural sugars. Combine that with creamy coconut milk, a touch of maple syrup, and a handful of chocolate chips, and you’ve got an ice cream that’s as tasty as it is healthy-ish.
Not sold yet? Here’s the deal: This ice cream is completely dairy-free, packed with good fats from the coconut milk, and doesn’t rely on any artificial coloring. That bright pink? It’s all beet, baby.
What You’ll Need
The Ice Cream Base
- 2 medium beets (about 1 cup when roasted and pureed)
Can’t find fresh beets? Pre-steamed works too—just skip the roasting. - 1 can full-fat coconut milk (13.5 oz)
- 1 can coconut cream (13.5 oz)
Want it lighter? Use another can of coconut milk instead of cream. - ¾ cup maple syrup
Not digging the syrup? Sub agave or honey if you’re not vegan. - 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp salt
The Fun Stuff (Mix-Ins)
- ½ cup vegan chocolate chips
- 2 Tbsp shredded coconut (optional)
Let’s Make It
Step 1: Roast the Beets
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab two beets, scrub ’em clean, and wrap them in foil like tiny parcels. Toss them on a baking sheet and roast for about 45–60 minutes.
How to tell they’re done? Stick a fork in one—it should glide through easily. Once they’re cool enough to handle, peel off the skins (they’ll slip right off like magic). Puree them until silky smooth.
Shortcut? If you’re short on time, try pre-cooked vacuum-sealed beets.
Step 2: Blend the Base
Toss your roasted beet puree, coconut milk, coconut cream, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt into a blender. Blend it up until the mixture is smooth and bright pink.
Insider tip: Taste the mix now. If you think it needs a touch more sweetness, add a drizzle of maple syrup.
Step 3: Chill It Out
Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap (press it right onto the surface—no air bubbles) and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
Why chill it? This step ensures the ice cream churns better and freezes without icy crystals. No shortcuts here, friend.
Step 4: Churn (or Fake It Until You Make It)
If you’ve got an ice cream maker, pour in the chilled mixture and churn until it thickens into soft-serve consistency (about 20–25 minutes). Dump in those chocolate chips and shredded coconut during the last 5 minutes.
No ice cream maker? No worry. Use a freezer-safe container, pour in the mixture, and freeze it. Stir every 30 minutes for 3–4 hours, breaking up any ice crystals.
Step 5: Firm It Up
Spoon the ice cream into an airtight container (smooth the top if you’re fancy). Lay a sheet of parchment paper directly on the surface, cover it up, and freeze for about 2 hours.
When you’re ready to serve, let it soften slightly at room temperature for the creamiest scoops.
Variations & Fun Ideas
Not a fan of beets? Substitute with roasted sweet potatoes or even carrots for a sweeter twist. You can also:
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
- Swap chocolate chips for crushed pistachios or dried fruits.
- Make it nut-free by skipping the shredded coconut.
Serving & Storage
How to Serve It:
Scoop it into black bowls for a dramatic contrast. Sprinkle on extra chocolate chips or even a few edible flowers if you’re feeling artsy.
How to Store It:
Keep it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week. Just don’t forget to let it sit at room temp for 5–10 minutes before scooping—it makes a world of difference.
Pro Tip: If you’ve got leftovers (unlikely, but hey), pair a scoop of this ice cream with warm vegan brownies. Decadent.
There you have it—your very own Vegan Beetroot Ice Cream with Chocolate Chips. It’s fun, colorful, and a little bit different from the usual vanilla-chocolate routine. Plus, the satisfaction of telling someone, “Oh, I made it myself,” is unbeatable.
So, ready to impress yourself? Go on—give this recipe a try!
