Chai Coconut Ice Cream
This Chai ice cream is made with coconut milk, honey, black tea and warming spices. It tastes like a chai latte. It's dairy-free and egg-free.
Updated by Kathryne Taylor on May 14, 2025
Here’s a chai ice cream recipe I’ve been tinkering with over the past month. I brought the latest batch over to girls’ night this week and the girls say it’s just right.
As a frozen treat with warming spices, it seems like an appropriate dessert for in-between weather (or cold weather, or hot weather—do we ever need an excuse to enjoy ice cream?).
This ice cream formula is unconventional. It uses coconut milk as a base, rather than the usual dairy, and honey as the sweetener, which helps keep it scoopable.
Flavored like a chai tea latte, the recipe includes steeped Assam black tea and warming spices, including ground cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, clove and allspice. The result is creamy, dreamy, chai-flavored ice cream.
Chai Coconut Ice Cream
This dairy-free, egg-free Chai ice cream is made with coconut milk, honey and spices. It is perfectly scoopable from the freezer, but the texture is better if you let it rest at room temperature for five minutes before serving. Recipe yields a little over 1.5 quarts.
Ingredients
- 4 bags Assam black tea or regular black tea
- 2 cans (28 ounces) full fat coconut milk
- ¾ cup honey (use ⅔ cup for slightly less sweet ice cream)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ¾ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cardamom
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- Pinch of fine salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons arrowroot starch whisked with a few tablespoons of the coconut milk mixture (optional, see note)
Instructions
- In a liquid measuring cup, pour one cup boiling water over the tea bags. Let steep for 4 minutes, then remove the bags (squeeze out some of the water they have absorbed).
- Shake up your cans of coconut milk before opening in case the coconut cream has separated from the coconut water. In a Dutch oven or a big, heavy-bottomed pot, whisk together the coconut milk, tea, honey, vanilla, spices and salt until thoroughly blended.
- If you are NOT adding arrowroot starch, you can go ahead and chill the mixture (if the coconut milk cream is still floating around in bits, first heat the mixture over medium heat for a few minutes while whisking until it the cream is incorporated, then cool).
- If you ARE adding arrowroot starch, heat the mixture over medium heat. In a small bowl, whisk the arrowroot starch with a few tablespoons of the coconut milk mixture until thoroughly blended. Pour the arrowroot mixture into the warm coconut milk mixture and bring it to a gentle boil, stirring frequently for one minute.
- Remove from heat, let cool to room temperature, then place the bowl in the refrigerator until the mixture is completely and thoroughly chilled. While you’re at it, place your future ice cream container in the freezer to chill.
- If you used arrowroot starch, scoop off the thickened top layer with a spoon and discard it. Whisk together the chilled mixture one last time, then pour it into your ice cream maker. Freeze according to your manufacturer’s instructions, then transfer it to your chilled container and freeze for several hours in the freezer (let it defrost for five minutes before serving). Or eat immediately for soft serve texture.
Notes
Recipe created with guidance from Oh, Ladycakes and A Couple Cooks.
Make it vegan: Substitute maple syrup or agave nectar for the honey. You’ll end up with ice cream that freezes harder than ice cream made with honey—let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.
Arrowroot starch is a natural root starch that helps absorb the ice crystals. It’s optional here; you can also help the ice crystals go away if you let the ice cream sit for five minutes before serving. Look for arrowroot in the baking section of well-stocked grocery stores.
Change it up: The girls added a few chocolate chips to their bowls of ice cream. I think finely chopped dark chocolate incorporated near the end of the freezing cycle would be a very good idea.
A note on ice cream makers: I love-love-love my 2-quart Cuisinart. If you don’t have an ice cream maker and don’t want to buy one, here are a couple of methods that might work for this ice cream (I haven’t tried them): how to make ice cream with a food processor (tips from Jeni Britton) and how to make ice cream without a machine (by David Lebovitz).
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.
Wow, I would not have thought of combining the two flavors, it really looks incredible though. The texture seems amazing, bravo !
This sounds amazing. I love the chai flavors!
Oh no–I’m really sorry to hear things have been tough. I hope your friends do lift your spirits when they visit. My spirits are definitely lifted by this ice cream! It looks delicious, and you’re so right about the perfect flavor profile for this very in-between spring we seem to be having.
Thank you, Elizabeth. My friend has certainly lifted my spirits already. We just ate a little bowl of this ice cream as a pre-brunch snack! xo.
Hey girl, I love the light in these photographs. It’s so perfectly warm and clear. This treat sounds so wonderful and transitionally spot on, especially with that chocolate suggestion. More importantly though, I’m sending you the biggest hug via the internet that I can manage, you magnificent lady. xo
I love the dairy free / egg free. It’s amazing how with a little (a lot) of brainstorming and tweaking [almost] everything can be healthy!
I’m sorry that you’re having such a rough week. Hopefully a weekend with good friends will lift your spirits.
This ice cream sounds fantastic…warming spices in a refreshing treat.
Just love the idea of this. Can’t wait to give it a whirl. Sending lots of good vibes your way : )
What a great idea! I love this chai variation on coconut ice cream. And I too want to send a cyber hug your way!! So sorry to hear you’re down, but hoping your friends’ visit is just the thing you need. XO
Thank you, Sonja. xo
Aww, I’m so sorry to hear you’ve had a rough week. Hang in there and have fun with your friends! The ice cream sounds fantastic. Love chai flavors!
Once again you come through with a recipe that speaks straight to me. Definitely making this this weekend. Chai is on the list of my ultimate favorite things. Enjoy the time with your friends. Wishing you well. Love and light to you!
This sounds delicious Kate! I love dairy free ice creams, I find they have just as much flavor and are so much better for you. I will have to try this one, I love the chai flavoring. Hoping your friend time will cheer things up for you :) Good friends have a way of making everything better.
Thanks, Jodi. I was pleasantly surprised to find that coconut milk ice cream has such great texture, even without eggs. Hope your weekend is off to a great start.
Oh, dear. I don’t know what’s made for the rough week but I’m so sorry to hear it. In my experience, ice cream makes a good bedfellow in hard times (and good). Hope time with friends brings even more comfort!
Thank you, Shanna. :)
Oh my goodness I have to make this!!! =) I love chai & coconut!! =)
I’m sorry you are having a rough week, but friends are always the best sure to all! This looks perfectly lovely, have a good weekend!
This looks so amazing, it may inspire me to purchase an ice cream maker. I love all the spices. Hope your days get sunnier soon!!
Kate, I’m so sorry you are having a grubby week. I know I’ve never met you, but I (and I’m sure tons of your readers) feel grateful for little ol’ you. I work in a tiny office and whenever you update your site it makes my day. I print off your recipes and take them to my little kitchen and improve my health in doing so. I’ll even be making your recent chocolate chip cookie recipe next Friday for my wedding. So even though you don’t know me, you impact me. (…I’m sounding more and more like a stalker here, aren’t I?) Anyway, I guess what I’m trying to say is that you’ve touched a lot of people through your writing and I hope that this reminder lifts your spirits a little. And I’ll ask the big-man upstairs to make your tomorrow better than yesterday.
P.S. How did you know I’ve been lobbying for my local sweet frog to make this flavor?!
Claire, thank you so much for your kind comment. It really brightened my day. I’m so glad to know you’re out there and that you appreciate what I do. Thank you for reading and cooking my recipes, and for your support! Hope the cookies turn out beautifully for your wedding.
Update! The cookies turned out great! The cookie bar was a success and I was very happy to have a sweet available that everyone could enjoy! Thanks! xo
P.S. Hope you feel chipper soon and very soon. I’ll keep you in my intentions.
I’m so glad your wedding guests enjoyed the cookies, Claire! Thank you for the update. Hope your week is off to a great start.
This looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it. I’m not seeing where the tea is added into the mix. Is that just boiled along with the coconut milk, honey, and spices? Thanks for the perfect recipe!
Ashley, thank you for pointing out the missing step. Yes, just boil the tea along with the coconut milk. I’ve corrected the recipe, so it should be good to go.
I echo what Claire said above! And I don’t have an ice cream maker but it sounds so good I might have to make this into a smoothie.
Thank you, Jenna! I bet a smoothie with frozen bananas, coconut milk, and some of these warming spices would be a delicious treat.
So sorry to hear about your week, but I do love this ice cream – chai and coconut sound wonderful together!
Oh Kate! :( I am so sorry it’s been a rough week. God, have we all been there! You are such a beautiful young lady with an equally beautiful spirit. I truly and sincerely hope your sorrow fades quickly and you have lots of fun with your girlfriends coming into town. Even though it takes time, sometimes a good movie, blanket, and enormous bowl of ice cream is what is needed :). Smile- you are amazing and all things are temporary. Pinning this to my ice cream board now and making this weekend. Sending you lots of love. Hang in there, sister!
Thank you, Crystal, for your kind words! I really appreciate your sweet comment and support.
Sending you big hugs. And loving this ice cream flavor idea. If only NYC would arrange such in-between weather…still too cold for ice cream!
I was more taken to comment on your rough week than the recipe. I am sorry to hear it was bad and I am sending good wishes your way. You sure brighten my life and thank you!
Thank you, Doreen!
My boys and I are huge coconut and chai fans. Great combination!! I can’t wait to try.
I can relate to your tears… I shed many over the last 10 months. You are in my prayers.
Thank you. Sending love your way.
I’m so sorry to hear you are not having a good week. I hope that the isit from friends and a few cocktails will cheer you up! This is a fancy ice cream, so pretty!
Oh girl I am so sorry. If this is boy-related, you should know that I would be more than happy to come down there and kick some butt! You are an amazing person and deserve so much happiness!!
Thanks, Joanne. xoxoxo
I’ve recently found your blog & am always inspired! Also recently became vegan & so appreciate your tips. I can tell that you are a kind and caring person and am sorry to hear about your week. I wish you the best as you spend time with your friends!
Thank you, Barb!
Kate, so sorry to hear you’re going through a tough time. This too surely will pass. Hope the weekend with the girls helps.
The ice cream looks yum…..will try the smoothie version.
There’s nothing like a good girls weekend to lift spirits. I am sorry you went through a rough week. Still you produce amazing recipes, very inspiring. I am a huge ice cream fan….to a fault. This is one that I will have to try as well as the smoothie version.
I’ve been wanting a recipe for coconut ice cream, and I love chai, so this is perfect. Thank you for the recipe and hope you’re feeling better.
I am joining the chorus of well wishers here, so sorry you are having a rough week, I wish I could make it all go away for you, but then again I always find that the tears we shed always have a healing effect, even if we can only see it when the troubles are behind us. Am glad to know that you are not alone though, as one should never have to cry alone. I wish you strength and love and hope you will not have to suffer for much longer. You touch so many of us through your writing and I wish that somehow we, your readers, can pass some strength on to you through the vast mystery of the universe, which connects us all.
On a different note, I have been eating like a gallon of that tahini dressing from your previous post over the last few days and I’m planning to try out a few more of your recipes in the coming week. I have saved this one on my computer, but I’ll save it for later, as I’m having HUGE craving these days and need to keep them under control so as not to start ballooning all over the place, and I know that if I make this (and I know I will love it), I’ll just gobble it all up in one sitting and then go make some more. Veeeery dangerous!
Kate, I send you a huge hug and wish you love and sunshine!
Hi there, thank you so much for your kind words. I really appreciate your support and I’m so glad you enjoy my recipes! That tahini dressing is addictive. I bet you would like this kale salad, too: https://sooka.info/2012/raw-kale-salad-with-creamy-tahini-dressing/%3C/a%3E (more salad makes more room for ice cream, right?).
Aw Kate, I’m so sorry to hear you’ve been having a rough time. I’ve had my fair share of cries over the past couple of months, and although I don’t know your situation, I know what it’s like to feel like I’ve just knocked back a cocktail of crazy emotions that makes you feel totally all over the place. Whatever it is, I hope you had a great time with your friends, and that you’re starting to feel a little more like your old self. This ice cream sounds absolutely to die for – I LOVE Chai spices! Enjoy the rest of your weekend and here’s to a better week next week!
Oh, this looks just heavenly! My sister (and favorite neighbor!) is in India right now, and I’ve been wishing she were here to whip up a cup of her signature chai. Maybe I’ll just make this instead!
Take care, Kate. Hope a weekend with good friends and ice cream does the trick.
This looks so amazing!! And this is why I refuse to allow myself to buy an ice cream maker since I live alone… Haha
I hate to hear that you’ve shed your weight in tears. I’m so sorry.
I’ve never made ice cream with coconut milk, but it sounds so delicious. And with chai spices – even better.
Thank you, Marissa. Hope you’ll try coconut milk ice cream soon—it’s so so good. I’m not sure I can even tell coconut milk is in this spiced version.
This. Is. Amazing. Just made it this afternoon and couldn’t even wait for it to freeze all the way through before sneaking a few spoonfuls. It will be even better for dessert tonight. Thank you for sharing – one of many of your recipes I have bookmarked! (this one’s my personal record for saw-on-a-blog-and-then-made… I couldn’t wait)
Thank you, Jennifer! I’m so glad that you enjoyed the ice cream. My freezer is full of it (lucky me!).
Oh my goodness. YUM!!!!
xxx
I hope you feel better soon. This ice cream sounds fantastic!
I can’t stand to hear that things have been rough. Because I think we all know what “can’t stop crying” rough feels like. I’m so sorry, Kate. The pain will pass, slowly or quickly. But it will. That’s the one thing we can count on. Your ice cream sounds delicious, as a reformed coconut hater I’ve been making up for lost time on a “put coconut in all things” kick lately. I will be making this during the summer, for sure. Take care & thoughts are with you upon reading this today.
Thank you, Beth. Sincerely. Glad you’re getting on the coconut bandwagon. I hated the stuff until I tried the not gooey, unsweetened varieties.
So I’ve seen a lot of chai ice cream but the addition of coconut is pretty amazing. I love to make my chai tea with coconut milk and I imagine this ice cream with some roasted coconut chips on top would be lovely :)
It’s amazing how ice cream (and girlfriends) can heal so much! I hope this week is starting out much better for you! Anyway, love this recipe. I love Chai and love ice cream and have needed a recipe to inspire me to bring out my ice cream maker! Thank you for yet another great recipe and gorgeous photos.
This ice cream sounds fantastic! I love non-dairy options for those of us who are lactose intolerant. Thanks!
Hi Kate, hope you are feeling better, sending my best wishes to you. I’ve only recently found your site and just wanted to let you know how much I am loving it. Over the weekend, I tried a number of your recipes, including the Blueberry Lemon Yogurt Pancakes, Curried Red Lentil Soup, Butternut Squash Chipotle Chilli, Aragula & Walnut Pesto and of course, this one, the Chai Coconut Ice Cream. I’ve also previously tried your Meyer Lemon Curd (which went so well with the pancakes!) I can tell you that it was a weekend of awesome eating for my husband and I – we loved them all! So thank you for your beautiful (and well tested!) recipes. Your genuine blog posts make inspired reading. I can’t wait to try some more recipes.
Alicia, thank you so much for your sweet words. It really means so much that visitors actually make my recipes. You make my work worthwhile! I’m amazed that you made so many of them in one weekend, too. I think you set a record. :)
I have been wanting to make coconut ice cream for a while now so I can not wait to try this! The chai sounds amazing!
Thanks, Tieghan! Hope you’ll give this coconut ice cream a try soon. I think you’ll love it.
Aw, Kate. Sending you a big hug through my computer. I hope that you are feeling better. If you’d like, I can send you some Scout Mint ice cream…or I can just make your Orange Poppy Seed cake and send it back to you :) Food helps, but so do great friends. I hope their visit brought cheer and smiles. Best :) (And this ice cream looks delicious too…)
Thank you, Batya. xo.
Awesome, I’ve been meaning to try my hand at coconut milk icecream but didn’t know where to start! Great sounding flavour combination too
Thanks, Ariffa! This recipe has consistently turned out great for me. Hope you’ll give it a shot soon.
I’ve tried replacing heavy cream with coconut cream in the past, and found that the ice cream came out really tough. Does heating it help it reach a creamier consistency? I see that you said arrowroot helps with the ice.
Hi Angela, great question. I heated the mixture to activate the arrowroot starch. I’ve never tried using coconut cream, but I have played around with light and full fat coconut milk. I felt like using two cans of coconut milk without dilution via tea/natural sweetener produced ice cream that seemed a little too chewy. I think it might be because the fat content is too high? I really like the way this ice cream has turned out. Hope you’ll give it a try.
I love chai and it is so perfect with coconut. I love this recipe so much I want it tonight. I have been wanting to try making dairy free ice cream. :-)
Oh girl!! You are speaking my language with this post!! I love LOVE chai and coconut flavored anything. I’m sure this is amazing!!
I’m so sorry to hear you had a bad week. Praying things turn up for ya :)
Hello Kathryne,
Sorry to hear you’re going through a rough patch. I don’t know the nature of your sadness, so I sure hope my attempt at empathy isn’t insulting, I can say I was in the same boat two weeks ago when we had to make the decision to get rid of our dog Iggy. I thought I would never be able to go a day without crying, so I definitely know what you mean when you say you cried your weight in tears. I hope by now you realize, like I have, that misery is temporary. When you make it through to the other side, you’ll find you’re stronger and richer in experience.
Good luck!
PS — The ice cream looks great…it’s just the reminder I need to bother my husband yet again for an ice cream maker. Although since we’re moving to Alaska in five months, I’m pretty sure the answer will be no :/
Hey Crystle, thank you so much for your kind words. I’m still sorting through things. I’m so sorry to hear about Iggy. I know you loved him immensely. Wish I could teleport some of this ice cream over to you. My freezer is full of it! Congrats again on your baby girl. She’s beautiful.
Thanks, Kathryne! Hope your week is great.