If you are looking for a creamy homemade dessert that is healthy, refreshing, and suitable for people with gluten or lactose intolerance, this gluten-free and dairy-free vanilla ice cream recipe is perfect for you. Made with simple plant-based ingredients such as cashews, Marcona almonds, and vanilla soy milk, this recipe delivers a smooth texture and an irresistible flavor without the need for dairy products.
The combination of nuts creates a naturally creamy consistency, while the touch of vanilla and your favorite sweetener make it completely customizable. Best of all, you do not need an ice cream machine.

Why You Will Love This Dairy-Free Vanilla Ice Cream
This homemade vegan vanilla ice cream is:
- Gluten-free
- Lactose-free
- Naturally creamy
- Easy to prepare
- Customizable with your favorite sweeteners
- Made with wholesome ingredients
Thanks to the blend of soaked cashews and Deliart Marcona Almonds, the texture becomes rich and silky, very similar to traditional ice cream.
Ingredients for Gluten-Free Vanilla Ice Cream
To prepare this creamy dairy-free vanilla ice cream, you will need:
- 1 cup cashews
- 1/2 cup Deliart Marcona almonds
- Vanilla-flavored soy milk (you can also use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk)
- A splash of vanilla extract
- Your favorite sweetener: honey, erythritol, agave syrup, maple syrup, or any preferred alternative

How to Make Dairy-Free Vanilla Ice Cream
1. Soak the Nuts
Place the cashews and Deliart Marcona almonds in a container with enough vanilla soy milk to cover them completely. Leave them soaking in the refrigerator for approximately 24 hours.
This step softens the nuts and helps create an ultra-creamy texture.
2. Blend the Ingredients
After soaking, transfer everything to a blender and blend until smooth.
Add more plant-based milk little by little until you achieve your desired consistency. Then add:
- A splash of vanilla extract
- Your preferred sweetener
Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or vanilla flavor until it is exactly how you like it.

3. Freeze the Ice Cream
Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and place it in the freezer.
For the next 2 hours, stir the ice cream every 30 minutes. This helps prevent ice crystals and creates a creamier texture.

After a couple of hours, your homemade gluten-free and lactose-free vanilla ice cream will be ready to enjoy.

Tips for Preventing Ice Cream from Crystallizing
- Use a liquid sweetener
Honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup help reduce the formation of ice crystals better than some granulated sweeteners. They also give the ice cream a smoother texture. - Add a tablespoon of healthy fat
A tablespoon of virgin coconut oil or cashew cream will enhance the creaminess and prevent the ice cream from becoming too hard. - Blend the mixture longer
The finer and more homogeneous the mixture of cashews, almonds, and plant-based milk is, the creamier the final texture will be. - Stir while freezing
For the first two hours, stir the ice cream every 30 minutes. This step breaks up the ice crystals that form and helps achieve a texture similar to that of ice cream from an ice cream shop. - Use a shallow container
Wide, shallow containers allow for more even freezing than deep containers. - Cover the surface
Before covering the container, place plastic wrap in direct contact with the mixture. This reduces ice crystal formation on the surface. - Don’t use too much water
Creamier plant-based milks, such as soy or oat milk, tend to yield better results than those with a high water content. - Take the ice cream out a few minutes before serving
Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes at room temperature before eating. It will regain some of its creaminess and be much easier to serve.
f you’re looking for a texture even closer to that of artisanal ice cream, add half a teaspoon of xanthan gum or a teaspoon of inulin before blending the mixture. These natural ingredients act as stabilizers and help keep the ice cream smooth for longer in the freezer.
The Secret Ingredient: Deliart Marcona Almonds
One of the highlights of this recipe is the use of Deliart Marcona Almonds. Unlike regular almonds, Marcona almonds have a sweeter and softer flavor, giving this vegan vanilla ice cream a unique gourmet touch.
Combined with cashews, they create a rich and naturally creamy base without needing cream or condensed milk.
If you want to elevate homemade dairy-free desserts, Marcona almonds are an excellent choice.
Best Nuts for Homemade Vegan Ice Cream
One of the best things about homemade dairy-free ice cream is that you can experiment with different nuts and flavors.
Some great options include:
- Cashews: Perfect for creamy textures
- Marcona almonds: Add sweetness and elegance
- Macadamia nuts: Extra rich and buttery
- Hazelnuts: Ideal for a deeper roasted flavor
- Pistachios: Great for a gourmet twist
- Walnuts: Add intensity and texture
In this recipe, Deliart Marcona Almonds provide a delicate flavor that pairs beautifully with vanilla and plant-based milk, making the ice cream taste even more luxurious.
Tips for the Creamiest Dairy-Free Ice Cream
To get the best texture:
- Always soak the nuts long enough
- Blend thoroughly until completely smooth
- Stir during freezing to avoid ice crystals
- Use creamy plant-based milks such as soy, oat, or coconut milk
You can also add toppings like dark chocolate chips, fresh fruit, cinnamon, or crushed nuts for extra flavor.
A Healthy Frozen Dessert for Everyone
This gluten-free and lactose-free vanilla ice cream is ideal for:
- Vegans
- People with lactose intolerance
- Gluten-sensitive diets
- Healthy dessert lovers
- Homemade ice cream enthusiasts
It is simple, delicious, and made with natural ingredients you can easily customize.
