Tips for the BEST Vegan Ice Cream Sundaes

Creating a vegan ice cream sundae can seem like an uphill task for many. They may be uncertain of where to find vegan ice cream toppings, let alone make dairy-free ice cream from scratch. But mastering this art is what separates the casual dessert lover from the true connoisseur—even if your skill level is still “amateur”. Don’t let the words “plant-based” intimidate you; it’s all about finding the right (read: easiest and most delicious) dairy-free ice cream sundae recipe. And then, of course, the non-dairy mix-ins and toppings that level it up from scoop, to sundae.

Table of Contents:

• The Rising Popularity of Vegan Ice Cream Sundaes
• Vegan Ice Cream Brands and Options
• How To Make A Delicious Vegan Ice Cream Sundae At Home
• Making Your Vegan Sundae Healthy
• Serving Your Vegan Sundae
• Conclusion

The Rising Popularity of Vegan Ice Cream Sundaes

Vegan ice cream sundaes are becoming increasingly popular, likely due to the growing number of vegans and vegan-ish people in the US.

A national survey from the Vegetarian Research Group and YouGov reveals that 3 percent of U.S. citizens identify as vegan, with a staggering 29 percent adopting "veganish" habits.

This shift is reflected in our scoop shops where vegan sundaes are becoming more common than ever before.

Rising Demand For Dairy-Free Delights

You might be wondering: what does this mean?

To put it simply - businesses have recognized that offering non-dairy alternatives isn't just good ethics; it also makes excellent business sense. As such they've been quick to jump aboard the trend train by expanding their range of offerings beyond traditional served ice cream cones into exciting new territories like mouthwatering plant-based sundaes.

Suddenly those who regularly eat vegan meals or adhere strictly to a lactose-intolerant diet find themselves spoilt for choice when craving something sweet after dinner.

Catering To A Growing Market Segment

No longer confined to health food stores or niche markets online - these deliciously creamy treats can now be found at your local grocery store too. This increasing accessibility only serves further fuel consumer interest leading many industry experts predicting we'll continue seeing growth within this sector well into future years.

Moving forward, We'll explore popular brands embracing this change along with some DIY tips if you fancy whipping up your own batch at home. So stay tuned.

Vegan Ice Cream Brands and Options

Let's talk vegan ice cream. The market is booming, with popular brands like Ben & Jerry's and Haagen-Dazs offering a variety of flavors for those who regularly eat vegan meals or are lactose intolerant.

The Homemade Vegan Ice Cream Wave Continues

In fact, the homemade vegan ice cream wave continues to surge as more people explore dairy-free alternatives.

This trend has been fueled by affordable home appliances such as the 4-quart Nostalgia ice cream maker and Cuisinart's model that churn out delicious scoops right in your kitchen.

A majority of supermarkets now carry at least one brand of this frozen delight, catering to an astounding 68 percent of adults worldwide unable to digest lactose properly.

Making Your Own Dairy-Free Treat: The Basics

If you're interested in making your own creamy concoction, here are some essentials:

• Your base can be anything from coconut milk to almond milk - experiment until you find what suits your palate best.
• You'll need a good dairy-free ice cream recipe; there are plenty online tailored specifically for non-dairy ingredients. Don't forget about flavorings. Vanilla extract adds depth while cocoa powder gives it a chocolatey twist.
• An important tip when creating your mixture: always chill before churning it into dreamy soft-serve consistency.
• For a no-churn option, try a vegan ice cream mix like Hijinx-V. Simply add water, your favorite ingredients (cocoa powder, peanut butter, maple syrup, etc.), then freeze!

How To Make A Delicious Vegan Ice Cream Sundae At Home

If you're wanting to tantalize your taste buds, why not make a vegan ice cream sundae at home? This dessert is perfect for those who regularly eat vegan meals or anyone looking to try something new.

Start with the base: vanilla ice cream. You can either buy it from brands like Ben & Jerry's and Haagen-Dazs that offer vegan options, or create your own at home from scratch, or from a no-churn ice cream mix like Hijinx-V. Check out this easy, dairy-free ice cream recipe that only requires a blender.

Unique Flavors of Vegan Ice Cream

One way to spice up your ice cream sundaes is to use unusual flavors that you can’t normally find in stores. With Hijinx, you can easily experiment with your creative cooking ideas without a whole lot of effort. No-churn, no problem. Here are a few examples from the Hijinx recipe arsenal:

• Ginger Peach Ice Cream
• PB&J Ice Cream
• (Vegan) Red Wine & Dark Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
• Sweet Potato Maple Pecan Ice Cream
• Vegan S’mores Ice Cream (Vegan Marshmallows, Vegan & GF Grahams, Dark Chocolate)
• Takis Ice Cream (yes, they’re vegan!)

Vegan Topping Options for Your Sundae

The world of plant-based toppings goes beyond traditional ones. Plus, some fan-favorite toppings you may not even realize are already dairy-free!

• You could add fresh fruits like strawberries or blueberries
• Vegan Dark Chocolate Sauce
• Dark Chocolate Chips
• Sprinkles
• Oreos (they’re already vegan!)
• Peanut Butter Sauce
• Whipped coconut cream
• Vegan Marshmallows
• Nuts (like walnuts, pecans, cashews, etc.)

Making Your Vegan Sundae Healthy

So, you're on a mission to create an indulgent vegan sundae that's also healthy? No worries. Here are a few options for getting the most nutritional value out of your dairy-free ice cream sundae.

• Ditch the refined sugar and embrace natural sweeteners like maple syrup. Not only does it lend a unique flavor profile but it's packed with antioxidants too.

• Cacao nibs are your new best friend. They're loaded with nutrients while providing that much-needed crunch in every bite of your ice cream. You can easily whip up candied cacao nibs mixed with maple syrup for added sweetness.
• Add some peanut butter for some extra protein if that’s something you need.
• If you think all fats are bad, think again. Opting for low-fat coconut milk instead of full fat doesn't mean compromising taste or texture when making homemade vegan ice cream flavors. It just means less saturated fat without sacrificing creamy deliciousness.

Do keep in mind that “dairy-free” does not equal “healthy”, nor does it equal “gluten-free”. Be sure to check the nutritional content on your ingredients to ensure your ice cream is meeting your personal dietary needs.

The Perfect Vegan Whipped Cream Recipe:

• Ingredients:

1. One cup Country Crock Plant Butter (melted)
2. Two tablespoons Coconut Oil (melted)
3. One teaspoon Vanilla Extract
4. Two tablespoons Maple Syrup

Directions:

1. Whip together melted plant butter and coconut oil until smooth using an electric mixer at medium speed.
2. Add vanilla extract and maple syrup then continue whipping until well incorporated.
3. Chill in the fridge till firm enough to hold its shape before serving atop your favorite scoop from the vegan ice cream cooler.

Now there you have it - A guide to creating not just any sundae but one that aligns perfectly with health-conscious choices.

Serving Your Vegan Sundae

Now,  the fun part - serving your vegan sundae. Remember that presentation is key to enhancing the overall eating experience. Many brands like Trader Joe’s sell vegan ice cream cones. Dairy-free waffle cones or waffle bowls are another exciting option that isn’t the norm. You can even set out a sundae bar for guests at a party or friends night in!

For inspiration, it’s always a help to check social media for adventurous and creative trends. Ice cream-related accounts—like @HijinxIceCream on Instagram—or accounts from home cooks can be useful inspiration.

Conclusion

Constructing a vegan ice cream sundae at home is not only feasible, but also gratifying. You've learned about the rise of veganism and its impact on the ice cream industry, and now you know exactly how to make your very own version.

Toppings? We've got them covered. Healthier alternatives? Absolutely!

Ready to take this journey further? Dive into the world of vegan ice cream recipes, where we bring you exciting, plant-based ice cream recipes that you can simply blend and freeze—using Hijinx-V.