Vegan Caramel Apple Ice Cream [+VIDEO]

This Vegan Caramel Apple Ice Cream is the fall tree you’ve been waiting for! This vanilla ice cream is filled with caramel swirls and layered with cinnamon apple chunks in every bite. 

Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Vegan Caramel Apple Ice Cream:

• vegan heavy whipping cream – as with most dairy-free substitutes, all are not created equal. I found the best results using Country Crock heavy whipping cream. I tried Califia as well, and I do not recommend this brand for whipping.
• sweetened condensed oat milk – you can used whatever dairy-free condensed milk you’d like. I personally love all things oat milk!
• vanilla extract – vanilla extract will ensure your vanilla ice cream has flavor. Be sure to use a quality vanilla extract when possible for the best results.
• vegan caramel sauce – I love making my own homemade caramel sauce because it’s so easy, but if you can find a plant-based caramel sauce in the stores go for it!
• fresh apples – the apples you use in this recipe is totally up to you! I typically have honey crisp apples at home, but you could use gala, granny smith or any other variation you like.
• organic cane sugar, salt, ground cinnamon – you’ll use these ingredients to combine with the apples to give them some fall flavor!
• vegan butter – I love the flavor that vegan butter provides when cooking the apples, but you could also cook them with a bit of water or substitute with coconut oil instead.

How to Make Vegan Caramel Apple Ice Cream

Making this Vegan Caramel Apple Ice Cream is a lot easier than you might think. Once you make this treat, you’ll definitely want to start experimenting with some of my other vegan ice cream recipes as well! 

To get started the first thing you wanna do is round up all of your ingredients. There’s nothing worse than starting a recipe only to realize that halfway through it, you don’t have what you need and you’re missing an ingredient or two. Once everything is gathered, you can begin by whipping your vegan heavy cream.

In a large bowl whip the heavy cream until peaks are formed, and the mixture resembles whipped cream. Next, add in your plant based sweetened condensed milk. Using a spatula, fold in the condensed milk until well combined and set aside.

Next, you can begin peeling and dicing your apples. The type of apples that you use is completely up to you, so feel free to use whatever you have on hand or enjoy most. I used Honey Crisp apples. Be sure to dice your apples about 1/2 an inch in size. You want to make sure that the apples aren’t too big because smaller ones are easier to eat after being frozen.

Once the apples are diced, add them to a pan along with vegan butter, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt if desired, sauté them on medium heat until softened. Be sure to stir them consistently. Once finished, remove them from the heat and set aside.

Next, it’s time to begin layering your Vegan Caramel Apple Ice Cream. In a freezer safe container begin layering the ice cream mixture, the caramel sauce and the diced apples. Start with a ½ inch layer of the ice cream mixture, a generous drizzle of caramel sauce, and a few spoonfuls of diced apples. Continue alternating each until the contents have been depleted.

Once you’re done layering everything, cover the Vegan Caramel Apple Ice Cream dish with plastic wrap and transfer to the freezer to chill for roughly 8 hours or overnight. Once it’s frozen, I recommend letting it set out for a few minutes then you’re ready to enjoy!

Vegan Caramel Apple Ice Cream Q&A

What’s the best vegan heavy whipping cream to use for Vegan Caramel Apple Ice Cream?

While testing this recipe I tried two different brands— Califia and Country Crock. I was quickly reminded that when it comes to vegan substitutes, brands DO MATTER! I tried Califia twice and couldn’t get it to whip for the life of me. 

I read some reviews online and saw that Country Crock received good reviews consistently and I agree with them. This brand whipped in no time and created the best consistency!  I also liked that it was more accessible and more stores seem to carry it. 

How long does this Vegan Caramel Apple Ice Cream last?

Technically this can last for up to 1 month in the freezer, but it’s best to enjoy it within 1 – 2 weeks for the best flavor.

Why do I need to let it sit out before eating?

Since this ice cream recipe is homemade, it’s free from preservatives that many store bought ice cream brands use, helping it to maintain its consistency and last longer than perhaps it should. 

How do I store my Vegan Caramel Apple Ice Cream?

Using an air tight container is ideal, but if you don’t have a container large enough, be sure to cover it tightly. Keep it in the freezer to stay frozen.

How can I get my ice cream to freeze more quickly?

For a faster freezing time, I would recommend using a shallow dish to freeze your Vegan Caramel Apple Ice Cream in. The taller the dish, the longer it will take to freeze all the way through. You may find it helpful to use a pie pan or other small containers with lids.

Tips for Making the Best Vegan Caramel Apple Ice Cream

• Whip your vegan heavy whipping cream really well. The fluffier the better. Fluffy heavy whipping cream results in smooth, creamy ice cream.
• Use the best vegan heavy whipping cream. All vegan heavy whipping cream is not created equal! As I mentioned above, Country Crock has worked consistently for me time after time.
• Allow your ice cream to freeze long enough. The best part of ice cream is that it’s a frozen treat! Nobody likes runny ice cream, so be sure to make your Vegan Caramel Apple Ice Cream well enough in advance so that you can ensure it’s had time enough to freeze through.

I know you’re gonna love this Vegan Caramel Apple Ice Cream! It’s the perfect indulgent treat and tastes like fall in every bite! Give this recipe a try and let me know how it goes in the comments below!