Best Ice Cream Substitutes
Out of ice cream? These are the best ice cream substitutes you can use in cooking and baking — ranked by how well they work in most recipes. Whether you need a dairy-free swap, a pantry staple alternative, or just ran out mid-recipe, one of these 4 options will have you covered.
Ice Cream Substitution Options
2 frozen ripe Bananas, blended
Use instead of 1 pint Ice Cream
Blend frozen sliced bananas in a food processor until creamy — the result is surprisingly similar to soft-serve. Add peanut butter, cocoa powder, or berries for flavor. No added sugar needed if bananas are ripe.
1 pint Coconut Milk Ice Cream
Use instead of 1 pint Ice Cream
Commercial coconut milk ice cream (like So Delicious or Nada Moo) is creamy, scoopable, and comes in a wide range of flavors. A direct substitute for any ice cream application — cones, floats, sundaes.
1 pint Oat Milk Ice Cream
Use instead of 1 pint Ice Cream
Oat milk ice cream has a creamy, neutral base closest to traditional dairy ice cream in flavor. Brands like Oatly and Planet Oat produce versions that are hard to distinguish from dairy in taste and texture.
Frozen Greek Yogurt
Use instead of 1 pint Ice Cream
Blend thick Greek yogurt with honey and a pinch of salt, freeze, and stir every 30 minutes for 2–3 hours. The result has the tang of frozen yogurt with more protein than regular ice cream. Add any flavor mix-ins you like.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best substitute for ice cream?
The best substitutes for ice cream are 2 frozen ripe Bananas, blended, 1 pint Coconut Milk Ice Cream, 1 pint Oat Milk Ice Cream. Blend frozen sliced bananas in a food processor until creamy — the result is surprisingly similar to soft-serve. Add peanut butter, cocoa powder, or berries for flavor. No added sugar needed if bananas are ripe.
Can I use 1 pint Coconut Milk Ice Cream instead of ice cream?
Commercial coconut milk ice cream (like So Delicious or Nada Moo) is creamy, scoopable, and comes in a wide range of flavors. A direct substitute for any ice cream application — cones, floats, sundaes.
How do I substitute ice cream in baking?
When substituting ice cream in baking, it's important to match the ratio carefully. Check the individual substitution notes above for exact measurements and tips for each swap.