Mocha Nice Cream is a creamy, dreamy frozen treat made without dairy or refined sugar. It’s a vegan ice cream that’s perfect for coffee lovers, healthy eaters, and anyone who wants dessert in minutes. Just blend and enjoy - no ice cream maker needed!
Love frozen treats? Be sure to try our Black Sesame Ice Cream and Filipino Mango Ice Cream - they’re just as easy and packed with flavor!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and super beginner-friendly. No fancy tools or churning needed—just a blender and a few simple ingredients.
Frozen bananas make it naturally sweet and creamy. Coconut milk adds richness, and instant espresso powder or instant coffee gives it a bold mocha kick. Add a splash of vanilla extract or soy milk for even more flavor.
Bonus: Bananas are a great source of potassium and fiber, helping with heart health and digestion. Plus, they’re easy to peel, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, and store in a freezer-safe container. And try using a strong blender like a Vitamix to get that perfect consistency.
Ingredients
Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:
- Raw cashews
- Coconut milk
- Frozen bananas
- Nut butter
- Instant coffee
- Dairy-free chocolate chips or cacao nibs (optional)
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Make the Cashew Base:
1. In a high-speed blender or food processor, add the cashews and pulse until finely ground.

2. Add the coconut milk and blend until smooth and creamy.
Add Remaining Ingredients:
3. Add the frozen banana slices, nut butter, and instant coffee to the blender.
4. Blend again until the mixture is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.

Serve:
5. Scoop the mocha nice cream into a bowl and top with dairy-free chocolate chips or cacao nibs (optional).

6. Serve immediately for a soft-serve texture, or freeze for 1–2 hours for a firmer consistency.

Substitutions & Variations
- Ingredient Swap
No coconut milk? Use almond or oat milk.
Don’t like coffee? Skip it or add cocoa powder for a chocolate-only twist. - Variation
Swap nut butter with tahini or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
Swirl in some peanut butter, maple syrup, or fresh berries for tasty chunks. - Mistake to Avoid
Don’t skip soaking the cashews if you don’t have a high-speed blender—it helps with creaminess. - Storage Tips
- This nice cream holds up in the freezer for about 1–2 weeks.
- Let it soften for a few minutes before scooping.
- Store in an airtight container with parchment paper pressed on top to avoid ice crystals.

FAQs
Mocha Nice Cream
Ingredients
- ½ cup raw cashews
- ½ cup coconut milk full fat for creamier texture
- 3 frozen bananas sliced
- 2 tablespoons nut butter e.g. almond, peanut, or cashew
- 1 tablespoon instant coffee
Optional topping:
- Dairy-free chocolate chips or cacao nibs for garnish
Instructions
Make the Cashew Base:
- In a high-speed blender or food processor, add the cashews and pulse until finely ground.
- Add the coconut milk and blend until smooth and creamy.
Add Remaining Ingredients:
- Add the frozen banana slices, nut butter, and instant coffee to the blender.
- Blend again until the mixture is smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
Serve:
- Scoop the mocha nice cream into a bowl and top with dairy-free chocolate chips or cacao nibs (optional).
- Serve immediately for a soft-serve texture, or freeze for 1–2 hours for a firmer consistency.
Watch The Recipe Video!
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If you like this recipe, try my other dairy-free recipes:
Recipes for Every Moment
Feeling snacky on a hot afternoon but want something healthy? This Mocha Nice Cream is cool, creamy, and takes just minutes to make—no guilt, just joy!




Yani says
Yum! Mocha is one of my faves!
Lainey says
me to Yani! Thank you for swinging by!
Chris says
What's your secret when adding Instant Coffee to your recipe? I increased that to 5-Tablespoons. There's still no Real taste of the Coffee. Just dumping it in doesn't make a very strong Flavor for me. I'm using a Dark Roast. Should I be using another kind, like Espresso with more kick? Thank you. I'm also making a smaller 1.2-Pint in an Ice Cream Churner.
Lainey says
Hi Chris! You may try the espresso or the coffee extract, though I haven't tried them yet. Please let me know how it goes. Thanks for swinging by!
Ani says
Amazing recipe! Thank you for sharing!
Ani says
Amazing recipe!!!
Sweet says
I'm so in love right now - mocha is one of my most favorite ice cream flavors!