Yummmm - this dairy free treat is simply delicious and perfect for this summer heat! The best part is, this dairy free and gluten free hot chocolate ice cream was created by our 2022 Recipe Challenge winner, Mena! And let me just say, she did not disappoint! You can find her original version published on her website here too.

To make this incredibly rich and creamy treat, gather together our Bare Life Coconut Hot Cocoa Mix, a can of coconut cream for the base and to replace the dairy, a banana for a thickener and sweetener, optionally two Medjool dates to add some caramel notes and more sweetness, and arrowroot starch as a thickener. Then you simply toss all of these whole ingredients into your blender. Once it’s blended and smooth, pour your mix into a freezer safe silicone ice cream container, or Mena suggests a couple of silicone mini-loaf pans, and pop those into your freezer. Pro-tip from Mena: give the ice cream a stir every now and then to help it freeze more quickly and to keep ice from forming. Then you just need to wait a few hours and you'll have scrumptious vegan, gluten free, and dairy free hot cocoa ice cream to enjoy! Plus, if you want to take this recipe to the next level, Mena suggested some additional mix-ins of coarsely chopped almonds and marshmallows to create a rocky road version. She also suggested mixing in peanut butter or sunflower seed butter to create a peanut butter or faux peanut butter cup version. If that doesn't have you drooling already, she also suggested a chocolate caramel version by adding chopped dates or even mixing in a date caramel.

Let us know what you think in the comments below and make sure to tag us in your pictures of this tasty treat on social media @eatbarelife for a special discount! 

Thanks and congratulations again to our challenge winner, Mena! You are keeping us refreshed with this incredible dessert all summer long! 

Ali Lazowski