Is there anyone else who loves gingerbread as much as I do?  And gingerbread + ice cream… be still my beating heart. But what if you can’t have dairy or are vegan? Fear not, I found a way to enjoy this delicious holiday treat and am sharing it with you! Shhhh… don’t tell anyone – it’s healthy too!

Unfortunately, due to health issues, I can no longer eat normal dairy ice cream. And coconut milk, which is the standard dairy substitute, makes me sick.  Many or most vegan ice creams use coconut milk, but this recipe does not, and is a great alternative to coconut milk.

The best part of this gingerbread ice cream isn’t the insanely delicious taste.  It’s super healthy for you. Ok, it’s the insanely delicious taste.

Health Benefits

Ginger – Of the 115 different chemical components found in ginger root, the therapeutic benefits come from gingerols, the oily resin from the root that acts as a highly potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. These bioactive ingredients have been thoroughly evaluated clinically, and the research backs up why you should use ginger on a regular basis. Health benefits include helping with nausea, pain reducer, anti-inflammatory, and may help to protect against lower cholesterol, prevent cancer, and protect against Alzheimer’s Disease.

Blackstrap Molasses -Blackstrap molasses is the dark, viscous molasses that remains after the extraction of sugar from raw sugar cane. It has the consistency of a thick syrup, as the third boiling of sugar syrup yields blackstrap molasses.  Blackstrap molasses contains essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin B6, calcium, manganese, magnesium, potassium, iron and selenium. Molasses may help to relieve PMS symptoms, stabilize blood sugar levels, improve bone health, treat symptoms of ADHD and boost skin health. Research has shown that children with ADHD are also deficient in zinc, magnesium, calcium and iron, which help to support brain function, and makes blackstrap molasses a great alternative to refined sugar.

Almond Milk – We’ve all heard that almonds are good for prostate health, but they also assist with blood sugar control, lower blood pressure levels, lower cholesterol levels, and prevent harmful oxidation of LDL cholesterol.  They are full of fiber, protein, fat, vitamin E, manganese, magnesium, and antioxidants.

Other Considerations

The difference between molasses and blackstrap molasses is the quality. Blackstrap molasses is lower GI and contains more nutrients than regular molasses. Because sugar is a highly genetically modified food, be sure to purchase blackstrap molasses that is organic and non-GMO.

Additionally, if you are allergic to sulfur-containing food preservatives, look for unsulphured molasses.

I like using fresh ginger root for this recipe, but you can certainly add ginger spice instead.  If you do use ginger root, be sure to purchase one that is firm and not soft.

Use a Nutri Ninja or blender to make a quick and easy ice cream consistency.

As I mentioned before, blackstrap molasses is a great sugar alternative, especially with children with ADHD.  Between the brain-friendly nutrients in blackstrap molasses, and the healthy fats and proteins in the almond milk, this yummy dessert actually makes a great breakfast for ADHD kids to help them wake up their brains and focus in school.  Hey kids – ice cream for breakfast tomorrow morning?

Psst… want beautiful Scripture + Gratitude printables to celebrate the beauty of the Advent Season? Click below…

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If you really want to get wild and crazy, make ice cream sandwiches with some gluten free gingersnaps.

Click on the recipe card to open a new window for a printable version.

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Are you Inspired?

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Love, hugs, and eating ice cream for breakfast. And lunch… dinner… and dessert.