Gelato Vs Ice Cream: Keto-Friendly Or Not?

Gelato is a popular frozen dessert that originated in Italy in the 1600s. It is very similar to ice cream, but with a denser and creamier texture. Traditional gelato recipes use the same base ingredients as ice cream, but gelato typically has more milk than cream and doesn't usually contain egg yolk.

Gelato recipes usually contain sugar, but it is possible to make a keto-friendly version by using low-carb ingredients such as cashew milk, heavy whipping cream, erythritol, and egg yolks. There are also several keto-friendly ice cream brands available in grocery stores, such as Halo Top, Rebel, and Enlightened. These brands use sugar substitutes such as xylitol, erythritol, stevia, and monk fruit to keep the carb count low.

Keto ice cream ingredients

There are many different ways to make keto ice cream, and the ingredients can vary depending on the desired flavor and texture. Here are some common ingredients used in keto ice cream recipes:

• Heavy Cream: Also known as double or thickened cream. It provides a rich and creamy texture to the ice cream. Avoid using reduced-fat or light versions as they may affect the desired consistency.
• Sweeteners: Sweeteners used in keto ice cream include powdered allulose, erythritol, xylitol, monk fruit sweeteners, stevia, or a combination of these. Sweeteners help enhance the flavor and sweetness of the ice cream without adding carbs.
• Xanthan Gum: This ingredient acts as a thickener and stabilizer, preventing crystallization and improving the texture of the ice cream.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract is commonly used to impart a classic vanilla flavor to the ice cream. It can be omitted or substituted with other flavor extracts, such as almond or peppermint, to create different flavors.
• Egg Yolks: Egg yolks are optional but contribute to a richer, smoother, and creamier texture. They also act as a natural stabilizer.
• Milk: Milk is used in some recipes to balance the texture and flavor, creating a low-carb ice cream.
• Gelatin: Gelatin helps reduce ice formation and improves the overall texture of the ice cream.
• Cocoa Powder: Cocoa powder can be added to create a chocolate-flavored keto ice cream.
• Flavorings: Various flavorings can be added to create different variations, such as cookie dough, strawberry, mint chocolate chip, butter pecan, or birthday cake. These flavorings can include crushed keto cookies, fruit extracts, chopped nuts, or sugar-free caramel syrup.

How to make keto ice cream

Ingredients

• Heavy cream
• Sweetener (powdered allulose, erythritol, xylitol, stevia, monk fruit, or sugar)
• Xanthan gum (optional)
• Vanilla extract (optional)
• Coconut milk (full-fat canned)
• Salt
• Cocoa powder (for chocolate ice cream)

Method

There are two ways to make keto ice cream: with an ice cream maker or without one.

Using an ice cream maker:

• Make the mixture: In a deep jar, add all the ingredients and gently mix. Using an immersion or stick mixer, blend the mixture until it has thickened and soft peaks form.
• Freeze it up: Cover the jar and place it in the freezer for at least 4 hours, stirring every 30-40 minutes to ensure it doesn't ice up.
• Serve: Scoop it out and serve immediately. Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before scooping for a softer texture.

Without an ice cream maker:

• Make the mixture: In a deep jar, add all the ingredients and gently mix. Using an immersion or stick mixer, blend the mixture until it has thickened and soft peaks form.
• Freeze: Transfer the mixture to ice cube trays and freeze.
• Blend: Once frozen, blend the ice cubes in a high-speed blender until smooth.
• Serve: Eat as-is, or freeze for an hour for a firmer texture.

Flavour variations

There are endless flavour variations for keto gelato and ice cream. Here are some ideas:

• Chocolate– Add cocoa powder to the mixture.
• Cookies and cream– Replace the vanilla extract with almond extract and add crushed keto Oreos.
• Cookie dough– Fold through crumbled keto cookie dough.
• Strawberry– Add sliced strawberries and, if desired, strawberry extract.
• Mint chocolate chip– Replace the vanilla extract with peppermint extract and fold through sugar-free chocolate chips.
• Butter pecan– Add butter extract and chopped pecans.
• Salted caramel– Fold through sugar-free caramel syrup.
• Peanut butter cup– Drizzle peanut butter and add chopped-up keto peanut butter cups.
• Birthday cake– Add sugar-free sprinkles and butter extract.
• Brownie batter– Add cocoa powder and chopped keto brownies.
• Liquorice– Try Queen Keto's Liquorice Ice Cream.
• Pumpkin spice– Try Queen Keto's Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream.
• Chocolate chip– Try sugar-free chocolate chips.
• Coffee– Try Chocolate Covered Katie's coffee ice cream.
• Coconut– Try Chocolate Covered Katie's coconut ice cream.
• Hazelnut– Follow the recipe in Wholesome Yum's Easy Keto Cookbook.
• Mint chip– Reduce vanilla and add mint or peppermint extract. If desired, add green food colouring.
• Sea salt caramel– Swirl in sugar-free caramel sauce. If you like streaks, stop churning once it gets streaky.
• Brownies– Add brownie chunks or top keto brownies or blondies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage instructions

To ensure your gelato stays fresh, follow these storage instructions:

Deep Chill

Ideally, freshly churned gelato must be chilled at the lowest temperature possible. Gelato hates abrupt changes in temperature. When there is an increase in temperature, the ice crystals trapped in the mixture will melt. If you wish to consume your gelato right away, that is fine, but if you intend to eat it later, always be sure your gelato is frozen. The goal is to keep your gelato as cold as possible.

Store at the Back of the Freezer

Whenever you open the door of your freezer, you are letting warm air in. Therefore, as much as possible, store gelato in the back portion of the freezer or position it beneath other frozen items. This will protect it from melting caused by warm air.

Observe Proper Temperature

Gelato is best stored at a temperature of -10°C to -20°C (-14°F to -4°F). If your freezer has a thermometer, adjust its settings to maintain this temperature. Without a gelato freezer, your gelato might turn out crunchy and icy, affecting its overall taste.

Keep Containers Airtight

To keep your gelato’s taste intact, use an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid. For added security, you can put a layer of plastic wrap between the gelato and the lid. If you don’t want your gelato to crystalize and desiccate, do not let air in. Using an airtight container helps, but take note that air trapped inside the container for a certain period of time may cause further damage. If you like to eat gelato in ample amounts, scoop them into smaller containers and put back the rest at the back portion of the fridge.

Consume Promptly

At the end of the day, no matter how airtight your gelato’s container is, storing it in the freezer for a prolonged time may impact its taste and texture. To enjoy your gelato, it must be consumed for no more than a week or two.

What to serve with keto ice cream

There are many different keto-friendly options to serve with your ice cream. Here are some ideas:

• Keto Blueberry Cobbler
• Low Carb Apple Crisp
• Keto Cheesecake
• Keto Peanut Butter Cookies
• Keto Chocolate Mousse
• Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Keto Brownies
• Keto Cookies
• Keto Chocolate Cake
• Keto Muffins
• Keto Blueberry Muffins
• Keto Chocolate Ice Cream
• Almond Milk Ice Cream
• Sugar-Free Orange Sherbet
• Keto Chocolate Mousse
• Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Keto Mason Jar Ice Cream
• Keto Chocolate Ice Cream
• Keto Brownies
• Keto Cookie Dough
• Keto Peanut Butter Cups
• Keto Sprinkles
• Keto Brownies
• Keto Cookie Dough
• Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Keto Brownies
• Keto Peanut Butter Cups
• Keto Sprinkles
• Keto Chocolate
• Keto Peanut Butter Cookies
• Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Keto Brownies
• Keto Peanut Butter Cups
• Keto Sprinkles
• Keto Chocolate
• Keto Peanut Butter Cookies
• Keto Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Keto Brownies
• Keto Peanut Butter Cups
• Keto Sprinkles
• Keto Chocolate

Frequently asked questions