Vanilla Ice Cream: Keto-Friendly Indulgence?

Vanilla ice cream is a delicious treat, but is it keto-friendly? Regular vanilla ice cream is typically full of sugar, which is not suitable for a keto diet. However, there are keto-friendly alternatives and recipes available that use sugar substitutes and other low-carb ingredients. These recipes can be made with or without an ice cream maker and typically include ingredients such as heavy cream, milk alternatives, egg yolks, and sugar substitutes. So, if you're craving some vanilla ice cream while on a keto diet, there are definitely options to explore!

How to make keto ice cream

Ingredients:

• Heavy cream or full-fat coconut cream
• Powdered sweetener (such as erythritol, xylitol, or allulose)
• Xanthan gum (optional)
• Vanilla extract

Method:

First, 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.

Next, freeze the mixture. Cover the jar and place it in the freezer for at least four hours, stirring every 30-40 minutes to ensure it doesn't ice up.

Finally, serve the ice cream immediately after removing it from the freezer. If it's too icy, let it sit for 15 minutes or microwave it for 15 seconds.

Tips:

• If you want to make the ice cream dairy-free, swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut cream.
• For a perfect texture, use heavy cream (also known as double or thickened cream). Do not use reduced-fat or light versions.
• To prevent crystallization, add a stabilizer like xanthan gum.
• For a simple vanilla base, add vanilla extract. You can also change it up by adding other flavour extracts.
• To make the ice cream even creamier, add a tablespoon of vodka.

Keto ice cream recipe tips and variations

Alcohol

Adding a small amount of alcohol to your ice cream can help to reduce iciness. Vodka is a good option as it is flavourless. However, this is completely optional and can be left out if you are making the ice cream for children or someone who does not drink alcohol.

Sweeteners

The type of sweetener you use is very important. Most sugar substitutes have a higher freezing point than sugar, resulting in rock-hard ice cream. Sweeteners such as erythritol can also make your ice cream gritty. It is recommended to use powdered sweeteners to avoid this. Monk fruit, allulose, xylitol, and stevia are all suitable sweeteners for keto ice cream.

Dairy

Heavy cream is often used as a base for keto ice cream. However, if you want to reduce the calories, you can replace some of the cream with nut milk or other low-carb milk. Full-fat coconut cream is a good dairy-free substitute, but it will not be completely dairy-free because of the butter.

Churning

Churning your ice cream will give it a better texture. If you do not have an ice cream maker, you can still make keto ice cream. Simply transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container and freeze, stirring frequently until it is completely solid.

Flavours

Vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, hazelnut, mint chip, coffee, and maple walnut are all flavours that can be added to your keto ice cream. For chocolate ice cream, whisk in 1/4 cup of cocoa powder. For strawberry ice cream, use a keto strawberry ice cream recipe as a base. For mint chip, add 1 teaspoon of mint or peppermint extract and, optionally, some green food colouring.

Add-ins

You can add a variety of mix-ins to your keto ice cream, including chocolate chips, cookie dough, sea salt caramel, butter pecan, and brownies.

Storage instructions

Chilling the Ice Cream Mixture:

Before churning the ice cream, it is typically recommended to chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or even overnight. This step helps improve the texture of the ice cream.

Churning and Freezing:

After churning the ice cream according to the manufacturer's instructions, it is ready to be served as soft-serve. However, for a firmer consistency, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for an additional 2 to 4 hours.

Long-Term Storage:

For long-term storage, keep the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. It is recommended to press a piece of plastic wrap or wax paper directly onto the surface of the ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming.

With proper storage, homemade vanilla ice cream can last in the freezer for up to 2 months. However, it is best enjoyed within a few weeks, as it may become too firm to scoop easily.

Tips for Easier Scooping:

To make scooping easier, run the ice cream scoop under hot water before serving. If the ice cream is too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften.

Dairy-free keto ice cream

Ingredients

• Coconut milk
• Nut butter (almond, cashew, or sunflower seed)
• Sweetener (powdered erythritol, xylitol, or maple syrup)
• Vanilla extract
• Alcohol (optional)
• Salt (optional)

Method

First, make sure your ice cream maker bowl is completely frozen. This usually takes 12-24 hours.

Next, blend all your ingredients in a small blender. Taste the mixture and adjust if needed.

Chill the mixture in the fridge for at least an hour.

Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn for about 10 minutes, or until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.

Transfer the ice cream to a loaf pan or shallow dish and freeze for about an hour.

Let the ice cream sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips

• Churning the ice cream for just 10 minutes aerates it, giving it a fluffy, creamy texture.
• Adding alcohol to the mixture will prevent it from turning rock-hard in the freezer.
• If you don't have an ice cream maker, you can still make this recipe. Simply skip the churning step and freeze the mixture, removing it every 20 minutes to whisk and aerate.
• If you're using liquid sweeteners, be aware that they can make the mixture too icy.
• If you're using a sweetener that's not powdered, blend it first to make a homemade powdered sweetener.
• If you're using coconut milk, make sure it's full-fat and not lite.
• If you're using almond butter, make sure it's smooth, as chunky almond butter can overpower the other flavours.

Keto ice cream toppings

Vanilla ice cream is a classic option for a keto ice cream sundae. Here are some topping ideas to elevate your dessert:

Fruits

Add a fresher twist to your sundae with fruits such as raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries.

Coconut Flakes

Unsweetened coconut flakes will give your sundae a tropical twist.

Sprinkles

Add pops of colour to your dessert with low-carb sprinkles.

ChocZero

ChocZero offers a variety of keto-friendly products that can be used as toppings, such as chocolate syrup, almond butter syrup, chocolate chips, and peanut butter cups.

Whipped Cream

A classic, creamy topping.

Sauces and Syrups

• Peanut butter sauce
• Sugar-free caramel sauce
• Sugar-free hot fudge sauce
• Blueberry sugar-free syrup
• ChocZero's sugar-free coffee syrups, such as cinnamon dolce, pumpkin spice, maple pecan, maple, hot honey, hazelnut, peppermint, vanilla, and white chocolate

Frequently asked questions