I’ve discovered a game-changing recipe that has become a staple in my diet. Soft serve ice cream is a personal favorite, but making it at home without an ice cream machine is no easy task. Especially when you’re looking for a healthier version.
When it comes to “healthy” or protein ice cream, you’re usually left with two options:
- Buy a protein pint of ice cream, but let’s be honest, most of them taste like a combination of ice and chalk.
- Make your own using protein powder and ice or “nice cream” with banana. But it never really tastes like real ice cream.
But what if I told you that I’ve unlocked the secret to making smooth, fluffy, soft-serve ice cream without a soft serve machine? And the best part? The entire batch is only 300 calories with 0g of fat and 24g of protein!
The Magic Ingredients
You only need three main ingredients to make this magic happen:
- Evaporated Milk
- Powdered Sugar
- Vanilla Extract
Yes, it’s that simple! Just a pinch of salt and an extra dash of milk, and you’re good to go. These three ingredients form the backbone of this amazing low-calorie ice cream recipe.
The Process
Now, let’s walk through the steps of making this delicious soft-serve ice cream:
Step 1: Mix together the evaporated milk, vanilla extract, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
Step 2: Pour the mixture into a large freezer bag or ice cream tray. Seal it tightly without any air and let it fully freeze for about 8-10 hours (or overnight).
Step 3: Remove the frozen mixture from the bag or tray and add it to a food processor. Blend it for about 30 seconds until it becomes crumbly.
Step 4: Add 1-2 tablespoons of milk (any kind will do) to the food processor and blend on high until everything becomes smooth and fluffy.
That’s it! You’ve just made creamy, dreamy soft-serve ice cream without any fancy equipment. The texture and taste are so close to what you’d get from an ice cream shop.
Storage Tips
If you want to store the ice cream for later, make sure to use a tightly covered container to prevent air from turning it into a rock. Plastic wrap works great for this purpose. While it will harden when frozen, just let it soften for a minute or two before enjoying.
Dairy-Free Options
If you prefer a dairy-free version, I’ve got you covered. Here are two options you can try:
Option 1: Lite Coconut Milk: Use lite coconut milk instead of regular milk. It will result in a soft and creamy ice cream with about 240 calories for the entire batch.
Option 2: Protein Silk: Choose a protein-fortified non-dairy milk like Silk Protein. This version has only 195 calories and 15g of protein. Keep in mind that it might freeze slightly harder and have a bit of an icy texture.
Chocolate Soft Serve
To make chocolate soft serve, follow the same recipe and add chocolate syrup instead of milk when blending. You can also add cocoa powder for a richer chocolate flavor.
Dive into Ice Cream Heaven
If you’re an ice cream lover like me, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty more healthy ice cream recipes to explore. From strawberry shortcake ice cream bars to high-protein fried ice cream, the options are endless.
So, what are you waiting for? Whip up a batch of this low-calorie ice cream and indulge guilt-free. You deserve it!
Note: For more amazing recipes, visit Ice Cream.
