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Who doesn’t love a refreshing bowl of ice cream on a hot summer day? If you’re following a keto diet or simply trying to avoid sugar, you might have thought that ice cream was off-limits. Well, think again! I’m here to share with you the best keto ice cream recipe ever. And the best part? It’s sugar-free and low carb!
The Perfect Base for Endless Flavors
When it comes to making homemade keto ice cream, starting with a basic sugar-free, low carb recipe is key. This versatile base can be customized with a variety of flavors and add-ins. Think of it as a blank canvas for your ice cream creations. In the Flavor Variations section below, I’ll show you how to whip up different flavors that will satisfy any craving.
This recipe has been through countless iterations, with extensive testing and feedback from my little ones. Trust me when I say that this is the ultimate keto ice cream recipe. After one taste of this latest version, you’ll be nodding in agreement. 😉
Choosing the Perfect Ingredients
Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this sugar-free ice cream so delicious. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the perfect texture and flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Butter – Use unsalted butter as the base for the keto condensed milk.
- Heavy cream – You’ll need 2 cups for the condensed milk and 1 cup added later. If you prefer a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut cream can work, but the recipe will not be completely dairy-free due to the butter. Feel free to substitute some or all of the 1 cup of heavy cream with coconut milk beverage or almond milk to reduce the calorie content.
- Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – This sweetener is a game-changer. It keeps the ice cream soft, scoopable, and free from any gritty texture or cooling aftertaste. Powdered allulose can also be used, but you’ll need to adjust the quantity by 33% more sweetener. You can also use the crystallized version if that’s what you have on hand.
- Vanilla Extract – For a classic keto vanilla ice cream. Add a teaspoon of vanilla bean seeds for an extra burst of flavor. Check out the Flavor Variations section below for more extract ideas.
- Almond Milk – A secret ingredient that adds richness and prevents the ice cream from becoming too dense. If you prefer a nut-free option, opt for coconut milk beverage instead.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Keto Ice Cream
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the process of making this creamy keto ice cream. Follow these steps for a perfect result:
- Make the condensed milk. Melt the butter in a large saute pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the powdered Besti and 2 cups of heavy cream. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook until the mixture thickens (similar to condensed milk), coats the back of a spoon, and reduces by half.
- Add the vanilla. Pour the condensed milk into a large bowl and let it cool to room temperature. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Add the milk and cream. Whisk in the almond milk (or coconut milk beverage) and an additional cup of heavy cream until the mixture is smooth.
- Chill the mixture. Refrigerate it for at least 4 hours or overnight until it’s thoroughly chilled. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect texture.
- Churn the ice cream. Pour the keto ice cream base into your frozen ice cream maker bowl and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Stop when the consistency resembles soft serve ice cream.
- Freeze and enjoy! For a firmer texture, transfer the ice cream to a glass container, smooth the top with a spatula, and freeze for 2-4 hours until it’s firm. Then, dig in and savor the creamy goodness!
No Ice Cream Maker? No Problem!
If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still enjoy homemade keto ice cream. Simply transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container and freeze it, stirring frequently until it reaches a solid consistency. It may take a little extra effort, but the result will be just as delightful.
Get Creative with Flavors and Add-Ins
Now that you know the basics of making keto ice cream, it’s time to get creative with flavors and add-ins. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Keto Ice Cream Flavors
- Chocolate – Whisk in 1/4 cup of cocoa powder for a decadent chocolate ice cream. For a custard-based version, check out my keto chocolate ice cream recipe that uses egg yolks.
- Strawberry – Capture the essence of summer with a refreshing keto strawberry ice cream. Check out the recipe for a fruity delight.
- Hazelnut – Indulge in the rich goodness of hazelnuts with the recipe from my Easy Keto Cookbook.
- Mint Chip – Reduce the vanilla to 1 teaspoon and add 1 teaspoon of mint or peppermint extract. For a pop of color, consider adding a few drops of green food coloring. Don’t forget to throw in some chocolate chips for a classic combination.
Low Carb Ice Cream Add-Ins
- Chocolate Chip – Sprinkle in your favorite variety of sugar-free chocolate chips (white, milk, or dark) for a delightful crunch.
- Cookie Dough – Craving a little extra texture? Add chunks of keto-friendly cookie dough or crumbled keto chocolate chip cookies.
- Sea Salt Caramel – Swirl in some sugar-free caramel sauce (and maybe a dash of extra sea salt for salted caramel perfection). Feel free to add streaks of sugar-free chocolate syrup for a decadent touch.
- Butter Pecan – Toast 1 cup of pecans with 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of Besti until fragrant and golden. Let them cool completely, then stir them into the ice cream base after adding the cream and almond milk in step 4. For an extra caramel twist, swirl in some of that delicious sugar-free caramel sauce.
- Brownies – Crumble some keto brownies or blondies on top of a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Storing and Scooping Tips
To keep your homemade low carb ice cream in perfect condition, store it in the freezer just like you would any other ice cream. Using Besti Powdered as the sweetener ensures a soft and scoopable texture. However, here are a few tips to make scooping even easier:
- Warm up your scoop. Run your ice cream scoop under hot water to warm it up before scooping.
- Softening before serving. If the ice cream is a bit too hard, let it sit on the counter for a few minutes to soften. This is especially useful if it starts to melt before being placed in the freezer.
Pairing Ideas for Ultimate Deliciousness
While this keto-friendly ice cream is absolutely delightful on its own, it can elevate your other keto desserts to a whole new level. Try using it as a topping for keto-friendly brownies, blondies, or any of your favorite low carb treats. The possibilities are endless!
Is Ice Cream Keto?
Regular ice cream is definitely not keto-friendly due to its high sugar content. However, making your own keto ice cream is a breeze, and you’ll know exactly what goes into it. Unlike keto baking recipes, where replacing traditional flours can be challenging, making keto ice cream is a simple swap of sweeteners. Enjoy the creamy goodness without any guilt!
More Keto Ice Cream Recipes to Explore
If you’re craving more ice cream varieties, I’ve got you covered. Check out these sugar-free ice cream recipes for more delicious inspiration:
Try them all and let your taste buds celebrate the wonders of keto ice cream!
