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When it comes to keto desserts, one of the most requested recipes is for keto ice cream. There are so many flavors you can make, but today I’m going to share with you my basic recipe for sugar-free low carb ice cream. This recipe serves as a great base for all kinds of flavors. In the section below, I’ll show you how to create different variations of this delicious treat!

I’ve spent a lot of time perfecting this recipe. I’ve tested it over and over again, even with my kids, and I can confidently say that this is the best keto ice cream recipe you’ll ever try. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll agree. 😉

Low Carb Ice Cream Ingredients

In this section, I’ll explain how to choose the best ingredients for homemade keto ice cream without sugar. I’ll also provide substitution options. For precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card below.

• Butter: Make sure to use unsalted butter as it forms the base of the keto condensed milk.
• Heavy cream: You’ll need 2 cups for the condensed milk and 1 cup to be added later. If you prefer a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut cream works well as a substitute. However, please note that the recipe won’t be entirely dairy-free due to the presence of butter. To reduce the calorie content, you can replace some or all of the 1 cup heavy cream added later with coconut milk beverage or almond milk.
• Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend: In previous versions of this recipe, powdered erythritol was used. However, I highly recommend using powdered Besti as it keeps your ice cream soft, avoids a gritty texture, and eliminates any cooling aftertaste that sugar alcohols may have. You can also use straight powdered allulose, but remember to increase the sweetener amount by 33%. If you have crystallized Besti, it works just as well as the powdered version.
• Vanilla Extract: This ingredient is essential for creating keto vanilla ice cream. If you want to add an extra burst of flavor, feel free to throw in a teaspoon of vanilla bean seeds. Refer to the section below for more add-in and extract ideas.
• Almond Milk: This wasn’t present in older versions of the recipe, but I’ve found that adding almond milk along with heavy cream prevents the ice cream from becoming too dense and butter-like. You can use store-bought or homemade almond milk. If you need a nut-free option, opt for coconut milk beverage available in cartons.

How To Make Keto Ice Cream

In this section, I’ll guide you through the process of making low carb ice cream step by step. To help you visualize, I’ve included photos. For detailed instructions, including measurements and temperatures, please see the recipe card below.

1. Make condensed milk: Begin by melting the butter in a large saute pan or skillet over medium heat. Add powdered Besti and 2 cups of heavy cream. Bring it to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow it to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and has the consistency of condensed milk. It should coat the back of a spoon and reduce in volume by half. You’ll also notice it pulling away from the pan when you tilt it.

2. Add vanilla: Pour the condensed milk into a large bowl and let it cool to room temperature. Stir in the vanilla extract.

3. Add milk and cream: Whisk in the almond milk (or coconut milk beverage) and the remaining heavy cream until the mixture is smooth.

4. Chill: Refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours or overnight until it becomes very cold. This step is essential for achieving the perfect texture.

5. Churn: Pour the keto ice cream base into a frozen ice cream maker bowl and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Stop when the consistency resembles soft-serve ice cream.

6. Freeze: Although you can enjoy the sugar-free soft-serve ice cream right away, I prefer to transfer it to a glass container and smooth the top with a spatula. Freeze for 2-4 hours until the ice cream becomes firm.

7. Enjoy: Check the storage instructions below for tips on how to scoop the ice cream.

Can You Make Low Carb Ice Cream Without An Ice Cream Maker?

Absolutely! If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make this homemade low carb ice cream recipe. Simply transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container and freeze it, stirring frequently until it becomes completely solid.

Flavor Variations

Now that you know how to make the basic keto ice cream, it’s time to get creative and customize it with various flavors and add-ins. Here are a few ideas:

Keto Ice Cream Flavors

For these sugar-free ice cream flavors, make sure all the ingredients are fully combined into the ice cream mixture:

• Chocolate: Whisk in 1/4 cup of cocoa powder during step 4. If it doesn’t dissolve easily, heat it slightly until it does. You can also try my custard-based keto chocolate ice cream recipe that includes egg yolks.
• Strawberry: Capture the taste of strawberry almond milk in ice cream form by following my keto strawberry ice cream recipe.
• Hazelnut: For a delicious hazelnut flavor, refer to the recipe in my Easy Keto Cookbook.
• Mint Chip: Reduce the vanilla extract to 1 teaspoon and add 1 teaspoon of mint or peppermint extract in the same step. If desired, add a few drops of green food coloring for extra appeal. For the chips, explore the chocolate chip ideas mentioned below.

Low Carb Ice Cream Add-Ins

Add these ingredients to the ice cream maker during the final minutes of churning. If you’re making ice cream without a machine, simply stir them in when the mixture is partially frozen:

• Chocolate Chip: Experiment with white, milk, or dark chocolate chips. All of them are sugar-free and taste fantastic!
• Cookie Dough: Break apart chunks of keto cookie dough or keto chocolate chip cookies and mix them in.
• Sea Salt Caramel: Swirl in some sugar-free caramel sauce (add extra sea salt for a salted caramel touch). If you prefer streaks, stop churning once the ice cream appears streaky. You can also achieve this effect with sugar-free chocolate syrup for chocolate swirls.
• Butter Pecan: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup of pecans and 1 tablespoon of Besti. Toast the pecans for 4-5 minutes, stirring often. Let them cool completely. Follow the sugar-free ice cream recipe as directed, and stir in the pecans after adding the cream and almond milk in step 4. For a caramel butter pecan variation, swirl in some caramel sauce at the end using the above method.
• Brownies: Add chunks of brownies or top your keto brownies or blondies with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Storage Instructions

To store this low carb ice cream, simply place it in the freezer like you would with any other ice cream.

Using Besti Powdered as the sweetener will result in a softer and easier-to-scoop ice cream compared to recipes using other sweeteners. However, here are a couple of tips for easier scooping:

• Run your ice cream scoop under hot water to warm it up before scooping.
• If the keto-friendly ice cream is still too hard (this can happen if it starts to melt before being placed in the freezer), let it sit on the counter for a few minutes to soften.

What To Serve With Keto Ice Cream

This keto-friendly ice cream is delicious on its own, but it also makes a fantastic topping for other keto desserts. Here are a few ideas:

• [Insert other keto dessert ideas here]

Is Ice Cream Keto?

No, regular ice cream is not keto-friendly due to its high sugar content. While it doesn’t contain grains or starchy carbs, the sugar content makes it unsuitable for a keto diet. Although there are some keto ice cream brands available, making your own gives you complete control over the ingredients.

Luckily, homemade low carb ice cream is simple to make and tastes just as good as the regular version. Unlike keto baking recipes that require multiple substitutions, making keto ice cream only requires swapping out the sweetener. Here are some more ways to enjoy keto ice cream…

More Keto Ice Cream Recipes

If you’re looking for other sugar-free ice cream recipes, give these a try:

• [Insert other keto ice cream recipes here]

Remember, making homemade keto ice cream is a fun and delicious way to enjoy this classic treat while staying true to your low carb lifestyle. So grab your ingredients and let’s start churning! And if you’re a fan of ice cream, be sure to check out Ice Cream for all your frozen dessert needs.