Best Low Carb Keto Ice Cream Recipe - Sugar Free & Homemade (2023)

I scream, you scream, we all screamKeto ice cream!!If you thought you'd never get ice cream again... look no further. This keto-vanilla ice cream is perfect for your low-carb diet! You won't believe how easy it is to make your own low-carb, sugar-free dessert at home.

Keto ice cream tops our list of recipes to offer everyone. To be fair, we made this recipe last summer, but then fall came and we were making everything pumpkin and turkey dinners, so our keto ice cream had to take a backseat. But now we are approaching summer and I wanted to make sure to share our low carb ice cream with you so you can enjoy it when the weather warms up.

It took us a long time to perfect this keto ice cream recipe. But after a while everything really worked fine. So, during this extra time at home we're all experiencing, I decided it was time to sit down and write our sugar free ice cream recipe so you guys can get excited about our summer when we're finally out and about. , spending time with our friends. You can share a big bowl of keto vanilla ice cream with them!

We only have one vanilla ice cream recipe for you for now, but I hope to bring you a few more low carb ice cream flavors this summer. Off the top of my head I think... chocolate, strawberry and coffee to start. In the meantime, I hope you like this recipe for homemade ice cream, let us know how it turned out!

Is ice cream low carb?

So, unfortunately,most ice creams out there are not keto.There are a few brands but they are quite expensive and honestly I liked the taste of homemade keto ice cream much better. Plus, you can't find keto-friendly in all supermarkets, another reason why it's better to make your own.

Can you eat ice cream on a keto diet?

We've already established that ice cream isn't very low carb, but can I still eat ice cream on a keto diet? You cannot eat regular ice cream while on keto, but the good news is that you can eat low carb keto ice cream.

Making your own homemade sugar free ice cream is very easy, just a little time to prepare and let it cool. But the cooking process is simple. Our recipe is low in carbs but offers the same rich, creamy taste and texture.

What is Keto ice cream?

What exactly is Keto ice cream? It's basically like regular ice cream, but it's made with erythritol instead of sugar and heavy cream instead of milk. This recipe is so delicious, you won't even know it's keto-free and sugar-free.

For½ cup is only 1.4 NET CARBS. Really good right?!

Do you need an ice cream maker?

Many have asked me if you need an ice cream maker. You don't technically need an ice cream maker, but if you do, I find it easier and more "foolproof" to use one instead of doing it by hand.

If, like me, you're considering investing in an ice cream maker, I highly recommend this one. I'm so glad I have one. Here is a link to thekitchen artone I got. It has good reviews and is reasonably priced.

I've found that using an ice cream maker makes your low-carb ice cream more consistent and convenient. I think it's much creamier too. Just transfer the mixture to the ice cream maker and turn it on. Let it beat until it reaches a smooth consistency. See... easy!

French ice cream or Philly style?

If you make homemade ice cream, know that it comes in two basic styles: the French style and the Philadelphia style. But what's the difference?

Fran -This is a cream-like ice cream with a cooked base containing yolks, sugar and cream. This style of ice cream has a very smooth, creamy and rich texture and flavor.

Philadelphia –Also called New York or American ice cream. This type of ice cream does not contain eggs, so there is no need to boil the bottom. It has a lighter texture and is also quicker to make because the base is not cooked before blending.

What are the ingredients in homemade low carb keto ice cream?

Sweeteners –We use a combination of powdered sweetener and allulose. We found ¼ cup of each sweet enough. But you can adjust it depending on how sweet you like it.

Eggs -6 yolks make this thick ice cream cream.

Milk cream -This is our pick of keto milk. Provides very few carbs, with the fat needed on keto.

Vanilla -High quality vanilla extract essential for good vanilla ice cream. You can't have vanilla ice cream without vanilla.

Xanthaangom –Be sure to use a very small amount! This is essential to get that creamy texture we all love. However, using too much will make the ice cream too thick, so be careful. We only use ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum.

Which Low Carb Sweetener Is Best For Keto Ice Cream?

It took a few tries for this keto ice cream recipe to be perfect. One of the important things we had to learn and master was the sweetener. There are many different options and many different personal preferences. I'll break it down for you and show you some options.

Let's start with what we think is the best option.

Diversion in Powder and Allulose in Powder –Using powdered sweetener is better than granulated sweeteners. Low carb sweeteners can recrystallize when cooled. Using the powdered form minimizes crystallization. Additionally, allulose helps keep ice cream creamier and minimizes ice crystals. We tried several variations and the combination of deflection powder and allulose was perfect.

If you want to use something other than powdered sludge and allulose, there are a few other options. you could usejust a powder drift, which again I recommend using powdered sweeteners.

But you can also usePowdered or granulated monk fruit,Xylitol, ofErythritol. All of these options are sugar-free and carb-free, which means you can eat a lot of them without spikes in your blood sugar.

If you use Xylitol, know that it is highly toxic to dogs! So, be very careful when cooking and baking, or choose to leave it out of the kitchen entirely and choose another sweetener option. This is what I personally do.

Can I replace the cream with milk?

When choosing your milk options, the real adventure begins. The use of certain types of milk depends on your nutritional needs. Let's start by talking about whether or not you can use milk instead of cream.

Firstly, if you go keto or just eat low carb, you'll definitely want to stick with sour cream. Milk contains a lot of sugar and therefore a lot of carbohydrates. But if you're not on keto, I have a few other options for you:

Other milk options

Here is a rundown of milk options for your homemade keto ice cream:

Milk cream -For 1 cup of cream contains6.5 carbs, but contains a lot of fat and calories. To be precise, it contains 800 calories and 0.3 grams of sugar per cup. Chantilly is the best option for a nice thick and creamy ice cream. It is also the best option for a ketogenic or low-carb diet.

Leite IntegralUsing whole milk is an option as you still get a rich, creamy ice cream texture. Now, using whole milk will still give you less carbs than a regular pack of ice cream, but it will be more than if you opted to use full cream instead. 1 cup of whole milk contains12 grams of carbs, 12 grams of sugar and 148 calories. So we see that it contains more carbohydrates but fewer calories. So keep that in mind when counting your carbs for the day.

Coconut milk -Coconut milk is a good keto and dairy-free option for making ice cream. If you don't have dairy, chances are you've seen coconut milk ice cream at the grocery store, but it's probably too expensive for just a pint. But making your own coconut ice cream is easy. For 1 cup of coconut milk, yes6 grams of carbsand just over 500 calories.

Goat milk -Have you ever had goat's milk ice cream? Well I have and it's delicious! If you have trouble digesting cow's milk, goat's milk may be the best option for you. It may be easier to digest. For 1 cup of goat's milk has 168 calories and11 grams of carbs. Goat's milk is a good option in my opinion, it's low in calories and low in carbs. Plus, it still gives that nice creamy texture you crave when having ice cream.

Make keto ice cream without eggs

As mentioned above, you can make keto ice cream without eggs… that’s what it’s calledPhiladelphia style ice cream. It won't be as rich because it doesn't have a cream base. You get a lighter and fluffier ice cream.

Something to keep in mind with this style of ice cream is that it's best eaten the day it's made. But cream ice cream stays longer in the freezer without losing its creamy texture.

Dairy free options

A good dairy-free option for making easy homemade ice cream is to useCoconut milk. I talked about this above with other milk options.

If you use coconut milk, make sure it's whole coconut milk, you don't want light or fat-free.

Another option is almond milk or cashew milk. You won't get the same texture as coconut milk because it's not as thick.

Vanilla Bean vs Vanilla Extract

See Also

Keto Ice Cream: Brands, Flavors, Carb Counting, and More | fresh and thinKeto ice cream recipe (3 ingredients!) - The Big Man's World®

Vanilla extract is an absolute must in homemade vanilla ice cream. But how about using a vanilla bean? It depends on what flavor you want and it's up to you whether or not you want to use a vanilla bean in the mix. Adding a vanilla bean adds an extra depth of flavor, but if you're not okay with that, just use a high-quality vanilla extract.

In my personal opinion, I've never been a big fan of vanilla ice cream...and there's no logical explanation for that, I just prefer plain vanilla ice cream.

If you choose to use a vanilla pod, split it in half and remove the seeds. Add the vanilla seeds and scraped vanilla pod and add to the mixture.

Using Bovine Gelatin in Low Carb Ice Cream

Meat Jell-O?? I know it sounds crazy, but I promise it doesn't taste like beef. The main reason you would use bovine gelatin is that it helps to emulsify the ice cream and turn it into a cream.

That said, it's not an ingredient you need to get the best keto ice cream. One of the first times I made this recipe, I used it, but in my opinion it was too thick.

If you choose to use it in your recipe, try buying Vital Proteins Grass-Fed Beef Gelatin, it's totally tasteless but contains protein and collagen and is good for the digestive system. And also start with a small amount... use about 2-4 teaspoons to start and see how the consistency turns out. I believe I used 2 tablespoons the first time and it made it too thick.

Using Xanthan Gum for Ice Cream

Xanthaangomthat's what we foundabsolutely necessaryin making the best keto ice cream. This ingredient can be found in some commercial ice creams as it prevents recrystallization. It acts as a stabilizer and prevents the formation of ice crystals.

Not only does it prevent ice crystals from forming, it also helps thicken the ice cream. When using xanthan gum, it is important to always start with a very small amount. For example, this recipe only uses ¼ tsp. If you start with a small amount, it's best because you can always add more if needed.

MCT oil or powder

MCT oil or powderit's an optional ingredient and something you can use if you don't have an ice cream maker. It helps to make the ice cream creamier. If you decide to try it, use about ¼ cup for the recipe. If you have a sensitive stomach, use MCT powder, it is a little softer than oil.

How to make keto ice cream from scratch

Okay, so let's start making delicious and easy homemade keto ice cream.

The first step isplace the freezer bowl in the freezer for 24 hours. This must be done the day before preparing it. A little trick I do is to always keep the ice cream maker bowl in the freezer. So the bowl is ready to use whenever you want an ice cream.

After the bowl has been in the freezer for 24 hours, it's time to start making the ice cream.

In a medium potadd the creamand lower the fire. You want the cream to steam, but NOT bring it to a boil.

As soon as the cream boilsadd powder deflectionand allulose. Stir and remove from heat. Let rest for 10 minutes.

In a small bowl,Beat the egg yolks, vanilla and salt.

Slowlypour the egg mixtureadd the pan with the cream and whisk.

Return the pan to the heat and allow the mixture to steam,DO NOT cook.

Add ¼ teaspoonxanthaangomand stir.

Transfer to a tupperware containerand leave uncovered for 20 minutes.

Place the lid on the container andrefrigerate for 90 minutes.

About thatinsert your metal or glass loaf panno freezer.

Take it out of the fridge, stir it and put it back in the fridge.another 60 minutes.

Pour the ice cream mixturein your ice cream maker and turn it on for 45 minutes.

You will slowly begin to see the ice transform from a liquid form to a more solid form. It starts to get thicker and thicker and turns into something that looks like creamy ice cream.

Once the ice cream has thickened and finished whipping, transfer it to the mold and place it in the freezer for about 1 to 2 hours or until completely frozen.

When ready to eat, let sit for 5 minutes to soften before scooping and enjoying!

The best low-carb ice cream tips

Here are some tips to make sure your low-carb ice cream is the best:

• use an electricice makerIf you have one. If not, I would consider investing in one. You will have no regrets.
• Make use of amixture of Swerve powder and Alluloseit is the perfect match for sweeteners.
• Xanthaangomit is a crucial ingredient for soft ice cream and helps prevent ice crystals from forming.
• Freeze ice cream bowlfor 24 hours before tapping.
• To add1-2 tablespoons of vodkahelps reduce ice cream coverage. This is optional.
• MCT powder or oilIt will make the ice cream creamier. Only add about ¼ cup. This is optional.
• 2-4 teaspoonsAspicit gives it a very thick and cream-like consistency. Don't add too much or it will be too thick. This is optional.
• vanilla beancan be used as an additive to vanilla extract. Cut the beans in half lengthwise and scrape the seeds and vanilla pod into the cream mixture as it cooks on the stove.
• Fordairy free optionuse whole coconut milk instead of cream.
• For best results, make sure the cream mixture is completely chilled before placing it in the ice cream maker.

Potential Problems With Homemade Keto Ice Cream

There may be some problems when making homemade keto ice cream. We have prepared a list of the most common issues you may encounter. We hope this helps you avoid these issues. I want you all to have perfect low carb ice cream!

ice cream is too hard

If your ice cream is too hard thenIt could be the type of milk you used. Sour cream will give you the best creamy consistency. If you are using almond or cashew milk, this could be why there is not enough fat.

you could addMCT oil or powder. Adding about ¼ cup to the recipe will also give it a creamier texture.

Usingegg yolksbecause your foundation will give you a creamy cream texture. If you don't use eggs, that's fine, but you might end up with harder ice cream.

Sorry to sound like a broken record, but I'm trying to make sure you have all the facts.

Ice cream is too cold/not creamy

If your ice cream is not creamy and icy, there could be several reasons:

• You didn't use whole milk,cream or coconut milk. You need the fat in the ice cream to make it creamy. So make sure you use whipped cream or whole coconut milk if you're on keto. If you don't go keto, use whole milk or even half and half.
• You didn't use xanthan gum. One of the reasons to use it is that it aids in the formation of ice crystals, otherwise you will end up with “icy” ice cream instead of creamy ice cream.
• Take it out of the freezer for a few minutes before taking it out.Sometimes ice cream feels really hard when you take it out of the freezer, but if you let it sit on the counter for a few minutes, it softens and comes out perfectly.

Ice cream is too soft/doesn't freeze well

If your keto ice cream is too soft or not frozen properly, here are some reasons why:

• The ice maker bowl is not cold enough -this really is the key to making good ice cream, folks. If the freezer bowl is not completely cold, but frozen, your ice cream will never freeze and will be too soft. I recommend freezing for 24 hours. Another trick is that I always keep the bowl of ice cream in the freezer so I don't have to worry about it.
• A hot ice cream base placed in the ice cream maker –If your low-carb ice cream base is at room temperature, it will not freeze properly. After the base is cooked on the stove and cooled for 20 minutes, refrigerate for 90 minutes, stir and place again for another 60 minutes. This is to ensure your base is cool enough to make into ice cream.

A good rule of thumb to make sure your ice cream doesn't get too soft is the expression“The colder the better!”

Spicy taste

Ice cream can taste gritty or take on a gritty texture.when it melts and freezes again.Small ice crystals melt and then refreeze to form much larger ice crystals. One way to avoid this is to keep the ice cream in small containers to remove only what you intend to serve.

DO NOT microwave ice cream to soften it, as this can also give the ice cream a gritty texture.

not sweet enough

Everyone I've made our homemade keto vanilla ice cream for says the sweetness is just right. I use ¼ cup of deflection powder and ¼ cup of allulose. If you find that it is not sweet enough for you, add more sugar.

Add it in small amounts to start with, because the more sweetener you add, the more likely ice crystals will form, resulting in a cold ice cream.

make it thicker

To ensure a very thick ice cream, it is usually usedegg yolksbecause they act as a stabilizer or thickener. The yolks make a nice cream-like ice cream.

Another way to thicken ice cream is to use a small amountxanthanGum. This not only thickens the ice, but also helps prevent ice crystals from forming.

Ice cream tastes like scrambled egg

It's possible that your homemade ice cream tastes like scrambled egg or egg. The reason for this is youmaybe not enough sugar was addedr, and this makes it easier for the yolks to overcook. In fact, the sugar prevents the yolks from moving. I used ½ cup of sweetener for 6 yolks and it worked perfectly.

It can also taste like eggif you cook on the stove too longand it starts to boil, so watch that.

Can you really add alcohol to ice cream?

Alcohol is not a crucial ingredient and can be ignored while you still get good ice cream, butit helps.The main reason you would add alcohol to a keto ice cream recipe is that alcohol raises the freezing point of liquids and then reduces icing.

You only need 1 to 2 tablespoons of vodka for the entire batch, so don't worry.it is not enough to influence your childrenif you serve a few spoons.

whip homemade ice cream

You can make homemade keto ice cream without whipping it, but we think it works best if you do it this way. Here are some reasons why churning ice cream works so well.

Why is churning ice cream important? What does it do?

While it's still possible to make great homemade ice cream without using an ice cream maker, take your ice cream to a new level using an ice cream maker.

Whipping ice cream combines the freezing and mixing process. As the blade continues to rotate, the ice crystals remain very small and more air is absorbed by the ice.As more air is absorbed by the ice, its volume increases.while you get ultra-smooth, nice, light ice cream.

Having air in the ice cream not only makes it softer, but also prevents it from getting too hard in the freezer. Commercial ice cream machines put a lot of air into the ice cream so you get nice, fluffy ice cream.

How long does it take to whip the ice cream?

Depending on your specific ice cream maker, the churning time may vary. A good rule of thumb is that it usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes to fully whip the ice cream.

Our ice cream maker needs exactly 45 minutes to get the perfect creamy ice cream.

But pay attention to the manufacturer's instructions and always read the instructions before starting.

What is the best homemade ice cream maker?

Ice cream makers can be quite expensive, but the one I have is very reasonably priced and works like a dream. It's easy to understand, there aren't all kinds of different buttons to learn.

Just place the bowl of frozen ice cream in the machine, insert the spoon, pour the cream mixture into the bowl, put the lid on and press the button. It is so easy! Here they arelink to our Cuisinart ice cream maker.

Also here is a realgood guide to finding the best ice cream maker….my ice cream maker is on the list.

How do you make keto ice cream without sugar and without a machine? (No gradient)

I advise you to buy an ice cream maker, but if you can't get it, thencan you still make keto ice cream without it. Keep in mind that it may not be as creamy as it would be in an ice cream maker.

Just follow all the instructions on the recipe card, but when transferring the ice cream mixture to the machine, place it in a glass or metal baking dish. Place in the freezer overnight. It is so easy. A lot of people try to make it too complicated, but it's not that hard.

Some people have found that taking it out and stirring it every 6 to 90 minutes helps prevent ice crystals from forming.

What is the best pan/container to freeze homemade ice cream?

What is the best container or pan to store your homemade keto ice cream? We tried several options, but the one that worked best was our 9x5 metal loaf pan. It's the same pan I use to make ours.lemon bread,Pumpkin Bread,EmCourgette litter.

The pan isn't too tall or too deep, so it freezes well and, as it's in the long loaf pan, it's super easy to remove.

Why it's better to make low-carb vanilla ice cream first

Getting Started Making Homemade Low Carb Vanilla Ice Cream Is HonestThe easiestway to go in the beginning andforms the best basisyou can then add to it. And let's face it, vanilla is always a classic. Once you've mastered vanilla ice cream, you can try other flavors like chocolate, coffee, strawberry, and more.

Vanilla works great as a base flavor that you can use with many additions like fruit, chocolate chips, cookie dough, nuts, etc.

Different flavors of sugar free keto ice cream

I will try many more different keto ice cream flavors this summer and will update this article with exact recipes for new flavors.

But for you to have an idea of ​​what I'll be working to improve:

• Chocolate ice cream, both versions with milk and dark chocolate
• Coffee ice cream…one of my absolute favorites
• StrawberryEmBlackberry…orders from my mother, as these are her two favorite flavors
• Chip Munt
• chocolate biscuit dough

Well, this list is going to keep us busy, folks...

How to Add Flavors to Ice Cream

Ice cream comes in hundreds of different flavors, so why not spice up your vanilla ice cream? Some ideas to take your homemade ice cream to the next level:

• for vanilleboo– Cut a vanilla pod in half lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the cream mixture while the mixture is on the stove. Add the shaved pods for even more vanilla flavor.
• Infusersherbs and spicesto the mixture while heating the milk. Be sure to dump them before proceeding with the recipe.
• Add extracts likelemon, peppermint, oftonsils.
• to bear fruit– Sprinkle your berries with a low-carb sweetener like granulated monk fruit and mash them with a potato masher or blender. Add this to the milk mixture.
• Add a little while the ice cream is churning and reaches a smooth consistency.chopped nuts,chocolate chips,pieces of fresh fruit, etc..

What toppings can I add to low carb ice cream?

So I'm not really a top girl, but I know a lot of you are. So some ideas you can add to your ice cream:

• Chantilly ceto– Duh… that's obvious and it appeals to all tastes.
• Chopped fresh berries, such asstrawberries, blueberries, raspberries, EmBlackBerry.
• Keto Oreo crumbled
• Ceto-Marshmallows
• Sugar free chocolate sauce
• Minced meatnuts, nuts, or actually almost any kind of nut.
• sugar free granules
• Low carb waffle cones

The beauty of ice cream toppings is that they are entirely based on personal preference. So feel free to add whatever you like and whatever your dietary restrictions allow.

Other diets this recipe is good for?

This easy homemade vanilla ice cream recipe is not only good for those following a keto and low-carb diet, but those who follow it as well.Gluten-free, and alsono nuts.

As the recipe is exactly,it's not dairy free but we can certainly fix that for you…

Can I make Keto ice cream for free?

If you don't have dairy, you can still enjoy good ice cream.Use whole coconut milk, is usually the creamiest option.

Another dairy-free option isalmond milkofcashew honey. Nuts and nut-based milks add some carbs, so keep that in mind when counting your macros.

Can I make low carb vegan ice cream?

Yes, you can make low carb vegan ice cream. Instead of whipped cream, use 2 cans full creamCoconut milk, Emomit the eggs. Combine the coconut milk with the sweeteners, vanilla, xanthan gum and salt. Now you have low carb vegan ice cream.

Making low-carb, less-calorie ice cream

Don't use heavy cream to make your low-carb, lower-calorie ice cream. Of course, most of you know that sour cream is low in carbs but high in fat and calories.

So instead, you can use whole milk, which is only 148 calories per cup, or you can use goat's milk, which is 168 calories per cup. Now, compared to 800 calories per cup of whipping cream, I would say this is low in calories. Remember you will have more carbs so it's a trade off.

How to Fulfill Your Macros with Keto Ice Cream

Although this ice cream is keto, that doesn't mean you can eat the entire container. You have to eat according to your goals. How much weight you want to lose depends on how many macros you consume daily. The best way to find out how much ice cream you can eat is to use a keto calculator.

If you want to adapt this keto ice cream to your specific needs, here are some ideas:

To add extra fats and/or proteins:

• sugar free chocolate chips
• peanut butter
• keto caramel sauce
• chopped nuts
• sugar free chocolate sauce

What do you serve low carb ice cream with?

The real question is, what can't you put in your homemade low-carb ice cream? Ice cream goes with almost any other dessert! You can make a beautiful sundae with some sugar free chocolate sauce, keto caramel sauce and top it off with some fresh low carb whipped cream.

But if you just want a scoop of vanilla ice cream with another dessert, here are some delicious recipes that pair beautifully with ice cream:

• Keto Cheesecake Bars
• pecan pie
• homemade chocolate sauce
• blue fruit pie
• Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookies
• keto apple pie
• healthy apple chips
• pumpkin pie
• Chocolate cookies
• Low carb brownies

Your options are endless here!

How to Store Keto Ice Cream

You can store the ice cream in the same metal container you originally used to freeze it. Place a piece of plastic wrap over the baking sheet and press down to coat the ice cream well. This helps against frostbite.

Another way to save it, this one is greatice containersI found it on Amazon.

The ice cream should last for about 2 to 3 months. But to be perfectly honest, does delicious ice cream last 2-3 months in anyone's fridge? That would be a no! haha

How to Get and Serve Keto Ice Cream From the Freezer

You need approx.5-10 minutes for ice cream to softena little bit before trying to remove it. After letting it sit for a few minutes, use an ice cream scoop and start scooping!

Other similar low carb recipes:

if you like anotherKeto-friendly recipes, check out our:

• Low carb fruit cake
• Ceto Pumpkin Bread
• Almond flour pie crust

They're all keto-friendly and low-carb and will get your friends excited!

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