For those following a ketogenic diet, finding satisfying and delicious desserts can sometimes be a challenge. Fortunately, there are many creative ways to enjoy sweet treats while staying within the boundaries of a low-carb lifestyle. Keto chia seed ice cream is a fantastic option, offering a creamy, flavorful, and guilt-free dessert. This article explores various keto ice cream recipes using chia seeds, providing detailed instructions and helpful tips for creating the perfect frozen treat.
Understanding the Basics of Keto Ice Cream
Traditional ice cream is typically high in sugar and carbohydrates, making it unsuitable for a keto diet. Keto ice cream, on the other hand, uses low-carb sweeteners and ingredients to replicate the creamy texture and sweet taste of conventional ice cream without the carb overload. Common ingredients in keto ice cream include heavy cream, coconut milk, nut butter, and sugar substitutes like xylitol, erythritol, or allulose.
Chia seeds play a unique role in keto ice cream recipes. These tiny seeds are packed with fiber and expand when soaked in liquid, creating a gel-like consistency. This property makes them an excellent thickening agent, contributing to the creamy texture of the ice cream.
Keto Vanilla Chia Seed Ice Cream Recipe
This simple recipe provides a delicious base that can be customized with various flavors and add-ins.
Ingredients:
- 400ml can of coconut milk
- 3 tbsp nut butter (almond butter recommended)
- 4 tbsp xylitol or any sweetener of your preference
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Container: Place a 500ml freezable container in the freezer an hour before making the ice cream.
- Blend the Ingredients: Combine all ingredients and a pinch of salt in a blender. Whizz on medium speed until well combined.
- Freeze and Churn: Transfer the mixture to the prepared container, cover, and place in the freezer.
- Churn Regularly: After 30 minutes, churn the ice cream with an electric whisk or a fork. Repeat this process at least four times, every 30 minutes. This step is crucial for breaking up ice crystals and creating a smoother texture.
- Final Freeze: Cover the surface and freeze with the lid on until the ice cream is firm, which should take around 3-4 hours.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 15g
- Saturates: 10g
- Carbs: 11g
- Sugars: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Salt: 0.08g
Keto Creamsicle Ice Cream Recipe (Ninja Creami)
For those who own a Ninja Creami machine, this keto creamsicle ice cream recipe offers a delightful orange and vanilla flavor combination that is both low in carbs and high in protein.
Read also: Nutritional Synergy: Chia & Yogurt
Ingredients:
- Unsweetened Almond Milk
- Heavy Cream
- Orange Sugar-Free Jello Mix
- Orange Extract
- IsoPure Low Carb Vanilla Protein Powder
Instructions:
- Prepare the Jello Mixture: Take ½ cup of almond milk and pour it into a small microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until hot, then add the sugar-free Jello mix. Whisk until the gelatin dissolves.
- Blend the Base: In a blender, add the remaining almond milk, heavy cream, protein powder, and orange extract. Blend for a few seconds to combine. Add the almond milk and Jello mixture. Blend well to combine, then pour into the Ninja Creami pint container. Place the lid on and freeze overnight.
- Process in Ninja Creami: The next day, remove the lid of the pint container and place it into the outer bowl assembly. Attach the outer bowl lid. Place into the Ninja Creami machine and hit the "Lite Ice Cream" button.
- Re-Spin for Creaminess: After the first cycle, check the consistency. It will likely be powdery. Place it back in the outer bowl assembly and run it through the machine 2-3 times until it’s nice and creamy. If it’s still powdery after 2 cycles, add a tablespoon of almond milk or cream and run it through again.
- Serve and Store: Once the desired texture is achieved, spoon into bowls and enjoy. When done, put the lid on the container and store in the freezer. When you want to eat it again, you will have to run it through the machine just like you did the first time.
Tips for Perfect Keto Ice Cream
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the taste and texture of your ice cream. Opt for full-fat coconut milk and high-quality sugar substitutes.
- Churning is Key: Regular churning during the freezing process is essential for preventing ice crystals from forming. If you don't have an ice cream maker, using an electric whisk or fork every 30 minutes can help achieve a smoother texture.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors and add-ins. Cocoa powder, berries, nuts, and sugar-free chocolate chips are all great options.
- Consider Alcohol: Adding a tablespoon or two of high-alcohol liquor can help keep your ice cream from freezing rock solid. Alcohol doesn't freeze and will maintain a creamy smooth texture.
- Sweetener Choice Matters: Xylitol and allulose are considered the best sweeteners for keto ice cream due to their ability to maintain a smooth texture. Erythritol can also be used, but may result in a slightly less creamy consistency.
- Xanthan Gum: A pinch of xanthan gum can help improve the texture of your ice cream. Be careful not to use too much, as it can result in a gummy texture.
- Fruit Additions: For ice creams using natural fruit, blend the fruit fresh and fold it at the very end to the vanilla ice cream base for the best flavor.
Keto Chia Pudding as an Ice Cream Alternative
Keto chia pudding can also serve as a base for ice cream. Chia seeds expand and create a gel-like consistency when they sit in a liquid, making them ideal for thick puddings and as a thickener in smoothies.
Strawberries and Cream Keto Chia Pudding Recipe:
Ingredients:
- Chia seeds
- Heavy cream or nut milk (coconut milk, almond milk, or macadamia nut milk)
- Water
- Fresh strawberries
- Sweetener
- Vanilla extract
- Lemon juice
- Salt
Instructions:
- Blend Ingredients: Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Overnight Option: For overnight chia pudding, add all ingredients to a bowl. Mix and refrigerate overnight.
- Storage: Divide into small mason jars for an easy meal prep option.
Important Considerations for Chia Pudding:
- Carb Count: One tablespoon of chia seeds has 6 g total carbohydrates and 1 g net carbs.
- Bloating: Chia seeds can cause bloating if consumed in large quantities. Start with a small amount and increase as tolerated.
- Soaking Time: For every 1 1/2 tablespoons of chia seeds, they will take about 2 hours to form a thick pudding if placed in 1 cup of liquid.
Detailed Steps for Vanilla Keto Ice Cream
Ingredients:
- 1 vanilla bean
- Coconut milk (full-fat)
- Sweetener
- Salt
- Xanthan gum
- Heavy whipping cream or cold coconut cream
- Vanilla extract
- Booze of choice (optional)
Instructions:
- Infuse Coconut Milk: Slice open the vanilla bean and scrape the seeds with a sharp knife. Add coconut milk, sweetener, vanilla bean with scraped seeds (if using), and salt to a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until all the solids from the coconut milk have dissolved and the mixture is smooth. If using a vanilla bean, simmer for 15 minutes to infuse the milk.
- Add Xanthan Gum: Remove the vanilla bean and sprinkle xanthan gum little by little, blending until fully combined. If paleo and using arrowroot, dissolve it first in a tablespoon of cold water (i.e., make a slurry). Ensure there are no lumps by mixing with an immersion blender (or in an actual blender).
- Cool the Mixture: Sieve the mixture to a bowl, cover with a layer of cling film (saran wrap) laid directly over the vanilla mixture, and allow the mixture to cool completely. The texture will be thick and jelly-like.
- Whip Cream: Add heavy whipping cream or cold coconut cream to a large chilled bowl and whip until soft peaks form. Mix in vanilla extract and the cooled vanilla mixture. Add booze of choice (omit if using the larger quantity of vanilla extract). The mixture should be thick but still slightly pourable. Thin it out little by little with more coconut milk if necessary.
- Freeze: Transfer ice cream to a sealable container and place in the freezer until frozen (4-6 hours to overnight). You can also use your ice cream machine (roughly 15 minutes to churn).
- Serve: If freezing overnight, take out your ice cream 10-20 minutes prior to serving, depending on your room temperature, and scoop away.
Customizing Your Keto Ice Cream
- Chocolate Ice Cream: Add cocoa or cacao to the base. Start with 1/2 cup of cocoa to yield a milk chocolate ice cream. Add more cocoa (think 1/4-1/3 cup more) for a darker chocolate flavor.
- Cheesecake Ice Cream: Incorporate instant graham cracker crumbs to the base for a cheesecake flavor.
- Cookies ‘n Cream Milkshake: Add instant ‘oreo cookie crumbs’ to the vanilla ice cream base.
Read also: Healthy Chia Seed Pudding Ideas
Read also: The Ultimate Guide to Chia Seeds on Keto