Decadent Keto Ice Cream: Recipes for Ice Cream Makers and Beyond

For those embracing a ketogenic or even a carnivore lifestyle, the desire for a sweet, creamy treat doesn't have to be a forbidden indulgence. This article explores how to create delicious, homemade keto ice cream that rivals traditional versions in texture and taste, all while remaining sugar-free and low-carb. Whether you own an ice cream maker, a Ninja Creami, or prefer a no-churn method, there's a recipe here for you.

The Keto and Carnivore Connection

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat way of eating designed to shift your body into ketosis, where it burns fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. The carnivore diet takes this a step further, focusing entirely on animal-based foods like meat, fish, eggs, and some dairy, eliminating all plant-based foods. Both diets aim for a sustainable, sugar-free lifestyle without deprivation.

Sweeteners: Navigating the Options

While refined sugar is off-limits on both keto and carnivore diets, there are several alternative sweeteners to consider:

• Allulose: A rare sugar found naturally in some foods, allulose isn't metabolized by the body like regular sugar, resulting in minimal impact on blood sugar levels or insulin.
• Erythritol: A popular keto-friendly sweetener.
• Monk fruit sweetener: Another suitable option for those avoiding sugar.
• Stevia: Can be used alone or in combination with erythritol.
• Raw Honey: Some carnivore dieters include small amounts of raw honey, prizing its natural enzymes and potential health benefits. However, it's crucial to remember that even though it’s a more natural option than refined sugar, it’s generally not considered keto-friendly.

Dairy: To Include or Not to Include?

The inclusion of dairy varies among those following a carnivore diet. Some benefits of choosing raw dairy include:

1. Raw dairy still contains natural enzymes, like lactase, which help break down lactose. Pasteurization destroys these enzymes, which is why so many people struggle with digesting regular dairy.
2. Since raw dairy isn’t heat-treated, it retains more of its natural vitamins, minerals, and beneficial bacteria.
3. Most store-bought dairy products contain additives, stabilizers, and preservatives-things to avoid as much as possible.
4. Some people find that raw dairy causes less inflammation compared to regular dairy which sometimes causes digestive issues in some people.
5. Raw dairy just tastes better! It’s richer, creamier, and more satisfying.

Ultimately, the decision to include dairy depends on individual tolerance and preferences.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Addressing the Raw Egg Dilemma

Many carnivore ice cream recipes call for raw egg yolks to achieve a rich, creamy texture. However, if you're uncomfortable using raw eggs, you can use a double boiler method to slowly heat the yolks to 160°F, which is the temperature needed to kill off any potential bacteria. To do this, place your egg yolks in a heat-safe bowl over a pot of simmering water and whisk continuously until they reach the right temperature. If you’re comfortable with raw yolks, go for it! Just skip the method below in the recipe card for cooking the eggs and just fold into the whipped cream instead.

Recipes

No-Churn Keto Ice Cream

This method requires no special equipment, just a hand mixer and a freezer-safe container.

Ingredients:

• Heavy cream
• Powdered Erythritol (or your preferred keto sweetener)
• Vanilla extract (optional)
• Xanthan gum (optional, for a smoother texture)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream and vanilla with a hand mixer or stand mixer until soft peaks form.
2. Add the powdered erythritol and xanthan gum (if using) and whip until fully combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container, spreading it out evenly.
4. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours, stirring the mixture every 30 minutes for the first 2 hours to prevent ice crystals and ensure a creamy texture.
5. Scoop and serve once fully frozen.

Keto Ice Cream with an Ice Cream Maker

This recipe utilizes an ice cream maker for a churned, airy texture.

Ingredients:

• Heavy cream
• Egg yolks
• Allulose (or your preferred keto sweetener)
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Instructions:

1. Use a double boiler or place a bowl over a pot of simmering water on low heat. Whisk the yolks in the bowl and continue to stir until it thickens, about 5-8 minutes. Stir constantly then test by scraping a wooden spoon along the bottom of the bowl. If you can clearly see the bottom when you scrape, it should be done. I also test using a meat thermometer and when inserting into yolk mixture it registers 160 degrees . Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Pour the heavy cream, Allulose if using, salt and vanilla extract in a stand mixer with the whisk attachment. Blend until soft peaks form. Taste and adjust sweetener if needed.
3. Stir a spoonful of the cream into the egg mixture to temper the eggs. Continue to spoon about 3 more times. Place the mixer on low speed and pour in the egg mixture to combine them together.
4. Pour this into your loaf pan or airtight container and freeze for 3-4 hours for soft serve texture or 8 hours or overnight for hard ice cream.
5. If you want to use a regular ice cream machine, simply pour the mixture into your ice cream bowl and churn until desired consistency. Enjoy!

Keto Ice Cream with Ninja Creami

This method uses the Ninja Creami machine to create a perfectly smooth and creamy texture.

Ingredients:

• Same as the "Keto Ice Cream with an Ice Cream Maker" recipe

Instructions:

1. Following all the steps to make the ice cream above from the no churn method then pouring into 2 pint Ninja Creami Containers and freezing for 20-24 hours.
2. Remove container cover and insert into the base of the Ninja Creami. Cover lid and press regular ice cream button.
3. Remove, stir a bit then recover and hit Re-spin button. Ready to enjoy immediately.
4. Do the same with the second pint container. You can also separate individual servings after spinning and placing into a glass container, this way you can soften in the microwave if needed.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Keto Ice Cream

• Freeze in Scoops: After churning (or mixing for no-churn), line a small sheet pan with parchment paper and place scoops of the semi-soft ice cream on the paper. Freeze until solid. This allows for individual servings that are ready to eat without needing to thaw the entire container.
• Soften Before Serving: Homemade ice cream can freeze solid. Allow it to soften for 10-15 minutes on the counter before scooping.
• Combatting Hard Ice Cream: If your keto ice cream freezes too hard, try adding a tablespoon of vodka to the mixture before freezing. The alcohol raises the freezing point and helps prevent iciness.
• The Importance of Sweetener Ratio: The ratio of sweeteners like erythritol and allulose is crucial. Too much erythritol can result in a less scoopable texture, while too much allulose can prevent the ice cream from firming up properly.
• Keep it Cool: In any ice cream situation keeping the mix as cool as possible before the churning process is important.
• Never Overfill: Never overfill your ice cream maker- refer to the instructions in your maker for this.

Flavor Variations

The basic vanilla keto ice cream recipe can be easily customized with various flavors:

Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide

• Chocolate: Add unsweetened cocoa powder to the base mixture.
• Strawberry: Stir in a sugar-free strawberry reduction sauce.
• Mint Chocolate Chip: Add mint extract and sugar-free chocolate chips.
• Lemon: Use the Lemon Creme Ice Cream from the Keto Clarity Cookbook and Orange Zevia.
• Cookies and Cream Milkshake: The recipe takes about 15 minutes and how you make the “cookies” part is genius, and quick!

Serving Suggestions

Keto ice cream can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a more elaborate dessert:

• Top with sugar-free chocolate or caramel sauce.
• Serve with flourless chocolate cake or gluten-free pumpkin pie.
• Create a keto ice cream float with Black Cherry Zevia.
• Make an ice cream sandwich using your favorite keto cookies like Nui or Fatsnax.

Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto

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