For those embracing a ketogenic lifestyle, the idea of enjoying a classic ice cream sandwich might seem like a distant memory. However, with a few clever ingredient swaps, it's entirely possible to create a keto-friendly version that satisfies your sweet cravings without derailing your diet. This article provides a comprehensive guide to making delicious keto ice cream sandwiches, covering everything from the cookies to the ice cream and offering tips for storage and customization.
Introduction
The ice cream sandwich is an iconic treat, especially on a hot summer day. This recipe elevates the classic by making it keto-friendly, allowing you to enjoy a portion-controlled dessert without the guilt. The sugar-free cookies can be made in under 10 minutes, making this a quick and easy treat to prepare.
Key Components of Keto Ice Cream Sandwiches
Keto Cookies
Creating the perfect keto cookies for ice cream sandwiches involves achieving the right balance of crispness and softness. This recipe avoids leavening agents like eggs to prevent the cookies from puffing up during baking. Instead, a mixture of almond flour and coconut flour is used as a gluten-free alternative to all-purpose flour. A hint of cocoa powder adds a chocolate flavor, reminiscent of traditional ice cream sandwiches.
Ingredients for Keto Cookies
- Almond flour
- Coconut flour
- Sweetener (Erythritol)
- Cocoa powder (Dutch process cocoa recommended for a deeper chocolate flavor)
- Butter
- Vanilla
- Salt
- Egg Yolk
Keto Ice Cream
The ice cream component is just as crucial. To maintain the keto-friendly nature of the dessert, it is best to use a keto-approved ice cream that does not contain added sugar. Keto Pint is a good option, offering a variety of flavors such as black raspberry, butter pecan, cake batter, cherry chip, coffee, and triple chocolate brownie.
Softening and Molding the Ice Cream
Before assembling the sandwiches, the ice cream needs to be softened. This can be done by placing it in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours or using the microwave's defrost function. The ice cream should reach a semi-soft or liquid consistency. Once softened, pour or scoop the ice cream into a small square or rectangle baking dish lined with parchment paper, ensuring the ice cream is about ½ to 1 inch thick. Refreeze until solid, then cut into shapes that fit the cookies.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Step-by-Step Recipe for Keto Ice Cream Sandwiches
Ingredients
- For the Keto Cookies:
- Almond flour
- Coconut flour
- Sweetener (such as erythritol or monk fruit)
- Cocoa powder
- Butter
- Vanilla extract
- Egg yolk
- Salt
- For the Keto Ice Cream:
- Keto-friendly ice cream (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Dough:
- In a small bowl, combine almond flour, coconut flour, sweetener, cocoa powder, egg yolk, melted butter, vanilla, and salt.
- Mix with a fork until a dough forms and is evenly incorporated.
- Place the dough ball between two sheets of parchment paper.
- Roll out to ⅛ inch thick using a rolling pin.
- Cut into square or rectangle shapes using a knife, cookie cutter, or pizza cutter.
- Place the cookies on a parchment-lined baking tray.
- Prick the dough with a fork to prevent puffing.
- Bake the Cookies:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Bake for 8-10 minutes.
- Let the cookies cool completely before handling.
- Mold the Ice Cream:
- Soften the keto ice cream in the refrigerator or microwave until it reaches a semi-soft consistency.
- Pour or scoop the softened ice cream into a small square or rectangle baking dish lined with parchment paper, ensuring it is ½ to 1 inch thick.
- Refreeze until solid.
- Cut the refrozen ice cream into shapes that match the cookies.
- Assemble the Ice Cream Sandwiches:
- Sandwich the ice cream between two cookies.
- If the ice cream seems too melty, place the sandwiches on a tray and freeze for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Serve and Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Keto Ice Cream Sandwiches
Cookie Preparation
- Rolling the Dough: Roll the dough out between two pieces of parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cutting Shapes: Use your favorite cookie cutter to create fun shapes.
- Cooling: After baking, let the cookies cool on the cookie sheet covered in foil for about 25 minutes to maintain their texture.
Ice Cream Handling
- Softening: Allow the ice cream to soften slightly before assembling the sandwiches for easier handling.
- Molding: Use a container that ensures a ½ to 1 inch thickness of ice cream for the perfect sandwich ratio.
Customization Options
- Cookie Flavors: While the recipe focuses on chocolate cookies, you can omit the cocoa powder for vanilla cookies or experiment with other flavors like peanut butter or cinnamon.
- Ice Cream Flavors: The possibilities are endless when it comes to ice cream flavors. Use your favorite keto-friendly ice cream or try making your own using a keto ice cream recipe.
- Shapes: Get creative with cookie and ice cream shapes. Use different cookie cutters or simply cut squares or rectangles with a knife or pizza cutter.
Storage Instructions
To store keto ice cream sandwiches, wrap them individually in parchment paper or wax paper. Then, place them in a freezer-safe zipper storage bag and store them in the freezer. They can last up to a week, but they are best enjoyed fresh. Properly stored, these ice cream sandwiches can last for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use a different flour instead of almond and coconut flour?
While almond and coconut flour work best for keto recipes, you can try using a low-carb all-purpose flour blend. However, the texture and flavor may vary.
What can I substitute for monk fruit sweetener?
You can use erythritol or stevia as a substitute for monk fruit sweetener, but be sure to adjust the quantity according to the sweetness level of the alternative. Erythritol is often recommended for the cookies to prevent them from becoming too soft.
Is there a dairy-free option for the ice cream?
Yes! Use a dairy-free keto ice cream made from coconut milk or almond milk to keep the recipe dairy-free.
Can I make the cookies ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake the cookies in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
How do you soften ice cream to make ice cream sandwiches?
If you are using pre-made keto ice cream, let it soften at room temperature for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the brand or ice cream recipe. It should be easily scoopable and soft enough to press into shape, but not fully melted.
How long do the keto ice cream bars last?
If you store them in an airtight container in the freezer, these ice cream sandwiches should be good for up to 2 months.
Nutritional Information
A typical keto ice cream sandwich made with this recipe contains approximately 4.3g of carbs and 1.6g of fiber per serving, resulting in 2.7g net carbs per ice cream sandwich.
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto
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