For those following a ketogenic or low-carb lifestyle, finding satisfying desserts can sometimes be a challenge. However, with this keto-friendly Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream recipe, you can indulge in a sweet, refreshing treat without derailing your dietary goals. This recipe is not only easy to make but also customizable to suit your preferences.
Why This Recipe Works
Traditional ice cream is often loaded with sugar, which is a no-go on a keto diet. This recipe replaces sugar with keto-friendly sweeteners like monk fruit allulose or erythritol, significantly reducing the carb count while maintaining the sweetness you crave. Additionally, it incorporates healthy fats from heavy cream and coconut milk (or alternatives), essential for a ketogenic diet.
Ingredients and Customizations
Here's what you'll need to make this delightful keto ice cream:
- Heavy Whipping Cream: Provides a rich and creamy base.
- Coconut Milk: Adds to the creaminess and can be a dairy-free alternative.
- Keto-Friendly Sweetener: Monk fruit allulose or erythritol are excellent choices.
- Peppermint Extract: Delivers the refreshing mint flavor.
- Sugar-Free Chocolate Chips: Lily's or ChocZero brands are recommended.
- Optional Add-ins: Natural food coloring (green or yellow and blue), avocado, vanilla extract, lemon juice, salt.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Milk: A combination of heavy cream and whole milk is recommended for the perfect ice cream mouthfeel. For a no-churn option, replace the whole milk with additional heavy cream. Unsweetened almond milk can also be used to decrease the calorie count, but ensure you still include some fat from heavy whipping cream.
- Sweetener: Swerve confectioners sugar, stevia, a stevia erythritol mix, or monk fruit sweetener with allulose can be used. Adjust the amount to your desired sweetness level.
- Coconut Milk: If you're not a fan of coconut, you can use all heavy cream or a different plant-based milk like almond or cashew, especially if using a Ninja Creami.
- Coloring: For a natural green hue, spirulina can be used instead of artificial food coloring.
Making the Chocolate Chips
One of the key elements of this recipe is the homemade chocolate chips. Store-bought chocolate chips tend to get very hard when frozen, which can detract from the overall ice cream experience. By making your own chocolate chips, you can ensure a smoother texture and a more intense chocolate flavor.
Steps for Homemade Chocolate Chips:
- Melt the Chocolate: Place butter and sugar-free chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted.
- Add Cream: Stir in 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream to create a creamy chocolate mixture.
- Freeze: Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined plate to about ¼ inch thickness. Freeze for at least 30 minutes until solid.
- Cut into Chips: Remove from the freezer and use a pizza cutter or knife to slice the chocolate into small squares. Return to the freezer until ready to use.
Alternatively, you can skip this process and use packaged sugar-free chocolate chips if desired.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Ice Cream
Whether you have an ice cream maker or prefer a no-churn method, here's how to make this keto Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream:
Ice Cream Maker Method:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the heavy cream, coconut milk (or alternative), sweetener, peppermint extract, and food coloring (if using).
- Mix: Use an electric hand mixer on medium speed until the mixture doubles in size and becomes a thick, whipped cream consistency.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the frozen chocolate chips into the cream mixture.
- Churn: Transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions (usually around 20-25 minutes).
- Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream to a freezer-safe container with a lid and freeze for at least 2-3 hours for a firmer consistency.
No-Churn Method (Option 1):
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except the chocolate chips.
- Whip: Use a mixer to beat the mixture until stiff peaks form.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Gently fold the chocolate chips into the ice cream mixture.
- Freeze: Add the ice cream base to a loaf pan or other suitable container and freeze until solid.
No-Churn Method (Option 2):
- Combine Ingredients: Combine all ingredients except the chocolate chips in a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze and Stir: Place the container in the freezer and stir the ice cream mixture every 30-45 minutes over the next 4 hours.
- Add Chocolate Chips: Once the ice cream has set, gently mix in the chocolate chips, cover with plastic wrap, and continue freezing until the desired consistency is reached.
Tips for the Perfect Keto Ice Cream
- Chill Ingredients: For the best texture and flavor, ensure your coconut milk and heavy cream are well-chilled before starting.
- Sweetener Choice: Monk fruit allulose is preferred for its ability to keep the ice cream smooth and prevent crystallization. If using erythritol, consider adding a small amount of vegetable glycerin.
- Peppermint Extract: Start with a smaller amount of peppermint extract (around 1.5 teaspoons) and adjust to taste.
- Freezing: Store the ice cream in the back of the freezer, where the temperature is most consistent. Ensure your freezer is set to the coldest setting for optimal storage.
- Softening: If the ice cream becomes too hard, remove it from the freezer and let it sit on the counter for 10-15 minutes before scooping.
Serving and Storage
This keto Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream can be enjoyed straight from the ice cream maker for a soft-serve consistency or after further freezing for a firmer texture. Homemade ice cream should be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to two weeks. After this time, the texture may become grainy, and ice crystals may form.
Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. Be sure to read all packaging and ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
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