Keto Peach Ice Cream: A Refreshing Low-Carb Summer Treat

This article provides a comprehensive guide to making keto-friendly peach ice cream, a perfect way to cool down during the summer while staying true to your low-carb lifestyle. This recipe captures the sweet and tangy flavor of fresh peaches while maintaining a creamy texture that rivals traditional ice cream.

Can Peaches Be Keto-Friendly?

One of the first questions that arises when considering peach ice cream on a keto diet is whether peaches themselves are suitable for a low-carb lifestyle. The straightforward answer is yes, in moderation. While peaches contain natural sugars, they are relatively low in carbs compared to many other fruits. A medium peach contains about 14g of carbs, and 100g of peaches contain only 10g of carbs.

The key is portion control and balancing peaches with high-fat, low-carb ingredients like heavy cream or coconut cream. Using real peaches offers a better alternative to processed sweeteners or artificial fruit flavors. Therefore, peach lovers can rejoice-it's possible to enjoy the taste of summer without derailing your keto diet.

Key Ingredients for Keto Peach Ice Cream

To make this delectable treat, you'll need a handful of keto-friendly ingredients:

• Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are essential for the best natural sweetness and fruity flavor. Look for peaches that are slightly soft and fragrant. If using frozen peach slices, blend them into the cream mixture before freezing for a super smooth texture.
• Heavy Cream: The backbone of the ice cream, heavy cream provides a luxurious, creamy consistency.
• Preferred Keto Sweetener: Opt for powdered sweeteners like Monk Fruit, erythritol or Allulose. Liquid sweeteners also work well.
• Unsweetened Almond Milk: This low-carb milk alternative lightens the mixture without adding sugars. Other dairy-free options include coconut milk or cashew milk.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors and ties everything together.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and depth, creating a smooth and luxurious finish.
• Vodka (Optional): Adding a tablespoon of vodka can help make your keto ice cream more scoopable by lowering the freezing point.
• Cream cheese: This is used as a low carb way to add creaminess to the recipe.

Making Keto Peach Ice Cream: Step-by-Step Instructions

There are several methods to create this delightful dessert, including using an ice cream maker or a no-churn approach. Here are a few options:

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Method 1: With an Ice Cream Maker

1. Prepare the Peaches: Peel and slice about 3 medium-sized ripe peaches. Toss them with 2 tablespoons of your preferred powdered sweetener (like Allulose or Monk Fruit) and a splash of lemon juice. Let them sit for about 30 minutes, until they release their juices, or macerate the peaches with Bocha Sweet and lemon juice. Mash the peaches with a potato masher or large fork, leaving some small chunks for texture.
2. Make the Custard Base: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add 2 cups of heavy cream and the remaining powdered sweetener. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently until the sweetener dissolves. In a separate bowl, whisk egg yolks with salt until smooth. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the hot cream into the yolks to temper, whisking continuously. Then, slowly pour the egg yolk mixture back into the saucepan, whisking continuously. Continue to cook until the mixture reaches 170F on an instant-read thermometer, or thickens enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon.
3. Combine Ingredients: Remove the cream mixture from heat and transfer it to a bowl set over an ice bath to cool. Stir in the vanilla extract, almond milk, and vodka (if using). Whisk until the mixture is smooth. Mix in the mashed peaches and their juices.
4. Chill the Mixture: Transfer the ice cream mixture to a freezer-safe container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
5. Churn and Freeze: Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn for 20-30 minutes, until it reaches a soft-serve consistency.
6. Final Freeze: Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for another hour or two, until firm enough to scoop.

Method 2: No-Churn Keto Peach Ice Cream

1. Puree the Peaches: Peel and dice the peaches, then puree them in a blender or food processor until smooth. For a more textured ice cream, leave some small peach chunks.
2. Create the Cream Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, vanilla, sweetener, and egg on low heat. Whisk for 3 minutes. Set aside to cool, then place in the fridge for 2 hours to firm.
3. Combine and Freeze: Remove the cream mixture from the fridge and gently fold in the peach puree, ensuring an even distribution of the peach flavor. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container.
4. Initial Freeze and Stir: Place the container in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, just until the edges begin to firm up. Remove from the freezer and stir the semi-frozen mixture vigorously with a fork or whisk to break up any ice crystals. Repeat this stirring process every 30 minutes for the next 2-3 hours to mimic the churning process.
5. Final Freeze: After the stirring process, return the ice cream to the freezer and let it freeze completely for a firmer texture.

Method 3: Ninja Creami Version

This method uses a Ninja Creami ice cream maker for the best homemade ice cream texture.

1. Blend Ingredients: Add almond milk, vanilla protein powder, cream cheese, and sugar-free peach syrup to a blender. Blend until well combined.
2. Freeze: Pour the mixture into the pint container that came with the Ninja Creami machine. Attach the storage lid and place in the freezer for 24 hours or overnight.
3. Process: When ready to eat, take the pint from the freezer, remove the lid, and place it in the outer bowl assembly along with the lid. Place in the Ninja Creami machine and hit the LITE ice cream button. If the texture is powdery after the first run, place it back into the outer bowl assembly and use the LITE ice cream button again.
4. Add Mix-Ins (Optional): If you want to add fresh diced peaches, you can run it through at the end with the Mix-In button, but be cautious as this may make the ice cream slushier.
5. Serve: Scoop the ice cream into bowls and serve. If you don’t eat the whole pint, smooth out the top, place a lid on, and refreeze on a level surface. When ready to eat again, run it through the machine like you did the first time.

Tips for the Best Keto Peach Ice Cream

• Use Ripe, Fragrant Peaches: Always choose fresh, ripe peaches that are slightly soft with a sweet aroma.
• Opt for the Right Sweetener: Use a powdered keto-friendly sweetener like Allulose or Monk Fruit for a smooth texture.
• Chill the Mixture Before Churning: Refrigerate the mixture for at least 4 hours (or overnight) after mixing the base.
• Add Vodka for Softer Ice Cream (Optional): Add 1 tablespoon of vodka to the mix before churning to prevent it from freezing too hard.
• Enhance the Flavor with Extras: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warm flavor twist.
• Liquid Sweetener: A liquid sweetener will work much better than a granulated sweetener.
• Peach Extract: If you want to reduce or eliminate the carbs, procure some peach extract and use it sparingly.

Keto Peach Ice Cream Bars

For a fun twist, you can also make keto peach ice cream bars:

1. Prepare Peaches: Cut a peach in half, remove the core, slice the halves, and then dice them.
2. Layer Molds: Take your popsicle molds and put the diced peach evenly in each mold, but set aside some for the ice cream mixture.
3. Blend Ingredients: Add the cream cheese, heavy cream, ChocZero syrup, the rest of the diced peaches, and erythritol into your blender. Mix on high until the cream gets thick but is still easy to pour.
4. Fill Molds: Pour the mixture evenly into each mold over the diced peaches until full. Place popsicle sticks into each one halfway in.
5. Freeze: Place in the freezer for a couple of hours until solid.
6. Remove: When removing the ice cream bars, run the outer mold under hot water for 30 seconds to loosen them before removing.

Variations and Add-Ins

• Chocolate-Coated Peach Ice Cream Bars: Dip the frozen ice cream bars in melted chocolate and freeze them again.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
• Luscious Keto Peach Milkshake: Blend frozen peach, milk of choice (unsweetened almond or a mix of heavy cream and a little water), sweetener of choice (liquid Allulose recommended), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until creamy smooth.

Storing Your Keto Peach Ice Cream

Store your keto peach ice cream in a freezer-safe airtight container. To prevent ice crystals from forming, press a layer of plastic wrap or parchment paper directly on the surface before sealing the container. Keto ice cream can be stored for up to 1-2 weeks.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information for this recipe will vary based on the specific ingredients used. However, a general guideline for a single serving (without fresh peaches) is approximately:

• Calories: 124
• Fat: 6.1g
• Carbs: 3.1g
• Fiber: 0.6g
• Protein: 14.1g
• Net Carbs: 2.5g

Adding fresh peaches will slightly increase the carb count.

Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide

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