Decadent Keto Peppermint Ice Cream: A Cool Holiday Treat

For those following a ketogenic lifestyle, ice cream cravings can be a challenge, especially during the festive holiday season. But fear not! This article brings you a collection of keto-friendly peppermint ice cream recipes that will satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your diet. These recipes utilize low-carb ingredients and techniques to deliver a creamy, refreshing, and guilt-free dessert experience.

Why Keto Ice Cream?

Traditional ice cream is loaded with sugar, making it unsuitable for a ketogenic diet. Keto ice cream recipes replace sugar with low-carb sweeteners, and often incorporate healthy fats to maintain the desired creamy texture. This allows you to enjoy a frozen treat while staying within your macro targets.

Key Ingredients for Keto Peppermint Ice Cream

Here's a breakdown of the common ingredients used in these recipes and why they're keto-friendly:

• Heavy Cream: Provides the base for a rich and creamy texture.
• Coconut Milk: Another source of healthy fats, adding to the creaminess and providing a subtle coconut flavor (can be substituted).
• Almond Milk/Cashew Milk: A lower-carb alternative to dairy milk. Cashew milk is noted for its creaminess.
• Low-Carb Sweeteners: Essential for sweetness without the sugar. Popular choices include:
  • Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend: Prevents crystallization and maintains a smooth texture.
  • Erythritol: A common keto sweetener, but may result in a harder texture. Vegetable glycerin can be added to maintain a softer texture.
  • Swerve: Another popular erythritol-based sweetener.
  • Stevia: Can be used in liquid or powder form.
• Peppermint Extract: Provides the signature peppermint flavor. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
• Sugar-Free Peppermint Candies/Candy Canes: Adds both flavor and a festive touch. Use sparingly, as some sugar-free candies may still contain some carbs.
• Vegetable Glycerin: A plant-derived sweetener that helps prevent ice cream from freezing solid.
• MCT Oil: Contributes to a smoother texture and healthy fats.
• Vodka or White Rum (Optional): The alcohol raises the freezing point of liquids. This decreases the iciness.
• Xanthan Gum (Optional): Helps improve the texture and prevent ice crystals from forming.
• Vanilla Protein Powder (Optional): Adds protein and vanilla flavor.

Essential Equipment

• Ice Cream Maker: While some recipes offer no-churn options, an ice cream maker will generally produce the best results. The Cuisinart ICE 30-BC is a highly recommended, easy-to-use option.
• Blender: For combining ingredients smoothly.
• Mixing Bowls: For preparing the ice cream base.
• Freezer-Safe Containers: For storing the finished ice cream. Rubbermaid TakeAlongs are a convenient option for single-serving portions.
• Ninja Creami (Optional): For a specific texture and the ability to make single-serving portions.

Keto Peppermint Ice Cream Recipes

Here are a few approaches to making keto peppermint ice cream, combining information from the provided text:

Recipe 1: Classic Keto Peppermint Ice Cream

This recipe uses a traditional ice cream maker and focuses on achieving a creamy texture.

Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk or cashew milk
• ¾ cup powdered sweetener (monk fruit allulose blend preferred)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-2 teaspoons peppermint extract (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon MCT oil (optional)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin (optional)
• ½ cup crushed sugar-free peppermint candies

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the milk, cream, sweetener, vanilla, peppermint extract, MCT oil, and vegetable glycerin (if using).
2. Whisk until the sweetener has dissolved. Stir in half of the crushed peppermint candies.
3. Prepare your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions.
4. Add the milk and cream mixture to the bowl of the ice cream maker according to the instructions.
5. Churn for 25 minutes, or until the consistency of soft serve.
6. Transfer the ice cream to a freezer-safe container with a lid and fold in the remaining crushed peppermint candies.
7. Freeze until it has become more solid. If you omitted vegetable glycerin, allow it to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before scooping.

Recipe 2: Keto Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

This recipe incorporates sugar-free chocolate for a mint chocolate chip variation.

Ingredients:

• 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk, well-chilled
• 1 cup heavy cream, well-chilled
• ¾ cup powdered sweetener (monk fruit allulose blend preferred)
• 1.5 - 2 teaspoons peppermint extract (adjust to taste)
• Optional: a few drops of green food coloring
• ½ cup Lily's or ChocZero dark chocolate, chopped

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, use a whisk to combine the coconut milk and powdered sweetener until dissolved.
2. Stir in heavy cream and peppermint extract. If using, add a few drops of the green food dye to the desired color.
3. Turn the ice cream maker on and pour the mixture in. Churn for about 25 minutes (or to the manufacturer's directions).
4. During the last 5 minutes of churning, add in the chopped chocolate.
5. Freeze in an airtight container.

Recipe 3: Ninja Creami Keto Candy Cane Ice Cream

This recipe is specifically designed for the Ninja Creami ice cream maker.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• ¼ cup coconut cream (or canned coconut milk)
• 1 scoop low-carb vanilla protein powder
• ½ teaspoon peppermint extract
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Sweetener of choice (Swerve or stevia drops) to taste
• 1 small sugar-free peppermint candy or mini candy cane, crushed (optional)

Instructions:

1. Add the almond milk, coconut cream, protein powder, flavor extracts, sweetener, and a pinch of salt to a blender. Blend on low for a few seconds to combine. Alternatively, whisk together in a mixing bowl.
2. Pour the mixture into the Ninja Creami pint container and place the storage lid on top.
3. Put in the freezer overnight to freeze completely.
4. When ready to eat, take off the storage lid and place the frozen ice cream in the outer bowl assembly.
5. Attach the outer bowl lid and place it in the Ninja Creami machine. Hit the LITE button.
6. If the consistency is not creamy enough, run it through the LITE cycle again. If it's still powdery after the second cycle, add a tablespoon of almond milk and run it through the LITE cycle one more time.
7. If using, crush the candy cane or candies in a baggie with a meat mallet or heavy pan.
8. Add the crushed candy to the ice cream container and mix, or just top your individual servings with it.
9. Store leftovers with the storage lid in the freezer.

Recipe 4: No-Churn Peppermint Ice Cream

This recipe provides an alternative for those without an ice cream maker.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• ⅔ cup powdered sugar-free sweetener
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vodka or white rum (optional)
• 1 teaspoon peppermint flavoring (extract or oil)
• ½ cup crushed peppermint candies

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together heavy cream, powdered sweetener, salt, vodka or white rum and peppermint flavoring.
2. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours before churning or freezing.
3. Add ice cream base to a mason jar and shake until thickened or whip base with an electric mixture until fluffy. Stir in crushed peppermint candies.
4. Freeze in an freezer safe container.

Tips for Success

• Chill Ingredients: Ensure your heavy cream and coconut milk are well-chilled before starting.
• Sweetener Choice: Powdered sweeteners dissolve more easily and prevent graininess. Monk fruit allulose blend is preferred for its texture-enhancing properties.
• Peppermint Extract: Start with a smaller amount 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 freezes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before scooping.

Variations and Add-Ins

• Chocolate Chips: Add sugar-free chocolate chips for a mint chocolate chip variation.
• Extracts: Experiment with other extracts like vanilla or almond.
• Coloring: Add a few drops of food coloring for a festive look.
• Flavorings: You can use either extract or oil. Extracts are alcohol based and oils are oil-based (of course). Extracts are more common.

Storing Your Keto Ice Cream

Homemade ice cream should be stored in an airtight container in the freezer to prevent freezer burn. Covering the container with plastic wrap or wax paper before putting the lid on will decrease the chance of ice crystal forming. It will generally keep for about two weeks. If ice crystals form, it may become a bit grainy.

Addressing Common Concerns

• Icy Texture: Using the right sweeteners (like monk fruit allulose) and adding vegetable glycerin can help prevent an icy texture.
• Hardness: If the ice cream freezes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
• Sweetness Level: Adjust the amount of sweetener to your preference.

Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide

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