For those following a paleo diet, the idea of enjoying a creamy, delicious ice cream might seem like a distant dream. However, with a few clever ingredient swaps and the right recipes, you can indulge in frozen treats that align with your dietary goals. This article explores a variety of paleo ice cream recipes, offering options for different tastes and preferences, as well as tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
The Basics of Paleo Ice Cream
Paleo ice cream recipes generally exclude dairy, refined sugars, and artificial additives, which are common in traditional ice cream. Instead, they rely on natural sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, and dates, as well as creamy bases like coconut milk, almond milk, and nut butter.
Key Ingredients in Paleo Ice Cream
- Coconut Milk and Cream: These are staples in paleo ice cream making, providing a rich and creamy texture similar to dairy. Full-fat versions are preferred for the best results. Brands like Native Forest and Aroy-D are recommended for their creaminess and lack of additives like guar gum.
- Nut Butters: Almond butter, cashew butter, and other nut butters add creaminess and flavor to ice cream.
- Natural Sweeteners: Maple syrup, honey, and dates are common paleo-friendly sweeteners. Liquid allulose is recommended for keto and low-carb versions.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a rich vanilla taste and the alcohol content helps lower the freezing temperature, resulting in a creamier texture.
- Fruits: Frozen fruits like strawberries, mixed berries, and bananas can be blended into ice cream for added flavor and sweetness.
- Other Flavorings: Cocoa powder, peppermint extract, almond extract, and spices like ginger and cinnamon can be used to create a variety of flavors.
Essential Equipment
- High-Powered Blender or Food Processor: A high-powered blender like a Blendtec or Vitamix is ideal for creating a smooth and creamy base, especially when using frozen fruits or nuts. A food processor can also be used, particularly for recipes involving nut butter.
- Ice Cream Maker (Optional): While not essential, an ice cream maker can significantly improve the texture of paleo ice cream. It churns and freezes the mixture simultaneously, aerating it and creating a fluffy, smooth consistency.
- Freezer-Safe Containers: These are necessary for storing the ice cream in the freezer. Reusable ice cream tubs or portion control mini ice cream containers are good options.
Paleo Ice Cream Recipes
Creamy Strawberry Paleo Ice Cream
This recipe is simple and doesn't require an ice cream maker. It's perfect for a quick and easy dessert.
Ingredients:
- Full-fat coconut milk and coconut cream
- Dates
- Fresh orange juice
- Vanilla extract
- Frozen strawberries
- Ice
Instructions:
- Blend coconut milk, coconut cream, dates, orange juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add frozen strawberries and ice.
- Blend in a high-powered blender until creamy, using the "Ice Cream" program if available.
- Freeze for an hour or so to thicken, but avoid freezing for too long to prevent it from becoming rock hard.
4-Ingredient Almond Butter Paleo Ice Cream
This recipe is keto-friendly and vegan, using almond butter for a creamy base.
Ingredients:
- Coconut milk
- Almond butter
- Maple syrup (or keto sweetener like Lakanto Monkfruit Sweetener Drops)
- Vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a food processor or blender.
- Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Pour into a freezer-friendly container.
- Freeze for 3-6 hours until firm.
5-Ingredient Low Carb Keto Vanilla Ice Cream
This recipe is dairy-free and paleo, using coconut cream and milk for a rich texture.
Read also: Paleo Granola Recipes
Ingredients:
- Coconut cream
- Coconut milk
- Monk fruit sweetener
- Vanilla extract
- Cashews (optional, for added creaminess)
Instructions:
- Blend coconut milk, cream, and cashews (if using) in a high-speed blender until smooth.
- Add monk fruit and vanilla extract and blend until creamy.
- For an ice cream maker, transfer the mixture to the ice cream maker bowl and churn according to instructions. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 2 hours.
- Without an ice cream maker, transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 4-6 hours.
4-Ingredient Paleo Vegan Ice Cream
This recipe uses coconut milk and maple syrup for a simple and creamy treat.
Ingredients:
- Coconut milk
- Coconut cream
- Maple syrup
- Vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Put coconut milk, coconut cream, maple syrup, and vanilla into a blender and blend until evenly combined.
- Pour the mixture into your chilled ice cream maker and start churning.
- Keep churning until you get a soft serve consistency.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 4-6 hours.
Paleo Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
This recipe is dairy-free and paleo, using coconut milk and cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
Ingredients:
- Canned coconut milk
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Coconut sugar (or Swerve or Lakanto)
- Vanilla extract
- Egg yolks (optional, for added creaminess)
- Cacao nibs (optional)
Instructions:
- Combine cocoa powder with 1 cup of canned coconut milk in a saucepan over medium heat, whisking continuously.
- Add the remaining coconut milk and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks together (if using). Gradually add in the coconut sugar and whisk.
- Slowly add in the cream mixture from the saucepan into the eggs and coconut sugar.
- Continue stirring the mixture over low heat until it slightly thickens.
- Turn off the stove top and transfer the chocolate mixture into a bowl or Tupperware container.
- Pour into an ice cream maker and process until the mixture turns to a thickness of your liking.
3-Ingredient Paleo Vanilla Ice Cream
This recipe is simple and easy, requiring only three ingredients.
Ingredients:
- Coconut milk
- Maple syrup (or liquid allulose for keto)
- Vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Place coconut milk, maple syrup (or other sweetener), and vanilla extract in a blender.
- Purée until sweetener dissolves, scraping down sides if necessary, about 30 seconds.
- Freeze in ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s instructions.
Salted Caramel Paleo Ice Cream
This recipe combines a cashew-coconut base with a date-based salted caramel swirl.
Ingredients:
- Cashews
- Coconut milk
- Maple syrup
- Medjool dates
- Almond milk (or water)
- Vanilla extract
- Sea salt
Instructions:
- Soak cashews in hot water for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the salted caramel by blending softened dates with almond milk (or water), vanilla extract, and sea salt until smooth.
- Blend soaked cashews, coconut milk, maple syrup, and some of the prepared date caramel.
- Churn in an ice cream maker.
- Once churned, layer the ice cream with the remaining caramel in a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze at least 3-4 hours before serving.
5-Ingredient Dairy-Free Vanilla Ice Cream
This recipe uses coconut milk and almond butter for a creamy and healthy treat.
Read also: Paleo Diet Delivered: What You Need to Know
Ingredients:
- Coconut milk (or coconut cream)
- Almond butter (or cashew butter)
- Maple syrup
- Vanilla extract
- Sea salt
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients together until smooth.
- Churn the ice cream in an ice cream maker.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the ice cream mixture into a freezer-friendly container and stir by hand every 15 minutes until it’s frozen.
Tips for Perfect Paleo Ice Cream
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will significantly impact the taste and texture of your ice cream. Choose good quality coconut milk, pure maple syrup, and fresh vanilla extract.
- Chill the Ice Cream Maker Bowl: Ensure your ice cream maker bowl is thoroughly chilled (at least 24 hours) before use. This is crucial for proper freezing.
- Don't Overmix: When using a high-powered blender, blend at a low speed to avoid overmixing and creating a chunky texture.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Adjust the amount of sweetener to your liking. Remember that the sweetener not only adds sweetness but also contributes to the creamy texture.
- Add Alcohol for Creaminess: A small amount of alcohol (like vanilla extract) can help lower the freezing temperature and create a creamier texture.
- Thaw Before Serving: Homemade ice cream can become very firm in the freezer. Allow it to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before scooping.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors and add-ins. Try adding fruits, nuts, chocolate chips, or spices to create your own unique paleo ice cream creations.
Serving Suggestions
Paleo ice cream can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
- On its own: Enjoy a simple scoop of your favorite flavor.
- With Paleo Desserts: Serve it on top of paleo brownies, cookies, pies, or crumbles.
- In Ice Cream Sandwiches: Use paleo-friendly cookies or chaffles to make ice cream sandwiches.
- As a Topping: Top white rice or white sushi rice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a unique treat.
- With Fruit: Pair it with fresh berries or other fruits for a healthy and refreshing dessert.
Read also: Paleo Mayonnaise Recipe