Finding a keto-friendly dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth while keeping your net carbs low can be a challenge, especially when it comes to creamy indulgences like ice cream. But what if we told you that you can have your ice cream without any of the guilt? The Keto 0-Point Ice Cream recipe is the perfect solution for those looking to enjoy a creamy, satisfying treat while staying on track with their ketogenic lifestyle—and even Zero SmartPoints for those following WW (Weight Watchers)!
This recipe is an innovative take on traditional ice cream, designed to be low in calories and carbs, without sacrificing texture or flavor. Using a combination of low-calorie sweeteners, rich creaminess from natural ingredients, and a few clever techniques, this ice cream allows you to indulge in a frozen dessert that won’t derail your health goals.
The best part? It’s not just for those following the keto diet—this dessert is perfect for anyone watching their sugar and carb intake, including those adhering to WW (Weight Watchers). You can make it ahead of time, store it in the freezer, and enjoy it whenever the craving hits. So, let’s dive into this delicious Keto 0-Point Ice Cream recipe that’s sure to become your new favorite dessert!
Ingredients
For the Ice Cream Base:
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or any unsweetened plant-based milk of your choice, such as coconut or cashew milk; these are low in carbs and calories)
- 1 cup heavy cream (adds creaminess and texture, and provides a rich, smooth consistency)
- 1/2 cup powdered erythritol (or another keto-friendly sweetener of your choice; erythritol is a popular, low-carb option with zero calories)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (provides a warm, sweet, and aromatic flavor that complements the creamy base)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, adds a touch of tanginess that enhances the sweetness of the ice cream)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (helps balance the sweetness and enhances all the flavors)
For the Thickening Agent (Optional for a firmer texture):
- 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (a small amount of xanthan gum will help thicken the ice cream and improve its texture, making it more scoopable)
- 1/4 teaspoon guar gum (optional, helps stabilize the ice cream and maintain its smoothness when freezing)
Flavor Variations:
- Chocolate: Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder or 3 tablespoons of sugar-free chocolate chips for a chocolatey twist.
- Mint: Add 1 teaspoon of mint extract for a refreshing, mint-chocolate chip flavor.
- Berry: Blend in 1/4 cup of fresh or frozen berries (such as strawberries or blueberries) to create a fruity version of your ice cream.
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Ice Cream Base
- Combine the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine unsweetened almond milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, lemon juice (if using), and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is well combined. The cream will create a rich, velvety texture, while the almond milk will keep it light and low in carbs.
- Add the sweetener: Slowly add the powdered erythritol (or your preferred low-carb sweetener). Whisk continuously to dissolve the erythritol fully, ensuring there are no gritty bits of sweetener in the mixture. Erythritol is ideal for keto ice cream as it doesn’t raise blood sugar levels, making it a safe choice for those on a low-carb diet.
- Optional flavoring: If you’re opting for a flavored ice cream, such as chocolate or mint, add the additional ingredients now. For chocolate, whisk in unsweetened cocoa powder, or for mint, add mint extract. For fruity flavors, blend in berries or fruit extracts to create a natural fruit flavor.
- Incorporate thickening agents (optional): If you want your ice cream to have a firmer texture that doesn’t turn into a block of ice, you can incorporate xanthan gum and/or guar gum. Slowly sprinkle the xanthan gum into the ice cream base while whisking constantly to avoid clumping. The gums help to stabilize the ice cream and prevent the formation of ice crystals.
Step 2: Churning the Ice Cream
- Chill the mixture: Before churning, place the ice cream mixture in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to chill. This step helps ensure that the ice cream base is cool, allowing it to churn more effectively and achieve a creamy texture.
- Churn the ice cream: If you have an ice cream maker, pour the chilled mixture into the machine and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, it will take about 20-30 minutes for the mixture to thicken into soft-serve consistency.
- No Ice Cream Maker? No worries! Pour the mixture into a shallow pan or container and place it in the freezer. Every 30-45 minutes, take the mixture out and whisk it with a hand mixer or fork to break up the ice crystals. Repeat this process for about 3-4 hours, or until the ice cream reaches the desired consistency.
- Test the consistency: After churning, the ice cream should have a soft, creamy texture, almost like soft-serve ice cream. If you want it firmer, transfer the ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for an additional 2-3 hours to allow it to harden.
Step 3: Freezing and Serving
- Transfer the ice cream to a storage container: Once the ice cream has reached the desired consistency, transfer it to an airtight container for storage. Seal the container and place it in the freezer for 2-3 hours to allow the ice cream to harden further and set.
- Serve: Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones, and enjoy! If the ice cream is too hard after being frozen for a while, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before scooping.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 1g (Net Carbs: 0g)
- Protein: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g (from natural sweeteners)
- Sodium: 50mg
SmartPoints (WW Calculation)
For those on the WW (Weight Watchers) program, this Keto 0-Point Ice Cream is a game-changer. Since it is made with low-carb ingredients, no sugar, and only a small amount of heavy cream, it qualifies as a Zero SmartPoints dessert.
- SmartPoints per serving (1 scoop, based on 8 servings): 0 SmartPoints
This makes the ice cream an excellent treat for anyone following WW, allowing you to enjoy dessert without worrying about your daily SmartPoints allowance. Perfect for a sweet indulgence after dinner or as a refreshing treat in the middle of the day!
Tips and Variations for Keto 0-Point Ice Cream
- Flavor customization: This recipe serves as the perfect base for experimenting with different flavors. You can make endless variations by adding sugar-free chocolate chips, fruit extracts, or even a swirl of peanut butter for a decadent flavor. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination!
- Make it dairy-free: To make this ice cream completely dairy-free, swap out the heavy cream for a coconut cream or a non-dairy alternative like cashew cream. Be sure to use a non-dairy milk (like almond or coconut milk) to maintain the low-carb nature of the ice cream.
- Incorporate protein: To add some extra protein to your ice cream, consider adding a scoop of unflavored protein powder to the mixture. This will increase the protein content without affecting the flavor, making it a great option for anyone looking to up their protein intake.
- Add-ins: Once the ice cream has reached the desired consistency, you can gently fold in small pieces of nuts, sugar-free chocolate chunks, or even a swirl of homemade keto caramel sauce for added texture and flavor.
- Storage: Keep the ice cream stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. However, because this ice cream is made without traditional stabilizers, it’s best to consume it within a week or two for optimal texture.
- Serving suggestions: For a decadent dessert experience, top your ice cream with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cocoa powder, or a few fresh berries. You can also serve it with a side of keto-friendly brownies or a few low-carb cookies for a complete dessert experience.
Why You’ll Love Keto 0-Point Ice Cream
If you’ve been craving a delicious, guilt-free treat that aligns with your keto or Weight Watchers goals, then Keto 0-Point Ice Cream is exactly what you need. This ice cream is creamy, indulgent, and packed with flavor, without the sugar, carbs, or guilt that typically comes with traditional ice cream.
The recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste. Whether you prefer classic vanilla, chocolate, or fruity flavors