Revised Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Recipe with Lower WW Points

Ingredients

For the Ice Cream Base:

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries (about 300 g), hulled and chopped – Natural sweetness with minimal calories.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (15 ml) – Enhances flavor and preserves color.
  • 1 cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt (240 g) – Opt for non-fat Greek yogurt to reduce calories and fat.
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (240 ml) – Keeps it light and low in calories.
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (15 ml) – A lower-calorie alternative to vanilla bean paste.
  • 2 tablespoons erythritol (24 g) – A low-calorie sweetener to minimize SmartPoints.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (8 g) – Thickens the mixture with minimal impact on points.
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (5 ml) – Provides additional vanilla flavor without added points.

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Strawberries:
    • Wash and hull 2 cups of fresh strawberries. Chop into small pieces. Place in a medium bowl and set aside.
  2. Add Lemon Juice:
    • Squeeze 1 tablespoon of lemon juice over the strawberries to preserve color and enhance the flavor.
  3. Blend the Strawberries:
    • Transfer the strawberries to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. This creates the strawberry puree. Set aside.
  4. Mix the Base Ingredients:
    • In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of plain non-fat Greek yogurt and 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk. Whisk until smooth.
  5. Add Vanilla Extract:
    • Stir in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract into the yogurt and almond milk mixture.
  6. Sweeten the Mixture:
    • Add 2 tablespoons of erythritol to the mixture. Adjust the sweetness to taste, keeping in mind the low SmartPoints value of erythritol.
  7. Incorporate Cornstarch:
    • Dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a small amount of cold water. Slowly add this slurry to the yogurt mixture, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. This thickens the mixture with minimal points impact.
  8. Combine with Strawberry Puree:
    • Gently fold the strawberry puree into the yogurt mixture until well combined.
  9. Chill the Mixture:
    • Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled.
  10. Churn the Ice Cream:
    • Pour the chilled mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually for 20-25 minutes.
  11. Freeze the Ice Cream:
    • Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for an additional 2 hours, or until firm.
  12. Serve and Enjoy:
    • Serve the ice cream in bowls or cones. Allow it to soften slightly if needed for easier scooping.
  13. Storage Instructions:
    • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Let soften slightly before serving if it becomes too hard.
  14. Reheating Instructions:
    • If the ice cream hardens too much, let it sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes before serving.
  15. Nutritional Benefits:
    • Using non-fat Greek yogurt and erythritol reduces calories and SmartPoints while providing a protein boost.
  16. Dietary Considerations:
    • This recipe is suitable for various dietary needs. Non-fat Greek yogurt and unsweetened almond milk ensure it is low in fat and calories.
  17. Flavor Variations:
    • Experiment with other fruit purees or flavor extracts. Ensure any substitutions maintain a low SmartPoints value.
  18. Health Benefits:
    • The use of non-fat Greek yogurt provides protein and calcium, while strawberries offer vitamins and antioxidants. Erythritol provides sweetness with minimal calorie impact.
  19. SmartPoints Calculation:
    • The revised SmartPoints value is calculated with non-fat Greek yogurt and erythritol to keep it lower. This ensures you stay within your WW goals.
  20. Customization Tips:
    • Adjust the amount of erythritol based on personal taste preferences. For even lower points, use less sweetener or explore other low-calorie options.

Nutritional Information and SmartPoints

Nutritional Information (Per ½ cup Serving)

  • Calories: 90
  • Total Fat: 0.5g
    • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg
  • Sodium: 40mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 15g
    • Dietary Fiber: 2g
    • Sugars: 12g
  • Net Carbohydrates: 13g
  • Protein: 5g

Weight Watchers SmartPoints Value:

  • SmartPoints: 3 (per ½ cup serving, based on WW 2024 calculation with non-fat Greek yogurt and erythritol)

Conclusion

The revised Strawberry Vanilla Bean Ice Cream recipe provides a delicious and satisfying treat with reduced Weight Watchers SmartPoints. By using non-fat Greek yogurt, unsweetened almond milk, and erythritol, you can enjoy a creamy, flavorful ice cream without compromising your WW goals. This recipe is perfect for those who want to indulge in a healthy dessert option that is both low in points and rich in taste. Enjoy this refreshing treat and feel free to customize it to your liking while keeping an eye on your SmartPoints.