This keto ice cream recipe is an easy dairy free, sugar free, and low carb frozen dessert that everyone can enjoy, even if you’re not on a keto diet!
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The best keto ice cream recipe
This creamy keto ice cream is absolutely delicious!
Serve in bowls, ice cream cones, or on top of Keto Cheesecake.
Without question, the most popular request I’ve been getting from readers in the past few months has been for more low carb and keto recipes.
You definitely do not need to be on a ketogenic diet, or any special diet at all, to enjoy this homemade and no sugar ice cream.
With just four ingredients, endless customization options to make different flavors, and the same luxurious creaminess of regular dairy ice cream, what’s not to love???
Also try these Keto Peanut Butter Cookies
Vanilla or chocolate keto ice cream
The vanilla keto ice cream recipe is listed below. You can use either pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste. Or scrape out the seeds of one vanilla bean.
To make chocolate ice cream, simply stir in one fourth cup of regular unsweetened cocoa powder along with the other ingredients. That’s it!
You can also recreate your favorite Halo Top, Rebel, or Enlightened ice cream flavors at home. Turn the basic keto ice cream recipe into unlimited new flavors, simply by experimenting with different extracts and add-ins.
Stir in diced strawberries to make strawberry ice cream, pecans and butter extract for butter pecan, half a teaspoon of instant coffee, a handful of shredded coconut, or pure peppermint extract and chopped dark chocolate to get mint chocolate chip.
Readers also love this Chocolate Keto Cake
Sugar free ice cream recipe video
Above, watch the step-by-step keto ice cream recipe video
Keto ice cream ingredients
You need just four ingredients for this recipe: coconut milk, sweetener of choice (such as xylitol or erythritol), pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Be sure to look for full fat canned coconut milk, not lite coconut milk or the cartons of coconutmilk beverage sold in the dairy case. I have not tried substituting heavy cream.
Sugar free options that work well for the sweetener include granulated erythritol or xylitol, a low-glycemic and natural sugar alternative with 40% fewer calories that is absorbed more slowly than sugar and doesn’t have the same effect on insulin or blood sugar levels. (Just like chocolate, raisins, and avocados, it should not be fed to dogs.)
If you’re not counting carbs or watching sugar intake, you can absolutely feel free to use your favorite all purpose sweetener, such as sugar, honey, or pure maple syrup.
I have not tried allulose or stevia in this frozen dessert and therefore cannot personally recommend it here. Be sure to report back if you experiment.
The recipe is based on my Avocado Ice Cream and Coconut Ice Cream
How to make keto ice cream
Stir together the milk, sweetener of choice, salt, and pure vanilla extract. If making chocolate ice cream, stir in the cocoa powder too.
If you have an ice cream maker, prepare the machine according to the manual specific to your brand and model. (Some models need to be frozen ahead of time.)
Churn according to manufacturer’s instructions. I have a Cuisinart ice cream machine, which takes around fifteen minutes to make ice cream.
For a no churn version without an ice cream maker, freeze the mixture in ice cube trays, which can be purchased for as little as two dollars at most grocery stores or home stores like Bed Bath Beyond.
Then blend the frozen ice cubes in a Vitamix, or thaw enough to blend in a food processor or a regular blender. I like to scoop it out with an ice cream scoop for an authentic ice cream shape.
The homemade keto ice cream recipe can be vegan, paleo, egg free, dairy free, low carb, sugar free, soy free, and gluten free.
If you are looking for a low fat or fat free frozen dessert recipe, I recommend this creamy Banana Ice Cream or my favorite Lemon Sorbet.
Keto Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 2 cups canned coconut milk
- 1/3 cup erythritol, xylitol, or sweetener of choice
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
- optional ingredients for desired flavor
Instructions
- Be sure to use full-fat canned coconut milk, not lite or coconutmilk beverage. If desired, you can use the seeds from a vanilla bean instead of the extract. To make the keto ice cream: Stir together the milk, sweetener, salt, and vanilla extract. If you have an ice cream machine, simply churn according to manufacturer’s directions. Or to make it without an ice cream machine, freeze the mixture in ice cube trays, then blend the frozen cubes in a high-speed blender such as a Vitamix OR thaw them enough to then blend in a food processor or regular blender. Eat as-is, or freeze an hour or so for a firmer texture. Due to not having any preservatives or stabilizers, the keto ice cream is best the day it’s made, but you can technically freeze leftovers up to a month and thaw before serving.View Nutrition Facts
Video
Notes
More Healthy Keto Recipes
Keto Cookies (Low Carb, No Sugar)
Keto Muffins, or these Keto Blueberry Muffins
I love this recipe because of its simplicity. I’m no longer keto but I still would love to try this. I really hope you’re planning to post more ice cream recipes in the future, it’s one of my favorite foods as well!
You probably get this question a lot on your high-fat recipes, but would it be possible to substitute coconut cream for the full-fat milk, or would it turn out differently?
Thank you and have a wonderful Monday.
You definitely can, and using coconut cream instead of milk will make it even creamer here.
hello did coconut cream work and was it good ??
I tried this recipe with 1/4 cup of cocoa powder and 1 teaspoon of espresso powder and it turned out awesome!
What kind of cocoa powder did you use? Also, was the cocoa powder AND espresso in addition to the other ingredients?
That recipe arrives at just the right time. It’s about 31 degrees here and just yesterday I said that I would do anything for a bowl of ice cream. But as we’re sticking to a keto lifestyle I thought that indulging in a bowl of ice cream would not be an option. So YAY to this recipe!
E || OH LA LATKES
For people in the US: 31°C = 87.8°F.
Oh, thank you for that! I was just about to look up the conversion. Here when it’s 31 degrees, we usually look forward to a hot cup of coffee or tea!
I need this in my life asap!
Paige
I can not wait to try this. Ice cream is my biggest downfall.
Now, if I could only find a substitute for eggs I would be set. I am allergic to them and that makes keto difficult, but I keep trying. Thanks
You can make a vegan egg with flaxseed and water or the juice from canned chickpeas, depending on what you are needing it for.
There are no eggs mentioned in the recipe or ingredients, are they required?
No eggs needed!
How much cocoa powder for the chocolate version? And what about adding a nut butter?
Adding a nut butter sounds like a wonderful idea! Just throw in a few spoonfuls 🙂
https://lett-trim.today/2015/08/03/vegan-chocolate-ice-cream/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
even egg whites?
Chai seed egg. Chai with water, creates a gelatin, perfect for an egg substitute and costa less than flax
Just use an egg substitute by Bob’ Red Mill. Haven’t tried it but it’s available.
Same! I can’t eat eggs. Make it hard!!
I’ve read where chia seeds can be used for egg.
Too ironic: I just made coconut milk ice cream (a chocolate flavor though!) this past weekend!!! Delicious 🙂
What did you use for the chocolate?
https://lett-trim.today/2015/08/03/vegan-chocolate-ice-cream/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
There’s nothing “ironic” about that; it’s not irony, it’s coincidence. The only thing that is ironic is you using that word to describe something that is not ironic.
That’s not very kind. We are just here to read recipes. But since you are clearly interested in using words properly, go to dictionary.com and look at the third definition of ironic and you’ll see she used it correctly. You’re welcome! (Ironically of course).
THANK YOU !!! LOVE IT.
Funny as heck!
How RUDE!! You’re totally out of line calling someone out for their choice of words. This is a recipe, not and English class or test.
I AM So sad you have decided to promote keto diet. This is not a way of life I see as sustainable or long term healthy. It is coincidentally keto and if I had not studied the science more in depth than most I would buy in. I see less health long term being in Ketoacidosis. It is a fad, and not for me long term.
Hi Laura, just reading your comment and I feel the need to reply to let you know that ketogenic diets and ketoacidosis are completely different states in the body. If you have indeed read as much as you claim, I’m sure you’re aware that ketosis or a state of burning fat for fuel, is not even similar to a state of ketoacidosis seen mostly in type 1 diabetics.
A state of ketoacidosis is dangerous for more reasons than having ketones present in your body. When a diabetic is in a state of ketoacidosis or DKA, they have high blood sugar (uncontrollable with exogenous insulin) AND ketones in the blood. Not only does this mean that their high blood glucose can affect nerves and organs, but it also causes an increase in the amount of acid in the blood- further complicating their body’s homeostasis (or natural state of being). Most healthy individuals who are in ketosis due to a LCHF diet do not have high blood sugar at the same time as they are consuming increased amounts of fat.
I think it’s important to let you know that it’s great that you shared your opinion but I do think that perhaps you may need a bit more education on ketosis vs. ketoacidosis. Cheers!
Well said and thank you! People read “keto” and assume it’s ketoacidosis. I suppose being a 35 year diabetic I knew the difference. Ketogenic eating is a wonderful way of eating for people trying to lose as well as diabetics!
YES!!! I am type2 and very very healthy maintaining a keto lifestyle. Losing weight. Lowered BS by nearly 70 points. No IBS anymore.
What is the serving size?
Thank you. I had a diabetic dietician steer me wrong on this for 2 years. (Kept gaining on their diet plan, my endocrinologist kept upping my insulin so I read everything I could and Ive come to my own conclusion. Ive cut in half my insulin and so far..lost 12 pounds in one month.i feel better in 2 years since my cancer treatment killed my pancreas. Stage4 4 lung cancer survivor. Breast cancer survivor. Diabetic contender. My head is clear for the first time in a very long time.
Im using nuts, full fats..meats, soups veggies. I also have gastrophresis no raw veggies..but cooked I can..so soups are a must. Had stir fry cabbage onion shrimp with butter tonight.
Ive bern on ompresole proton prohibiter..which I went off because 1. Caused me to have sibo ane 2. Caused me to have pneumonia seversl times a year. The sibo, intestinal distress was hideous, I got told by my last primary I would pretty much have to live with this, my homeopathic Doctor said no, the antibiotics from pneumonia treatment plus my multiple contrasts test (ive lost count) messed everything up. Eating clean is amazing..goes against everything ive bern taught snd convinced it wouldn’t work…till I tried it. So any doubters, educate yourselves.
I made this ice cream..added ice in my bleder and it was yummy. I do have a I’ve cream freezer will do that soon. I also have dark chocolate cocoa organic..it worked wonderfully. Thank you for adding me!
Kristi, thank you for you input and I’m sorry to hear of your medical history, but it’s people like you putting it out there that others can see and read that they don’t have to be left in the out-bounds of enjoying a part of life – EATING – Glad to hear that you’re doing better now with all of your changes. I have a very dear friend that’s going through a similar problem and I’ve mentioned to her about the Keto “menu” (as I call it) as hubby and I have been on it for just over 12 months now and love it. We’ll certainly enjoy these ice cream recipes that Katie is preparing for us.
This is a bit late, but glad to hear you got knowledge and educated yourself as to the truths and myths the “professionals” use. It can be an amazing journey if we just know a bit about things ourselves. I have had many many misdiagnoses by supposed “professionals”. Congrats on your new health!!
it’s a proton pump inhibitor…educate yourself. bern, roasted.
Beedle, you’re rude and obnoxious! Actually you’re an a$$
So true Natalie.
Sometimes people jump to conclusions and really have no idea what a keto diet is.
I’m living the keto lifestyle and feel great, no more prediabetes and joint pain etc. etc.
Plus I’ve lost heaps of weight, even without trying, just living the keto way of life.
This is incorrect. Please reference people who have been in ketosis for over 40 years. Please reference hundreds of peer reviewed research articles published in reputable national journals (see: national institute of health online database). It is certainly not for everyone, but it is not dangerous for the general population. Anything labeled “keto” can be magically incorporated into the SAD diet instead of you would prefer. You could make this ice cream and top it off with lots chocolate syrup or eat it after a nice big pizza and Coca Cola for example. It’s really in the choice of the person eating the food at the end of the day.
I would much rather see people GET OFF all their processed foods and eat wholesome real food. Using fat for fuel gives me greater mental clarity, energy and helps me control my weight. I do limit my dairy as much as possible and no toxic processed meats. I know people in their 70s and 80s who have embraced the Keto way of eating, they are much healthier than those still on the high sugar/carb program.
I had been eating junk food for about 60 years, until I developed kidney stones and a UTI, so I read up on healthy diets. I started out on the intro GAPS (low-carb) diet for 3 weeks and lost my excess weight, (35 lbs). But I had a hard time digesting anything, so I switched to more of a vegetarian diet, with some degree of whole grains for my digestion. No sugar or refined flour. I gradually, over about 4 years, overcame my illnesses and have been healthy, since.
Totally agree! I’m a mom of a T1D son and I’m doing the Keto thing for a while. Two very different things : ketosis vs ketoacidosis!!
Thank you…..I was trying to say the same thing. My granddaughter is type 1 and I know what ketoacidosis is. I have been in ketosis since Nov 25 2019 and my colitis of 15 yrs is gone…my fibromyalgia is pretty much non existent and the fatty enzymes in my liver are gone. I have lost 67 lbs and went from a size 24 to a 12. I am the healthiest I have ever been. My husband is off all meds as am I and we are 60 and 56. Yay keto and I educated myself but my dr was also behind it.
Right??!! I work in healthcare and know several diabetics who have been advised to follow keto diets FOR their diabetes lol people should really do their research before making such a public display of ignorance lol!!
Laura, you yourself not being an expert nor having done any scientifically backed researched yourself are not qualified to tell people that things are unhealthy or a “fad.” Many have been on kept for years with great success. Like everything, it must be approached intelligently.
I’ve been a Type 1 diabetic for 33 years. Hated the word diet and broke the rules and ate carbs constantly. Insulin requirements went up constantly too. At my last visit with my endocrinologist, I mentioned that I’d sure like to lose some weight. I had gained 75 pounds over the last 20 years. He suggested the keto diet, and I, of course, blew him off. Then my son found a spot on his liver (benign thankfully), and needed to lose weight. I challenged him and decided to try the keto diet. I am SO impressed with it! Great wholesome foods, no processed food, delicious meals and recipes! I’ve lost 14.5 pounds in 22 days! Feel fantastic! Haven’t been hungry or had cravings for sweets! Should have listened to him in the first place!
Hello, “Laura”;
Actually, I don’t know what sources you’re referencing but you obviously have confused the KETOGENIC diet with the medical condition “diabetic ketoacidosis”, which is a complication of type 1 diabetes.
It is a common mistake.
Unless you are a type 1 diabetic, ketoacidosis almost never happens.
The keto diet is actually a VERY healthy way to live, with greatly reduced chances of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, &x cancer, because all of those are byproducts of or complications from excess carbohydrate consumption.
Do your self a favor; REALLY research the keto diet. You might find out it’s the best possible choice for you.
Hopefully helpful.
Have a GREAT day, Neighbor!
My family has been on Keto for over a year now. I’ve lost 110lbs and my husband has lost 70. Trust me, it’s sustainable. My bloodwork and overall heath is fantastic.
My bloodwork also significantly improved in combination of an analysis of my DNA. Pre and post whole-food low carb diet with intermittent fasting at the beginning to assist the body in fat-adaptation. It’s only a year later, and my wife’s PCOS is gone, we maintain extremely health stable weights, and a long list of other improvements that would take up the entire page. And with my wife’s fertility improvements without medication or surgery, we are expecting our first daughter in 3 months.
I got a blood analysis pre and during, once a month, wore a CGM through Levels, and checked my blood ketones 2 times a day, and tracked my sleep. The improvements across the board of starting low carb with fasting at first, and then just low carb whole foods after that for myself anecdotally was pretty obvious that it worked for me. My liver markers significantly improved as well.
I don’t do the fasting anymore, I just stick to whole food and small ingredient lists and prioritizing protein. I look like I work out daily but I don’t, and I look better at 30 than I know I looked at 16.
I don’t care what diet people choose, but whole foods with healthy fats and high in protein are a lot better than the Standard American Diet of processed factory garbage that adhere to the ADA and DOA’s food pyramid.
Enjoying tasty foods, such as this recipe with 4 ingredients, and the sweetener could also be Allulose (which agrees with me), is a definite step in the right direction. It’s a million times better than what you’d read on the back of a Ben and Jerry’s label that’s for sure.
You clearly have not studied the science of keto at all if you think the goal is to get into ketoacidosis. Stick with what you know. I’m sure your opinion was greatly needed and apprecuated.
*appreciated
This is just so wrong Laura. You obviously didn’t do any actual research. There’s far too much to list here, but here’s hoping you’ve decided to actually learn about what you’ve criticized since posting this before telling people it’s an unhealthy “fad”. I’ve been eating keto for 3 years. Lost over 100lbs, and ALL of my Hashimoto’s symptoms have disappeared. According to my blood tests I’ve been in total remission for over two and half years, and I’ve felt healthier and happier in the last three years than I have the entire rest of my life. There are millions who have been on this diet for years, so it’s obviously sustainable, and I can’t tell you how tired I am of people who haven’t even bothered to learn about the diet telling me I’m just engaging in a “fad”. Plastic lace chokers were a “fad”. Pet rocks were a “fad”. A years long lifestyle that results in ultimate health and total remission of an autoimmune disease is NOT a “fad”.
Well said!
AG thank you so much for talking about your Hashimoto’s. I was diagnosed with it last year when I finally begged my doctor to do a more thorough test of my thyroid. It has been a nightmare with all the symptoms I have been going through plus the doctors have me on pain medication that I want to stop and I am at my wits end trying to get someone to help me.
I am grateful that now I have an opportunity to try the Keto diet to get the Hashimoto’s in remission. Maybe in the mean time I can find help to stop taking the pain medication. Thank you again. Darlene
Ketosis is NOT Ketoacidosis. Benign nutritional ketosis is a controlled, insulin regulated process which results in a mild release of fatty acids and ketone body production in response to either a fast from food, or a reduction in carbohydrate intake. Ketoacidosis is driven by a lack of insulin in the body.
Laura,
You should get your facts straight before passing comment.
A Ketogenic Diet does NOT put the body into a state of Ketoacidosis. The body goes into a state of Ketosis where it burns Keytones created by carbohydrate restriction and increased healthy fat intake for energy rather than excess glucose that the standard American diet produces through a gross over-consumption of carbohydrates.
As a Type 2 Diabetic who was diagnosed after I went into Diabetic Keto acidosis and rushed to the ICU (before I ever even knew what Keto was) and someone who has completely controlled blood sugar levels and lost almost 100lbs following a Keto lifestyle, I have first hand experience of the difference between the two.
Please do your research before you demonize anyone’s lifestyle choices. Otherwise you just come across as uneducated and narrow-minded.
I am an ER nurse and a Type 1 diabetic, I am EXTREMELY familiar with DKA (diabetic Keto Acidosis) as it is one of the primary causes for death in type 1 diabetics. DKA and the ketosis you are in with the keto diet are NOT THE SAME! Keto is an amazing diet, especially for those who are diabetic. Managing blood sugar is the single most important thing to decreasing complications and living a longer life.
It seems as though you may misunderstand what the keto diet is about. Following this diet for more than a year, I have lost more than 100 pounds, corrected my dependency on statins for high blood pressure and eliminated the need for daily doses of medication for acid reflux. I have far more energy, better mental clarity, and my blood chemistry has self-corrected from borderline diabetic to normal in every respect. The keto diet doesn’t induce keto acidosis, which is a dangerous medical condition typically occuring in uncontrolled Type 1 diabetes; instead, it supports ketosis, which is a safe state in which the body switches to using fat for fuel instead of glucose (from carbohydrates). Done correctly, the keto diet is perfectly sustainable even for vegans..
Hi, Laura and Friends,
The keto diet means very different things to different people. Many people with multiple sclerosis, myself included, use a version that has a LOT of leafy green veggies and other nutrition dense berries and vegetables. For example, The Wahls Protocol (https://terrywahls.com/start/) and Ketotarian (https://drwillcole.com/ketotarian/) which is my favorite due to its many vegetarian and vegan recipes. These diets do not include dairy products, legumes, or sugar and the Ketotarian ones only include seafood but no meat. Sign up for the email list for either and you’ll get free recipes! Happy eating!
Due to having so many food sensitivities and allergies, along with inflammation issues and autoimmune disorders, this is a way of life for me and many other people. Maybe there were some things you left out in your studies because this is the only way I can eat and therefore, it is sustainable. I’ve been Keto for almost 2 years and I feel better at 40 than I did in my 20’s.
Who the hell cares.
Then why are you here, reading this? You’re a simpleton.
You do not go into ketoacidosis. My granddaughter is a type 1 diabetic and she goes into ketoacidosis when her sugar levels are too high and she produces ketones. Not good, you are right. BUT I have been in KETOSIS for 10 months now and have healed my body from colitis, fibromyalgia and fatty liver disease. Ketosis is when you have LOWblood sugar and produce ketones. This is when your body burns fat for fuel instead of carbs.
Explain then how seizure patients live long term and seizure free or almost that on the keto diet, which is how the keto diet started. There is a lot of evidence to support eating keto. Ketoacidosis is not the same as ketosis – you didn’t study very hard. Natalie was very gracious in her reply – but honestly being preachy on a recipe website is really annoying.
Don’t believe in KETO? Then simply pass on by! You’re entitled to your opinion, but WHY would you waste everyone’s time reading a post that is clearly KETO, and subjecting everyone to your disapproval of KETO, Karen? And obviously you haven’t read enough on the subject because you are confusing ketosis with ketoacidosis.
Not a fad. Keto is one way some are reversing or improving “irreversible” chronic conditions. Some find even better results going no carb. Perhaps your research needs to be up dated. The Inuit’s were healthy till they started to eat a western diet.
Dr Ovadia cardiologist, Dr Seyfried on cancer Dr Bright on hormonalhealthDr Kiltz helps infertile women
I love it. So delicious and creamy.
Thanks for the recipe Katie. It is definitely a task sifting through all the info on keto diet. Lots of stuff on how to start the diet. I’m thinking results come from sticking to it and “finishing” the diet, aka changing lifestyle. I’ve found with other things that having a mentor is crucial. It creates accountability and reminds you that you really are on the right track!
As a diabetic and lactose intolerant, this is the only way I can eat ice cream. I add unsweetened cocoa and extra aspartame to make a wonderful chocolate ice cream, then I add chopped up bananas or 1/2 tsp of peppermint extract – yum! Or instead of chocolate, I add lemon and peppermint extracts, together. Great! For the serious chocoholics, melt some dark chocolate in the microwave and add that to the unsweetened cocoa – incredible!
That sounds so good!
Leila, your post is quite old and maybe you have learned this by now…… But aspartame is quite toxic. Please use non-GMO erythritol instead. Zero carbs without the side effects …. Found in such products as as Lakanto or Swerve.
What is the 5th ingredient to make this chocolate? I’m assuming cocoa powder, but how much?
Here you go! https://lett-trim.today/2015/08/03/vegan-chocolate-ice-cream/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E