Vanilla ice cream has been a crowd favorite for centuries. Did you know Thomas Jefferson even served it at Monticello? Fast forward to today—we’re giving this classic treat a keto twist. No sugar crash. No freezer-burned bricks. Just smooth, creamy goodness that takes you back to simpler times.
Fun fact? This recipe was a happy accident while experimenting with keto chocolate ice cream. Turns out, vanilla’s simplicity shines. Ready to dig in? Let’s make some magic.
The Game Plan
Prep Time: 5 minutes (plus freezing)
Servings: 6–8 (½-cup scoops)
Skill Level: Easy! You don’t even need an ice cream maker.
What You’ll Need:
- A blender or whisk
- A freezer-safe container
- Ice cream maker (optional—there’s a no-machine hack below!)
What’s In It?
Makes 1 quart
- 1½ cups heavy cream (grass-fed is extra creamy)
- 1½ cups unsweetened almond or coconut milk
- 3 egg yolks (room temp for smoother blending)
- ½ cup keto sweetener (erythritol, allulose, or your fave blend—adjust for sweetness)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract (splurge on the good stuff—bourbon vanilla is 👌)
- 2 tsp vegetable glycerin (optional, but it keeps things scoopable)
Swaps:
- Going egg-free? Use 1 tbsp gelatin instead.
- Dairy-free? Coconut cream is your best friend.
- Prefer monk fruit? Totally works here—just taste as you go!
How to Make It
1. Blend It Up
Toss all the ingredients in a blender and mix until silky smooth. No blender? A whisk gets the job done too. The mixture should be creamy enough to coat the back of a spoon.
2. Chill Time
Pour the mix into a jar or bowl, cover, and refrigerate for 1–2 hours. This step makes a huge difference—it gives the flavors time to mingle and helps the ice cream freeze faster.
3. Pick Your Path: Churn or No-Churn
- Ice Cream Maker: Pour the chilled mix into your machine. Churn for 20–30 minutes, or until it looks like soft-serve.
- No Maker? No Biggie! Pour into a loaf pan. Freeze for an hour, then stir with a fork. Repeat 2–3 times for that creamy texture.
4. Final Freeze
Transfer to a freezer-safe container, smooth the top, and press parchment paper on the surface to keep ice crystals away. Let it freeze for at least 4 hours.
Pro Tips for Success
- Add 1 tbsp vodka to the mix—it keeps the ice cream from getting rock solid.
- Dip your scoop in hot water for perfect servings. It’s a lifesaver.
Make It Yours
- Chocolate Swirl: Drizzle melted keto chocolate after churning.
- Berry Bliss: Mix in mashed raspberries or strawberries.
- Pumpkin Spice Vibes: Add a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Serving & Storage
This ice cream pairs beautifully with crushed nuts, fresh mint, or even a drizzle of keto caramel. Got leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks. Just remember to let it thaw for 10 minutes before scooping—it’s worth the wait.
Why You’ll Love It
The secret is all in the balance. Creamy fats, smooth egg yolks, and keto-friendly sweeteners come together to create the dreamiest texture. Whether you’re keto-curious or just craving dessert minus the sugar guilt, this recipe is perfect for everyone.
Ready to grab a spoon? Let’s do this.
PrintKeto Vanilla Ice Cream
Indulge in the creamy, dreamy world of keto vanilla ice cream! This sugar-free treat is a perfect low-carb dessert that’s rich, smooth, and packed with classic vanilla flavor. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s easy to whip up and ideal for anyone following a keto or low-carb lifestyle. Whether you use an ice cream maker or go no-churn, this recipe guarantees a luscious texture without the guilt.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: No cooking required
- Total Time: 5 minutes (plus freezing time)
- Yield: 6–8 (½-cup servings) 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (cold)
- 1 ½ cups reduced-carb milk or unsweetened almond milk
- 3 egg yolks (room temperature)
- ½ cup Joy Filled Eats Sweetener (or your favorite keto sweetener)
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 tsp glycerin (optional, for softer texture)
Ingredient Notes:
- Sweetener Substitutes: Powdered erythritol, monk fruit blends, or allulose work well. Adjust sweetness to taste.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream.
- Glycerin: Optional but helps prevent ice crystals for a scoopable texture.
Instructions
Blend the Base:
Combine all ingredients in a blender. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and creamy. The texture should be silky with no lumps.
Chill (Optional):
For best results, refrigerate the mixture for 1–2 hours before freezing. This step enhances flavor and improves freezing efficiency.
Freeze the Mixture:
- With Ice Cream Maker: Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions (typically 20–30 minutes). Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for at least 4 hours to set.
- No-Churn Method: Pour into a loaf pan or shallow container. Freeze for 1 hour, then stir vigorously with a fork to break up ice crystals. Repeat every hour for the first 3 hours, then freeze until firm.
Serve & Enjoy:
Let the ice cream sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before scooping for the perfect creamy consistency.
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
- Top with keto-friendly chocolate syrup, fresh berries, or crushed nuts for added flavor and crunch. Pair with keto brownies or cookies for an indulgent dessert combo.
Tips & Tricks:
- Use cold ingredients to speed up freezing time and ensure a smoother texture.
- Adding 1 tablespoon of vodka to the mix can help maintain softness without altering flavor.
Storage Instructions:
- Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. To avoid freezer burn, press parchment paper directly onto the surface of the ice cream before sealing the container.
Reheating/Thawing Tips:
- Allow frozen ice cream to soften at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before serving to achieve a scoopable consistency.