This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Low-Carb, Keto Ice Cream Recipe – custard based vanilla ice cream, made with a few simple ingredients and churned in an ice cream maker. Perfect for summer. Sugar and gluten-free.

Low-Carb, Keto Ice Cream Recipe in an ice cream container

This vanilla ice cream is the perfect homemade ketogenic dessert for a hot summer day.

I used my go to vanilla bean ice cream recipe and made a few adjustments to make this low-carb and sugar-free custard.

It turned out amazing!

I churned it in my Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker, but don’t worry I’ve also included an option on how to freeze it without an ice cream maker.

The result is similar, but not the same. Serve it on its own or with some berries.

Why make a homemade Keto ice cream?

Because making it is easier than you may think and I have not been able to find some good keto ice cream in the stores. Most of them are still high in carbs and I don’t like the flavors.

 

Low-Carb, Keto Ice Cream Recipe in a small dish

Ingredients for Keto Ice Cream:

This Keto Ice Cream Recipe requires just 5 main ingredients:

  • egg yolks
  • heavy cream
  • almond milk
  • Ketogenic sweetener (I use Swerve)
  • vanilla extract or vanilla bean
  • coconut oil (we need the fat)

Optional ingredients for this low-carb dessert are:

  • MCT oil (not everyone uses this ingredient in keto recipes)
  • almond extract – brings some nice flavor
  • additional fruit extracts (optional)
  • toppings like berries or melted chocolate
  • 1 tsp of alcohol – like vodka, if you don’t want your ice cream to freeze rock hard in the freezer, add this ingredient before you freeze, this way the ice cream will stay frozen but soft

This Low-Carb, Keto Ice Cream Recipe is not no churn. I’m planning to try a coconut milk based one and going to share it if it works.

Low-Carb, Keto Ice Cream Recipe scooped into a bowl

Do you need eggs to make healthy lower carb Ice Cream?

There are some recipes without eggs. I personally prefer it with eggs.

This Keto Ice Cream Recipe contains eggs. This is a custard ice cream.

Do you need an ice cream maker for Keto ice cream?

This keto ice cream recipe requires an ice-cream maker.

I use this Cuisinart one. If you don’t own one, you can pour the ice cream mixture into a freezer safe glass container and freeze it, stirring every 30 minutes for 2 hours. This should help in achieving a texture of soft serve like ice cream.

What sweetener to use for Ketogenic Ice Cream?

The sweetener used in this Keto ice cream is powdered Swerve.

I used 1/4 cup and the sweetness is fine.

Keep in mind that Keto sweeteners contain carbs.

If the ice cream custard does not taste sweet to you, you can add up to 2 tsp liquid stevia.

I added some coconut oil to this keto ice cream recipe, because it adds fat. MCT oil is rich in ketones, so if you decide to add some to the ice cream, it will be even better.

I used 1 tbsp coconut oil and 1 tsp MCT oil (optional).

I used a combination of full fat heavy cream and almond milk, but no regular milk, as it is not keto.

Coconut milk, instead of almond milk can be used.

How to make the custard for this perfect low-carb ice cream?

  • Combine the cream and almond milk in a sauce pan and bring to a simmer
  • In the mean time, whisk together the egg yolks and sweetener in a bowl
  • Add 1/2 cup of the hot cream/milk mixture to the egg yolks and whisk to combine, this is done to temper the egg yolks
  • Pour the mixture back to the sauce pan and cook on medium heat, stirring constantly until the custard reaches 160F and coats the spatula. (I use a candy thermometer or this laser thermometer to check the temperature).
  • Stir in the coconut oil, (MCT oil- optional) and vanilla extract.
  • Cover and cool to room temperature.
  • Churn in an ice cream maker, following the manufacturer’s directions.
  • Place in a freezer safe container and freeze until firm.

It is still summer around here, so I’m going to enjoy a scoop of this Keto vanilla ice cream by the pool! Eat the good stuff and still loose weight! It is unbelievable!

Want to save this recipe?
Just enter your email and get it sent to your inbox! Plus you'll get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
Low-Carb, Keto Ice Cream Recipe in a container with a scoop
4.93 from 13 votes

Low-Carb, Keto Ice Cream Recipe

Low-Carb, Keto Ice Cream Recipe - custard based vanilla ice cream, made with a few simple ingredients and churned in an ice cream maker. Perfect for summer. Sugar and gluten-free.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 4 hours
Servings: 4

Ingredients 

Other:

  • berries, for topping
  • melted chocolate, for topping
  • 1 tsp vodka, optional, to keep the ice cream frozen but soft

Instructions 

  • Combine the cream and almond milk in a sauce pan and bring to a simmer
  • In the mean time, whisk together the egg yolks and sweetener in a bowl
  • Add 1/2 cup of the hot cream/milk mixture to the egg yolks and whisk to combine, this is done to temper the egg yolks
  • Pour the mixture back to the sauce pan and cook on medium heat, stirring constantly until the custard reaches 160F and coats the spatula. (I use a candy thermometer or this laser thermometer to check the temperature).
  • Stir in the coconut oil, (MCT oil- optional) and vanilla extract.
  • Cover and cool to room temperature.
  • Churn in an ice cream maker, following the manufacturer's directions.
  • Add 1 tsp of alcohol - like vodka, if you don't want your ice cream to freeze rock hard in the freezer, add this ingredient before you freeze, this way the ice cream will stay frozen but soft
  • Place in a freezer safe container and freeze until firm.

Notes

Recipe makes 1 pint of ice cream.

Nutrition

Calories: 336kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 33g, Saturated Fat: 19g, Cholesterol: 374mg, Sodium: 117mg, Potassium: 74mg, Vitamin A: 1265IU, Vitamin C: 0.3mg, Calcium: 148mg, Iron: 0.7mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Tried this recipe?Mention @cookinglsl or tag #cookinglsl!

More Keto Sweet Treats:

You May Also Like:

Hi! I'm Mira.

I share simple, mostly low-carb and Keto recipes, that don't take a lot of time to make and use mostly seasonal, easy to find ingredients. I'm a supporter of healthy eating, but you'll also find some indulgent treats too.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

70 Comments

  1. Please answer my question.
    Also wondering if you could please make metric measures available for the world outside the USA? 1 tablespoon =20mls here in Australia but 15 mls in UK, so the results will vary if you are only using the old imperial measures of vokume instead of weight.
    Thank you