The ultimate easy dessert recipe. Creating this sugar-free version of classic vanilla ice cream is so simple; it's child's play. No ice cream maker required, just shake, freeze, and serve.
May 10 2020 recipe by Kristie Sullivan, PhD, photo by Naomi Sherman, nutritional review by Franziska Spritzler, RD, CDE in Recipes, Dessert
The ultimate easy dessert recipe. Creating this sugar-free version of classic vanilla ice cream is so simple; it's child's play. No ice cream maker required, just shake, freeze, and serve.
USMetric
1 servingservings
Ingredients
Vanilla ice cream
- ½ cup 120 ml heavy whipping cream
- 1 1 egg yolkegg yolks
- 1 tbsp 1 tbsp xylitol or erythritol
- ½ tsp ½ tsp vanilla extract
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Making low carb simple
Instructions
Instructions are for 1 serving. Please modify as needed.
To make vanilla ice cream, add all of the ingredients into a portion sized mason jar, or similar glass jar with a lid. Want a different flavor? Pick your favorite from the list below, and add the ingredients to the vanilla mixture.
Seal the lid, and shake vigorously for a minimum of 5 minutes.
Place the jar in the freezer, and chill for at least three hours. Enjoy!
Raw eggs, really?
If you’re concerned about consuming raw eggs, you can heat the egg, cream, and sweetener until it reaches a temperature of 140°F (60°C). Be sure to stir continuously as the mixture heats. Then proceed with combining all ingredients in the jar, shaking vigorously.
To make the ice cream creamier
To achieve an even creamier consistency, use xylitol instead of erythritol, or an erythritol blend. Erythritol makes the ice cream very hard; if you use erythritol, simply wait 5-7 minutes to serve the ice cream after it’s been frozen.
Xylitol and pets
Although xylitol is safe for humans, it is toxic and potentially lethal for pets, like cats and dogs. If you use xylitol, make sure to keep it away from your animals.
Make it a game
Having a dinner party or hosting a birthday? Why not get your guests to shake up their own dessert? Just make sure you get them to do this at the start of the event to ensure adequate freezing time. For added laughter, choose a fun 5 minute long song to get your guests shaking.
How to reduce the carbs?
If you want to reduce the carbs, you can use half of the amount of cream, and substitute the other half with almond milk. Keep in mind that the ice cream will not be as creamy as when you only use cream.
Flavor suggestions
Let each person create his or her own flavor! Add the following ingredients (per serving), just before shaking the ice cream mixture.
Mocha almond ice cream (+1 carb)
0.25 tsp almond extract
0.25 tsp instant espresso powder
0.5 tbsp slivered almonds
0.5 tbsp chopped low carb chocolate chips
Coconut almond ice cream (+1 carb)
0.25 tsp almond extract
0.25 tsp coconut extract
1 tbsp flaked coconut
0.5 tbsp slivered almonds
Blueberry ice cream (+2 carbs)
2 tbsp fresh or frozen blueberries, finely chopped
Strawberry ice cream (+3 carbs)
5 tbsp fresh or frozen strawberries, finely chopped
Chocolate (+2 carbs)
0.5 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tbsp chopped low carb chocolate chips
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💬 Have you tried this recipe?
What did you think? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below!
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93 comments
51
renee
July 4 2020
I decided to make salted caramel and added 1/8tsp salt, 1/4tsp caramel extract and a few drops of liquid stevia to the original recipe and OMG! DELICIOUS! It was way creamier than the original version. Could it be because of the salt? The stevia? This is now my favourite desert.
Reply: #52
52
Reply to comment #51 by renee
Kerry Merritt Team Diet Doctor
July 4 2020
I decided to make salted caramel and added 1/8tsp salt, 1/4tsp caramel extract and a few drops of liquid stevia to the original recipe and OMG! DELICIOUS! It was way creamier than the original version. Could it be because of the salt? The stevia? This is now my favourite desert.
Sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing!
53
lauramb1994
July 6 2020
I can’t wait to try variations of this recipe. Made this yesterday for the 4th of July celebrations. I wanted to join in while the rest of the family was enjoying regular co*ke floats. So my son (who’s following a very low carb lifestyle) and I made this ice cream. Followed the directions. Used Serve for sweetener. Made it a mocha blend of espresso and cocoa. And we both so enjoyed our treat alternative without the huge dose of sugar/carbs.
Reply: #54
54
Reply to comment #53 by lauramb1994
Crystal Pullen Team Diet Doctor
July 6 2020
I can’t wait to try variations of this recipe. Made this yesterday for the 4th of July celebrations. I wanted to join in while the rest of the family was enjoying regular co*ke floats. So my son (who’s following a very low carb lifestyle) and I made this ice cream. Followed the directions. Used Serve for sweetener. Made it a mocha blend of espresso and cocoa. And we both so enjoyed our treat alternative without the huge dose of sugar/carbs.
Ahhhh, this is so wonderful! Thank you for sharing! Let us know what combinations you try.
55
a.pankert
July 25 2020
Unfortunately, I did not like it at all!!! Tasted like frozen butter to me :(
See AlsoEasy Homemade Coconut Sorbet Recipe - Ice Cream From ScratchSweetened Condensed Milk Ice Cream Recipes {No Churn}Reply: #56
56
Reply to comment #55 by a.pankert
Kerry Merritt Team Diet Doctor
July 25 2020
Unfortunately, I did not like it at all!!! Tasted like frozen butter to me :(
Over mixing can cause that issue. I hope you will give it another try!
57
Rowie
August 4 2020
Thank you Kirsty! This was so easy and delicious, plus a bonus arm workout. Has really helped with my sweet treat carb craving. I love that it could be a fun group activity. My family love ice cream so I am super excited to try this out next time we have a get together.
Reply: #58
58
Reply to comment #57 by Rowie
Kerry Merritt Team Diet Doctor
August 4 2020
Thank you Kirsty! This was so easy and delicious, plus a bonus arm workout. Has really helped with my sweet treat carb craving. I love that it could be a fun group activity. My family love ice cream so I am super excited to try this out next time we have a get together.
Yes! So glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for your comment!
59
Dan Dimitriu
August 5 2020
Warning: xylitol increases blood sugar significantly! NOT safe for diabetics. Erythritol is fine.
Reply: #60
60
Reply to comment #59 by Dan Dimitriu
Crystal Pullen Team Diet Doctor
August 5 2020
Warning: xylitol increases blood sugar significantly! NOT safe for diabetics. Erythritol is fine.
We recommend people with diabetes test with the addition of any new ingredient as individual responses may vary.
61
Caro
August 13 2020
Hello,
can you substitute coconut milk or cream for the whipping cream in this recipe? I´m also wondering whether (natural) coconut water could be used, too and omit the sweeteners then?
Thanks.
Reply: #62
62
Reply to comment #61 by Caro
Crystal Pullen Team Diet Doctor
August 13 2020
Hello,
can you substitute coconut milk or cream for the whipping cream in this recipe? I´m also wondering whether (natural) coconut water could be used, too and omit the sweeteners then?
Thanks.This one won't whip up very well without the cream. How about giving our Dairy Free Ice Cream a try? https://www.dietdoctor.com/recipes/creamy-dairy-free-vanilla-ice-cream
63
ruqatmoinuddin
August 14 2020
Absolutely loooooove this! I don't have a ice creamer maker at home but I crave ice cream SOOOOOO much. This is perfect! And I love that I can make it with different flavours!
Reply: #64
64
Reply to comment #63 by ruqatmoinuddin
Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
August 15 2020
Absolutely loooooove this! I don't have a ice creamer maker at home but I crave ice cream SOOOOOO much. This is perfect! And I love that I can make it with different flavours!
Glad you are enjoying this recipe so much! Thank you for taking the time to let us know.
65
EHPIUM
August 15 2020
I tried this today - yes with the raw yolk. I added some matcha power to make this match ice-cream. It turned out so delicious. Thumbs up from me for taste, simplicity!
Reply: #66
66
Reply to comment #65 by EHPIUM
Kerry Merritt Team Diet Doctor
August 15 2020
I tried this today - yes with the raw yolk. I added some matcha power to make this match ice-cream. It turned out so delicious. Thumbs up from me for taste, simplicity!
Awesome! So glad you enjoyed it!
67
Rachel
September 3 2020
Fantastic! Easy, versatile, creamy, and cheaper than store bought keto ice cream!
68
Jlynne
September 28 2020
Nice to have an ice cream recipe that is low carb, taste great and doesn’t have all the extra ingredients they add to “low carb” ice cream in the stores, plus it is cheaper to make and portion controlled. Ice cream is one of the main foods I had missed. I leave out the egg, add half HWC and half almond milk to lower the carb count, still turns out great!
Reply: #69
69
Reply to comment #68 by Jlynne
Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
September 28 2020
Nice to have an ice cream recipe that is low carb, taste great and doesn’t have all the extra ingredients they add to “low carb” ice cream in the stores, plus it is cheaper to make and portion controlled. Ice cream is one of the main foods I had missed. I leave out the egg, add half HWC and half almond milk to lower the carb count, still turns out great!
Very glad you enjoyed this recipe! It can be fun to experiment with the flavor suggestions.
70
contreraslucy34
November 1 2020
How many grams is a serving?
Reply: #71
71
Reply to comment #70 by contreraslucy34
Crystal Pullen Team Diet Doctor
November 2 2020
How many grams is a serving?
The default for this recipe is 1 serving and it yields about 0.5 pints of ice cream.
72
Ca
November 16 2020
Sorry, but how do you know whether the egg mixture has reached 60 C (as stated above) in case you decide to heat the egg mix? Does it have to boil?
Thanks.Reply: #73
73
Reply to comment #72 by Ca
Crystal Pullen Team Diet Doctor
November 16 2020
Sorry, but how do you know whether the egg mixture has reached 60 C (as stated above) in case you decide to heat the egg mix? Does it have to boil?
Thanks.Using a thermometer is the only way to know for sure. You will not want it to come to a boil as it will cook the eggs too quickly and you will end up with scrambled eggs.
74
Anna
February 1 2021
Tried this for the first time last week, loved it!! I can't wait to make more and mess about with flavours. Question though, can I make a bigger batch and seperate into jars for freezing once mixed? If so would a blender, hand mixer or food processor work the best and should it be for the full 5 mins? I don't want to over or under mix it. Thank you for your help 😊
Reply: #75
75
Reply to comment #74 by Anna
Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
February 1 2021
Tried this for the first time last week, loved it!! I can't wait to make more and mess about with flavours. Question though, can I make a bigger batch and seperate into jars for freezing once mixed? If so would a blender, hand mixer or food processor work the best and should it be for the full 5 mins? I don't want to over or under mix it. Thank you for your help 😊
Yes, that could work! There's not much risk of overmixing ice cream as you want the air churned into it. A blender should work really well.
76
Sonia
March 21 2021
I made the chocolate variation using xylitol and with 1/2 tblsp of pecans added in. I had my son shake it for 5 mins and after 3 hours in the freezer it was the consistency of a Wendy's frosty. I ate half and will eat the rest later as I like my ice cream very firm. Tastes amazing, creamy and smooth!
Reply: #77
77
Reply to comment #76 by Sonia
Kerry Merritt Team Diet Doctor
March 21 2021
I made the chocolate variation using xylitol and with 1/2 tblsp of pecans added in. I had my son shake it for 5 mins and after 3 hours in the freezer it was the consistency of a Wendy's frosty. I ate half and will eat the rest later as I like my ice cream very firm. Tastes amazing, creamy and smooth!
Sounds great! Glad you love it!
78
Jane
June 27 2021
I didn’t have a whip with my emersion blender but I went ahead and used it. The mixture was really think, but it didn’t seem to increase that much in volume. I put in freezer and will see how it tastes.
79
Misty
July 1 2021
Can you use powdered (i.e. dehydrated) egg yolk?
Reply: #80
80
Reply to comment #79 by Misty
Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
July 1 2021
Can you use powdered (i.e. dehydrated) egg yolk?
I would not recommend that or would suggest testing with a small batch. The powdered egg could thicken or gel rather than dissolve and may make the texture very unpleasant.
81
Cheryl
July 1 2021
Can you use stevia?
Reply: #83
82
ILSA
July 1 2021
I'm excited to try this, but I have finally arrived at the place of not enjoying sweet food any more...What happens if we leave out the sweetener altogether? Will the texture be wrong?
Reply: #84
83
Reply to comment #81 by Cheryl
Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
July 1 2021
Can you use stevia?
You can use the low carb sweetener of your choice.
84
Reply to comment #82 by ILSA
Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
July 1 2021
I'm excited to try this, but I have finally arrived at the place of not enjoying sweet food any more...What happens if we leave out the sweetener altogether? Will the texture be wrong?
While we have not tested this recipe without a sweetener, it may work well. Ideally the sweetener will dissolve when shaking, so it would have minimal effect on texture.
Reply: #85
85
Reply to comment #84 by Kristin Parker
Stacy
July 2 2021
I had this same question, so thanks to ILSA for asking. I am going to try the vanilla without any sweetener, and will report back on the results. I'm hoping the natural sweetness of the cream and the vanilla will make it a great flavor. Thanks.
Reply: #86
86
Reply to comment #85 by Stacy
Kristin Parker Team Diet Doctor
July 2 2021
I had this same question, so thanks to ILSA for asking. I am going to try the vanilla without any sweetener, and will report back on the results. I'm hoping the natural sweetness of the cream and the vanilla will make it a great flavor. Thanks.
I'm glad that was helpful! Enjoy your ice cream.
87
Chris
July 31 2021
I'm very happy to have found this recipe! Not only is it much cheaper than the store bought low carb ice cream, but it also is very fun to experiment with flavors. I've used strawberry extract, rum flavoring, banana flavoring: it all works well! Also, I've found that using Allulose as the sweetener results in ice cream that is a bit easier to scoop right from the freezer.
88
Ca
August 3 2021
Hello,
can you use Creme fraiche (sour 30% cream), for this recipe, too? Or does it have to be a special type of cream?
Thanks.89
ABC
August 25 2021
This recipe is amazing. We usually buy “Enlightened”, but it takes forever to defrost. This simply comes out of the freezer and KABLAMMO! Scoops right out! The texture is amazing, way more authentic than the store-bought stuff. If course, enlightened is also absolutely delicious, but this felt more real in my mouth. I’ve made chocolate chip, macha, and I’ll soon be trying out mocha! 😊😊😊 highly recommend this recipe! Super delish and adaptable.
90
ABC
August 25 2021
I use allulose as well! It is definitely my favorite sweetener. ❤️❤️❤️
91
Glass Dragon
April 7 2022
There are NO carbs in heavy cream, only protein and fat! Read the carton.
There are 3.4g of carbs in 8oz of unsweetened almond milk.
So reducing the cream and replacing it with almond milk ADDS CARBS not reduce them.
And you are a DOCTOR? Really?Reply: #92
92
Reply to comment #91 by Glass Dragon
Kerry Merritt Team Diet Doctor
April 7 2022
There are NO carbs in heavy cream, only protein and fat! Read the carton.
There are 3.4g of carbs in 8oz of unsweetened almond milk.
So reducing the cream and replacing it with almond milk ADDS CARBS not reduce them.
And you are a DOCTOR? Really?Thanks for your comment! There are actually 0.5 carbs per tablespoon of heavy cream, which would put the 1/2 cup of cream per serving at 4 carbs. Be aware that you can't always trust labels, as food manufacturers are allowed to "round down" if the carbs per serving are less than 1. When using larger quantities, the carbs can certainly add up!
93
Andy
May 1 2023
Has anyone tried adding whey powder to increase the protein?
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