5 Guilt-Free Homemade Ice Cream Recipes Using Natural Sweeteners

Discover 5 guilt-free homemade ice cream recipes sweetened with honey, maple syrup, and dates. Enjoy delicious, natural treats with added nutritional benefits!

Ice cream is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but as someone who’s always on the lookout for ways to make this treat accessible to everyone—especially those with specific health requirements—I’ve found that nature has given us plenty of delicious alternatives to refined sugar and I love to use them whenever I can.

Ingredients like honey, maple syrup, dates, coconut sugar, and stevia not only add sweetness but also bring along their own nutritional benefits and in some cases their own flavour profile.

In this article, we’ll provide information on some of these natural sweeteners, explain why they’re excellent for crafting healthier desserts, and share 5 health-conscious homemade ice cream recipes. Each recipe is designed with care to ensure indulgence without compromising on nutrition, complete with detailed methods and nutritional values.

If you’d like to head straight to our recipes, please use the following link, or read along to find out more.

Why Choose Natural Sweeteners for Ice Cream?

Natural sweeteners can transform your favourite desserts into healthier versions of themselves and thankfully, nature has provided us with an abundance of naturally sweet ingredients.

Here are a few benefits of the sweeteners featured in this article:

• Honey: Packed with antioxidants, antimicrobial properties, and trace minerals, honey adds floral, complex sweetness to desserts.
• Maple Syrup: Rich in minerals like zinc and manganese, maple syrup offers a caramel-like flavour while being gentler on blood sugar levels.
• Dates: Naturally high in fibre, vitamins, and minerals, dates provide a rich, toffee-like sweetness and boost energy.
• Coconut Sugar: Derived from coconut palm sap, this sweetener has a lower glycaemic index and retains nutrients like iron and potassium.
• Stevia: A plant-based, calorie-free sweetener that’s perfect for those managing blood sugar levels.

👉🏽 For more information, check out our article – Balancing Flavour and Health – Natural Sweeteners and Homemade Ice Cream

5 Guilt-Free Ice Cream Recipes Using Natural Sweeteners

1. Honey Lavender Ice Cream

This creamy, floral ice cream combines the antioxidant power of honey with the calming essence of lavender.

Why It’s Health-Conscious

• Sweetened with honey, which contains natural enzymes and antioxidants.
• Lavender is known for its calming effects and adds a unique, sophisticated flavour.

Ingredients

• 500ml whole milk
• 300ml double cream
• 4 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp dried culinary lavender
• 4 large egg yolks

Method

1. Heat the milk, cream, honey, and lavender in a saucepan until just below boiling. Remove from heat, cover, and let the lavender infuse for 30 minutes.
2. Strain the lavender and reheat the mixture gently.
3. Whisk the egg yolks in a bowl, then slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the eggs, whisking constantly.
4. Return the mixture to the pan and cook over low heat, stirring until it thickens. Do not boil.
5. Chill the custard in the fridge, then churn in an ice cream maker until set.

Nutritional Values (Per 100g)

• Calories: 210 | Fat: 15g | Sugars: 12g | Fibre: 0g | Protein: 4g (from milk and cream) | Calcium: ~150mg (from dairy)

👉🏽 For a more detailed recipe for Honey and Lavender, head on over to our article – Lavender and Honey Ice Cream – A Unique and Fragrant Fusion

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2. Maple Pecan Ice Cream

This indulgent treat combines the nutty crunch of pecans with the rich sweetness of maple syrup.

Why It’s Health-Conscious

• Maple syrup provides minerals like manganese and zinc and is lower on the glycaemic index than refined sugar.
• Pecans add healthy fats and fibre.

Ingredients

• 400ml full-fat coconut milk
• 100ml almond milk
• 5 tbsp maple syrup
• 100g pecans, toasted and roughly chopped

Method

1. Blend the coconut milk, almond milk, and maple syrup until smooth. Chill in the fridge for an hour.
2. Churn the mixture in an ice cream maker, adding the pecans during the last five minutes.
3. Freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.

Nutritional Values (Per 100g)

• Calories: 180 | Fat: 13g | Sugars: 7g | Fibre: 1g | Protein: 2g (from pecans and almond milk) | Magnesium: ~20mg (from pecans)

👉🏽 For a variation of this recipe, head on over to our article – Easy Homemade Brown Butter Pecan Ice Cream, With Warm, Nutty Flavours

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3. Salted Caramel Date Ice Cream

This naturally sweet and creamy ice cream has a rich caramel flavour thanks to dates.

Why It’s Health-Conscious

• Dates are nutrient-dense, high in fibre, and naturally sweet.
• No added refined sugars.

Ingredients

• 200g Medjool dates, pitted
• 400ml almond milk
• 200ml coconut cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of sea salt

Method

1. Soak the dates in hot water for 10 minutes, then drain and blend with almond milk until smooth.
2. Stir in the coconut cream, vanilla extract, and salt.
3. Chill the mixture, then churn in an ice cream maker.

Nutritional Values (Per 100g)

• Calories: 190 | Fat: 10g | Sugars: 15g | Fibre: 3g | Protein: 2g (from dates and almond milk) | Potassium: ~280mg (from dates)

👉🏽 If you’d like to learn how to make your own Salted Caramel, please head on over to our article – A Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream Recipe

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4. Coconut Sugar Banana Ice Cream

A creamy, dairy-free ice cream that’s naturally sweetened by ripe bananas and coconut sugar.

Why It’s Health-Conscious

• Bananas provide potassium and natural sweetness.
• Coconut sugar is a low-glycaemic sweetener rich in minerals.

Ingredients

• 3 ripe bananas
• 2 tbsp coconut sugar
• 200ml coconut milk
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Method

1. Slice the bananas and freeze them overnight.
2. Blend the frozen bananas, coconut sugar, coconut milk, and cinnamon until creamy.
3. Serve immediately as a soft-serve or freeze for 2 hours for a firmer texture.

Nutritional Values (Per 100g)

• Calories: 120 | Fat: 4g | Sugars: 9g | Fibre: 2g | Protein: 1g (from bananas and coconut milk) | Potassium: ~250mg (from bananas)

👉🏽 For a variation of this recipe, head on over to our article – Homemade Low-Fat Date And Banana Vegan Ice Cream Recipe

===> Click here to see a selection of Coconut Sugar Products

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means that we may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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5. Stevia Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

A simple, low-calorie vanilla ice cream sweetened with stevia for those managing sugar intake.

Why It’s Health-Conscious

• Stevia is a natural, calorie-free sweetener, perfect for diabetics or those reducing sugar.
• Vanilla contains antioxidants.

Ingredients

• 400ml skimmed milk
• 300ml double cream
• 2 tsp stevia (or to taste)
• 1 vanilla bean, seeds scraped

Method

1. Heat the milk, cream, and vanilla bean seeds in a saucepan until just below boiling.
2. Let it cool slightly and stir in the stevia.
3. Chill, then churn in an ice cream maker until thick and creamy.

Nutritional Values (Per 100g)

• Calories: 95 | Fat: 6g | Sugars: 1g | Fibre: 0g | Protein: 3g (from skimmed milk and cream) | Calcium: ~120mg (from dairy)

NB: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and measurements.

===> Click here to see a selection of Stevia Products

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means that we may receive a commission if you make a purchase using these links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

👉🏽 For a lighter variation of this recipe, head on over to our article – A Classic Homemade Vanilla Bean Frozen Yoghurt

Bonus Keto-Friendly Ice Cream (Low-Carb & Sugar-Free!)

If you’re following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, most ice creams—even homemade ones—contain too much sugar to fit your macros. The good news? You can make a rich, creamy, sugar-free ice cream using keto-approved natural sweeteners like erythritol or monk fruit.

Why It’s a Healthier Choice

✔ Low-Carb & Sugar-Free – Only 2g net carbs per serving!
✔ Naturally Sweetened – Uses erythritol or monk fruit instead of sugar.
✔ High in Healthy Fats – Keeps you fuller for longer while maintaining ketosis.

Bonus Keto Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe (Sugar-Free & Low-Carb)

This creamy, indulgent vanilla ice cream is completely keto-friendly, made with healthy fats and zero refined sugar and is perfect for those looking to cut carbs without sacrificing flavour!

Ingredients

• 300ml double cream
• 200ml unsweetened almond milk
• 3 egg yolks
• 4 tbsp erythritol or monk fruit sweetener
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp xanthan gum (optional, for a smoother texture)
• Pinch of salt

Method

1. Heat double cream and almond milk over low heat until warm (don’t boil).
2. Whisk egg yolks, erythritol, and vanilla extract in a bowl.
3. Slowly pour the warm cream into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
4. Return to the saucepan and cook on low until it thickens.
5. Stir in xanthan gum (if using), then let it cool completely.
6. Churn in an ice cream maker or freeze, stirring every 30 mins for 3 hours.

Nutritional Values (Per 100g)

• Calories: 240 | Fat: 22g | Carbs: 2.5g | Fibre: 0.5g | Net Carbs: 2g | Protein: 3g

👉🏽 Want more keto ice cream inspiration? Check out our article – Easy Homemade Keto Ice Cream – A Delicious Low-Carb Recipe!

👉🏽 Note: If you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can still make all of these recipes;

Simply pour your ice cream mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze. Every 30 minutes, stir the mixture vigorously with a fork to break up ice crystals, repeating this process for about 3-4 hours or until the ice cream is firm. Please also check out our post – How to Make Homemade Ice Cream: Without an Ice Cream Maker – to learn more.

👉🏽 Don’t have an ice cream maker, but thinking about buying one? Not sure which one would suit you best? Head over to our article – What is the Best Ice Cream Maker? A Detailed Review. This provides information and guidance on what you want to look for in an ice cream maker and reviews a selection of appliances.

Enjoy these recipes guilt-free and share them with friends and family who are looking to indulge in healthier ways! Which one will you try first?

We hope that you have enjoyed our article – 5 Guilt-Free Homemade Ice Cream Recipes Using Natural Sweeteners – and that we have inspired you to give our natural sweetened ice cream recipes a go.

If you have any questions, please drop us a comment below and we will be happy to get back to you.

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