Easy Homemade Keto Ice Cream – A Delicious Low-Carb Recipe!

Craving ice cream on keto? Learn how to make an easy homemade keto ice cream that’s low-carb, sugar-free, and deliciously creamy with our step-by-step guide.

Did you know that ice cream is the world’s No.1 dessert? Ice cream is loved across the globe, and studies show that it remains the most popular frozen dessert worldwide, with the global ice cream market reaching $109.20 billion by 2025 (Statista, Dec 2024).

The problem though is that traditional ice cream is packed with sugar and carbs, making it unsuitable for those following a ketogenic diet or seeking low-carb desserts.

The good news? With a few simple ingredient swaps, you can enjoy a rich, creamy sugar-free ice cream that fits perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle—without sacrificing flavour or texture.

Having a homemade keto-friendly alternative opens up a world of delicious low-carb desserts for those craving a cool, sweet treat

In this article, we’ll cover:
✔ What the keto diet is and how it works
✔ Why traditional ice cream isn’t keto-friendly
✔ How to make a delicious, homemade keto ice cream
✔ Full Recipe and step-by-step instructions to create a perfect low-carb ice cream
✔ How to adapt the recipe for a vegan version

If you’d like to go straight to our recipe and method, click on the following link, or read on to learn more about making ice cream the keto way!

What is the Keto Diet?

The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat eating plan designed to put your body into a metabolic state called ketosis, where fat is burned for fuel instead of carbohydrates. To achieve ketosis, carb intake is typically limited to around 20–50g per day, meaning high-sugar foods like traditional ice cream are off the menu.

But fear not! By replacing sugar with low-carb sweeteners and using high-fat dairy or alternatives, we can create a keto-friendly ice cream that satisfies cravings without disrupting ketosis.

Why Traditional Ice Cream Isn’t Keto-Friendly

Ice cream is a universally loved treat, but for those following a ketogenic diet, most conventional ice creams are off-limits due to their high sugar and carbohydrate content. Even “light” or “low-fat” options tend to have added sugars and artificial thickeners, making them unsuitable for keto.

While many might turn to high-carb ice cream alternatives as a compromise, these options often still contain too many carbohydrates to maintain ketosis. Understanding why traditional ice cream isn’t keto-friendly is crucial for those seeking to enjoy frozen treats while adhering to their low-carb lifestyle.

The Hidden Carbs in Store-Bought Ice Cream

Many commercial ice creams are loaded with sugar and starches that can quickly spike blood sugar levels, making it difficult to maintain ketosis. Here’s why traditional ice cream doesn’t meet keto guidelines:

• High in Sugar – A single serving (around ½ cup) of regular ice cream contains between 20–30g of sugar. Since the ketogenic diet typically restricts carbs to 20–50g per day, just one scoop can take up your entire carb allowance, kicking your body out of ketosis.
• Carb-Heavy Ingredients – Most ice creams contain a combination of:
  • Milk & Cream – While cream is keto-friendly, milk contains lactose (a natural sugar), adding unnecessary carbs.
  • Sweeteners – Traditional recipes use sugar, corn syrup, or glucose syrup, all of which are high-glycaemic and unsuitable for keto.
  • Thickeners & Stabilizers – Many store-bought brands use modified starches, maltodextrin, and fillers, which can contribute hidden carbs.
• Blood Sugar Spikes – Consuming high amounts of sugar leads to an insulin response, which can halt fat-burning and push your body out of ketosis. For those following a strict keto diet, this can mean days of effort lost from just one indulgence.

Why Even Homemade Ice Cream Can Still Be High in Carbs

Many people assume that making ice cream from scratch automatically makes it healthier, and as a general rule, that is the case, however, even homemade ice cream can still be too high in carbs to support a ketogenic diet.

While you have control over ingredients, traditional homemade recipes often use:

• Milk and condensed milk – These are naturally high in lactose, a sugar that contributes to a higher carb count.
• Sugar or honey – Most homemade recipes use granulated sugar, honey, or maple syrup, all of which spike blood sugar levels.
• Flavoured syrups and mix-ins – Many homemade versions include fruit purées, chocolate chips, or caramel sauces, all of which can add hidden carbs.
• Thickeners like cornstarch – Some recipes use cornstarch or flour to create a richer texture, but these add unnecessary carbohydrates.

How to Make Homemade Ice Cream Keto-Friendly

• Ditch the milk – Use double cream, coconut milk, or almond milk instead of regular milk.
• Skip the sugar – Replace it with keto-friendly sweeteners like erythritol, monk fruit, or allulose, which provide sweetness without the carbs.
• Use low-carb thickeners – Instead of cornstarch, opt for keto-approved options like xanthan gum or guar gum to maintain a creamy consistency.
• Choose low-carb flavours – Stick to cocoa powder, vanilla extract, or nut butters instead of fruit-based flavours.
• Watch the mix-ins – Add-ins like dark chocolate (85%+), nuts, or unsweetened coconut flakes keep it keto-friendly.

By making these adjustments and using keto-friendly sweeteners and low-carb thickeners, you can enjoy homemade ice cream that’s just as delicious, without the sugar overload!

Homemade Keto Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe

Now that you understand the requirements needed to truly achieve a delicious Keto-friendly homemade ice cream, here’s our simple Vanilla Recipe for an easy keto dessert that serves as a quick low-carb ice cream solution.

Our recipe and step-by-step method will help you create a delicious frozen treat that satisfies your sweet cravings while keeping you firmly in ketosis.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

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

Method

1. In a saucepan, heat the double cream and almond milk over low heat until warm, but not boiling.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks, erythritol, and vanilla extract until well combined.
3. Slowly pour the warm cream mixture into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent scrambling.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly (it should coat the back of a spoon).
5. Remove from heat, stir in the xanthan gum (if using), and let cool completely.
6. Once cooled, pour into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
7. If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container, stirring every 30 minutes for about 3 hours to prevent ice crystals from forming.
8. Once set, scoop and enjoy your homemade keto-friendly ice cream!

Nutritional Values (Per Serving)

• Calories: 250 | Fat: 24g | Carbs: 3g | Fibre: 0.5g | Net Carbs: 2.5g | Protein: 4g

What Makes This Ice Cream Recipe Keto-Friendly?

This recipe fulfils the Keto requirements for the following reasons:

✔ Low in carbs – Only 2.5g net carbs per serving.
✔ Sugar-free – Uses erythritol instead of sugar, which doesn’t spike blood sugar.
✔ High in healthy fats – Double cream provides the necessary fats for keto energy.
✔ No artificial additives – Unlike store-bought keto ice creams, this version is clean and simple.

👉🏽 Craving something sweet but compliant? Try our Low-Sugar Vanilla Ice Cream, perfect for keto days and summer cravings.

Flavour Variations

While vanilla is a classic, you can easily adapt this keto ice cream recipe to create various flavours:

1. Chocolate: Add 2-3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the base mixture.
2. Strawberry: Blend 1 cup of fresh strawberries and add to the base. Increase sweetener slightly to balance tartness.
3. Mint Chocolate Chip: Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract and fold in sugar-free dark chocolate chips after churning.
4. Coffee: Mix in 1-2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder to the base.
5. Peanut Butter: Swirl in 2-3 tablespoons of natural, sugar-free peanut butter before freezing.

Spice Up Your Homemade Keto Ice Cream

Additionally, you can add an array of spices to not only add new flavour profiles, but also extra antioxidants and nutrients to your keto ice cream. These spices can help elevate your dessert while keeping it low-carb and keto-friendly.

Here’s a few spices to try out;

1. Cinnamon: Adds warmth and may help regulate blood sugar levels
2. Nutmeg: Provides a nutty, slightly sweet flavour and contains antioxidants
3. Cardamom: Offers a unique, aromatic taste and may aid digestion
4. Ginger: Adds a spicy kick and has anti-inflammatory properties
5. Turmeric: Gives a golden colour and boasts powerful anti-inflammatory effects
6. Vanilla bean: Intensifies the vanilla flavour and contains antioxidants
7. Cocoa powder: For chocolate lovers, it’s rich in flavonoids
8. Lavender: Adds a floral note and may promote relaxation
9. Matcha green tea powder: Provides earthy flavour and is rich in antioxidants
10. Peppermint extract: Offers a refreshing taste and may aid digestion

When using these spices, start with small amounts and adjust to taste. Remember that a little goes a long way, especially with stronger spices like cinnamon or ginger. By incorporating these spices, you can create unique flavour combinations while potentially boosting the nutritional profile of your keto ice cream.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Ice cream is too hard: Add 1-2 tablespoons of vodka or coconut oil to improve scoopability.
2. Grainy texture: Ensure the sweetener is fully dissolved before churning. Consider using powdered erythritol for smoother results.
3. Ice crystals forming: Stir mixture every 30 minutes while freezing if not using an ice cream maker. Store in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
4. Not sweet enough: Gradually adjust sweetener levels. Different brands may vary in sweetness.
5. Coconut flavour too strong (if using coconut milk): Try using a mix of coconut cream and almond milk instead.

👉🏽 To learn more about common problems people experience whilst making homemade ice cream, see our article – 10 Common Homemade Ice Cream Problems And How To Fix Them.

How to Adapt This Recipe to Meet Vegan Requirements

To make this dairy-free keto ice cream vegan while keeping it low-carb, substitute the following ingredients:

• Double cream → Full-fat coconut milk (for creaminess)
• Egg yolks → ½ tsp xanthan gum + ½ tsp guar gum (for texture)
• Sweetener → Stay with erythritol or monk fruit (both are plant-based)

This vegan adaptation allows you to enjoy a delicious dairy-free keto ice cream that’s just as creamy and satisfying as the original recipe.

Follow the same method as detailed above, but increase the freezing time slightly to achieve a firmer consistency. The result is a plant-based, low-carb frozen treat that fits perfectly into both vegan and ketogenic lifestyles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use alternative sweeteners like stevia?

Yes, but adjust quantities as stevia is much sweeter than erythritol.

How long does homemade keto ice cream last in the freezer?

Properly stored, it can last up to 2 weeks, but is best consumed within the first week.

👉🏽 To learn how to store your homemade ice cream and keep it at its very best. See our article – Ice Cream Storage Solutions – Essential Tips To Keep Your Homemade Ice Cream Fresh!

Can I make this without an ice cream maker?

Yes, follow the no-churn method in the recipe, stirring every 30 minutes while freezing.

👉🏽 To learn how to make ice cream without an ice cream maker. See our article – How to Make Homemade Ice Cream Without an Ice Cream Maker

Is heavy whipping cream the same as double cream?

They’re similar, but double cream has a higher fat content. Either will work in this recipe.

Is the keto diet the same as the carnivore diet?

No, the keto diet and the carnivore diet are not the same, although there can be some overlap. The keto diet focuses on high fat, moderate protein, and very low carbohydrate intake, allowing for a variety of foods including meats, fish, eggs, cheese, nuts, seeds, oils, and low-carb vegetables. The carnivore diet, on the other hand, is much more restrictive and consists solely of animal products, excluding all plant-based foods. While both diets are low in carbs, the keto diet offers more variety and is generally considered more nutritionally balanced when planned correctly.

---

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

The Final Scoop

Making keto ice cream at home is easier than you think, and with a few simple swaps, you can enjoy a delicious, creamy treat without the carbs. Whether you’re following a strict keto diet or just looking for a healthier dessert option, this homemade sugar-free frozen dessert recipe is a must-try for anyone interested in ketogenic diet treats.

By mastering these simple techniques that we’ve shared, you’ll unlock a world of delicious, low-carb alternatives that satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your dietary goals.

👉🏽 Have you tried making keto ice cream before? What’s your favourite flavour variation? Let us know in the comments!

We hope that you have enjoyed our article – Easy Homemade Keto Ice Cream – A Delicious Low-Carb Recipe! – and that we have inspired you to give this keto-friendly recipe a go. If you have any questions, please drop us a comment below, and we will be happy to get back to you.

Stay connected for more homemade ice cream inspiration! Share your homemade ice cream masterpieces with us on social media, and connect with a community of ice cream enthusiasts. Join us for mouthwatering recipes, expert tips, and exclusive updates. Follow us on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and X by clicking on any of the social media icons below.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support our website and allows us to continue creating content. Thank you for your support!