If you love ice cream as much as I do but are following a low carb or keto-friendly lifestyle, this recipe is for you. With just 2g net carbs per serving, this Sugar-Free Chocolate Ice Cream is the perfect treat when you’re craving something sweet. It’s not only delicious but also packed with good fats for those tracking their macros!
Even if you're not focused on the low carb aspect, this is simply a fantastic sugar-free ice cream recipe to have on hand. The dark chocolate flavor against the richness of the coconut cream is truly delightful. Let’s jump right into this recipe and see how to make it in your own kitchen.
This recipe is: Low Carb, Keto, Gluten Free and Vegetarian
Table of Contents
8 Reasons to Love This Keto Ice Cream Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with this amazing low carb chocolate ice cream recipe! Here are some reasons why it's a must-try:
- Rich, dark chocolate flavor.
- Perfect for those evenings when you crave something sweet.
- Simple ingredients that work harmoniously together.
- Easy to make with the right equipment.
- A wonderful treat for any night of the week.
- Both low carb and keto-friendly… but nobody will know!
- Easy to customize to your own taste.
- Keeps well in the freezer for future indulgence.
Is Sugar-Free Chocolate Ice Cream Low Carb?
Yes, sugar-free chocolate ice cream is low carb. Also, this sugar-free ice cream contains just 2g net carbs per ¼ cup serving. The carb counts make this ice cream a perfect option for those who love creamiest ice cream but are following a low carb diet. Keep in mind, it's a treat to enjoy in moderation!
Sugar-Free Chocolate Ice Cream Ingredient List
Here is the list of ingredients you'll need to make keto chocolate ice cream:
- 1 ½ cups Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Coconut Cream
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ½ cup granulated or powdered Monk Fruit Sweetener (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
Ingredient Substitutions
Looking to tweak this recipe a bit? Here are some simple ingredient substitutions you can use as alternatives to make this zero sugar ice cream:
- Heavy cream: To make this recipe vegan-friendly, you can use all coconut cream. Just remember that if you use anything with less fat content than fresh cream, it will not be like the classic ice cream texture and more like icey texture.
- Coconut cream: Use the same amount of heavy cream, omitting the coconut cream mix entirely.
- Monk fruit sweetener: Use erythritol, stevia, allulose, or xylitol. Remember that all of these sweeteners have different sweetness levels, so you will need to taste and adjust to your preference.
- Cocoa powder: You can use a sugar-free chocolate protein powder or some carob powder. I haven’t tried these substitutes, so you must adjust the amounts to your preference.
- Vanilla extract: I like using some vanilla powder in this recipe. Typically, I use just about the same amount of vanilla powder as I would extract.
Additional Ingredients
Want to jazz up your ice cream? Here are some creative additions that pair perfectly with the main ingredients of this low carb ice cream:
- Cinnamon: My family loves chocolate cinnamon ice cream. Add about ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the cup of cream before mixing. It adds a really nice flavor!
- Mint extract: Think about a sugar-free chocolate mint ice cream! One of my favorites. Different extracts have different concentrations, so I would start with ½ teaspoon and adjust from there.
- Fruit: Adding some strawberries or raspberries is a delicious way to add variety to this creamy sugar-free ice cream. Use either fresh or frozen berries, adding them after the mixture has come out of the ice cream maker.
- Sugar-free chocolate chips: These add a nice texture, but be sure not to add too many as they tend to freeze very hard and do not soften as quickly as the ice cream mixture when you’re ready to eat. Just like with the fruit, add the chips after the mixture has churned.
- Toppings: Try some sugar-free peach compote, some low carb blueberry compote, and then top it all off with a dollop of my keto whipped cream! This is a decadent dessert for sure!
- Funky ideas: If you’re adventurous, add a pinch of cayenne or ground chipotle pepper to the liquid mixture. It’s so good! Additionally, if you like salty ice cream (like I do), you can fold in some Maldon sea salt flakes after the ice cream has been churned, or just sprinkle some on top before placing it in the freezer. Salty ice cream is one of my favorites!
Note: These ingredients are not part of the original recipe- use them to enhance or customize the recipe to your liking.
Tools Required
Here is the list of tools you'll need to make no sugar added chocolate ice cream:
- Ice cream machine/maker (with the bowl frozen before starting).
- Mixing bowl
- Silicone spatula
- Whisk
- Ice cream scoop
How to Make Sugar Free Chocolate Ice Cream: Complete Cooking Guide
Cooking Method
- No-cook recipe
Preparation Steps
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients.
- Whisk until it has smooth consistency. The cocoa powder tends to clump, so be patient.
- Pour the mixture into a frozen ice cream maker according to the manufacturers instructions.
- Churn the ice cream until it reaches a "soft serve" consistency (approximately 20-25 minutes).
- Remove the ice cream and transfer to a freezer safe container that is covered.
- Allow to firm up for about 2 hours before scooping, potentially longer.
- Scoop and serve!
Step 1: Combine the heavy cream and coconut cream in a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add the monk fruit sweetener to the cream mixture.
Step 3: Pour in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Whisk the mixture until smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Gradually add the unsweetened cocoa powder to the mixture.
Step 6: Stir until the cocoa powder is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
Step 7: Pour the chocolate mixture into the ice cream maker.
Step 8: Churn the ice cream until it reaches a "soft serve" consistency (approximately 20-25 minutes).
Step 9: Transfer the finished ice cream to a container and freeze until firm.
💡 My Pro Tip
Making healthy chocolate ice cream at home can be a bit tricky, but these tips will help you get it just right:
- Freeze the carafe thoroughly: Ensure that your ice cream carafe (bowl) has been in the freezer long enough to be rock hard. The ice cream will never set if the bowl isn’t frozen thoroughly.
- Sweetener granularity: The natural sweetener may still have granules if the mixture isn’t whisked long enough, resulting in “crunchy” ice cream. If you don’t like the crunch, add the cream and sweetener to a blender and pulse 5-6 times, or use an immersion blender in the mixing bowl. Do not blend for too long as the cream will start to thicken.
- Max capacity: If you are using a Cuisinart ice cream maker like I am, remember that the max capacity is 3 cups of liquid. Anything more, and the ice cream will start overflowing while it’s churning.
- Choosing cocoa powder: Cocoa powders vary in flavor. Some are rich and complex, while others can be bland. I prefer buying my cocoa powder online to read reviews. There are two types of cocoa powder: alkalized (Dutch processed) and regular. For this recipe, I used regular cocoa powder. If you like dark chocolate, try alkalized cocoa powder and use the same amount as shown in the recipe.
- Freezing: Always cover this sugar-free ice cream in the freezer. Without a cover, it will dehydrate and turn hard as a rock. The coconut cream, when dehydrated, will make this treat a frustrating chocolate ice cube or ice crystals. Keep it tightly covered while freezing.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- This process takes several hours. I put my ice cream maker in the freezer the night before I’m ready to make ice cream.
- If you keep everything cold before adding it to the ice cream maker, it will churn faster and be creamier overall.
- Have all your ingredients measured and ready to go before you start mixing.
- Quickly blend the cream and sweetener to dissolve granules without overmixing.
- Make sure you have a freezer-safe container ready and covered to store your ice cream immediately after churning.
What to Serve With Sugar Free Chocolate Ice Cream?
Sugar-free chocolate ice cream is a delicious treat on its own, but pairing it with these tasty options can make it even better:
- Crispy Keto Waffles: Serve a scoop of delicious chocolate ice cream on top of warm, crispy keto waffles for a delicious breakfast treat. The contrast between the cold ice cream and hot waffles is simply irresistible.
- Keto Brownies: Pair this homemade chocolate ice cream with fudgy keto brownies for a delicious dessert. The rich chocolate flavors complement each other perfectly.
- Peanut Butter Cookies: Enjoy this amazing sugar-free ice cream with keto-friendly peanut butter cookies for a sweet and nutty combination. The creamy ice cream balances the crunchy cookies beautifully.
Storage And Freezing Instructions
Storage Tips
- Store the leftover ice cream in a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain its creamy texture. A good container for ice cream will also prevent freezer burn.
- Always keep the ice cream tightly covered in the freezer to preserve its creamy consistency.
Freezing Tips
After churning the ice cream, transfer it into a freezer-safe container with a tight-fitting lid. As discussed in the Pro Tips section, proper sealing prevents dehydration, which can turn the ice cream into a frozen brick. When ready to serve, let the ice cream sit on the counter for a few minutes to soften before scooping.
Remember, homemade ice cream lacks stabilizers found in commercial brands, so it's best enjoyed within 2-3 weeks for soft ice cream texture.
Recipe Conclusion
Some days, I miss the 'normal' treats from before I went low carb, especially family ice cream nights. Watching everyone enjoy those decadent flavors used to leave me feeling left out, knowing how refined sugar affects me. With this Sugar Free Chocolate Ice Cream, I can now join in guilt-free and wake up feeling great the next day.
While I don’t make ice cream every day, our freezer is stocked with a variety of treats and meal prep staples. When the craving for sweet tooth hits, it’s comforting to have this tried-and-true sugar-free ice cream in my ninja creami. I have a blog about ninja creami sugar free recipes, where I share various delicious and easy-to-make ice cream options using my countertop ice cream maker.
The sugar free chocolate ice cream tastes just as delicious as store-bought versions, and I can enjoy without worrying about the effects of refined sugar. It’s a win-win situation for me, and I hope you enjoy it too! Just serve this treat in colorful ice cream bowls and your kids will love it too!
Feel free to drop any questions or share your suggestions about this best sugar free ice cream in the comments below. You can also connect with us on Facebook or Instagram.
More Dessert Recipes
I often enjoy desserts, but in moderation, so I've lots of recipes to share with you. Check out these:
FAQs
Sugar-free ice cream contains carbs, although less than most store-bought varieties. The primary source of carbs in homemade ice cream typically comes from ingredients like heavy whipping cream.
No, these terms are not interchangeable. 'No sugar added' indicates that refined sugar hasn't been added to the recipe, but other ingredients may still contain sugars. 'Sugar-free' means the recipe should not contain any refined sugars.
Absolutely, especially when made at home. Sugar-free ice cream can taste nearly identical to store-bought frozen treats when prepared correctly. Making it yourself ensures you know exactly what ingredients are used, without any hidden additives. Plus, you can also try other flavors such as vanilla ice cream or other classic ice cream flavors.
Yes, you can make ice cream without sugar or sweeteners, but it will lack the typical sweetness and may have a different texture. To enhance flavor, consider adding ingredients like vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or fruit purees while considering your keto diet requirements.
Carbs in sugar free ice cream vary according to the ingredient in ice cream. This recipe has only 2 g of carbs per serving and is a perfect keto friendly ice cream recipe. However, make sure that you follow this recipe to make ice cream from scratch.
Sugar-Free Chocolate Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Coconut Cream
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- ½ cup Monk Fruit Sweetener adjust to taste
- ½ cup Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large mixing bowl, combine all of the ingredients.
- Whisk until it has smooth consistency. The cocoa powder tends to clump, so be patient.
- Pour the mixture into a frozen ice cream maker according to the manufacturers instructions.
- Churn the ice cream until it reaches a "soft serve" consistency (approximately 20-25 minutes).
- Remove the ice cream and transfer to a freezer safe container that is covered.
- Allow to firm up for about 2 hours before scooping, potentially longer.
- Scoop and serve!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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