Keto Vanilla Ice Cream
Published June 6, 2021 • Updated February 3, 2026
Soft serve, ultra-creamy vanilla ice cream
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On a hot Summer day, ice cream is a must-have treat! With this easy egg-free recipe you won't have to miss out! Silky soft serve style with only 5 ingredients!
One of the best parts about Summer is getting to enjoy ice cream in warm weather. Unfortunately, most ready made ice creams are full of added sugars. Store-bought sugar-free versions can be chalky or rock hard, so I prefer making my own – especially when it takes 5 minutes to prepare!
I’ve perfected this vanilla ice cream recipe! It only requires 5 ingredients and works with or without an ice cream maker! It makes the creamiest, soft-serve vanilla that’s perfect as a base for other flavors like strawberry or chocolate.
Why I love this recipe
This recipe doesn’t use eggs. It is a foolproof way of making ice cream since you do not have to worry about tempering egg yolk or about the eggs curdling when you make the custard.
The ingredients used in this recipe can easily be found at stores and most are typical ingredients used in various recipes.
Get creamy, scoopable ice cream. This recipe uses vodka to get a creamy, smooth texture. To really get the ice cream to remain soft, use allulose as a sweetener.
Vanilla paste is used to get real vanilla flecks in the ice cream, but you can scrape out the seeds of a real vanilla bean if you prefer.
KETOFOCUS FANS THINK IT’S THE BEST!!
“My wife just made this for me the other day using blueberries and it’s fantastic!”
➥ from YouTube subscriber @gristlepounder
“This makes great ice cream and if you don’t have an ice cream maker, you can also use a large glass canning jar and shake the ingredients until the cream doubles in size…then freeze. We also make a butter pecan version and cook the pecan in brown butter and then add to the mix before shaking. So good. Freeze for about 4 hours.”
➥ from YouTube subscriber @bitsyketo5726
How to make keto ice cream
- Add the following 5 ingredients – heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar free sweetener, salt, vodka or rum and vanilla extract.
- Whisk to combine.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours.
- If using an ice cream machine, pour into machine and let churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- For the no churn method, add to a mason jar and shake until thickened or beat with an electric mixer until peaks form. Then freeze.
Key ingredients
- Heavy cream – Most ice creams are made from heavy cream. If you are dairy free, use coconut milk instead to make a dairy free ice cream.
- Powdered sweetener – I use sugar-free sweeteners like allulose, erythritol, or monk fruit. Powdered dissolves easier in the cream than granulated, which can make the ice cream grainy.
- Salt – Enhances the sweetness of the ice cream
- Vodka – This is the key ingredient to keep the ice cream soft and easy to scoop. See below for substitutions.
Explore 680+ keto recipe videos with step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks to make keto easy.
Ingredients
2 cups heavy whipping cream -
1/3 cup powdered allulose or sweetener of choice
-
1/8 teaspoon salt
-
2 tablespoons vodka or rum (see below for other substitutions)
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
1 teaspoon vanilla paste, optional
Step by Step Instructions
Step by Step Instructions
Combine vanilla ice cream ingredients
In a large bowl, combine heavy cream, sweetener, salt, vodka, vanilla extract and vanilla paste. Taste the mixture. Add more sweetener if necessary. Refrigerate mixture for 2 hours before churning or freezing.
Churn instructions
Add ice cream base to your ice cream maker and churn according to manufacturer instructions.
Nutrition disclaimer
The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.
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Get My Macros (Free) →Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you buy keto ice cream?
Several brands make sugar-free ice cream now. Look for Rebel Ice Cream, Nick's, and Keto Pint at your grocery store.
My ice cream is still hard. How do I soften it?
Just like most ice creams, it's not scoopable straight from the freezer. Let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. To get soft, scoopable ice cream, use the neutral spirit, allulose, and optionally 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum.
Does this ice cream need eggs?
No, and that's what I love about it, no fussing with egg yolks or tempering custard.
I figured it out, thanks ! :]
I had the same problem you did so I'm wondering what you did differently to help it not freeze on the sides of the bowl and stay runny in the middle. Were you able to make a consistent texture?
I just made this. It was AWESOME! Thank you so much!! So simple and so tasty!
Just made this, used the same Cuisinart machine, and the tub was in the freezer several days, but it turned out runny in the centre, frozen next to the bowl. Any ideas why ?
Can I substitute a
can of unsweetened coconut milk instead of whipping cream. Does this need Xanatham gum
Yes, you can do that! You can add xanthan gum too if you want. It will make it even softer.
I made my own vanilla extract about 6 months ago with the bean and vodka,I was wondering if can I use that in place of both the extract and alcohol?
Yes! That can be used. I would use the same amount as the vodka.
How would this recipe come out with only stevia as a sweetener? I have a sensitivity to all sugar alcohols (I’ve tried all keto sweeteners) and the only keto sweetener I seem to tolerate is stevia, which basically means I can’t have any ice cream if I can’t make it myself (sobbing tears). No one sells stevia-only keto ice cream that I’ve seen. I’m considering buying an ice cream maker, but I’m wondering if even with the alcohol if the ice cream will be too solid or not an ideal ice cream texture.
To get the best texture, you want to use an ice cream maker. It will still be hard if you freeze it and you will need to thaw it for a little bit to get it to soften just like regular ice cream. You can definitely use stevia in the recipe. The amount depends on if you use the liquid or powder. Just add and taste.
Hi I have a question, it may be a fairly obvious one. How much in total volume is made from this recipe? I haven't made it yet but I'm assuming since 2 cups of heavy whipping cream are used, that it'll roughly make 2 cups/1 pint of ice cream at the end.
Mainly concerned since the price for making this ice cream would be more expensive than buying a keto ice cream at the store for me
Churning in an ice cream maker or mixing with a hand mixer should double the volume. That is, one batch should fluff up to one quart of ice cream. When I first made this I neglected to mix it to volume (I don't have an ice cream maker), it was so hard because it was dense. Churning or mixing is key.
Hi! What ice cream maker do you use? I know you have told us but I can't find where. Thank you.
I use a Cuisinart. Here's the one I use: https://amzn.to/2X5GhGH
Made this last night, I used Stoli Vanilla flavored vodka... turned out superb. I was about to give up on the ice cream recipes because I had so many failed ones... this was my last try and it was awesome! Good tip on the vodka... still froze a little hard, which I was hoping the alcohol would prevent, but a couple of minutes of the counter worked wonders! Thank you for saving my keto existence - from one pharmacy gal to another - many thanks! ;)
I tried this recipe in the bar molds and they are delish. Definitely don't get as hard with the vodka.
I noted you used a 2 quart machine. Will this recipe fit in a 1.5 quart machine bowl?
Thanks.
Yes, the volume is about 2 cups which is 1 pint, so you will still have plenty of room.
I am lactose intolerant and have diabetes. Could I us coconut cream instead?
Yes! I have used coconut milk - two cans and it works!
Hi! LOVE all your recipes and I am allergic to eggs so this one is awesome! Once it freezes and you consume some, will it stay the same consistency after back in to the freezer to consume the rest for a later date?
Also, does it have to be clear alcohol?
Just like ice cream you buy at the store, it can be a little hard when it first comes out of the freezer. Let it sit out at room temp for a few minutes or you can zap in the microwave for a few seconds. Then it will be soft and scoopable again! You can use any alcohol. Someone was even going to try bourbon for a caramel flavor.
If you don't have the ice cream freezer, would you whip this up with a hand beater a little bit to make it thicker, before you put it in the freezer?
Yes, you can do that! It would be similar effect to what they do with mason jar ice cream.
I love your recipes . I don't have a ice cream machine but going to try it without. I am doing IF along with Keto but haven't seen weight loss, although I have been insulin resistant for awhile now. Simple easy recipes for working women!!