Homemade Keto Vanilla Ice Cream

Sometimes all you really want is a classic, perfectly smooth vanilla ice cream and this Homemade Keto Vanilla Ice Cream delivers exactly that. It’s rich, creamy, and endlessly versatile. Enjoy it piled high in a sundae, served alongside a slice of pie, perched on top of a warm keto brownie, or straight from the container with a spoon. Simple flavors done right never go out of style, and this recipe proves that even on a low-carb lifestyle, you don’t have to miss out on real ice cream.

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This easy vanilla ice cream recipe is low carb, keto-friendly, gluten-free, grain-free, sugar-free, and even works for those following the Trim Healthy Mama plan. While I’ve shared many ice cream creations over the years that start with sweet cream or vanilla bases, I realized I hadn’t actually shared the vanilla ice cream recipe on its own. And honestly, vanilla deserves its moment it’s the foundation of so many incredible desserts.

If plain vanilla isn’t adventurous enough for you, there are plenty of ways to dress it up. From Sweet Cream Coffee Caramel Ice Cream to Vanilla Ice Cream with a Chocolate Truffle Core, Pecan Praline Ice Cream, and Peanut Butter Ice Cream with Peanutty Caramel, there’s no shortage of inspiration. And yes, there are many more ice cream recipes beyond those. It’s safe to say ice cream is one of my favorite things to make.

Once you start making ice cream at home, it’s very hard to go back to store-bought versions. While there are keto ice creams available in stores now, most are filled with specialty ingredients that aren’t commonly found in a home kitchen. Homemade ice cream, on the other hand, allows you to control exactly what goes into it. The result is an ultra-creamy, luscious dessert with pure flavor and no strange additives. Even something as simple as vanilla becomes something special when it’s made fresh.

Ingredients You Will Need

One of the best parts about this recipe is its simplicity. You only need six ingredients to create a batch of homemade keto vanilla ice cream. There are no hard-to-pronounce fillers or unnecessary stabilizers just real, simple ingredients that work together beautifully.

Heavy Cream

Heavy whipping cream is the key to rich, creamy ice cream. Its high fat content gives the ice cream its smooth texture and luxurious mouthfeel.

Milk

You have a few options here. Reduced-carb milk works wonderfully if you can find it. Unsweetened almond milk or unsweetened coconut milk from a carton (not canned) also work well. Reduced-carb milk tends to give the creamiest result, and brands like Fairlife are widely available at grocery stores such as Walmart and Target.

Egg Yolks

The egg yolks add richness and help create a custard-like texture. They are added raw in this recipe. If that makes you uncomfortable, you can use pasteurized eggs or gently heat the mixture until bubbles form around the edges, a process known as tempering.

Sweetener

A blended sweetener works best. A combination of erythritol, xylitol or allulose, and stevia provides balanced sweetness without an aftertaste. Monk fruit or other keto-friendly sweeteners can also be substituted.

Vanilla Extract

Since vanilla is the star of this recipe, choose a high-quality vanilla extract for the best flavor.

Vegetable Glycerin (Optional)

Glycerin helps keep sugar-free ice cream soft and scoopable straight from the freezer. It’s optional, but highly recommended unless you don’t mind waiting for the ice cream to soften before serving.

How to Make Keto Vanilla Ice Cream

Step One:

Add the heavy cream, milk, egg yolks, sweetener, vanilla extract, and glycerin to a large bowl. Whisk until fully combined and smooth. Alternatively, you can blend everything together in a blender for an even creamier base.

Step Two:

Pour the mixture into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Expert Tip:

There’s no need to make sweetened condensed milk or any additional base for this recipe. It’s simple, quick, and straightforward.

Step Three:

Once churned, transfer the ice cream to freezer-safe containers. Freeze until firm enough to scoop, usually a few hours.

Flavor Variations

This vanilla base is incredibly adaptable and works beautifully with mix-ins and flavorings:

Sea Salt Caramel: Use caramel extract and swirl in sugar-free caramel sauce.

Mint Chip: Add peppermint extract and chopped keto chocolate or chocolate chips.

Cookie Dough: Fold in chunks of keto cookie dough after churning.

Brownie Dough: Crumble keto chocolate cheesecake crust pieces into the ice cream.

Birthday Cake: Use a mix of vanilla, butter, and almond extracts, plus keto sprinkles.

Vanilla Bean: Scrape fresh vanilla bean seeds directly into the base.

Butter Pecan: Stir in toasted pecans and buttery flavoring.

Peanut Butter Cup: Add chopped keto peanut butter cups.

Common Questions

How do I make dairy-free keto ice cream?

Replace the heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk. Avoid low-fat or carton coconut milk, as it will create an icy texture.

Is it safe to use raw egg yolks?

If you’re concerned, use pasteurized eggs or temper the mixture. Many people safely use raw yolks in ice cream without issue.

Why use glycerin?

Glycerin prevents ice cream from freezing too hard. Vodka can be used instead, or simply allow the ice cream to sit out before scooping.

What ice cream maker should I buy?

A quality ice cream maker is worth the investment. Homemade ice cream tastes better and costs less than store-bought keto pints over time.

How to Store Keto Vanilla Ice Cream

Store your ice cream in airtight, freezer-safe containers. Reused pint containers work perfectly. Keep the ice cream in the coldest part of the freezer and avoid storing it in the door, where temperature fluctuations can cause ice crystals. A loaf pan works for short-term storage if you plan to enjoy it quickly.