Keto Ice Cream Bars: A Guilt-Free Frozen Treat

Looking for a dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth while staying true to your keto lifestyle? Look no further than these creamy, rich, and utterly delicious keto ice cream bars. Perfect for a snack or post-dinner treat, these bars are packed with flavor, low in carbs, and free of guilt. Whether you’re a seasoned keto enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the world of low-carb living, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. With a smooth texture and just the right amount of sweetness, these keto ice cream bars make indulgence feel virtuous. Let’s dive in and create this frozen masterpiece!

Why Make Keto Ice Cream Bars?

Keto desserts don’t have to feel like a compromise. These keto ice cream bars are proof that you can enjoy a creamy, delicious frozen dessert without breaking your carb budget. Say goodbye to sugar-laden store-bought options and hello to a homemade treat that’s healthier, tastier, and packed with wholesome ingredients. Plus, making them at home means you can customize the flavors and sweetness level to your liking!

Ingredients for Keto Ice Cream Bars

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these indulgent keto ice cream bars. All of these ingredients are keto-friendly and easy to find:

Ice Cream Base:

• 2 cups heavy whipping cream (full fat for creaminess)
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or coconut milk for a creamier texture)
• 1/2 cup powdered erythritol (or your preferred keto-friendly sweetener)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (or your choice of flavorings like almond or mint extract)
• 3 large egg yolks
• 1/4 tsp xanthan gum (optional, for a smoother texture)

Chocolate Coating:

• 1 cup sugar-free dark chocolate chips (or chopped sugar-free dark chocolate)
• 2 tbsp coconut oil (to help the chocolate set and add shine)

Tools You’ll Need:

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls
• Fine mesh strainer
• Ice cream molds or a rectangular baking dish
• Popsicle sticks (optional, if using molds)
• Microwave-safe bowl (for melting chocolate)
• Parchment paper
• Freezer

How to Make Keto Ice Cream Bars

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own keto ice cream bars. While the process takes some time (mostly for freezing), it’s incredibly simple and well worth the effort!

Step 1: Prepare the Ice Cream Base

1. Heat the Cream Mixture:
   In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy whipping cream, almond milk, and powdered erythritol. Whisk the mixture over medium heat until the sweetener dissolves completely and the mixture is warm (but not boiling). This step ensures the sweetener is fully incorporated.
2. Temper the Egg Yolks:
   In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Slowly pour about 1/2 cup of the warm cream mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly. This step tempers the yolks, preventing them from scrambling.
3. Combine and Thicken:
   Pour the tempered egg yolks back into the saucepan with the remaining cream mixture. Reduce the heat to low and stir constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Be patient—this step can take 5-8 minutes. Do not let the mixture boil.
4. Add Flavoring:
   Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract (or your chosen flavoring). For a smoother texture, whisk in the xanthan gum if using.
5. Strain and Cool:
   Pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl. This step removes any cooked egg bits and ensures a silky texture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the custard to prevent a skin from forming. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Step 2: Freeze the Ice Cream Bars

1. Pour into Molds:
   Once the ice cream base is completely chilled, pour it into your ice cream molds. If you don’t have molds, you can use a rectangular baking dish and cut the bars into shapes later. Insert popsicle sticks into the molds if desired.
2. Freeze Until Firm:
   Place the molds or dish in the freezer and freeze for 4-6 hours, or until the ice cream is completely firm.

Step 3: Prepare the Chocolate Coating

1. Melt the Chocolate:
   In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the sugar-free dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
2. Cool Slightly:
   Let the melted chocolate cool for a few minutes. It should still be liquid but not so hot that it melts the ice cream bars.

Step 4: Coat the Keto Ice Cream Bars

1. Unmold the Bars:
   If using ice cream molds, carefully remove the frozen bars. If you used a baking dish, cut the ice cream into bars of your desired size.
2. Dip in Chocolate:
   Working quickly, dip each ice cream bar into the melted chocolate, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess chocolate drip off.
3. Place on Parchment Paper:
   Place the coated bars on a parchment-lined baking sheet. The chocolate coating will harden almost instantly when it comes into contact with the cold ice cream.
4. Freeze Again:
   Once all the bars are coated, return them to the freezer for 15-20 minutes to fully set the chocolate.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values for one keto ice cream bar (based on 8 bars):

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 23g
• Net Carbs: 3g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar Alcohols: 5g

These values may vary slightly depending on the specific brands of ingredients used.

Notes & Tips for Success

1. Customize the Flavor:
   Experiment with different extracts to create unique flavors. Try peppermint extract for mint chocolate chip or almond extract for a nutty twist.
2. Add Mix-Ins:
   For extra texture, fold in chopped nuts, sugar-free chocolate chips, or unsweetened coconut flakes before freezing.
3. Storage:
   Store the ice cream bars in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
4. Sweetener Choice:
   Powdered erythritol works best for a smooth texture, but you can also use allulose or monk fruit sweetener.
5. Dairy-Free Option:
   Replace heavy whipping cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version.

Is This Recipe for Dinner, Lunch, or a Snack?

These keto ice cream bars are designed to be a snack or a dessert. They’re perfect for cooling down on a hot day or ending your meal with a sweet treat without sabotaging your keto goals.

Making your own keto ice cream bars at home is easier than you think! With just a few simple ingredients and a little patience, you can enjoy a creamy, satisfying dessert that fits perfectly into your low-carb lifestyle. So, grab your tools, head to the kitchen, and indulge in these guilt-free frozen treats today!