Delicious Keto Mason Jar Ice Cream (Quick & Easy!)
Craving a sweet, frosty treat without the fuss? This Delicious Keto Mason Jar Ice Cream is incredibly simple to make and delivers a rich, creamy, and satisfying dessert. Just a few ingredients, a good shake, and some chill time are all you need for this delightful addition to your health journey, perfect for a sunny day here in beautiful Puerto Vallarta!
Yields: 1 serving Prep time: 5 minutes Freeze time: At least 3 hours
Ingredients:
- 1 cup heavy cream (cold)
- 2 tablespoons granulated erythritol (or your preferred granular keto-friendly sweetener)
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional Ingredients / Flavor Variations:
- 2 tablespoons Lily’s dark chocolate chips (or other sugar-free chocolate chips)
- ¼ teaspoon peppermint extract (for a mint chocolate chip flavor)
- A pinch of sea salt (to enhance chocolate flavor)
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened peanut butter or almond butter
- A few drops of food-grade flavor extracts (e.g., almond, coffee, orange)
- A small handful of chopped keto-friendly nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds)
Equipment:
- 1-pint (2-cup) or larger mason jar with a tight-fitting lid
- Spoon or small whisk
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cold heavy cream, granulated erythritol, unsweetened cocoa powder, and pure vanilla extract to your mason jar.
- If using any optional add-ins like Lily’s dark chocolate chips or peppermint extract, add them to the jar at this stage as well.
- Shake Vigorously: Secure the lid tightly on the mason jar.
- Shake vigorously for a full 5 minutes. You’ll feel the mixture thickening as you shake. It should become noticeably thicker, similar to a very thick milkshake or soft-serve consistency.
- Freeze: Place the mason jar in the freezer for at least 3 hours. For a firmer, more traditional ice cream texture, you may need to freeze it for 4-6 hours, or even overnight.
- Enjoy! When ready to serve, remove from the freezer. You may need to let it sit out for 5-10 minutes at room temperature to soften slightly before scooping, depending on how long it’s been frozen. Dig in and enjoy your delicious Keto Mason Jar Ice Cream!
Tips for Success:
- Cold Ingredients: Starting with very cold heavy cream will help it thicken faster when shaken.
- Shake It Hard! The shaking step is essential for incorporating air and creating the creamy texture without an ice cream maker. Don’t skimp on the 5 minutes!
- Sweetener Type: Granulated erythritol works well and keeps carbs low. If you prefer a smoother texture that dissolves more readily, you can briefly powder your granular erythritol in a blender or food processor before adding it.
- Cocoa Powder Quality: Using a good quality unsweetened cocoa powder will significantly impact the chocolate flavor.
- Customization: This recipe is incredibly versatile!
- Mint Chocolate Chip: Add the peppermint extract and chocolate chips.
- Nutty Chocolate: Stir in a tablespoon of unsweetened nut butter.
- Coffee: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder.
- Extra Creamy: Some people find that adding a tiny pinch of xanthan gum (1/8 teaspoon or less) can help with creaminess and prevent ice crystals, though it’s not strictly necessary.
- Serving: If the ice cream is too hard, let it sit on the counter for 5-10 minutes to soften to scoopable consistency.
Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification:
This Keto Mason Jar Ice Cream is a delightful addition to your health journey!
- High Fat: Yes, primarily from the heavy cream.
- Low-Carb: Yes, by using erythritol and unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are suitable for a ketogenic diet, provided your erythritol is sugar-free and any optional add-ins (like chocolate chips or extracts) are also sugar-free and keto-compliant.
- Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Read on how to prepare Keto maple donuts.
