Paleo Ice Cream
This creamy, dairy-free Paleo ice cream is a healthy and indulgent dessert that aligns with the principles of the Paleo diet. Made with full-fat coconut milk, natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, and optional mix-ins, it’s a satisfying treat that’s perfect for anyone avoiding refined sugar, dairy, and grains. Customize your Paleo ice cream with your favorite flavors and enjoy a delicious, wholesome frozen treat!
Equipment
- 1 Ice Cream Maker (optional, for churning)
- 1 Mixing Bowl (for mixing ingredients)
- 1 Whisk (to blend ingredients)
- 1 Freezer-Safe Container (for freezing, if no ice cream maker is used)
- 1 Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cans 400 ml each full-fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup honey maple syrup, or coconut sugar
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Optional:
- 1/4 cup cocoa powder or dark chocolate chips
Optional:
- 1/2 cup fresh or frozen berries e.g., strawberries, blueberries
Optional:
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts almonds, cashews, or pecans
Instructions
Prepare the Base
- Pour the coconut milk into a mixing bowl and whisk until smooth. Stir in your sweetener (honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar) and vanilla extract. Whisk until the sweetener is completely dissolved.
Customize Your Flavor
- If you're making chocolate ice cream, add cocoa powder to the base mixture and whisk until fully incorporated. For fruity variations, add your pureed fruit (e.g., strawberries, blueberries) or other flavorings as desired.
Churn or Freeze
- If using an ice cream maker: Pour the base into your ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions (usually about 20-30 minutes).
- If not using an ice cream maker: Pour the mixture into a shallow, freezer-safe container. Stir every 30-45 minutes to prevent ice crystals and achieve a smooth texture. This process takes about 3-4 hours.
Add Mix-Ins (Optional)
- If you are adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or fruit chunks, fold them into the mixture near the end of churning or when the ice cream is almost frozen.
Freeze Until Firm
- Once the ice cream reaches the desired consistency, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for 4 hours or overnight to fully set.
Serve and Enjoy
- Let the ice cream sit for a few minutes before scooping to soften slightly. Scoop into bowls or cones and enjoy!
Notes
- Consistency: If you find the ice cream too hard after freezing, allow it to sit out for a few minutes before scooping to soften it up.
- Sweetener Options: Feel free to adjust the amount of sweetener based on your taste preference. You can use stevia or monk fruit sweetener as alternatives, though they may alter the flavor slightly.
- Flavor Variations: You can customize your Paleo ice cream by adding different mix-ins, such as shredded coconut, fruit, or a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for a spiced flavor.
- Storage: Store your Paleo ice cream in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks. Always make sure the surface is covered with plastic wrap before sealing the container to avoid freezer burn.