Rich, creamy, low-carb keto coffee ice cream. This sugar-free ice cream recipe is easy to prepare and results in better-than-store-bought ice cream!
This post is sponsored by Vital Proteins.
When pressed to divulge my favorite flavor of ice cream, I always have a difficult time landing on one straight answer. Each has so much to offer!
My all-time favorite one day could be completely different from my all-time favorite the next. Itโs just so mood-based.
Plus, I am convinced there many invisible forces at bay as well, such as the moon cycle, tide, astrological alignment, whether or not Channing Tatum sneezed that day…you name it — there really is no picking a favorite flavor.
I will say, I have always, always loved a great espresso or coffee ice cream. I find the flavor of coffee to be one of the most comforting experiences this world has to offer, so infusing my soul-soothing ice cream with it is a mega win.
If you read my Vanilla Keto Ice Cream post a few weeks ago, you remember my affinity for the sugar-free ice cream.
Thereโs no denying my epic sweet tooth, but Iโm also cognizant of my blood sugar, and try to avoid the highs and lows that come with eating conventional desserts.
If you’re new to the concept of low-carb ice cream, I highly suggest you read that post, as I discuss the various milks and sweeteners you can use to customize your homemade sugar-free ice cream.
In order to make a coffee ice cream, you need all the same ingredients you would use for plain vanilla ice cream plus instant coffee granules. Thatโs it!
If you donโt have instant coffee on hand, no problem! You can find it in the coffee section of any grocery store.
I use Vital Proteins Beef Gelatin in all of my ice cream bases now. I wish I discovered this method years ago when I first bought my ice cream maker!
Beef gelatin generates that custardy, creamy texture that you love in your store-bought ice creams. Vital Proteins Beef Gelatin comes from grass-fed bovine hide, is flavorless, and can be mixed into either hot or cold liquid.
It is amazing for your digestive health, as it helps promote a healthy gut lining and aids with digestion.
Iโve been putting beef gelatin in my Bulletproof coffee every morning, (in addition to the Marine Collagen Iโve been using for the past 2 years), which makes it amazingly frothy.
I noticed a big improvement in my IBS symptoms after incorporating collagen and gelatin into my diet. They both really do wonders for your gastrointestinal health.
Keeping the recipe low-carb, I use heavy whipping cream and sugar-free sweetener.
What Type of Sweetener to Use:
The zero-sugar sweetener world has come a long way in the last decade, so if youโre new to the concept but are hesitant because youโve heard bad things about sugar-free sweeteners, I am confident you can find the one that is right for you.
Aim for a sugar alcohol that is extracted from plant matter, such as monk fruit sweetener, xylitol or erythritol.
If you don’t follow a ketogenic diet, you can sweeten the ice cream with 2/3 to 1 cup of pure maple syrup, or 1 cup of coconut sugar.
Substitutes for Cream:
You can absolutely swap out the heavy whipping cream with a lower-fat milk (see recipe notes) – just remember lower fat milks have a higher carb content, which does make a difference if you are keto (but is inconsequential if you are not keto). My preference next to heavy cream is full-fat canned coconut milk (you’d need 2 cans for this recipe).
How to Make Keto Coffee Ice Cream:
To prepare this keto coffee ice cream, you simply whisk all of the ingredients together in a saucepan until the mixture comes to a gentle steaming point (you donโt want it to boil or else the milk may separate!).
Remove it from the heat and allow it to cool, then transfer it to a sealable container and refrigerate until chilled.
Once the ice cream has chilled, it will be completely congealed on account of the beef gelatin – this is normal! Youโll simply give it a good stir and pour it into your ice cream maker. This is when the magic happens! The result is the creamiest, thickest, most delicious homemade ice cream!
If you don’t own an ice cream maker, no worries! This recipe makes a marvelous no-churn ice cream because it is already thick and creamy and doesn’t really require churning. See the recipe card for the no-churn method.
And thatโs all you need to know, folks! Making ice cream at home is fun, easy, and magically delicious. Itโs a great activity for the whole family if you have children! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do…donโt forget to share!
More Healthy Ice Cream Recipes:
- Keto Chocolate Ice Cream
- Keto Cookie Dough Ice Cream
- Berry Nice Cream
- Paleo Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
- Vegan Key Lime Ice Cream
My cookbook, Paleo Power Bowls, is now available! CLICK HERE to check it out. Thank you for your support!
If you make this recipe, please feel free to share a photo and tag @TheRoastedRoot on Instagram!
Keto Coffee Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 4 cups heavy whipping cream see note*
- 3 egg yolks
- 4 tsp Vital Proteins Beef Gelatin
- 1/4 cup instant coffee granules
- 1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1 cup zero-sugar sweetener to taste, see note**
Instructions
- Place the bowl of your ice cream maker in the freezer and freeze overnight. Note: if you don't own an ice cream maker, no big deal! You can still make this recipe.
- Add all ingredients to a medium-sized saucepan and whisk well.ย
- Place the saucepan on the stove top and heat to medium. Cook, whisking consistently until mixture is beginning to steam but does not reach a full boil. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool before transferring it to a sealable container. Refrigerate at least 2 hours, or until completely chilled.
- Stir the ice cream base well (it will be thick!!) and pour it into your ice cream maker. Turn ice cream maker on and churn until very thick and creamy. Serve immediately for soft serve consistency or for an ice cream consistency, transfer to a sealable container and freeze for at least 2 hours (Note: if you don't own an ice cream maker, simply transfer the base to a freezer-safe container and freeze 4 hours or until completely frozen. If possible, stir a couple of times during the freezing process).
- Allow ice cream to thaw 10 minutes before scooping and serving.
This is such a wonderful recipe. This was my first time trying keto ice cream. My only regret is that I added the cinnamon. I will omit that next time. It is really good otherwise. Thank you so much for sharing!
I’m so thrilled you enjoy it! I just love how rich and creamy it turns out. Also like the idea of playing with the flavors to change it up ๐ xoxo
Hi Julia! I am all in! Iโm going to use full fat coconut milk to keep the fat content down a bit. Hopefully it wonโt taste like coconut… but can I switch the gelatin for Baileys Irish Cream? I love the flavor and was thinking the alcohol would stop it from freezing hard. What do you think? Iโd love an Irish cream flavored ice cream!
Hi Coby!
The Bailey’s idea sounds amazing! I wholeheartedly support the addition but I also do recommend using gelatin because it gives the ice cream that smooth creminess and eliminates the graininess you get with homemade ice creams. I bet you can do both! Let me know what you try! xoxo
I just made this and it is OUTSTANDING!! I have made quite a few sugar-free ice creams and this by far has the best texture. Thank you so much for this recipe!!!
I’m so happy you like it, Dana! It’s one of my go-tos during the summer months xoxoxo
Not sure if I am reaching the author Julia. Is there any brand that you prefer on the Instant coffee that will benefit its flavor. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks, Rich
Hi Richard!
You got me (Julia)! ๐ I use Higherground Instant Coffee, but really any brand you find at your local grocery store will work! Hope you enjoy! xo
Wondering if I have coffee already made rather than instant, how much can I use without make it too liquid? Thanks so much!
How long should you churn if using an icecream maker?
Thanks!
Is it 1/4 cup โprepared instant coffeeโ or 1/4 cup of the granules/powder?
Hi JG,
It’s 1/4 cup of the granules. Hope you enjoy!
Iโm so excited to try this! I have Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (no the gelatin). Do you think it will have the same effect?
how long do you need to cook approx? I haven’t done that process yet, or can you show a video?
Can I put this in an ice cream maker
Hi India,
Yes, you can use an ice cream maker or make the ice cream without. I prefer using an ice cream maker ๐ Hope you enjoy!
Would I be able to use Kox gelatin in place of Vital Beef Protein Gelatin?
Hi Paulette, Yes, Knox gelatine will work just fine, too! xo
Is there any nutritional information? Also, can I sub coconut cream for the HWC?
Hi Carol! I have added the nutrition facts to the post. You can definitely use coconut milk or coconut cream in place of heavy whipping cream – You can do a 1:1 replacement. You’ll need to recalculate the nutrition facts based on the coconut cream/milk for the macros to be 100% accurate, which you can do here: https://www.myfitnesspal.com/recipe_parsert ๐ Hope you love the ice cream!
Looks awesome! Are there any modifications if you have an ice cream maker that chills itself? (We have one with a compressor that cools the bowl as it mixes.)
Looks yummy, but I donโt eat beef, do youโve a substitute for beef gelatin?
Hi Neeta!
You can use agar agar or any of your preferred plant-based gelatins. Hope you enjoy!