Simple Sugar‑Free Vanilla Ice Cream (No‑Churn, 3 Ingredients)
Creamy, scoopable vanilla ice cream—without sugar. Just heavy whipping cream, real vanilla, and your favorite sugar‑free sweetener.
Full details and variations below. For more easy, healthy dinners and desserts, visit EasyDinner.us.
Ingredients
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup Sugar Twin (or other sugar‑free sweetener)
Instructions
- Whisk cream, vanilla, and sweetener until smooth.
- Pour into a shallow dish. Cover.
- Freeze 4–6 hours, stirring every hour for the first 3 hours.
- Let sit 10 minutes at room temp before scooping.
Yield: about 1 pint (varies by container and overrun).
Why This Works
Heavy cream brings the fat that makes ice cream rich and scoopable. A shallow pan + occasional stirring reduces ice crystals, giving you a creamy texture without an ice‑cream maker. Use vanilla extract (or paste) for clean flavor, and pick a sweetener you like—taste the mix before freezing and adjust to preference.
Sweetener Tips
- Granular vs. powdered: Powdered blends dissolve faster; you can pulse granular sweetener in a blender.
- Sweetness levels vary: Start with 1/3 cup; add more to taste before freezing if needed.
- Aftertaste control: If your sweetener has a cooling or bitter note, try blends with erythritol + monk fruit or allulose.
Flavor & Add‑In Ideas
- Vanilla bean: Swap half the extract for vanilla bean paste.
- Chocolate swirl: Ribbon in melted sugar‑free chocolate during the last stir.
- Strawberry: Fold in diced strawberries sweetened with a bit of your sweetener.
- Mint chip: Add mint extract to taste; fold in finely chopped sugar‑free chocolate.
- Protein boost: Whisk in an unflavored or vanilla whey isolate (1–2 scoops) before freezing.
Storage
Cover tightly and freeze up to 2 weeks for best texture. Let sit on the counter 10–15 minutes before scooping.
FAQ
Can I use half‑and‑half or milk?
Heavy cream is key for creaminess in no‑churn recipes. Using lower‑fat dairy will make the texture icier.
Is this keto‑friendly?
Yes—choose a keto‑friendly sweetener and skip sugary add‑ins. Macros vary based on brand and serving size.
Can I churn it?
Yes. Chill the mixture and churn per your machine’s directions; freeze to set if needed.
Get step‑by‑step photos, dairy‑free swaps, and more variations at EasyDinner.us.