Keto Ice Cream Recipe With Xanthan Gum
Keto ice cream is one of the most popular desserts for those who are on a ketogenic diet. It’s a great way to satisfy a sweet tooth without breaking the rules of your diet. The best part about it is that it’s so easy to make at home. All you need is a few simple ingredients and an ice cream maker to make some delicious keto ice cream. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make your own keto ice cream with the help of xanthan gum.
What Is Keto Ice Cream?
Keto ice cream is a type of ice cream made with low-carb ingredients. It’s usually made with a base of heavy cream, almond milk, or coconut milk. This type of ice cream is also often made with sweeteners like erythritol or stevia, and fat sources like cream cheese, coconut oil, and butter. Keto ice cream is usually higher in fat and lower in carbs than regular ice cream, making it a great option for those following a ketogenic diet.
Keto ice cream, also known as low-carb ice cream, is a delightful frozen treat that aligns with the principles of the ketogenic diet. The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat eating plan designed to encourage the body to enter a state of ketosis, where it relies on fat for fuel instead of carbohydrates. Traditional ice cream is typically loaded with sugar and high-carb ingredients, making it off-limits for those following a keto lifestyle. However, keto ice cream offers a delicious alternative by using low-carb sweeteners, high-fat dairy or dairy-free alternatives, and keto-friendly flavorings. It allows individuals on a ketogenic diet to enjoy the creamy, indulgent texture and flavors of ice cream without disrupting their state of ketosis.
To create keto ice cream, several adjustments are made to the traditional ice cream recipe. Instead of using sugar, which is high in carbohydrates, keto-friendly sweeteners such as erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit extract are used to add sweetness without the added carbs. Heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk serves as the base, providing the necessary fat content for a satisfying and creamy texture. Other ingredients like egg yolks, vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or fresh fruit can be incorporated to create a variety of flavors. By carefully selecting low-carb ingredients and monitoring the macronutrient composition, keto ice cream can be enjoyed as an occasional treat that supports a ketogenic lifestyle while still satisfying cravings for a frozen dessert.
What Is Xanthan Gum?
Xanthan gum is a popular thickening and stabilizing agent used in many recipes. It’s a type of polysaccharide produced by the fermentation of glucose, sucrose, or lactose. It’s used in many recipes, including ice cream, to give them a creamy and smooth texture. Xanthan gum is often used in keto recipes to help thicken and stabilize the mixture. It’s also a great way to replace some of the sugar in a recipe and make it healthier.
Xanthan gum is a popular food additive that has gained recognition for its unique properties and versatile applications. It is a natural polysaccharide derived from the fermentation of sugars by the bacteria Xanthomonas campestris. Xanthan gum acts as a thickening agent, stabilizer, and emulsifier in a wide range of food products. It has the ability to create a viscous and gel-like consistency when added to liquids, making it useful in a variety of culinary applications. Xanthan gum is valued for its ability to improve texture, prevent ingredient separation, and enhance the overall mouthfeel of food products. It is commonly used in gluten-free baking to mimic the elastic properties of gluten, providing structure and preventing baked goods from becoming crumbly.
Beyond its role in food, xanthan gum is also found in various personal care products and industrial applications. In personal care products, it is used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in items such as lotions, creams, and toothpaste. Its ability to increase the viscosity and improve the stability of formulations makes it a valuable ingredient in the cosmetics industry. Xanthan gum is also utilized in industrial applications such as paints, adhesives, and drilling fluids due to its ability to provide viscosity control and suspension properties. It is a versatile ingredient that offers numerous benefits in different industries, making it a valuable tool for improving texture, stability, and overall performance in a wide array of products.
Why Is Xanthan Gum Used in Keto Ice Cream?
Xanthan gum is often used in keto ice cream recipes because it helps stabilize the mixture and give it a creamy and smooth texture. It also helps to thicken the mixture and make it less icy. It helps to add some sweetness to the ice cream without adding any carbs or sugar. The xanthan gum also helps to make the ice cream easier to scoop and serve.
How to Use Xanthan Gum in Your Keto Ice Cream Recipe
When making keto ice cream with xanthan gum, the best way to use it is to add it to the mixture before freezing. You can add the xanthan gum to the ice cream base while it’s still in liquid form and mix it in until it’s fully dissolved. This will help ensure that the xanthan gum is evenly distributed and that the ice cream will have a smooth and creamy texture. It’s also important to let the ice cream mixture sit for at least 15 minutes before freezing it, as this will help the xanthan gum to fully dissolve and do its job.
Tips for Making Keto Ice Cream with Xanthan Gum
When making keto ice cream with xanthan gum, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Start with a low amount of xanthan gum and gradually increase the amount until you get the desired texture.
- Mix the xanthan gum into the liquid ingredients before you add the solid ingredients.
- Let the ice cream mixture sit for at least 15 minutes before freezing to give the xanthan gum time to work.
- If you’re using an ice cream maker, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions for adding xanthan gum.
- If you’re not using an ice cream maker, make sure you stir the ice cream mixture every few hours while it’s freezing to prevent it from becoming too icy.
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any other low-carb milk alternative)
- 1/2 cup powdered erythritol or low-carb sweetener of your choice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum
- Optional add-ins: sugar-free chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or flavored extracts
- In a mixing bowl, combine the heavy cream, almond milk, powdered erythritol, and vanilla extract. Stir until the sweetener is fully dissolved.
- Sprinkle the xanthan gum over the mixture and whisk vigorously to ensure it is evenly distributed. Continue whisking for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions. This typically takes about 20-30 minutes.
- If desired, add in any optional add-ins during the last few minutes of churning.
- Once the ice cream has reached a soft-serve consistency, transfer it to a lidded container and freeze for an additional 2-3 hours to firm up.
- When ready to serve, allow the ice cream to soften at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
- Serve the keto ice cream in bowls or cones and enjoy!
Conclusion
Keto ice cream is an easy and delicious way to satisfy your sweet tooth without breaking the rules of your ketogenic diet. And with the help of xanthan gum, you can make your own keto ice cream at home that’s just as creamy and smooth as the store-bought versions. Just be sure to follow the tips above for the best results!
