Our Top Low-Carb Ice Cream Recipes: From Classic Vanilla to Peanut Butter Chocolate

When the weather heats up, nothing hits quite like ice cream. With the right ingredients, so-called “keto” ice cream and milkshakes (that is, low-carb frozen desserts made with sugar alternatives) can be just as rich and satisfying as the traditional versions, while still making your health goals. Whether you’re craving chocolate, vanilla, or something a little more creative, these recipes make it easy to indulge while staying on track.

What Is Keto Ice Cream?

Keto ice cream is a low-carb, high-fat alternative to traditional ice cream. Instead of using sugar and high-carb ingredients, it relies on low-carb sweeteners like erythritol, stevia, or monk fruit, along with full-fat dairy or dairy alternatives. This combination helps keep net carbs low while maintaining the creamy texture and sweet taste people expect.

What sets a keto ice cream recipe apart is its focus on blood sugar stability. Traditional ice cream can spike glucose levels due to its high sugar content, but keto versions are crafted to minimize that impact. If you’re wondering how to make keto ice cream, the key is balancing fats, minimizing carbs, and choosing the right sweeteners to replicate both taste and texture.

Benefits of Making Your Own Keto Ice Cream

Making your own keto ice cream at home comes with several advantages:

• Full control over ingredients and carb count
• Ability to avoid hidden sugars and additives
• Customizable flavors to match your preferences
• Fresher taste and better texture
• Easier to align with specific dietary goals
• Often more cost-effective than store-bought options

Homemade recipes also make it simple to experiment, whether you’re perfecting a classic keto milkshake or trying something entirely new.

Best Keto Ice Cream & Milkshake Recipes

Low Carb Maple Walnut Ice Cream

This cozy, nutty favorite brings together rich maple flavor and crunchy walnuts into a perfect dessert. It’s a comforting twist on classic keto ice cream that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Get Virta Health's Low Carb Maple Walnut Ice Cream recipe here.

Keto Chocolate Ice Cream

Deep, chocolatey, and ultra-satisfying, this recipe proves you don’t need sugar to enjoy a decadent dessert. It’s a must-try for anyone searching for a go-to keto ice cream recipe.

Get Virta Health's Keto Chocolate Ice Cream recipe here.

Low Carb Vanilla Ice Cream

Simple, classic, and endlessly versatile, this vanilla ice cream is a staple you’ll come back to again and again. It’s also a great starting point if you’re learning how to make keto ice cream at home.

Get Virta Health's Low Carb Vanilla Ice Cream recipe here.

Keto Peanut Butter Chocolate Milkshake

Rich peanut butter and smooth chocolate blend into a satisfying keto milkshake that feels like dessert in a glass. Perfect for a quick treat or post-dinner indulgence.

Get Virta Health's Keto Peanut Butter Chocolate Milkshake recipe here.

Low Carb Raspberry Chocolate Milkshake

Sweet raspberries and rich chocolate come together with atwist for a refreshing, slightly tangy shake. It’s a unique addition to your lineup of keto milkshake favorites.

Get Virta Health's Low Carb Raspberry Chocolate Milkshake recipe here.

Keto Cinnamon Roll Milkshake

Warm cinnamon spice meets cool, creamy texture in this dessert-inspired shake. It’s a fun and flavorful way to switch up your usual keto ice cream routine.

Get Virta Health's Keto Cinnamon Roll Milkshake recipe here.

Low Carb Chocolate Peppermint Milkshake

Chocolate and peppermint create a refreshing, dessert-like combination that’s both cool and satisfying. This shake is perfect when you want something a little different from traditional keto ice cream recipes.

Get Virta Health's Low Carb Chocolate Peppermint Milkshake recipe here.

Keto Ice Cream FAQs

Can I make keto ice cream without an ice cream maker?

Yes, you can make keto ice cream without specialized equipment. Many recipes use simple methods like hand-mixing, freezing, or even shaking ingredients in a jar. While the texture may be slightly different, you can still achieve a great result with the right ingredients and technique.

How do I keep keto ice cream from getting too hard?

Keto ice cream can freeze harder than traditional versions because it lacks sugar. To improve texture, use ingredients like heavy cream, egg yolks, or a small amount of alcohol or glycerin. Letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving also helps.

What sweeteners work best?

Low-carb sweeteners like erythritol, monk fruit, and stevia are commonly used in keto ice cream recipes. Blends often work best to reduce aftertaste and improve texture. Allulose is another popular option because it helps create a softer, more scoopable consistency. For a list of Virta-approved sugar alternatives, click here.

Is store-bought keto ice cream okay?

Store-bought options can be convenient, but it’s important to read labels carefully. Some products may contain hidden carbs, sugar alcohols that affect digestion, or ingredients that don’t align with your goals. Homemade versions give you more control.

Is store-bought keto ice cream sugar free?

Not always. While many are marketed as low-carb or keto-friendly, some still contain small amounts of sugar or ingredients that can impact blood sugar. Always check nutrition labels and ingredient lists to ensure they meet your needs.

The Takeaway

If you want to lose weight or are trying to manage a metabolic disease like type 2 diabetes while still eating great desserts, Virta Health may be able to help. By making healthy lifestyle changes in a medical setting with supportive resources like 1:1 virtual coaching, you can regain control of your health and feel like yourself again. See if you’re eligible for Virta Health here.