🍦 High-Protein Vanilla Soft-Serve Ice Cream
Low-Carb • Keto-Friendly • Weight-Loss Friendly
This creamy vanilla soft serve keeps the classic rich texture while using allulose and monk fruit instead of sugar. For a higher-protein, more weight-loss-friendly version, Greek yogurt and a little protein powder are added to the base.
🛒 Ingredients
Makes about 6 servings
- 1½ cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
- ¾ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- ⅓ cup powdered allulose
- 2 tbsp powdered monk fruit sweetener
- 1½ tsp pure vanilla extract
- 2 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup vanilla or unflavored whey protein powder
- ⅛ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp xanthan gum
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Warm the cream mixture
Add the heavy cream, almond milk, allulose, monk fruit sweetener, and salt to a medium saucepan. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally. Do not let the mixture boil.
2. Temper the egg yolks
Place the egg yolks in a separate bowl and whisk until smooth. Slowly pour about ½ cup of the warm cream mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly. This gently raises their temperature without scrambling them.
3. Combine
Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the saucepan while whisking continuously.
4. Cook the custard
Continue cooking over low heat for about 3–5 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture slightly thickens. Do not boil.
5. Cool completely
Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla. Transfer to a bowl and let it cool. Once no longer hot, whisk in the Greek yogurt and protein powder until completely smooth.
6. Add xanthan gum
Sprinkle the xanthan gum gradually over the mixture while whisking continuously. This helps create a smoother, softer texture and reduces iciness.
7. Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.
8. Churn
Pour the chilled mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until thick and creamy.
9. For soft-serve texture
Serve immediately for the softest texture. If it becomes too firm after freezing, let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before scooping.
💪 Why This Version Is Better for Your Goals
- Higher protein: Greek yogurt and whey protein substantially increase protein compared with the original recipe.
- Low carb: No regular sugar or flour is used, and unsweetened almond milk keeps carbohydrates relatively low.
- Weight-loss friendly: Protein can help make a dessert more filling, while portion size and total calories still matter for weight loss.
- Sugar-free: Uses allulose and monk fruit instead of conventional sugar.
📊 Approximate Nutrition
Per serving, assuming 6 servings and depending on the specific protein powder/yogurt used:
~250–280 calories | ~10–14g protein | ~4–6g net carbs
The exact numbers will vary considerably by the brands of cream, yogurt, almond milk, and protein powder.
Tip: For an even lighter version, replace another ½ cup of heavy cream with additional Greek yogurt or unsweetened almond milk. The result will be less rich but lower in calories.
