Kefir Ice Cream
User Reviews
5
Kefir Ice Cream
Description
This Kefir Ice Cream recipe starts with plain kefir as the base, sweetened with honey or maple syrup and flavored optionally with vanilla extract. To vary the ice cream, combinations like berries, peanut butter powder with banana and cocoa, or chocolate chips with cocoa powder are used. The mixture is blended until smooth and frothy to incorporate air, which contributes to a lighter texture.
It can be prepared with an ice cream maker using the standard freezing and churning process or made as a no-churn version by blending thoroughly and freezing in a container, periodically stirring to maintain texture. The frozen dessert yields a creamy, slightly tangy product different from traditional ice cream due to the kefir’s cultured nature.
Kefir Ice Cream pairs well with fresh toppings like toasted coconut flakes or berries, and sweetness levels can be adjusted before freezing. Storing in airtight containers preserves freshness for up to a week. The recipe includes tips to handle issues like ice crystals or insufficient sweetness, recommending stirring before serving and adding more sweetener or fat if desired.
Ingredients
Ice Cream Base:
- 1 cup plain kefir or coconut milk kefir
- 1 tablespoon honey Sweeten more or less as desired, or maple syrup or sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Optional, especially if using add-ins
Add-Ins for Fruit Kefir Ice Cream:
- 1 cup Berry frozen or fresh
Add-Ins for Peanut Butter Kefir Ice Cream:
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter powder (See recipe notes for regular peanut butter directions)
- 1 banana optional
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder or cacao powder, optional
Add-Ins for Chocolate Chip Kefir Ice Cream:
- ½ cup chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder or cacao powder
Instructions
Ice Cream Maker Directions:
- Blend together plain kefir, desired add-ins, and as much sweetener as desired in a blender or food processor.
- Add mixture to an ice cream maker, following the directions for your ice cream maker. Serve immediately, or store in an airtight, freezer-safe container. Use within a week.Tip: If storing in the freezer, ice cream may freeze solid. Allow ice cream to sit at room temperature 20-30 minutes until softened.
No Churn Directions:
- Add plain kefir, desired add-ins, and as much sweetener as desired to the basin of a blender or food processor. Blend until mixture is frothy, with lots of air bubbles. Tip: Air bubbles are easiest to achieve in a high-powered blender (like a Vitamix.) If your blender isn't creating the desired air-bubbles, try pouring the mixture into a mixing bowl after blending, and beat with an electric hand mixer on high until the mixture is bubbling and frothy.
- Taste mixture, and add more sweetener or add-ins if desired. The mixture should be slightly sweeter than you prefer, because it will taste a little less sweet when frozen.
- Pour the mixture about 3" deep into a container until hardened, about 3 hours. Stir the mixture 1-2 hours into the freezing process. Container Tip: If serving immediately, an open container will be fine. If storing, pour mixture into an airtight, sealable container. A long, shallow container will allow the mixture to freeze more quickly (approx. 3 hours), and a deep container will take longer (approx. 6-8 hours). I generally pour my kefir mixture about 3" deep.
- Remove kefir ice cream from the freezer. Use an ice cream scoop to serve, and use within a week. Tip: If the ice cream has frozen solid, let it sit at room temperature 20-30 minutes until softened. Kefir frozen in a large, deep containers could take up to an hour to soften.
Notes
- Adjust sweetener to taste before freezing to balance kefir’s natural tartness.
- For no-churn method, stirring the mixture every 30 minutes as it freezes helps reduce ice crystals and improve texture.
- Peanut butter powder is recommended over traditional peanut butter for no-churn to maintain air incorporation.
- Store ice cream in airtight containers and consume within one week for best flavor and texture.
- Add mix-ins like nuts or berries after partial freezing to preserve their texture.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 48 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 48kcal | 2% |
| Carbohydrates | 7g | 2% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Cholesterol | 4mg | 1% |
| Sodium | 27mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 82mg | 2% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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