How to Make Creamy Low-fat Ice Cream

Making your own ice cream allows you to control the ingredients and make a more natural or lower-fat version of your favorite flavors and brands. The common problem with low-fat ice cream is that most recipes omit ingredients like eggs or heavy cream, which give the ice cream a rich and creamy mouthfeel. High-fat ingredients also prevent the formation of ice crystals, which make ice cream hard. Try these tips to make your low-fat ice cream smooth and creamy.

Things You'll Need

• Low-fat ice cream recipe
• Cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• Bananas
• Alcohol
• Ice cream maker

Instructions

1. Prepare your favorite low-fat ice cream recipe. There are hundreds of variations, but the ice cream base usually calls for ingredients like yogurt, soy milk, soy creamer or lowfat or fat-free dairy products.

2. Add 1 to 2 tbsp. cornstarch or arrowroot powder per 1 qt. of ice cream. Both of these ingredients are thickening agents. They are often used in vegan recipes for items like pudding to replace eggs or dairy. They also help create a dense and creamy mouthfeel.

3. Add 1 to 2 pureed bananas. If you like the flavor of bananas and it can enhance or add to the flavor of your ice cream, add them to your ice cream mixture. Bananas are sometimes used in vegan or dairy-free recipes because they become thick and custardlike when pureed, which can help create a creamy texture.

4. Add 2 to 3 tbsp. of a neutral-flavored alcohol, such as vodka. Alcohol, like fat, will prevent the formation of ice crystals because it has a very low freezing point. Add only a small amount unless you want to make it part of the flavor. Experiment with flavors like rum or Irish cream.

5. Churn the ice cream for a longer period of time. Once you have put your ice cream mixture into the ice cream maker, let it run for a few extra minutes. This will help break up ice crystals and incorporate more air to make the ice cream much more creamy.

References

• The Kitchn: Quick Tips: How to Make Creamier Low-Sugar Ice Cream
• "The Vegan Scoop: 150 Recipes for Dairy-Free Ice Cream that Tastes Better Than the "Real" Thing"; Wheeler Del Toro; 2009
• The Kitchn: How to Make Creamy Ice Cream With Just One Ingredient