Craving a delicious cold summer treat? This low carb keto chocolate avocado ice cream will knock your socks off. A little cinnamon and spice go a long way…
Spicy and sweet, can you dig it? Better yet, spicy, sweet, and dairy-free. And egg-free. And paleo friendly. And vegan, come to think of it, which is shocking for this devoted carnivore. And low carb, gluten-free, grain-free, and sugar-free, of course. Wow, this recipe actually hits a ridiculous number of healthy diet requirements, which I didn’t even consider until I sat down to write this post. But the real question is whether or not it’s any good. Oh yes, yes it is. It’s rich and creamy and chocolatey, with a hint of cinnamon and smoky chipotle. It’s also very easy to make. Did I mention it’s spicy and sweet? Oh yeah, I said that way at the beginning, didn’t I?
I seem to be really into recipe challenges these days. My friends at California Avocados recently put my ice cream creativity to the test for California Avocado Month (which is June…I just made it under the wire!). They sent me another shipment of their gorgeous fruit and asked me to get creative with ice cream recipes that involve avocados. I was totally on board, in part because I love a challenge and in part because I love ice cream. But really I was on board because who doesn’t want 24 perfect avocados to arrive on their doorstep? Yup, it’s true. I can be bought for a case of avocados and I am not ashamed to admit it.
I certainly was aware that you could make ice cream with avocados but I’d never tried it myself. I am pretty happy with my usual ice cream methodology: cream, egg yolks, sweetener, add in your favourite flavours, churn, freeze, eat. But for the price of a case of California Avocados, I can be persuaded to change up my routine. They really do make a fabulous base for ice cream, as it turns out. That creamy flesh makes for a thick egg-free “custard” that churns quickly and easily. And it stays thick so it never gets too drippy as it melts. Add some chocolate and some spices, and you have yourself a spicy sweet dairy-free paleo vegan low carb gluten-free grain-free sugar-free summer treat. Try saying that 10 times fast!
Dying for gluten-free waffle cones? With a few adjustments, I think these could be low carbified! I am planning on trying soon…
Many thanks to California Avocados for partnering with me to bring you this delicious recipe that meets every single dietary restriction ever invented.
- 1 15- ounce can full fat coconut milk
- 1/3 cup Swerve Sweetener
- 1 tsp espresso powder (optional - boosts chocolate flavour)
- 3 ounces sugar-free dark chocolate such as Lily's, chopped
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 medium California Avocados
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 to 3/4 tsp chipotle powder (depending on how spicy you like it. Alternatively, you can use chile powder but it is more mild.)
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In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the coconut milk, sweetener, and espresso powder until sweetener has dissolved. Bring to a simmer.
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Remove from heat and add chopped chocolate. Let sit 4 minutes until chocolate is melted, then whisk until smooth. Whisk in vanilla extract.
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In a blender or food processor, combine avocados, chocolate mixture, cinnamon, and chipotle. Puree until smooth. Refrigerate until cool, at least 2 hours.
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Transfer mixture to an ice cream maker and churn until consistency resembles soft serve ice cream (this takes less time than custard based ice creams). Serve as soft serve or transfer to an airtight container and freeze another few hours for a firmer consistency.
Serves 6. Each serving has 4.16g NET CARBS.
Food energy: 278kcal
Total fat: 25.74g
Calories from fat: 231
Cholesterol: 1mg
Carbohydrate: 12.19g
Total dietary fiber: 8.03g
Protein: 3.06g
Jeannie says
Can it be done without ice cream maker?
Carolyn says
I think it probably could, because it’s so thick. It freezes really hard when left in the refrigerator for more than a few hours, just FYI. But it softens up quickly when out on the counter for 10 minutes or so.
Adriana says
Hi Carolyn,
Can you recommend an ice-cream maker??
Carolyn says
I had this one for 15 years and it worked beautifully: http://amzn.to/29x0rN7
Now I have this one, because I saw it at a second hand store for $25 and it’s larger than my old one: http://amzn.to/29sBArT
Jkim says
Another delicious-looking and easy recipe from you, so I’m going to make it for July 4th! But I have 3 questions.
Does the avocado cancel the need for xanthan gum?
Can I expect the same results if I substitute 90% chocolate or my homemade chocolate chips (your recipe) for sugar-free Lily’s?
Now, most important: Are you developing non-chocolate ice creams based on coconut milk instead of egg yolks? Next month is national ice cream month, and I’m eager to pull my cuisinart out of the freezer and start using it again.
Carolyn says
If you put xanthan gum in here, your ice cream will be too thick to churn. It does freeze quite hard but also softens easily with a few minutes on the counter. Any chocolate should be fine. I will probably develop more “regular” ice cream recipes because I love them, but this one is really good as an egg-free, dairy-free alternative!
Sandee Wichkoski says
If I’m not churning, would the xanthan gum be a good option to help it stay thick?
Carolyn says
Honestly, I am not sure this one will work well without churning but you’re welcome to try.
Sam says
What else can u use besides full fat coconut milk? Or swerve ? Suggestions?
Carolyn says
Cream. Any sweetener you want.
TidyMom says
I’m a huge avocado lover, I really need to try this!! thanks for the recipe Carolyn!
Emily @ LI says
Sign me up! I love my ice cream to be a bit soft and oh so full of chocolate.
Julia Mueller says
Aaaagh this looks so creamy and rich! I love avocado and coconut milk-based desserts and the Mexican flair to this tasty treat is reeling me in. I’ll definitely be making this ice cream!
Peabody (SweetReciPEAs) says
I have yet to try avocado ice cream. I have to keep reminding myself that avocados are a fruit and it’s totally fine to have in ice cream. 🙂
Carol says
Sounds wonderful Carolyn, esp since eating regular ice cream makes me violently ill. Haven’t had a ” lick” in SO many years. Will let you know the verdict!!! ?
Thank you for this.
olga says
Is chipotle the same as chipotle chili pepper that is spicy but kind of smoky?
Carolyn says
Yes, and you can get a powdered kind that makes it really easy to use in recipes like this. But if you can’t find that, you can use a tiny bit of chipotle pepper.
Roxana says
I love Mexican chocolate but have never thought of pairing it with avocado in an ice-cream! This is brilliant and so craving some right now!
Suparna says
Hi Carolyn. About to make this. How much cocoa powder will I need to sub for the chocolate if I don’t have it on hand? Thanks. Can’t wait to try this!
Carolyn says
I would do at least 1/4 cup. But you are going to need to add a little extra oil in there because unsweetened chocolate has cocoa butter in it and that affects the consistency.
Rachel - A Southern Fairytale says
beautiful photos, Carolyn. I love using my California Avocados in unexpected ways 😉 Absolutely love this recipe!
Maytha Kilgore says
I made this yesterday. My husband and I both enjoyed it. Have so many of your recipes printed out to try but always looking for new ones as well.
Wondering if you have a cookbook for purchase?
Carolyn says
I don’t yet…just signed a publishing deal and should have a cookbook out in Fall 2017!
Ros says
This was delicious. First time I made a non-custard ice cream and was impressed with the rich creamy texture. Loved the hot spice. Found my cinnamon from the middle east gave it a soapy flavor aftertaste prior to freezing. Weird I know. I can skip the cinnamon anyway because the chipotle was fabulous all on its own.
Do you think I can make chocolate mint ice cream by substituting my mint flavor for the cinnamon and spice. Hence leaving everything else the same? I have tried your mint chocolate chip and it is great, I just love this texture and the fact it is easy and quick.
BTW congrats on the cookbook. Can’t wait.
Ally says
There aren’t many thing that I love more than creamy, rich chocolate! Some of my favourite chocolate recipes are avocado based, like my mousse and my avocado brownies ? I might have to add this to the recipe rotation!
Carolyn Brack-Jackson says
Thanks for the recipe, I miss ice cream so much sometimes!
Stephanie Deal says
Just finished making this and oh my — it is fantastic!! I didn’t use the chipotle powder, I used 1/4 tsp chili powder instead. The ice cream is so creamy and yummy and the espresso powder really pumps up the chocolate. Thx for sharing – I’m just kicking myself that I haven’t made this sooner. 🙂
Carolyn says
I was kicking myself that I hadn’t tried avocado ice cream sooner either!
Ella says
This ice cream looks awesome! But I don’t like spicy food, esp ice cream. Would this be good without the spice? I’m just looking for a way to use up my avocados 🙂
Carolyn says
Yup, just leave out the spice!
Jillian Beach says
Would this recipe work with almond milk or cashew milk instead of coconut milk?
Carolyn says
Neither of those really have a high enough fat content. They will be very icy and freeze very very hard.
Diane says
Will this work with dairy free chocolate as the recipe suggests it’s vegan but only specifies sugar free chocolate ? Sounds delicious – so hoping this will work fine
Carolyn says
Yes, it should work just fine.
Robin says
Just tried this… Wow! I got an ice cream maker for my birthday and by far this is the best recipe yet!
David Ford says
Is the chipotle powder to disguise the avocado taste?
Carolyn says
No, it’s to make a Mexican chocolate flavour, which often has cinnamon and spice in it.
Beth Juarez says
I LOVE this recipe! I have made it as written, added chopped almonds, added peanut butter and today I left out the chocolate, coffee and spices and added a cup of wild Alaskan blueberries, juice from 1/2 lime and lime zest. AMAZING.
Jonathan says
Made this “ice cream” recently without the spices, because I just wanted a good chocolate ice cream alternative. This is amazingly good, creamy and smooth. Freezes well and is not a chore to scoop frozen. Definitely a keeper!
Kim Smyth says
I love cinnamon, I use Ceylon cinnamon-I was told it’s the true, most beneficial cinnamon and that all other cinnamons are mixed with additives like sawdust. SAWDUST!? Anyway, I also LOVE avocados and they are sooooooo healthy. So this recipe means I could eat this ice cream pretty much guilt free! When my hubby pulls out his Blue Bell, I will now have a healthy ice cream I can eat while giving him a raspberry, lol.
Beks says
You’re my hero. I made this tonight, and it was just what I wanted. Just sweet enough, creamy, good mouthfeel. I’ll be making this all summer.
anon keto help says
If you don’t have an ice cream maker add heavy cream to this in the blender after the original blend step. If you just freeze the recipe as instructed without an ice cream maker it will be hard as a rock. With heavy cream it will be significantly softer and similar to ice cream consistency and still be keto friendly. Even without freezing it and simply refrigerating it it would make a fantastic pie filling on a coconut/almond flour pie crust.
I even tried this recipe adding 4 cups of coffee to the blender with the original recipe instead of ice cream and it was fantastic.
Aimee Shugarman says
Whoa. This tasted amazing and my kids had no idea about the avocado!
Sommer says
Love how the avocados add the creaminess that we crave in ice cream!
Jessica Burgess says
Woah woah woah… I get to have ice cream on keto!!! Woooo hoo! This just made my day! Amazing!
Tara says
Wow — totally divine, and my family didn’t know the difference!
Kimberly says
Whoa, that looks absolutely incredible, can’t wait to try it!