Healthier Vanilla Ice Cream
Indulge guilt-free with this *Healthier Vanilla Ice Cream* recipe—a creamy and refreshing treat that’s packed with flavor and made with smarter ingredient choices! This better-for-you spin on the classic dessert uses low-fat milk and protein-rich plain Greek yogurt as a creamy base, while honey or maple syrup adds natural sweetness without refined sugar. A touch of pure vanilla extract provides that timeless flavor, and a simple cornstarch slurry ensures a velvety-smooth texture. Ready in just minutes of prep time, this wholesome ice cream comes together effortlessly with the help of your ice cream maker. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth, this recipe is lower in fat, lighter on calories, and ideal for summer gatherings or a cozy night in. Make a batch and savor the flavors of indulgence—without the guilt!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups Low-fat milk
- 1 cup Plain Greek yogurt (nonfat or low-fat)
- 2 teaspoons Pure vanilla extract
- 0.333 cup Honey or maple syrup (natural sweetener)
- 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons Cold water
Instructions
In a medium saucepan, heat the low-fat milk over medium heat until it starts to steam but do not let it boil.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with the cold water until fully dissolved to form a slurry.
Slowly whisk the slurry into the heated milk, stirring constantly, and continue to cook for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
Stir in the Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and honey (or maple syrup) into the milk mixture until smooth and well combined.
Let the mixture cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until fully chilled.
Once chilled, pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This should take about 20-25 minutes depending on your machine.
Transfer the churned ice cream to an airtight container, smooth the surface with a spatula, and freeze for at least 2 hours to firm up.
Serve and enjoy! Store any leftovers in the freezer for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
728 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 10.9 g | 14% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.5 g | 32% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 46 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 344 mg | 15% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 112.7 g | 41% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 93.6 g | ||
| Protein | 43.6 g | 87% | |
| Vitamin D | 5.0 mcg | 25% | |
| Calcium | 845 mg | 65% | |
| Iron | 0.6 mg | 3% | |
| Potassium | 430 mg | 9% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
