Simple & Delicious Animal Based Ice Cream Recipe

Crafting your own ice cream at home offers a level of control over ingredients that store-bought options can’t match. For those following an animal-based lifestyle or simply seeking a nutrient-dense, naturally sweetened dessert, this Animal Based Ice Cream Recipe provides a simple yet decadent solution using just a few whole ingredients. Unlike many recipes that rely on refined sugars or artificial additives, this approach highlights the richness of raw milk and the natural sweetness of dates, resulting in a treat that is both satisfying and nourishing. It’s a straightforward process that yields a creamy, flavorful result perfect for any occasion.

What You Need to Make Animal Based Ice Cream

This recipe focuses on minimal, high-quality ingredients to achieve a pure, rich flavor. The key components are dairy and a natural sweetener, with vanilla and salt enhancing the profile.

Ingredients:

• Raw milk (preferably with the cream separated – see tips)
• Pitted dates (Medjool recommended)
• Vanilla bean (or extra vanilla extract)
• Vanilla extract (optional, but adds depth)
• Sea salt

Equipment:

• Ice cream maker
• Storage container for ice cream
• Blender
• Bowl for soaking dates

Ingredient Substitutions

While this recipe is optimized for dates, they can be substituted with other natural sweeteners like honey, date syrup, or maple syrup if preferred or if dates are not tolerated. Note that using honey will result in a slightly different flavor profile compared to the maple-syrup-like taste dates provide.

If you don’t have a vanilla bean, you can double the amount of vanilla extract used.

For a strict Carnivore, Sugar-Free, Keto, or Zero Carb version, simply omit the dates and vanilla. The texture should remain similar, though the flavor will be that of pure, frozen milk.

How to Make This Animal Based Ice Cream Recipe

Making this simple Animal Based Ice Cream Recipe involves a couple of prep steps followed by blending and churning. Proper preparation ensures the best texture and flavor.

Prep Work: 24 Hours Prior

To prepare the raw milk, leave a fresh, unopened container undisturbed in your refrigerator for 24 hours. This allows the cream to separate and rise to the top. The goal is to maximize the amount of cream when you pour out the 4 cups needed for the recipe. Don’t worry, some cream will remain in the carton, preserving the quality of the remaining milk.

It is also crucial to freeze your ice cream maker bowl at least 24 hours in advance according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A properly frozen bowl is essential for successful churning. Once you master this simple animal based ice cream recipe, you might be inspired to explore other delightful frozen treats, perhaps even something like frosted animal cookie ice cream.

Prep Work: 2 Hours Prior

Soak the pitted dates in a bowl of water for 1-2 hours. This softens them and makes them easier to blend into a smooth mixture. If using honey, date syrup, or maple syrup as a sweetener, skip this soaking step.

Soaking pitted dates in a bowl for ice cream sweetener

Make the Ice Cream Batter

Drain the soaked dates and place them in your blender along with the sea salt. Gently pour the prepared raw milk (the top layer rich in cream) into the blender. Remember not to shake the milk container before pouring to maintain the cream separation.

Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean directly into the blender. Add the vanilla extract if using. If you do not have a vanilla bean, use 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract in total.

Blend the mixture until it is mostly smooth. A few small date chunks are fine if you enjoy them; they will remain as chunks in the finished ice cream.

Blender filled with soaked dates and milk, ready to make ice cream batter

Make the Ice Cream

Remove the frozen bowl from your ice cream maker. Set up the machine and turn it on to begin churning before adding the batter.

Pour the ice cream batter into the churning machine. It should fill the bowl close to the brim. You may find it easiest to pour about 95% of the batter in initially, let it churn and thicken slightly, then add the rest. Some minor overflow is normal.

Let the ice cream maker run for approximately 20 minutes, or longer if you prefer a thicker consistency. The churning process incorporates air and freezes the mixture, creating that classic ice cream texture.

Enjoy Your Ice Cream!

Right after churning, the ice cream will have a soft-serve texture, which many people find delicious. For a firmer, more scoopable consistency similar to standard ice cream, transfer the mixture to a storage container and freeze for 1-2 hours. If frozen for longer, you may need to let it thaw slightly at room temperature before scooping.

Store the finished ice cream in the freezer like any regular ice cream. For an incredible serving hack, sprinkle a generous amount of sea salt over the top of your scooped ice cream. This trick enhances the sweetness and brings out a wonderful warm caramel-like flavor that elevates the entire experience.

Scooped animal based ice cream in a bowl topped with sea salt

Tips to Make the Best Animal Based Ice Cream

Achieving the perfect creamy texture and rich flavor with this animal based ice cream recipe is easy with a few key tips:

• Prepare the Milk: Allowing the raw milk to sit undisturbed in the fridge for 24 hours is essential for separating the cream. Pouring carefully from the top maximizes the cream content, resulting in a richer ice cream. See the image below demonstrating the cream layer.
• Freeze the Bowl Properly: Ensure your ice cream maker bowl is frozen solid for at least 24 hours before churning. An inadequately frozen bowl will prevent the ice cream from thickening correctly.
• Filling the Machine: Pouring the batter into the churning machine almost to the top helps achieve the desired consistency. Don’t be concerned about a little overflow.
• Texture Preference: Eat it fresh from the churner for soft-serve or freeze for 1-2 hours for a firmer scoop. Adjust freezing time based on your preferred texture.
• Serving Suggestion: Don’t skip the sea salt serving hack! It truly transforms the flavor.
  Detailed view of the thick cream layer on top of raw milk after settling

Conclusion

This animal based ice cream recipe offers a simple, whole-food approach to enjoying a classic dessert. By utilizing the natural goodness of raw milk and the sweetness of dates, you can create a nutrient-dense treat that is both delicious and aligns with an animal-based or similar dietary preference. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, homemade ice cream is easily within reach, providing a satisfying alternative to store-bought options. Give this recipe a try and discover the simple pleasure of wholesome, homemade ice cream.