This Keto Jamoca Almond Fudge Ice Cream is a luxurious, creamy treat that delivers all the indulgence of a classic dessert while keeping carbs low.
Sweetened naturally with Swerve and BochaSweet, it’s perfect for those following keto or low-sugar lifestyles without compromising on flavor.
The recipe features wholesome ingredients like heavy cream, almond milk, and toasted almonds, providing a rich source of good fats and plant-based protein, while also offering fiber to support digestion.
The espresso-infused custard base adds a sophisticated coffee flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolate fudge swirl, making each bite deeply satisfying.
With a simple churn and easy chocolate swirl, this dessert is surprisingly approachable, making it an ideal option for everyday cooking, quick weekend treats, or make-ahead freezer desserts that impress without stress.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Medium Saucepan
Perfect for heating the custard base evenly without scorching, ensuring a smooth, creamy texture. A versatile tool for sauces, soups, and custards.
Instant-Read Thermometer
Guarantees precise temperature control for the custard, preventing curdling. Essential for baking, candy-making, and other temperature-sensitive dishes.
Ice Cream Maker
The key to achieving scoopable, creamy ice cream with perfect consistency. Ideal for homemade frozen treats of any flavor.
Mixing Bowls (Set of 2–3)
For whisking egg yolks, tempering, and chilling custards. Multi-purpose for meal prep, salads, and baking tasks.
Spatula
Perfect for folding in fudge swirls and almonds without deflating the ice cream. A kitchen essential for scraping bowls, mixing, and spreading.
Easy Jamoca Almond Fudge – Keto Ice Cream
Equipment
- 1 Medium Saucepan
- 1 Instant-read thermometer
- 1 Ice Cream Maker2–3 Mixing Bowls
- 1 Spatula
Ingredients
Custard Base
- 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 3/4 cup almond milk
- 1/3 cup Swerve Sweetener
- 1/3 cup BochaSweet or allulose
- 2 tsp espresso powder or 1–2 tbsp instant coffee
- 3 large egg yolks
- 1/4 tsp xanthan gum
- 1 1/2 tbsp vodka optional
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Fudge Swirl
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 tbsp confectioner’s Swerve Sweetener
- 1 1/2 ounces unsweetened chocolate finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup toasted almonds chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Custard Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the heavy cream, almond milk, Swerve, BochaSweet, and espresso powder over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sweeteners and coffee are fully dissolved and the mixture begins to steam, reaching about 165°F on an instant-read thermometer. This step ensures a smooth, flavorful custard foundation while preventing scorching.
- Temper the Egg Yolks: In a separate medium mixing bowl, whisk the egg yolks until silky and smooth. Slowly pour in about 1 cup of the hot cream mixture while whisking constantly to gently raise the yolks’ temperature. This careful process prevents the eggs from curdling and maintains the creamy texture essential for perfect ice cream.
- Combine Custard and Eggs: Pour the tempered egg yolks back into the remaining hot cream mixture in the saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking continuously, until the custard thickens slightly and reaches 170–175°F, forming a rich, velvety base.
- Add Xanthan Gum and Cool: Sprinkle the xanthan gum evenly over the surface of the custard and whisk vigorously to fully integrate. Transfer the custard to a bowl set over an ice bath, letting it cool for 10 minutes, then tightly cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours until completely chilled.
- Flavor and Churn: Once chilled, whisk in the vodka (if using) and vanilla extract for added flavor and scoopability. Pour the custard into the ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions until it reaches a creamy, soft-serve consistency.
- Prepare the Fudge Swirl: In a small saucepan, combine the heavy cream and confectioner’s Swerve over medium heat, whisking until fully combined and simmering. Remove from heat, stir in the chopped chocolate, let it sit for 5 minutes, then whisk until smooth, adding vanilla extract at the end. Allow the mixture to cool for at least 10 minutes.
- Assemble Ice Cream with Fudge and Almonds: Transfer half of the churned ice cream into an airtight container, swirling in half of the chocolate fudge sauce and half of the chopped toasted almonds. Repeat with the remaining ice cream, sauce, and almonds to create a layered, decadent dessert.
- Freeze Until Firm: Cover the ice cream container tightly and place it in the freezer for at least 2 hours or until fully set. This ensures a firm, scoopable texture while allowing the flavors to meld beautifully for a rich, indulgent treat.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, strain the custard through a fine-mesh sieve before chilling to remove any small bits of cooked egg.
- Vodka is optional but helps prevent the ice cream from freezing too hard, keeping it scoopable straight from the freezer.
- Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy ice cream.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the custard into a shallow container and stir vigorously every 30 minutes while freezing to achieve a similar texture.
- Adjust the espresso and chocolate levels to suit your taste for stronger coffee flavor or richer fudge.
Chef’s Secrets For Perfect Ice-Cream
The key to creating ultra-creamy, scoopable ice cream is controlling temperature and texture.
Start by carefully tempering the egg yolks to avoid curdling, which ensures a silky custard.
Xanthan gum acts as a stabilizer, giving the ice cream a smooth mouthfeel without relying on high sugar content.
Always chill the custard completely before churning—it improves the ice cream’s consistency and allows flavors to meld.
When adding the fudge swirl and almonds, fold gently to preserve the creamy texture while evenly distributing the mix-ins.
Finally, a short freeze after assembly ensures the perfect scoopable consistency without crystallization.
Serving Suggestions For Dessert Delight
Serve this ice cream in elegant bowls for a classic dessert or pair it with keto-friendly brownies or chocolate cookies for extra indulgence.
A sprinkle of crushed almonds or a drizzle of sugar-free chocolate syrup adds visual appeal and texture.
For a sophisticated twist, top with a dusting of cocoa powder or a few coffee beans for a true café-style presentation.
It also pairs wonderfully with a small scoop alongside fresh berries or a keto-friendly caramel sauce for a delightful flavor contrast.
Storage Tips To Keep Fresh
Store the ice cream in an airtight container in the back of the freezer, where the temperature is most consistent. Always press a piece of parchment or plastic wrap directly on the ice cream surface to prevent ice crystals from forming.
Properly stored, it will maintain its creamy texture for up to 2–3 weeks.
When ready to serve, allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes to soften slightly, making scooping easier while preserving its rich flavor.
Avoid frequent thawing and refreezing to keep it smooth and indulgent.
Frequently Asked Questions Answered
1. Can I use regular sugar instead of sweeteners?
Yes, but using sugar will increase carbs and may slightly alter the texture, making the ice cream less scoopable straight from the freezer. Adjust sweetness to taste.
2. Do I have to use vodka in the recipe?
No, vodka is optional. It helps keep the ice cream softer in the freezer, but the ice cream will still be creamy without it.
3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut cream and use almond milk as directed. The flavor will differ slightly, but it remains a rich, creamy treat.
4. How long does it take to churn without an ice cream maker?
Without a machine, pour the custard into a shallow container and freeze, stirring every 30–45 minutes for 3–4 hours until fully set. This helps mimic the churned texture.
5. Can I prepare this ahead for a party?
Absolutely! This ice cream can be made a day or two in advance. Assemble the swirl and almonds, freeze completely, and serve fresh, ensuring maximum flavor and texture.
This recipe is inspired by alldayidreamaboutfood and has been carefully refined to enhance clarity, streamline preparation steps, and ensure accurate results. We’ve also included health benefits, nutritional highlights, and Must-Have Tools to help you get the best results every time you cook.
