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Paleo Ice Cream Recipes for Summer
Summer is coming…*cue the happy tears…*
I don’t know where you’re at in the world as you read this post, but let me tell you – this winter was a brutal one. Here in Portland, the gray days stretched on for months. I think I even forgot what it was like to feel the sun’s rays on my skin.
There were more than a few days that I questioned if I was losing my sanity. (I feel like if you live or have lived in the Pacific Northwest at some point, you can probably relate.)
But we’re finally coming out of the gray season. The sun has made its return and with it comes all of my favorite things about warmer weather…cold brew coffee, sandals, sundresses, and day trips to the coast – just to name a few.
Not to mention that the vitamin D brings up everyone’s mood about 1000%. It’s really such a great time of the year.
With the warmer weather also comes the cravings for cooler foods. I start craving salads, crunchy veggies, alllll the berries – and ice cream.
Summer Nostalgia
When I was a kid, one of my favorite things to do with my family was to go to the little restaurant that was down the road and get an ice cream cone after dinner. We’d sit outside and eat them as the sun set.
Not only was the ice cream delicious, but this was precious time that I got to spend with my parents and my sister. I think back on those days and still get all warm and fuzzy. 🤗
Needless to say, that ice cream I was eating back then was the real stuff – full of dairy and sugar and ingredients that don’t have such a prominent place in my diet nowadays.
But that most definitely doesn’t mean I don’t want to indulge in some ice cream every now and then. And while I can’t tell you that sometimes I don’t still opt for the real stuff (my favorite ice cream places in Portland? Hit up Cloud City, Ruby Jewel’s or Fifty Licks), most of the time I would rather stay away from the foods that don’t make me feel my best.
So – all of this to say – if you’re looking for some scrumptious Paleo-friendly ice cream recipes to whip up as the temperatures get hotter, we’ve got you covered. Here are 5 of our favorite Paleo ice cream recipes.
Strawberry Grapefruit Ice Cream
This strawberry grapefruit version is sweet and tart, and full of healthy ingredients. Just because you want to eat healthy doesn’t mean you can’t have a treat now and then. Strawberry and grapefruit may not be the first flavor combination you think of, but give this refreshing combo a chance.
With banana and coconut milk, this dairy free alternative is as creamy as can be. Not to mention, you get many more health benefits with this version. Coconut is chock full of healthy fats. Bananas, strawberries, and grapefruit are all loaded down with vitamins and minerals that help our body feel its best.
Combined with a few tablespoons of raw honey, this frozen dessert is perfectly sweet with the added health properties of raw honey.
Go ahead – treat yourself!
Coconut Ice Cream Parfait
This coconut ice cream parfait recipe takes a bit of time, but I promise it’s worth it.
Coconut cream is rich and decadent, with the benefit of being dairy free. Because of this, it makes amazing ice cream, which when paired with fruit, is a healthy and delicious dessert you don’t have to feel guilty about.
Let’s talk about the amazing benefits of coconut for a minute. This recipe features both coconut milk and coconut oil for a double dose of coconut goodness.
Coconut is rich in medium chain triglycerides. This is a type of fat that is readily absorbed and used as energy by the body. In fact, 60% of the fatty acids contained in coconut cream are medium chain.
Coconut also contains lauric acid. This is a type of fatty acid that has antimicrobial properties. This makes it great at fighting viruses and bacteria that commonly make us sick.
Some people may argue that coconut should be avoided because of its saturated fat content. Research shows that saturated fat isn’t as evil as once thought. In fact, saturated fat helps promote satiety and keeps our body’s hormones healthy and functioning regularly.
Moral of the story – coconut is a great addition to a well-balanced Paleo diet. And this recipe is a great way to do it! Mixed with the antioxidant potential of the berries, and healthy fats from the seeds, this parfait packs a powerful nutritional punch.
Mint Chip Freezer Bars
This easy no-bake recipe is so pretty and delicious that it’ll make it look like you spent hours slaving away in the kitchen! It’s great to store in the freezer for a quick and refreshing treat when you’re craving a little something sweet.
Strawberry Orange Sorbet
This guilt-free sorbet is one that you’re going to want to make again and again. With only fruit and honey, there’s no reason to limit yourself.
And what’s better, there’s no ice cream maker or waiting time involved! Just throw everything in a blender and whip it until smooth. Perfect for a hot day, an after dinner treat, or a snack when you’re battling that sweet tooth, this sorbet will satisfy your cravings without throwing you into a sugar coma.
Because this dessert is made from all real ingredients, you’re getting a ton of vitamins and minerals as well. Strawberries and oranges are both loaded down with vitamin C, folate, and potassium. Bananas are particularly rich in the vitamin B6 which is vital for many metabolic processes in your body.
Raw honey has long been considered a healing food in traditional cultures. High quality honey can usually be found locally (at farmer’s markets or even from beekeepers themselves) or at health-focused grocery stores. Honey in its raw, unprocessed form has antimicrobial, antibiotic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Not to mention, it tastes delicious – especially when paired with fruit!
Ditch the store-bought sorbet and make this one instead. It tastes good and it’s good for you. That’s a win-win.
Perfect Paleo Yogurt
Ok, so this one isn’t exactly ice cream – per se. But you can definitely stick it in the freezer and let it harden. And have yourself some frozen yogurt! This simple recipe will have you stocking up on yogurt and storing it in the fridge to eat on the go during your morning commute! This versatile recipe could be used for parfaits and other paleo deserts by adding a touch more honey or fresh fruit as desired!
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