Decadent, nutty and extra creamy, this peanut butter ice cream sweetened with dates tastes just like a thick peanut butter milkshake! It is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without giving you a sugar overload.
In every season there is particular type of food that is a popular dish to eat. For instance, when you think fall, what foods come to mind? Pumpkin spice? Turkey? Stuffing? Apple pie?
During the cold winter months, soup and homemade bread is on top of our list of favorite meals.
Come summer, I think fresh fruits and veggies, summer drinks and of course, ice cream!
While I am not the kind of person who “screams for ice”, as the famous novelty song by Howard Johnson says, I am, however, quite fond of making it!
Rich heavy whipping cream, paired with fresh milk, a little sweetener and our favorite ice cream flavor is just about the best summer dessert one could ask for. Especially during those dog days of summer when the heat and sunshine bear down on us.
Last summer, in the pursuit for natural sweeteners, I began experimenting with using dates to sweeten desserts. One of my family’s favorite was peanut butter ice cream sweetened with dates.
Making date sweetened ice cream is incredibly easy. Unlike the typical French style ice cream, there is no need to make a custard or temper eggs. Simply soak the dates, then blend all of the ingredients in a blender. Within just a couple of hours, you will have fresh, homemade date sweetened ice cream.
No sugar crashes. No worries about your child eating too much. No feeling guilty.
Can You Use Dates to Sweeten Ice Cream?
Yes! Not only is date sweetened ice cream healthier and aids in creating a thick ice cream consistency, it is also full of fiber, antioxidants, and many wonderful vitamins and minerals.
Tips for Making Peanut Butter Ice Cream
- Always soak your dates before adding them to ice cream. The softer the dates are, the smoother the ice cream will be.
- This peanut butter ice cream recipe is thick! Churn the ice cream slowly for the best results.
- Use a high powered blender to puree the dates so that no large chunks remain.
- Drizzle dark chocolate over the ice cream for an extra rich touch!
Tools You May Need
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Ice cream scoop
Bowl
Ingredients
Peanut butter – Use smooth peanut for this date sweetened ice cream recipe. I love to use the organic peanut butter from the Kirkland brand at Costco.
Dates – The medjool dates work well.
Whole milk – Raw whole milk with full fat is the best variety to use when making homemade ice cream.
Whipping cream
Salt
Vanilla – always use real vanilla, not imitation.
Water – Hot water poured over the dates helps to soften them to create a nice smooth ice cream consistency.
Date Sweetened Ice Cream Recipe
You and your kids are going to love this peanut butter ice cream no eggs. It is extra thick, made without any sugar and has that creamy, nutty taste we all love in the best peanut butter ice cream recipe!
Makes: About 1 quart
Ingredients
3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
1 heaping cup (150 g) dates, pitted and chopped
1 cup warm water
3/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 cups whipping cream
Pinch of salt
How to Make Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Chop the dates into small pieces and place in a bowl. Cover with warm water and allow to soak for 45 minutes to an hour.
Drain the water from the dates and add them into a blender. Place the rest of the ingredients in the blender — peanut butter, milk, cream, salt and vanilla. Puree on low for about 30 seconds. Switch to high and process until only small specks of date pieces remain. Cool mixture in the fridge until throughly chilled, about two hours.
Freeze in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Dish up soft serve style or place the tub of ice cream into your freezer for a firmer consistency.
How Long Does it Take an Ice Cream Maker to Make Ice Cream?
While every ice cream machine varies, generally it takes a homemade ice cream maker approximately 20-25 minutes to churn the ice cream into a scoop-able, soft serve ice cream.
How Long Does Homemade Ice Cream Last?
When stored in a quality ice cream storage container inside the freezer, I find this date sweetened ice cream lasts for a month or more.
More Sugar Free Dessert Recipes
Cinnamon Ice Cream Sweetened With Dates
Homemade Strawberry Applesauce
Orange Creamsicles Made With No Sugar
Fruit Juice Sweetened Blueberry Crisp Recipe
Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sweetened With Dates
Decadent, nutty and extra creamy, this peanut butter ice cream sweetened with dates tastes just like a thick peanut butter milkshake! It is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth without giving you a sugar overload.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1 heaping cup (150 g) dates, pitted and chopped
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups whipping cream
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Chop the dates into small pieces and place in a bowl. Cover with warm water and allow to soak for 45 minutes to an hour.
- Drain the water from the dates and add them into a blender. Place the rest of the ingredients in the blender — peanut butter, milk, cream, salt and vanilla. Puree on low for about 30 seconds. Switch to high and process until only small specks of date pieces remain. Cool mixture in the fridge until throughly chilled, about two hours.
- Freeze in your ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Dish up soft serve style or place the tub of ice cream into your freezer for a firmer consistency.
