Get ready to revolutionize your dessert game with a mouthwatering treat that's not just delicious, but also secretly healthy! This Strawberry Kefir Ice Cream is the ultimate summer indulgence that combines the tangy richness of kefir with the sweet, vibrant essence of fresh strawberries. Imagine a dessert so creamy and luxurious that it feels like a guilty pleasure, but is actually packed with probiotics and natural goodness. Whether you're a health enthusiast or just someone who loves incredible flavors, this recipe is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups kefir
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, pureed
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Wash and hull the fresh strawberries, removing the green tops and stems.
- Place the strawberries in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth, creating a vibrant red strawberry puree.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the kefir, strawberry puree, sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk thoroughly until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is well incorporated.
- Pour the mixture into an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturer's instructions, typically 20-25 minutes, until the ice cream reaches a soft-serve consistency.
- If you do not have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes to break up ice crystals, for about 2-3 hours.
- Transfer the churned or frozen ice cream to an airtight container and freeze for an additional 2 hours to firm up.
- Before serving, let the ice cream sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to soften slightly for easier scooping.
- Serve in chilled bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh strawberry slices or a mint leaf.
Tips
- Choose the ripest, most flavorful strawberries for the most intense fruit flavor. Local, in-season berries work best!
- For an extra smooth texture, strain the strawberry puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds.
- If you don't have an ice cream maker, don't worry! The freezer method works perfectly - just remember to stir frequently to prevent large ice crystals.
- For a more intense probiotic boost, use full-fat kefir.
- Experiment with honey or maple syrup as alternative sweeteners for a more complex flavor profile.
- Chill all ingredients before mixing to help the ice cream freeze more quickly and develop a smoother texture.
- For a dairy-free version, try using coconut kefir or a plant-based alternative.
- Serve immediately for the best soft-serve consistency, or let it sit for a few minutes to achieve the perfect scoopable texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 127kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: mg
