This creamy and naturally sweetened Ice Cream combines the rich, caramel-like flavor of dates, a citrusy burst of orange with a smooth ice cream base, offering a delightful dessert without added sugars.
Imagine indulging in a creamy, luscious ice cream that satisfies your sweet tooth and nourishes your body simultaneously. Dates are the only source of sweetness in this recipe. The dates not only add sweetness, but thicken the ice cream base as well and gives it a lovely creamy texture. This delightful treat harnesses the natural caramel-like flavor of dates to create a rich, smooth texture that rivals traditional ice cream providing the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition. They are little morsels of natural sugar and a great alternative to refined sugars.
Dates are a super fruit! They are a great source of nutrients and vitamins such as potassium, magnesium, vitamins B6 and K, calcium and iron, which contribute to various health benefits. They also provide a natural energy boost and are low on the glycemic index so your blood sugar won’t spike when eating them.
The other superstar in this ice cream recipe is tahini. Every time I post a recipe that includes tahini I still get asked the question ‘what is tahini’? It surprises me because it seems to me that tahini is now everywhere.
Tahini is pure sesame seed paste, which adds a slightly bitter, nutty flavor. So many people on social media use it in both sweet and savoury recipes. It’s become somewhat of a trendy ingredient. That part doesn’t surprise me at all – I have been singing its praises for years. I add it to so many of my recipes – it’s by far one of my all-time favourite foodie ingredients to use, especially in desserts.
It’s a wonderful thing that healthy fats have become popular with the keto movement. No longer is eating a mouthful of fatty goodness frowned upon. After decades of playing the villain, humans once again embraced healthy, real food fats.
Tahini also thickens the ice cream base to an extent, but not as much as the dates do. The savory nuttiness that it adds perfectly complements the flavor of dates. You will love the toasty tahini flavor and with just a small handful of ingredients, this ice cream recipe is an easy treat or snack to keep stashed away for …well, any reason!
IT IS really easy to make your own healthy ice cream. The big thing is when you buy commercial ice cream you are likely being exposed to truckloads of sugar for starters. Then you have the artificial this and the artificial that! Making your own means you can ditch all that unhealthy stuff and know exactly what goes into your special treat.
Anyone else trying to limit their intake of refined sugar but still struggling with a demanding sweet tooth? There are all kinds of theories about WHY we crave sweet food but I’m more interested in figuring out HOW to satisfy my sweet tooth without putting refined sugar in my body.
This Tahini Date Orange Protein Ice Cream recipe starts with rich and creamy coconut milk or cream, a hit or protein powder, a dollop of tahini, lots of orange flavour… all sweetened with dates. An ice cream made with wholefoods – perfect for a guilt-free treat! Better than anything you can ever buy in a store too!
Just a handful of simple pantry ingredients is all you need for this dairy free, egg free, gluten free ice cream recipe! I like to use simple canned coconut milk. And don’t skimp on the fat – get the full fat version of whatever can of coconut milk or cream you can find. The kind of fat in coconut milk is so good for your brain and ever changing hormones!
As well as being really easy to make, this ice cream recipe is healthier than your average treat as it is made with wholesome REAL food ingredients. With the added protein powder it makes it more balanced. Old fashioned baked recipes always had tons of sugar, carbs and fats. The new modern way is to cut out or reduce the sugar and add protein making the recipe more balanced and healthy.
A well-balanced diet with proper ratios of macro nutrients (protein, healthy carbs and fats) provides all of the: energy you need to keep active throughout the day. nutrients you need for growth and repair, helping you to stay strong and healthy and help to prevent diet-related illness.
When you find your optimal balance and amounts of macro nutrients, you take a major step toward reaching your health goals and this balance has been improved in this recipe by the addition of healthy protein.
Your body can only absorb around 25-30 grams of protein at one time and you likely need 80-100 plus grams a day so its important to spread it over all meals and snacks throughout the day so you can meet your required amount.
Now…let’s get to it and make some {date sweetened} yummy ice cream!
Tahini Date Orange Protein Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 1 13.5 oz can full-fat coconut milk or cream
- 1 cup dates, soaked 30 minutes and drained
- 1/4 cup tahini (sesame seed paste) or any other nut or seed butter
- 1/4 cup protein or collagen peptides powder
- 2 large naval oranges, juice and zest
Add Ins Or Optional Toppings
- Fresh, dried or freeze-dried fruit
- Chopped nuts
- Seeds like hemp, sesame or sunflower
- Shredded coconut
- Chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a food processor, combine the coconut milk or cream, protein powder, tahini, orange juice and zest and blend until smooth.Add the dates last and pulse a few times to keep them in chunks rather than blending smooth. These little pops of caramel sweetness add a wonderful touch.Pour the mixture into a container and freeze, stirring every 30 minutes for 3-4 hours to break up ice crystals.Freeze until solid, then let sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping.
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, protein-rich, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites
