7 Healthy Ice Cream Recipe Ideas

By Candace Braun Zafirellis
Published 7/4/2025
In This Article
7 Healthy Ice Cream Recipe Ideas
Photo Credit: Adobe Stock

When the sweltering summer heat comes steaming through your door, a frosty treat can feel as welcoming as a cool ocean breeze. Store bought tubs of ice cream and boxed frozen popsicles can taste refreshing, but the fat, calories and sodium can ruin a healthy diet. That’s why we’re sharing 7 healthy ice cream recipe ideas you can easily make at home in 20 minutes or less with just a few healthy ingredients from your fridge and pantry.

Is homemade ice cream healthier? A quick look at a store bought tub of ice cream will reassure you that homemade ice cream is better for you. Many pre-made frozen ice creams and desserts are loaded with sugar, artificial flavors, and far too many ingredients you can’t pronounce. Homemade ice cream gives you control over what goes in it. Using natural ingredients like fresh fruit, skim milk and Greek yogurt provides a delicious treat with gut healthy advantages.

It’s easier than you may think to make healthy homemade ice cream. All you need are a few simple ingredients, a couple of minutes of prep time and an open shelf in the freezer. Plus, these homemade frozen treats are not only good for your health, they can also save money on the grocery bill! 

Healthy Ice Cream and Other Homemade Frozen Treats

Check out our list of 7 refreshingly healthy homemade ice cream recipes and other frozen treats that will help keep you feeling cool all summer long.

  • Homemade Healthy Ice Cream Recipes

    You don’t need an ice cream maker to make your own healthy homemade ice cream. Start with a base of milk, yogurt, coconut milk or even cottage cheese, then blend in fruit, cocoa, flavored extracts, protein powder or nuts and your sweetener of choice, such as dates, honey or agave. The results are rich, creamy, indulgent and oh-so-healthy!

    These easy heart healthy ice cream recipes will help get you started:

    • Strawberry Ice Cream

      Heart Healthy Strawberry Ice Cream
      Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
      20 mins

      This berry-rich ice cream blends coconut milk, fresh strawberries, orange juice, dates, and a touch of honey for a heart healthy, low calorie treat. It’s creamy, lightly sweetened, and easy to blend in just 20 minutes.

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    • Chocolate Protein Ice Cream

      Heart Healthy Chocolate Protein Ice Cream
      Photo Credit: Adobe Stock
      10 mins

      This high protein, chocolate ice cream recipe uses light coconut milk, Greek yogurt, and protein powder for a satisfying dessert that’s just 60 calories per serving. It’s the perfect post-workout snack you can blend and freeze in minutes.

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    • Banana Chocolate Chip Ice Cream

      Heart Healthy Banana Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
      Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
      15 mins

      Made from frozen bananas swirled with cinnamon and dark chocolate chips, this healthy ice cream recipe has only 76 calories and no added sugar. It’s naturally sweet, creamy, vegan, and super simple to make in your food processor.

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    • Ice Cream Sandwiches

      Heart Healthy Ice Cream Sandwiches
      Photo Credit: Baldwin Publishing Staff Photographer
      45 mins

      For a light and impressive treat, make these meringue cookies with raspberry sorbet for a low fat ice cream sandwich that’s just 54 calories. This fun and colorful homemade healthy dessert of cookies and ice cream is ready to enjoy in under an hour.

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  • How to Make Homemade Healthy Popsicles

    Easy to make and extremely refreshing, all you need to make healthy homemade popsicles is fruit with no-sugar-added fruit juice or coconut water. Then freeze the mix in popsicle molds or small disposable cups for a few hours. Watermelon, mango, strawberries and pineapple are refreshing options. For a creamier texture, add Greek yogurt or a splash of coconut milk.

    • Mango Protein Ice Cream Popsicles

      Heart Healthy Mango Protein Ice Cream Popsicles
      Photo Credit: Adobe Stock
      10 mins

      These popsicles blend sun-ripened mango and protein for a creamy, fruity and satisfying snack that’s great for cooling off after a workout. They’re easy to make and perfect when you’re craving something cold and refreshing.

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  • Healthy Milkshake Recipes

    There’s nothing like the frosty goodness of a fresh, healthy milkshake. When you make it at home, you skip the excess sugar and fat found in ice cream stand versions of this cold treat. Simply start with a base of any type of milk and add your favorite mix-ins, such as Greek yogurt, fruit, peanut butter or chocolate. Toss everything in the blender, and your healthy cool drink is ready to go.

    • Vanilla Milkshake

      Heart Healthy Vanilla Milkshake
      Photo Credit: Shutterstock
      10 mins

      This simple vanilla shake mixes low-fat frozen yogurt with skim milk for a low fat, low calorie creamy drink. Ready in under 10 minutes, it tastes both smooth and refreshing.

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    • Chocolate Milkshake

      Heart Healthy Chocolate Milkshake
      Photo Credit: Shutterstock
      10 mins

      With low fat chocolate frozen yogurt, skim milk, and an indulgent dab of chocolate syrup, this classic, creamy milkshake is heart healthy with only 218 calories and 3g of fat. It’s rich, easy to blend, and the perfect summer treat.

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Homemade Healthy Summer Treats

Who knew that homemade healthy ice cream and frozen treats could be so quick and easy? Making frozen desserts at home is a healthy and refreshing way to stay cool when the temperatures climb. Whether you’re looking for low sugar, high protein or dairy free treats, you’ll find a heart healthy recipe here that works for your diet.

Here are more cold treats and snacks that will help cool you off in the summer heat:

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