Low-Calorie Horchata Ice Cream

As the warm sun filters through my kitchen window, I sometimes find myself reminiscing about the simple pleasure of enjoying a bowl of horchata, a creamy, fragrant drink that reminds me of summer days spent with family and friends. The nostalgia is palpable, evoking memories of sharing stories and laughter over bowls of homemade treats. For those moments when I crave that deliciousness but want to keep things light, I’ve created a Low-Calorie Horchata Ice Cream recipe that you can whip up effortlessly. Whether you’re a first-timer in the kitchen or a culinary pro, I promise this post will guide you through each step, making it feel easy and stress-free.

When I decided to create a low-calorie version of such a beloved treat, I knew I needed to preserve the comforting flavor while ensuring it fit into my healthier lifestyle. What makes this recipe special is that it doesn’t skimp on the taste; it offers that warm, cinnamon-kissed flavor we adore without the guilt. Plus, for beginner cooks, this recipe is a dream come true—it doesn’t require any fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Just a handful of health-conscious staples, and you’re on your way to a delightful dessert that feels truly indulgent.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Low-Calorie Horchata Ice Cream

Creating your own Low-Calorie Horchata Ice Cream is straightforward, and the ingredients reflect that simplicity. Below is a detailed breakdown of what you’ll need, separated into essentials, optional add-ons, and some substitutions if you find yourself in a pinch!

Essentials

1. 6 ounces of unsweetened almond milk: This serves as the base of our ice cream. Almond milk is low in calories and adds a subtle nutty flavor.

2. 4 ounces of light cream: The light cream gives the ice cream its creamy texture without the calorie overload of heavy cream.

3. 3 tablespoons of low-fat cottage cheese (1% fat and 50% less sodium): This protein-packed ingredient adds creaminess while keeping the calorie count low.

4. 1/4 cup granulated Allulose sweetener: Allulose is a great low-calorie sugar substitute that provides sweetness without the calories.

5. 1/2 teaspoon of Lorann’s horchata flavoring oil: This key ingredient captures the essence of horchata, giving the ice cream that comforting flavor.

6. 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the horchata flavor profile.

7. 1/8 teaspoon of guar gum: This helps to stabilize the ice cream, creating a smoother texture that’s hard to resist.

Optional Add-Ons

• 2 tablespoons of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal: This adds a delightful crunch and extra flavor when mixed in at the end.

• 1 to 2 tablespoons of light cream (optional): If your mixture seems too dry, a splash of light cream can help achieve the perfect consistency.

Substitutions and Shortcuts

If you need to make a few adjustments or can’t find a specific ingredient, here are some easy swaps:

• Milk Alternatives: If you don’t have almond milk, any nut milk or oat milk will work just as well. Just ensure it’s unsweetened.

• Sweeteners: You may use erythritol or monk fruit sweetener as alternatives to Allulose. Just remember that some sweeteners are sweeter than others, so adjust accordingly.

• Flavoring Oils: If horchata flavoring oil is unavailable, vanilla extract can be used, though the flavor will be different.

How to Make Low-Calorie Horchata Ice Cream Step-by-Step

Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to making your Low-Calorie Horchata Ice Cream:

1. Combine Your Ingredients: In a small blender, pour in the unsweetened almond milk, light cream, low-fat cottage cheese, Allulose sweetener, horchata flavoring oil, ground cinnamon, and guar gum. Blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This step is crucial—the blending ensures that the cottage cheese integrates fully, yielding a creamy texture.

2. Prepare to Freeze: Once you have a smooth blend, transfer the mixture into your Ninja Creami container. It’s important to leave a little space at the top to allow for expansion during freezing.

3. Freeze: Place the container flat in the freezer for 24 hours, maintaining a temperature ideally between 9°F to -7°F. This can be a test of patience, but trust me, it’ll be worth the wait!

4. Check and Flatten: After a full day, take out the container. If there’s a dome or bump in your ice cream, gently scrape off the top with a spatula to make it flat. This step ensures even processing in the Ninja Creami.

5. Process in the Ninja Creami: Next, put the container in the outer bowl of the Ninja Creami. Select the “Lite Ice Cream” setting and start the machine. If the outcome is slightly crumbly or dry, that’s where the optional cream comes into play. Simply add 1 to 2 tablespoons of light cream, blend again, and then process once more.

6. Mix-Ins Time: To add a delightful crunch, create a small well in the middle of the ice cream. Pour in the Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal and set the process to “Mix-Ins” in the Ninja Creami. This will ensure the cereal is evenly distributed.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Once fully processed, scoop out your Horchata Ice Cream into bowls, and enjoy the deliciously creamy, low-calorie treat!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not Blending Thoroughly

One of the most common mistakes when making a creamy dessert is not blending the mixture adequately. Make sure to blend until everything is perfectly combined for the best texture.

Overcrowding the Freezer

If you have multiple items in your freezer, make sure there is enough airflow around your Ninja Creami container. An overcrowded freezer can lead to uneven freezing.

Skipping the Resting Time

Trust me, patience is key when it comes to freezing! Skipping the 24-hour rest might result in an ice cream that doesn’t have the right consistency. Allowing it to freeze fully is essential for achieving that perfect scoopability.

Serving Suggestions for Low-Calorie Horchata Ice Cream

This Delicately flavored Low-Calorie Horchata Ice Cream is incredibly versatile. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your experience:

Garnish with Fresh Fruits

Adding a few slices of fresh banana or berries on top can elevate the ice cream experience. The natural sweetness from the fruits complements the creamy texture beautifully.

Homemade Chocolate Drizzle

For a richer treat, consider whipping up a quick chocolate drizzle using melted dark chocolate or a low-calorie chocolate syrup. This adds an extra layer of indulgence without breaking the calorie bank.

Serve with a Touch of Whipped Cream

Light homemade whipped cream can add a touch of elegance to this simple dessert. Just whip some light cream until fluffy and top your Horchata Ice Cream with a dollop.

Nutritional Values of Low-Calorie Horchata Ice Cream

When it comes to enjoying ice cream guilt-free, knowing the nutritional information can be reassuring. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect per serving of about 1/2 cup of this tasty treat:

Calories and Macros

This Low-Calorie Horchata Ice Cream comes in at approximately 100 calories per serving. It offers a notable balance of protein, healthy fats, and low carbohydrates, making it a satisfying treat.

Nutrients

The almond milk and cottage cheese together provide an excellent source of calcium while also being relatively low in sugars, as Allulose is used as a sweetener. The inclusion of cinnamon presents additional health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.

Health Benefits

The ingredients in this recipe are packed with antioxidants and provide healthy fats, making your horchata ice cream not only delicious but also nutritious. The high protein content from cottage cheese will keep you feeling full longer, while the low-calorie count allows you to indulge without the guilt.

Low-Calorie Horchata Ice Cream

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• Author: Rebecca
• Total Time: 1455 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low-Calorie, Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing, low-calorie ice cream inspired by the traditional Mexican horchata drink, perfect for summer days.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 ounces of unsweetened almond milk
• 4 ounces of light cream
• 3 tablespoons of low-fat cottage cheese (1% fat and 50% less sodium)
• 1/4 cup granulated Allulose sweetener
• 1/2 teaspoon of Lorann’s horchata flavoring oil
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon of guar gum
• 2 tablespoons of Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal (optional)
• 1 to 2 tablespoons of light cream (optional)

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Instructions

1. Combine your ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Transfer the mixture into a Ninja Creami container, leaving space for expansion.
3. Freeze the container flat for 24 hours.
4. After freezing, flatten out any domes in the ice cream with a spatula.
5. Process in the Ninja Creami using the ‘Lite Ice Cream’ setting.
6. If desired, add optional cream and process again if too crumbly.
7. Add Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal as mix-ins and process again.
8. Scoop and serve your Horchata Ice Cream.

Notes

Blend thoroughly for best texture and be patient during the freezing process.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1440 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Freezing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/2 cup
• Calories: 100
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 50mg
• Fat: 4g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: horchata, ice cream, low-calorie, dessert, summer treat

Conclusion

Making Low-Calorie Horchata Ice Cream is easier than it looks; with just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, you can whip up a treat that’s cozy, classic, and perfect for beginner cooks. Customize it with your favorite mix-ins and toppings for an even more personalized experience. So, gather your ingredients and take the plunge into ice cream making; I promise you’ll love the result.

Have you already made this delicious treat? I’d love to hear about how it turned out or any personal twists you added to your Low-Calorie Horchata Ice Cream!

FAQs About Low-Calorie Horchata Ice Cream