Treat yourself to a delicious dose of good gut health and more with this ice cream recipe! This sweet and creamy dessert is loaded with live and active probiotic cultures and supports a healthy, balanced microbiome, the powerhouse system in charge of our immune system, gut health, brain health, and more.
Lifeway Kefir makes it possible to support your microbiome with this recipe, even in the form of a creamy, naturally sweet dessert. Try one spoonful of this Creamy Chocolate and Caramel Nice Cream and you’ll agree. To keep this dish slightly decadent, but still nutritious, we added protein-rich natural peanut butter, which is a good source of fiber and vitamin E, and dark chocolate, which is not only delicious but also a great source of iron, magnesium, and antioxidants.
Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Actually Need to Know
With increasing research linking the correlation between probiotics, gut health, and immunity, it’s no secret that the integrity of our gut is vital to our health. Although additional factors such as stress, antibiotic usage, and individual health conditions can contribute to the condition of our gut, a focus on healthy food choices is one of the easiest ways to support the microbiome.
Several studies have shown a strong association between the gut-brain-microbiota. Probiotics introduced to the gut have been found to support immunity, improve allergies, and improve digestion.
Studies have shown that reduced diversity of healthy gut bacteria during early years is associated with an increase in food allergies during school-age years. In addition, kefir made from whole milk helps absorb key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is important because it helps your bones absorb calcium. It’s important to know that kefir contains a special trio: vitamin D, K, and calcium – all three crucial elements to support bone health.
Prep Time: 30 mins Servings: 4Ingredients
- Ice Cream Ingredients:
- 4 cups frozen bananas (prep these ahead)
- 1/4 cup natural peanut butter
- 1/2 cup Vanilla Whole Milk Kefir
- 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup crushed peanuts
- Caramel Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tbsp. cashew butter
- 1/8 tsp. sea salt
- 1 tbsp. extra virgin coconut oil
- Chocolate Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/4 dark chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp. extra virgin coconut oil
Directions
- Whisk together all ingredients for caramel sauce over medium heat for 2 minutes (do not boil) just until incorporated. Set aside.
- Over medium-high heat, boil water in a small pan. Over the top of your small pan, add a bigger pan, or heat-safe bowl, and add chocolate chips and coconut oil. Melt down and set aside.
- In a blender, blend the frozen bananas, peanut butter, Lifeway Vanilla Kefir ( you can add more if needed, but add in slowly for a thicker consistency) until thick and creamy. Add in chocolate chips and peanuts, and slightly blend until mixed together.
- In an ice cream pan or freezer-safe container, add a little of the blender mixture, then layer in caramel sauce and chocolate sauce. Continue until you've used everything up. Mix to blend together.
- Freeze for 2 or more hours, scoop, and enjoy! Drizzle with extra chocolate sauce if you have any leftovers, or make more to use as a garnish.
