Indulge in this delightful and guilt-free treat. Vegan Ice Cream Cake is a delectable dessert designed to support stable blood glucose levels and promote overall well-being.
What is Blood Sugar Balancing Non-Dairy Vegan Ice Cream Cake Made Of?
Blood Sugar Balancing Vegan Ice Cream Cake tastes incredible and is packed with nourishing ingredients.Â
The crust blends the flavor of nuts and seeds, complemented by a touch of Luo Han for added sweetness.
The ice cream base is crafted with frozen zucchini, coconut butter, nuts, raw chocolate (cacao), essential oils, and superfoods.Â
This vegan ice cream combines mint and chocolate that tastes like a decadent treat. It is dairy-free, gluten free, sugar-free and hormone balancing.
How Do You Make Blood Sugar Balancing Vegan Ice Cream Cake?
Don’t let the ingredient list intimidate you! Creating Blood Sugar Balancing Vegan Ice Cream Cake is a straightforward process and the end result is a nutritious frozen treat that tastes like the flavor of ice cream cake you might remember eating as a child.
First, put all the crust ingredients into the food processor and pulse until it forms crumbs. Then, press it into a small pan.
For the ice cream layer, blend frozen zucchini pieces with the rest of the ingredients in a high-speed blender until it is nice and creamy.Â
Spread the ice cream over the crust and freeze until ready to eat.
What Are the Ingredients in This Hormone Balancing Vegan Ice Cream Cake?
The thoughtfully chosen ingredients in this Ice Cream Cake contribute to hormonal harmony and metabolic health.Â
The crust, featuring pecans, coconut, hemp seeds, and hazelnuts, provides healthy fats, fiber, and essential minerals that support hormone synthesis and regulation.Â
The vegan ice cream layer is crafted from frozen zucchini, coconut butter, nuts, cacao, and protein powder. It offers a nutrient-dense blend of rich, dairy-free ingredients, antioxidants, anti-inflammatory compounds, and amino acids vital for hormonal balance.
Pecans are rich in monounsaturated fats, which have been associated with heart health and reduced inflammation. They are also packed with antioxidants, including vitamin E, which helps protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.Â
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that plays a role in hormonal health and balance and helps regulate estrogen levels in the body, promoting a healthy balance. It works by modulating the activity of estrogen receptors and influencing estrogen metabolism.Â
It protects cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Hormones can be sensitive to oxidative damage, and vitamin E helps safeguard hormone-producing glands, such as the ovaries and testes, from oxidative damage.Â
Vitamin E has been found to alleviate menstrual symptoms, such as cramping and breast tenderness and it even maintains the health of reproductive organs, enhances sperm quality, and supports the development of healthy eggs. By promoting fertility, vitamin E indirectly supports hormonal health.
Coconut is a source of medium-chain triglycerides which are easily digested and quickly converted into energy by the body. MCTs support metabolic health, promote satiety, and even enhance cognitive function.Â
Additionally, coconut is rich in fiber, aiding digestion and promoting a healthy gut. The coconut flavor combined with the cacao is a delight to coconut lovers.
Hemp Seeds are a complete protein source, providing all essential amino acids necessary for the body's functions.Â
Hemp seeds are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and support brain health and hormone production. When combined with coconut, as in this recipe, the omega 3 fats in hemp seeds are better converted to the longer chain EPA and DHA fats so vital to brain and immune function,
Additionally, hemp seeds contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as magnesium and zinc.
Magnesium helps to convert cholesterol into essential hormones, such as progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone. Magnesium also supports the production of insulin and insulin sensitivity on a cellular level, which is necessary for blood sugar regulation.Â
Magnesium has been shown to have a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to reduce stress and promote better sleep, both of which are important for hormonal balance.
Zinc plays a key role in the synthesis of thyroid hormones and the production of sex hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. Zinc is also essential for proper insulin function and metabolism. It helps to regulate blood glucose levels and supports the functioning of the pancreas, which produces and releases insulin.Â
Hazelnuts are a good source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats and omega-6 fatty acids, which support heart health and help reduce cholesterol levels. Hazelnuts are also rich in vitamin E.Â
Pecans and hazelnuts provide essential minerals like manganese and copper, which play a role in various metabolic processes and enzyme functions.Â
Manganese acts as a cofactor for many enzymes involved in metabolism. It is particularly involved in carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism. It helps facilitate the breakdown of carbohydrates to release energy, supports the synthesis of essential fatty acids, and assists in the metabolism of amino acids.Â
Additionally, manganese is involved in the production of certain antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase, which help protect cells from oxidative damage. It also plays a role in the formation of connective tissue and bone health.
Copper is another essential mineral that participates in a wide range of enzymatic reactions in the body. It is necessary for the production of energy in cells, as it is involved in the electron transport chain of cellular respiration.Â
Copper is also required for the synthesis of collagen, a protein that forms the structural framework of connective tissues, including bones, skin, and blood vessels. It is important for the proper functioning of enzymes involved in antioxidant defense, iron metabolism, and neurotransmitter synthesis. It supports the immune system, promotes iron absorption, and contributes to the formation of red blood cells.
Luo Han, also known as monk fruit, provides sweetness to this dairy-free ice cream without the negative impact of fructose as is in conventional ice cream. It has minimal effect on blood glucose levels, promoting stable insulin levels.Â
It also improves insulin sensitivity, supports weight management, and reduces inflammation, which is crucial for hormonal balance.Â
Zucchini is rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps regulate blood glucose levels. It is also packed with vitamins A and C, which support immune function and provide antioxidant protection against inflammation.
Vitamin A and vitamin C play important roles in hormonal health and in reducing the impact of insulin resistance.Â
Vitamin A is essential for the production and regulation of various hormones in the body, including thyroid hormones, sex hormones, and insulin. It supports the synthesis of these hormones, ensuring proper functioning and balance.
It helps improve insulin sensitivity, allowing cells to efficiently take up glucose and maintain normal insulin function. This is important for preventing insulin resistance.Â
Vitamin A acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from oxidative stress caused by free radicals. This helps reduce inflammation and supports overall cellular health. Chronic inflammation and oxidative stress can disrupt hormonal balance and contribute to insulin resistance.
Vitamin C plays a role in the synthesis and regulation of several hormones, including adrenal hormones like cortisol, which are involved in stress response.Â
It is a potent antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties, which can help mitigate inflammation and its impact on hormonal health.Â
Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis, a protein that provides structure and support to various tissues in the body. This includes the endocrine glands responsible for hormone production. Adequate vitamin C levels support the integrity and function of these glands, promoting proper hormone synthesis and secretion.
Sprouted Walnuts, which have undergone the germination process, enhances their nutritional profile. Walnuts are a great source of healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, which aid in inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. They also provide antioxidants and vitamin E.
Raw Cacao is the purest form of chocolate and is rich in flavonoids and antioxidants. These compounds help with insulin sensitivity and reduced the risk of heart disease.
Cacao also contains minerals such as magnesium and iron, which play a role in metabolic processes and enzyme functions.
Mint Essential Oil aids digestion and soothes the stomach. It may help alleviate digestive discomfort and promote healthy digestion, which is essential for metabolic health.
Hazelnut Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the stevia plant. It provides sweetness without contributing to blood glucose spikes.
Stevia is a suitable alternative for those looking to manage their insulin levels and reduce the consumption of refined sugars.
Milk Thistle is a plant that contains a compound called silymarin, which has been studied for its potential benefits to liver health.Â
The liver plays a crucial role in metabolic processes, including the regulation of blood glucose levels. Milk thistle supports liver function and aids in detoxification, promoting overall metabolic health.
Kelp is a type of seaweed that is rich in minerals, including iodine. Iodine is essential for proper thyroid function, which is important for regulating metabolism.Â
Including kelp in the recipe provides a natural source of iodine and supports thyroid health.
Chlorella is a type of green algae that is packed with nutrients. It is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.Â
Chlorella has anti-inflammatory properties and supports detoxification processes in the body, which can contribute to improved metabolic health.
Protein powder provides a concentrated dose of high-quality protein, which is essential for various metabolic functions. Protein helps to stabilize blood glucose levels, promote feelings of fullness, and support muscle repair and growth.Â
Including protein powder in the recipe adds an extra boost of protein, which can be beneficial for those seeking to maintain a healthy metabolism and improve insulin levels.
By incorporating nuts, seeds, zucchini, natural sweeteners, and sea vegetables into the Hormone Balancing Ice Cream Cake, you not only indulge in their delightful flavors but also benefit from their impressive nutritional profile, supporting your overall well-being and metabolic health.
Vegan Ice Cream Cake
Equipment
- food processor
- springform pan
Ingredients
- 1-1/4 cup frozen zucchini pieces
- 1 tablespoon coconut butter
- 1/4 cup hazelnuts
- 1/4 cup sprouted walnuts
- 1/4 cup raw cacao
- 1-2 drops mint essential oil
- 1 dropperful hazelnut stevia
- Heaping 1/4 teaspoon milk thistle powder
- Sprinkle of kelp
- 1/2 teaspoon chlorella
- 2-3 tablespoons water
- 1 scoop protein powder
- 1 cup ice cubes
Crust Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup pecans
- 1/4 cup coconut
- 1/4 cup hemp seeds
- 1/4 cup hazelnuts
- 1/8 teaspoon Luo han
Instructions
Ice cream Instructions:
- Blend all ice cream ingredients in a high-speed blender starting on low and using a tamper
- Blend until a creamy texture.
- Scoop into the pan and spread onto the crust.
- Put in the freezer and let it harden until ready to enjoy.
Add-Ins and Alternatives
- This recipe can be made into a coconut vanilla ice cream by substituting the cacao with either 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 1-2 teaspoons vanilla powder or leaving out the cacao powder and replacing the hazelnut stevia with vanilla stevia.
- For a nutty variation, stir in a handful of pecans or pistachios after the ice cream is blended. For a richer coconut taste, substitute 2-3 tablespoons of coconut milk for the water.
Crust Instructions:
- Process all the ingredients in a food processor.
- Smooth a little coconut oil around the sides of a small round springform pan to prevent sticking.
- Press the crust into the pan lined with nonbleached organic paper to about 1/4 inch thick or as desired.
Nutrition
Where Can You Find This Recipe?
This delicious Ice Cream Cake recipe can be found in the archives of the Healing Kitchen Show on Dr. Ritamarie's Body Freedom Nutrition Lab Membership.
Specifically, it is featured in the collection “Desserts to Please Your Palate and Detoxify Your Body,” offering a treasure trove of healthful and indulgent sweet recipes designed to support hormone balance and overall well-being.Â
Explore the Healing Kitchen archives to discover a wide range of delectable sweet creations that nourish the body and delight the taste buds when you join…
Do you LOVE ice cream as much as I do? As a kid, I could eat a pint or more of my favorite ice creams at a sitting. I gave up ice cream for a long time, until I discovered that I could make a variety of low-glycemic vegan ice creams using whole nutritious ingredients.
Comment below with your favorite ice cream and let's see if we can make a nutritious version.
Incredible that someone so luxurious and indulgent can also be so healthy. Amazed.