Banana Ice Cream
This banana ice cream recipe is a delicious and healthy frozen dessert that requires only a few simple ingredients. Naturally sweetened by ripe bananas, it's a creamy, dairy-free, and vegan treat that's both satisfying and nutritious. It's easy to make with no special equipment required—just a blender or food processor! Customize it with your favorite add-ins like chocolate, peanut butter, or berries for a personalized touch. This recipe is the perfect guilt-free indulgence for anyone looking to enjoy a sweet treat while staying healthy.
Equipment
- Blender or Food Processor: 1 unit
- Freezer-Safe Airtight Container – 1 unit
- Baking Sheet (optional for freezing banana slices) – 1 unit
Ingredients
- Bananas – 4 medium ripe, peeled, and sliced
- Non-Dairy Milk such as almond, coconut, or oat milk – ¼ cup
- Vanilla Extract – 1 tsp
- Sweetener maple syrup, honey, or agave – 1-2 tbsp (optional)
- Cocoa Powder – 2 tbsp for chocolate variation, optional
- Peanut Butter – 1-2 tbsp for peanut butter variation, optional
- Toppings chopped nuts, chocolate chips, fruit – as desired
Instructions
Prepare the Bananas:
- Peel and slice the bananas into ½-inch thick pieces. Place the banana slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the banana slices for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight for best results.
Blend the Frozen Bananas:
- Add the frozen banana slices to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend on high until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. You may need to stop blending and stir occasionally. If the mixture is too thick, add a small splash of non-dairy milk to help with blending.
Customize Your Flavor:
- At this point, you can add any optional ingredients like cocoa powder for a chocolate version, peanut butter for a nutty twist, or vanilla extract for extra flavor. Blend again until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Serve or Freeze:
- You can enjoy the banana ice cream immediately for a soft-serve consistency, or transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for 1-2 hours for a firmer texture.
Garnish and Serve:
- Serve with your favorite toppings, such as fresh fruit, chocolate chips, or chopped nuts. Enjoy!
Notes
- Texture Tips: For a smoother texture, ensure the bananas are fully frozen before blending. If the mixture seems too thick, gradually add a little more non-dairy milk to help blend.
- Sweetness: This recipe is naturally sweet from the bananas, but if you prefer a sweeter ice cream, feel free to add sweetener like honey, maple syrup, or agave.
- Flavor Variations: You can customize the flavor by adding different ingredients like cocoa powder, peanut butter, or berries during the blending process.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 weeks. Let the ice cream soften at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving for a creamier consistency.