Chunky Banana Nut Ice Cream Recipe
Chunky Banana Nut Ice Cream is a rich, creamy, and indulgent treat that brings together the natural sweetness of ripe bananas and the satisfying crunch of toasted nuts. This homemade ice cream is easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients, and can be customized with your favorite nuts or other add-ins. It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion, whether served in a cone, a bowl, or as part of a sundae.
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- (1) Whisk
- 1 potato masher or fork (for mashing bananas)
- 1 ice cream maker (optional)
- 1 airtight container (for storing ice cream)
- 1 shallow dish (for non-ice cream maker version)
Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 can 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped nuts walnuts, pecans, or any choice of your preference
- Optional add-ins: chocolate chips honey, cinnamon, etc.
Instructions
- Mash the Bananas: Peel the bananas and place them in a large mixing bowl. Mash them with a potato masher or fork until smooth with some chunks remaining for texture.
- Mix the Cream Base: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Combine the Mixture: Add the mashed bananas to the cream mixture and stir until well combined.
- Add Nuts and Optional Ingredients: Gently fold in the chopped nuts and any optional add-ins (chocolate chips, cinnamon, etc.).
- Churn the Ice Cream: If using an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into the machine and churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions for about 20-25 minutes until it reaches a thick, soft-serve consistency.
- If you don’t have an ice cream maker, pour the mixture into a shallow dish and freeze. Stir the mixture every 30 minutes for 3-4 hours to break up ice crystals until the ice cream is smooth and firm.
- Freeze and Set: Once the ice cream has reached a soft-serve consistency, transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight for a firmer texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Scoop the ice cream into bowls or cones and enjoy!
Notes
- Banana Ripeness: Use overripe bananas for the sweetest flavor. They should be heavily speckled with brown spots.
- Nuts: Toasting your nuts before adding them to the ice cream helps bring out their flavor and adds a nice crunch. You can use any type of nuts you like, such as almonds, cashews, or macadamia nuts.
- Vegan Option: Swap the heavy cream and sweetened condensed milk with coconut cream and coconut milk, and use a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup for a dairy-free version.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve this ice cream in a cone, as part of a banana split, or with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.