Description
This healthy banana-based ice cream is a creamy, dairy-free, and naturally sweet dessert that you can make in just minutes. Using frozen ripe bananas blended with almond milk and vanilla, it offers a guilt-free alternative to traditional ice cream, perfect for vegans and those avoiding refined sugars. Customize it with optional add-ins like peanut butter, cocoa powder, or berries for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 ripe bananas, peeled, sliced, and frozen
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- Pinch of salt
Optional Add-ins
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup frozen berries
- 1 tbsp dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the Bananas: Peel, slice, and freeze 3 ripe bananas until completely frozen. This step is crucial to achieve the creamy texture similar to ice cream.
- Blend Base Ingredients: Place the frozen banana slices in a food processor or high-speed blender and blend until they begin breaking down into small bits.
- Add Liquid and Flavor: Add 2 tablespoons of unsweetened almond milk, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the blender. Continue blending until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, resembling soft-serve ice cream. Scrape down the sides as needed to ensure even blending.
- Incorporate Optional Add-ins: If desired, add 1 tablespoon peanut butter, 1 tablespoon cocoa powder, 1/4 cup frozen berries, or 1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips. Pulse the blender a few times to combine evenly.
- Serve or Freeze: Serve immediately to enjoy a soft-serve texture, or transfer the mixture to a container and freeze for 1 to 2 hours to achieve a firmer, scoopable consistency.
Notes
- This recipe is naturally sweetened by bananas, requiring no added sugars.
- It is dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan-friendly.
- Customize with your favorite mix-ins such as chopped nuts, cinnamon, or a swirl of almond butter.
- For a firmer texture, allow extra freezing time beyond 2 hours as needed.
