In this tutorial, I will show you how to make banana ice cream aka. 'nice cream', with only one ingredient! Homemade "nice cream" does not require the use of an ice cream maker. This one-ingredient, vegan dessert remarkably resembles the classic.
To whip a batch up of this moo-free recipe yourself, all you need is a frozen banana to purée in a blender or food processor. I like to enjoy a bowl of this sweet, creamy goodness all summer long with my kids.
I also include some flavor ideas like strawberry shortcake ice cream, blueberry, mint chocolate chip and more.
This dessert is full of banana flavor. If that's your thing, you would probably love this simple bananas foster dessert and chocolate banana cake pops recipe.
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Ingredients
Fresh bananas - You can skip to step #3 if you have pre-frozen banana chunks on hand.
When you make homemade banana ice cream without eggs, vegan eaters can indulge as well!
Instructions
Step 1. Cut bananas. Cut the fresh bananas into big chunks.
Step 2. Freeze. Place the banana pieces into a plastic bag and freeze for 1 day or overnight.
Step 3. Process. Process the frozen bananas in a food processor or blender until smooth and very creamy.
Pro Tip: If you are having difficulties with blending the bananas, try adding a splash or two of a plant-based milk like almond milk or pumpkin seed milk.
Step 4. Scoop it out. Scoop out the ice cream into a bowl or dessert dish.
Step 5. Serve. Serve and enjoy immediately.
Chef's Note: This is optional but you can garnish your finished treat with shaved vegan chocolate if desired or sprinkle with some chocolate covered coffee beans.
Banana Ice Cream Flavor Ideas
Nice cream is delicious plain but sometimes I like to add vanilla powder for a little extra flavor (check out how to make vanilla powder). You can also take it to another level with one of these fun banana ice cream flavor ideas:
- Blueberry: This one is easy! Just blend ¼ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries with the banana.
- Butter pecan: Blend 2 tablespoons of chopped roasted pecans, ½ of teaspoon vanilla extract, 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup, and ½ teaspoon of non-dairy butter spread with the bananas.
- Chocolate peanut butter: Blend 1-2 tablespoons of peanut butter and 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder with the bananas.
- Mint chocolate chip: Blend a couple of drops of peppermint extract with the bananas. Fold in a tablespoon or two of non-dairy chocolate chips.
- Strawberry shortcake: Blend the bananas. Once smooth, add ½ tablespoon of vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of coconut cream. Fold in ¼ cup of strawberries and small handful of vegan biscuits.
Tips
- Blending. If it doesn't seem that the bananas are blending into a smooth mixture, don't panic! They'll look like rough crumbles at first. Just wait a few minutes for the magic to happen. For some flavors, like peanut butter, you might need to add a splash or two of almond or coconut milk to help the blending process.
- Soft or hard ice cream. For soft-serve, enjoy your creation as soon as it finishes blending. If you like harder treats, freeze the mixture in a covered container until firm.
Recipe FAQs
If you simply mash bananas and freeze them, the ice cream will turn out hard. For best results, blend the frozen bananas until smooth, using a food processor or blender and then serve immediately.
Frozen bananas have a similar creaminess and taste to ice cream but with banana flavor. The real stuff is definitely more creamy and milky. When you make banana ice cream, you can add vanilla to make it taste even more ice-cream like.
Ice cream made from bananas doesn't need any added sugar or flavor to taste sweet, creamy and delicious. It's a treat made from 100% fruit.
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📋Recipe
How to Make Banana Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 2-3 ripe bananas - you can also use pre-frozen bananas
- vegan chocolate - optional garnish
Instructions
- Cut the bananas into big chunks (or use pre-frozen bananas and skip to step #3).
- Place the banana pieces in a plastic bag and freeze overnight.
- Add the frozen bananas to a food processer or blender and process until smooth and very creamy.
- Scoop out the banana ice cream into a dessert dish.
- Serve and enjoy!
Equipment
Notes
- Optionally, you can grate vegan chocolate on top of the ice cream.
- If you are having difficulties with blending the bananas, try adding a splash or two of a plant-based milk.
- Nice cream is delicious plain but sometimes I like to add vanilla powder for a little extra flavor (check out how to make vanilla powder).
- For soft-serve, enjoy your creation as soon as it finishes blending. If you like harder treats, freeze the mixture in a covered container until firm.
Nutrition
Nutrition information on In the Kitch is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. It may not include toppings and/or sauces.
Priyanka says
Hi, will the banana ice cream not change colour?
Joss D says
It might appear a bit lighter after you process it, but no it shouldn't change color, unless you add something to it.
Jezza says
Wowzer! 😋😋
Joss D says
🙂