BANANA NICE CREAM

BANANA NICE CREAM

Banana Nice Cream is a simple, nutritious and delicious alternative to traditional ice cream made with just frozen bananas, almond milk and vanilla extract. This dairy-free dessert offers a naturally sweet and creamy texture without any added sugars or artificial ingredients. The frozen banana blends into a silky-smooth consistency, resembling ice cream, while also providing essential nutrients like potassium and fibre. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for those looking for a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies their sweet tooth. Banana Nice Cream is a versatile and refreshing treat, whether enjoyed plain or customised with your favourite mix-ins and toppings. It’s ideal for hot summer days, a light dessert or even a post-workout snack. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free and requires no special equipment beyond a blender or food processor.

RECIPE CATEGORY

Dessert, Snack

SERVING SIZE

1 serving

CUISINE

American

PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES

Freeze, No-Cook

OCCASION/HOLIDAY

Summer, Picnic, Party, Healthy Eating

SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS

Healthy, Vegan, Vegetarian, Quick & Easy, Low Fat, Gluten-Free

DISH TYPE

Ice Cream / Frozen Desserts

INGREDIENTS

There are the following ingredients for Banana Nice Cream:

• ½ frozen banana

• 1 tbsp almond milk

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

• Calories: 52 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 13g

• Protein:5g

• Fats:5g

• Saturated Fat: 0g

• Fibre:5g

• Sugar: 7g

• Sodium: 10mg

PREPARATION

• Freeze The Banana: Peel a ripe banana, slice it into small chunks and freeze for at least 2 hours or overnight. Freezing the banana before blending is essential to achieve the creamy texture.

• Blend The Ingredients: Add the frozen banana pieces, almond milk and vanilla extract to a high-speed blender or food processor. Start at a low speed and gradually increase to prevent large banana chunks from sticking to the blades.

• Process Until Smooth: Blend until creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides if needed. Depending on your blender’s power, you may need to pulse a few times before achieving a soft-serve consistency.

• Adjust Texture If Needed: If the mixture is too thick, add more almond milk, one teaspoon at a time. Be careful not to add too much liquid, as this can turn the mixture into a smoothie rather than an ice cream-like texture.

• Serve Immediately Or Freeze: Enjoy your nice cream immediately for a soft-serve texture. If you prefer a firmer consistency, transfer it to a container and freeze for an additional 30 minutes.

• Add Optional Toppings: Sprinkle with chopped nuts, shredded coconut, dairy-free chocolate chips or fresh fruit for extra flavour and crunch.

PREP TIME

2 minutes (plus freezing time)

COOKING TIME

None

TIPS

• Use Ripe Bananas: The riper the banana, the sweeter your nice cream will be without needing added sweeteners.

• Pre-Freeze Bananas For Easy Preparation: Keep a stash of frozen bananas in the freezer so you can whip up nice cream whenever you crave a frozen treat.

• If The Blender Struggles: Let the banana rest at room temperature for 2–3 minutes before blending. This helps soften it slightly, making it easier to process.

• For A Richer Texture: Swap almond milk with coconut milk or cashew milk for a creamier consistency.

• Add More Flavour: A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can enhance the natural sweetness of the banana.

• Don’t Overblend: Blending for too long can cause the nice cream to become too soft. If this happens, place it in the freezer for a few minutes before serving.

VARIATIONS

• Chocolate Nice Cream: Blend in 1 tsp cocoa powder or 1 tbsp melted dairy-free chocolate for a rich, chocolatey treat.

• Berry Nice Cream: Add ¼ cup frozen strawberries, blueberries or raspberries for a refreshing fruity twist.

• Nut Butter Swirl: Drizzle 1 tsp almond, peanut or cashew butter for a nutty flavour and extra creaminess.

• Coconut Cream: Swap almond milk for coconut milk and mix in shredded coconut for a tropical-inspired dessert.

• Protein Boost: Blend in ½ scoop of vanilla or chocolate protein powder to turn it into a post-workout snack.

• Mocha Banana Nice Cream: Add ½ tsp instant coffee or espresso powder to the mix for a subtle coffee-infused dessert.

• Mint Chocolate Chip: Blend in a few fresh mint leaves and stir in dairy-free chocolate chips for a refreshing, minty version.

PREPPING AND STORAGE

• Refrigeration: Not recommended, as the nice cream melts quickly.

• Freezing: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 month. To prevent freezer burn, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the container.

• Softening Before Serving: If stored in the freezer for longer than 2 hours, let it rest at room temperature for 5 minutes before scooping to make it easier to serve.

• Batch Preparation: Make a larger batch and portion it into single-serving containers for a quick and easy frozen treat whenever you need one.