Banana Nice Cream (Printable Version)
Create a creamy frozen dessert using only ripe bananas. This simple dairy-free treat is ready in minutes and customizable with your favorite toppings.
# What You Need:
→ Main
01 - 3 large ripe bananas, peeled and sliced into 1-inch rounds
→ Optional Add-ins
02 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
03 - 1 to 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for chocolate variation)
04 - 2 tablespoons nut butter (almond or peanut recommended)
05 - Fresh berries, chopped nuts, or dark chocolate chips for topping
# Directions:
01 - Peel the bananas and cut them into 1-inch slices. Discard the peels.
02 - Arrange the banana pieces in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place in the freezer for at least 2 hours until completely solid.
03 - Transfer the frozen banana slices to a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth, pausing to scrape down the sides as needed.
04 - If desired, add vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or nut butter and blend again until fully incorporated.
05 - Serve immediately for a soft-serve texture, or transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 1 to 2 hours for a firmer scoopable consistency.
06 - Top with fresh berries, chopped nuts, or dark chocolate chips as desired and serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It genuinely tastes indulgent despite being made from nothing but fruit, which still surprises me every single time.
- You can customize it a dozen ways with whatever toppings or mix-ins happen to be lurking in your pantry.
02 -
- Under frozen bananas will destroy your blender blades and leave you with a chunky mess, so always freeze the full two hours minimum.
- A splash of plant based milk added during blending can rescue a batch that refuses to go smooth, but use barely a tablespoon or you will end up with a smoothie instead.
03 -
- Slice bananas before freezing rather than freezing them whole, because whole frozen bananas are nearly impossible to break apart and will wear out your patience and your blender.
- The nicest cream happens when you resist the urge to add liquid too early, so blend dry first and only add milk as an absolute last resort.