Simple Banana 'Nice Cream'
A quick and healthy dessert made from just one ingredient – frozen bananas – transformed into a creamy, soft-serve ice cream that's naturally sweet and satisfying.
For 2 servings
**Prepare Bananas:** Ensure your bananas are very ripe (with plenty of brown spots for maximum sweetness), peeled, sliced into 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick rounds, and frozen solid for at least 6-8 hours, or preferably overnight. For best results, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag.
**Load Blender:** Place the frozen banana chunks into a high-speed blender or a sturdy food processor. Start with 2-3 bananas for a single serving, depending on desired quantity.
**Initial Blend:** Begin blending on a low setting, gradually increasing to high. The mixture will initially look crumbly and chunky, resembling frozen fruit crumbles.
**Add Liquid (if needed):** If the mixture is too thick to blend and the blades are spinning freely without engaging the fruit, add the milk one tablespoon at a time, just enough to get the blades moving. Avoid adding too much, as it will make the nice cream less firm.
**Scrape and Process:** Stop the blender frequently to scrape down the sides with a spatula, pushing the frozen banana pieces towards the blades. Continue blending and scraping until the mixture transforms from crumbly to a thick, smooth, and creamy consistency, resembling soft-serve ice cream. This may take 2-5 minutes depending on your appliance.
**Serve Immediately:** Scoop the nice cream into a bowl, cone, or small glass. Enjoy immediately for the best soft-serve texture and consistency.
**Optional Toppings:** Garnish with fresh berries, a drizzle of nut butter, a sprinkle of chopped nuts, a dash of cinnamon, or a few chocolate chips if desired.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1**Ripe Bananas are Key:** Use very ripe bananas (with brown spots) for the sweetest and most flavorful nice cream. Under-ripe bananas will result in a less sweet and potentially starchy taste and may not blend as smoothly.
- 2**Freeze Properly:** Slice bananas before freezing. This prevents them from clumping together and makes them much easier for your blender or food processor to handle. Freezing them in a single layer initially prevents them from sticking together.
- 3**Patience with Blending:** Don't be tempted to add too much liquid too soon. It takes a few minutes for the bananas to break down and become creamy. Scrape down the sides often and let your machine work; the texture will eventually transform.
- 4**High-Powered Appliance:** A high-speed blender or a robust food processor is highly recommended for achieving the smoothest, creamiest texture without over-liquefying the mixture. Standard blenders may struggle or require more liquid.
Adapt it for your goals.
Chocolate Nice Cream
Add 1-2 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder or cacao powder along with the bananas before blending for a rich, chocolatey treat.
Peanut Butter Nice CreamPeanut Butter Nice Cream
Add 1-2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter (or any nut butter like almond or cashew butter) to the blender for a rich, nutty flavor and extra creaminess.
Berry Swirl Nice CreamBerry Swirl Nice Cream
After blending the bananas to a creamy consistency, add a handful of frozen mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries) and pulse a few times to create a marbled effect, or blend completely for a vibrant, fruity nice cream.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Potassium
Bananas are an excellent source of potassium, an essential electrolyte that supports heart health, maintains proper fluid balance, and aids in muscle function.
Good Source of Fiber
The natural fiber in bananas aids digestion, promotes satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar levels, making this a satisfying and gut-friendly dessert option.
Naturally Sweet & Nutrient-Dense
Provides natural sweetness without added refined sugars, offering essential vitamins (like B6 and C) and minerals in a delicious, low-calorie, and whole-food treat.
Frequently asked questions
While best served immediately for the ideal soft-serve texture, you can freeze nice cream in an airtight container for up to a week. When ready to eat, let it thaw on the counter for 10-15 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften it to a scoopable consistency.
