Cool down in a delicious way with this rich and decadent chocolate banana nice cream recipe. Made with just four ingredients, it’s ready to enjoy in just 10 minutes! This healthy version of ice cream is the sweet treat you need to try this summer! {Vegan & gluten-free}
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Vegan Chocolate Banana Ice Cream
As we hit the warmer temperatures this summer, it’s hard not to reach for a scoop of sweet and refreshing ice cream This chocolate banana nice cream is a healthy and delicious way to beat the heat without all of the added sugar.
Plus, it only requires four simple ingredients and can be whipped together in no time. It’s the perfect treat for all ages, especially on a hot summer day! Perfectly creamy, sweet, and ultra-refreshing, this healthy snack is a keeper!
Be sure to try my Healthy Chocolate Avocado Pudding and Healthy Banana Cookies too!
Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: It takes no more than 10 minutes to make this whole food nice cream recipe. Better yet, you can enjoy it right away! No ice cream maker needed.
- Healthier option: Naturally sweetened with bananas and flavored with antioxidant-rich cocoa, this recipe contains no added sugar is also a source of fiber, potassium and B vitamins. It’s such a great alternative to traditional ice cream.
- Make ahead: You can enjoy this healthy ice cream recipe right away for a soft serve ice cream consistency, but but it also freezes well if you want a firmer ice cream or prefer to save it for later to eat as a treat throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes
- Bananas: Provide natural sweetness to the ice cream. Use overripe bananas with lots of brown spots for the sweetest flavor and freeze them before blending to get that frosty ice cream texture.
- Coconut milk: Use canned rather than cartoned coconut milk as it has a much thicker and creamier consistency. It’s best to use full fat rather than light for richer and creamier ice cream, but either one works.
- Cocoa powder: Adds a rich flavor to the banana ice cream. Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a decadent chocolatey flavor. You can add more depending on how rich you like it.
- Vanilla extract: Vanilla adds a touch of sweetness and flavor. For the best flavor, use pure vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Peel and slice the bananas into 1/2 inch pieces. Place in a large freezer bag or container and freeze until fully frozen.
- Next, add the frozen banana slices, coconut milk, cocoa powder and vanilla to a food processor.
- Blend until smooth and creamy. You may need to scrape the sides of the food processor to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.
- You can either serve the ice cream immediately soft-serve style or transfer the ice cream mixture to a pan or container and freeze for 30 minutes to 2 hours, or until desired ice cream consistency is achieved.
- Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, scoop out desired amount of ice cream into bowls and serve with desired toppings.
Expert Tips
- For best results, use overripe bananas for this recipe as they are naturally sweeter. If you use bananas that aren’t ripe enough, the ice cream won’t be as sweet or flavorful.
- I highly recommend slicing the bananas before freezing to make them easier to blend. You can also cut them into chunks once frozen; just be sure to remove the peel before freezing.
- Adjust the amount of cocoa powder according to taste. If you prefer a richer flavor, add an additional tablespoon or so.
- You can serve this nice cream soft serve or freeze for about an hour or until desired ice cream consistency is achieved. If you fully freeze it, it will harden so you’ll need to let it thaw on the counter for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
- If you don’t have a food processor, try making this recipe in a high-speed blender. It’d also be great in a Ninja Creami!
- For easy ice cream any time, freeze a bunch of sliced bananas on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They store well in the freezer for several months and are great for this recipe, smoothies, and more.
How to store
Store the nice cream in a freezer-safe container, covered tightly, for up to one week.
Recipe FAQs
Why is it called nice cream?
It’s called nice cream because it mimics a traditional ice cream, but is made with wholesome ingredients that are better for you or “nicer” to your body. It’s plant based too, so if you’re following a vegan or dairy-free diet, you don’t have to miss out!
What is nice cream made of?
Nice cream is an added sugar-free and dairy-free version of everyone’s favorite dessert. However, instead of using cream and sugar, we blend together frozen bananas and coconut milk to create a creamy scoop. This version is made with cocoa powder to give it a rich chocolate flavor, but other fruits and ingredients can be added instead.
Is nice cream healthier than ice cream?
Yes. Regular ice cream often has 12-24 grams of sugar per half-cup serving. Nice cream is made with no added sugar and coconut milk is used instead of cream, which consists of healthier fats known as medium-chain trigylcerides (MCTs). These have been found to potentially decrease appetite and increase energy levels. It’s also a source of lauric acid, which has immune boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.
Plus, you get a load of nutrients from the bananas, including fiber, potassium, magnesium, and B vitamins. It’s a great option for a sweet treat on a healthy lifestyle!
Topping Ideas
Serve this nice cream topped with any (or all) of the following:
- A drizzle of chocolate sauce, peanut butter or almond butter
- Chopped peanuts
- Chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate
- Coconut flakes
- Granola (try some of this healthy chocolate granola or almond butter granola!)
- Crumble some of these cookie dough bliss balls over top
- Regular or coconut whipped cream
- Fresh berries or fruit (i.e. strawberries, cherries, additional sliced banana, etc.)
- Cacao nibs
- Crushed graham cracker pieces
Other Ideas
- Add more sweetness: If the sweet banana flavor isn’t quite enough for you, add a drizzle of maple syrup while you’re blending.
- Spoon some coconut cream: For the thickest, creamiest chocolate ice cream, add a dollop of coconut cream while blending.
- Change the extract: Instead of vanilla, drizzle coconut extract for a tropical flavor or a little almond extract for a nutty chocolate flavor.
More Healthy Treats
- Strawberry Banana Smoothie with Yogurt
- Healthy Baked Donuts
- 3 Ingredient Protein Cheesecake
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats
- Dark Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
Did you make this recipe? Scroll down to leave a star rating and review!
Healthy Chocolate Banana Nice Cream Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large overripe bananas
- 1/4 cup canned coconut milk
- 3 tablespoons cocoa powder unsweetened
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Chocolate chips
- Chopped peanuts
- Drizzle of peanut butter
Instructions
- Peel and slice the bananas into 1/2 inch pieces. Place in a large freezer safe bag or container and freeze until fully frozen.
- Next, add the frozen banana slices, coconut milk, cocoa powder and vanilla to a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. You may need to scrape the sides of the food processor to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.
- You can either serve the ice cream immediately soft-serve style or transfer the ice cream mixture to a pan or container and freeze for 30 minutes to 2 hours, or until desired ice cream consistency is reached.
- Scoop ice cream into bowls and serve with desired toppings
Notes
- For best results, use overripe bananas for this recipe as they are naturally sweeter. If you use bananas that aren’t ripe enough, the ice cream won’t be as sweet or flavorful.
- I highly recommend slicing the bananas before freezing to make them easier to blend. You can also cut them into chunks once frozen; just be sure to remove the peel before freezing.
- Adjust the amount of cocoa powder according to taste. If you prefer a richer flavor, add an additional tablespoon or so.
- You can serve this nice cream soft serve or freeze for about an hour or until desired ice cream consistency is achieved. If you fully freeze the nice cream, it will harden so you’ll need to let it thaw on the counter for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally posted in July 2021 and was updated in June 2024 to include more helpful tips and photos.
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