This is the easiest ice cream you will ever make. If you have never had ice cream using banana as the main base you will be wondering why you have never made it before. It is that good!
If you love bananas then you will be easily converted to this dairy-free ice cream. If you don’t like bananas then you will be incredibly surprised because when the bananas are frozen they do something magical and make the perfect creamy base for the frozen delight. It becomes unbelievably rich and creamy, and when paired with other fruits it enhances the flavour of the extra ingredients you add so that it doesn’t just taste of bananas. It tastes just like ice cream – and even better!
You could keep it incredibly simple as a one ingredient ice cream by simply using bananas, nothing else, and this is absolute heaven. However, for something a little fancier these five ice cream recipes create a deliciously healthy, easy and affordable treat without the use of an ice cream machine. They are perfect for keeping cool during the hot days, whether for breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert!
Here are the 5 ice cream recipes (aka nanaicecream).
Main Method
For all of the ice cream recipes follow this method, the only part that differs is when adding extra ingredients at point 5.
- The day before you plan to eat this slice up the bananas into ½ cm coins and place in a Tupperware box or freezer food bag.
- Place this in the freezer until the next day. Ideally, you will want to leave it in the freezer 24 hours in advance.
- When ready to eat the ice cream – take the bananas out of the freezer.
- Place the banana coins into a very good blender. (You really do need a good blender and blade for this!)
- Blend the frozen bananas. They will start to form a crumble, [Add the extra ingredients here], then it will turn more creamy. Make sure you scrape the sides down to ensure all of the banana mixes together. It may take a couple of minutes. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Make caramel icecream with sweet dates! - Remove the mixture from the blender and add to a bowl.
- Add toppings if you desire or keep it super simple with the chosen recipe. Topping suggestions: fresh fruit, homemade carob sauce, raw cacao nibs or fresh fruit blended into a puree for a fruit sauce.
- Dig in!
Mango Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 medium bananas (approx. 400 to 600g)
- Big handful of fresh mango chunks
- Optional: more mango chunks for toppings
Method
- Follow the main method above.
- At point 5 add the fresh mango chunks.
- Once ready, serve and top with fresh mango if you desire.
Berry Blast Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 medium bananas (approx. 400 to 600g)
- 2 to 4 big handfuls of fresh or frozen mixed berries
- Optional: fresh berries for toppings and homemade fruit sauce
Method
- Follow the main method above.
- At point 5 add the fresh or frozen berries.
- Once ready, serve and top with fresh berries if you desire. Blend berries into a puree and serve as a fruit sauce.
Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 medium bananas (approx. 400 to 600g)
- 2 tbsp raw cacao powder, 100% unsweetened cocoa powder or carob powder
- ½ to 1 tbsp raw cacao nibs or carob chips
Method
- Follow the main method above.
- At point 5 add powder (cacao, cocoa or carob).
- Once ready, stir through the cacao nibs or carob chips, and serve.
- Topping suggestions: fresh fruit, cacao nibs or carob chips.
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 medium bananas (approx. 400 to 600g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or seeds from ½ vanilla bean
Method
- Follow the main method above.
- At point 5 add the vanilla.
- Once ready, serve and top with fresh fruit if you desire.
Caramel Toffee Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 4 to 6 medium bananas (approx. 400 to 600g)
- 4 to 6 pitted dates
- 2 tbsp carob powder
Method
- Follow the main method above.
- At point 5 add the dates and carob. (Some of the dates remain in pieces which is heaven as it will taste like chunks of toffee).
- Once ready, serve and top with fresh fruit or more chopped dates if you desire.
Enjoy the ice cream paradise! Which recipe will you try first to keep cool and healthy this summer?
Rebecca Duckworth is a freelance writer, trainer and coach on a mission. She helps women to enjoy working out, love food without guilt and to relish life.
