Healthy Banana Ice Cream Recipe

Craving something cool and sweet? These healthy banana ice cream recipes will hit the spot!

Want to enjoy your favorite frozen treat without the guilt? You can with delicious and healthy banana ice cream. It’s sweet and creamy just like traditional ice cream, but without the artificial ingredients. Plus, it’s low in sugar, calories and fat.

I love it because it is so surprisingly easy to prepare. One ingredient and a little free time are all you need to make delicious banana ice cream. When it comes to flavors, the sky’s the limit. Simply add in berries, nuts, or any other mix-ins your heart desires.

It’s Good for You

Not only is it sweet and tasty, but it’s actually really very good for you. Unlike regular milk-based ice cream, this easy banana ice cream recipe is free of artificial additives or added sugars. Plus, you get plenty of vitamins and minerals like potassium, magnesium, and vitamin B6 as well as a boost of fiber from bananas.

It Starts with Bananas

The base of these recipes is bananas. Ripe ones with brown spots are ideal but don’t use them if they’re mushy. It’ll be too hard to cut up.

Start by lining a cookie sheet or tray with baking paper or use a silicone baking sheet. Next peel and cut two bananas into 1/4 to 1/2-inch chunks. Place the pieces on the sheet with space in between, so they’re not touching. This will make it easier to remove later. Then freeze the bananas for about 4 – 5 hours until firm.

Flavors and Mix-Ins

Oh, the choices! I’ve listed just a few recipe variations below, but you can also try any of these flavors and mix-ins.

• Raspberry, blueberry, blackberry, cherry (frozen in small chunks)
• Peaches, mango, kiwi (frozen in small pieces)
• Almonds, walnuts, peanuts (diced)
• Dark chocolate (small bits, ideally at least 70% cacao)
• Almond butter, peanut butter
• Honey, maple syrup
• Lemon extract
• Cinnamon

Toppings

Just as you have a multitude of banana ice cream flavors, you have a ton of options for toppings, too. Cacao nibs, grated dark chocolate, chopped nuts, or even homemade chocolate sauce are just a few you can try.

A word of warning, though – don’t go too crazy. You still want to make this a healthy dessert, right? Adding a mountain of nuts and sauce will defeat the purpose, so limit it to just a light sprinkling of topping.

Texture

I like a thick soft-serve texture, but if you prefer harder ice cream, transfer your mixture to a freezer-safe, airtight container and place it in the freezer for hour or until it’s firm enough to scoop.

Another fun option to make: a shake you can drink! Simply stop processing once you get that milkshake consistency. If you find it’s not blending just right, try adding a little almond or coconut milk until you reach the consistency you prefer.

Storage

You can double the recipe or make big batches and store the extras in an airtight container in the freezer. Any leftover banana ice cream can be similarly stored as well. It will keep nicely for up to a week. When you’re ready to take it out, let it soften at room temperature until you get the consistency you prefer.

Now, who’s ready for some ice cream?

Healthy Banana Ice Cream Recipe

Prep Time: 4-5 hours

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Servings: 3

Ingredients:

• Vanilla Ice Cream
• 2 cups frozen bananas
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean or extract
• Dark Chocolate Ice Cream
• 2 cups frozen bananas
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cacao powder
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• Chocolate Peanut Butter
• 2 cups frozen bananas
• 1-2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon cacao powder
• Mint Chocolate Chip
• 2 cups frozen bananas
• 2-4 drops peppermint extract
• 1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips (add last)
• Strawberry Ice Cream
• 1 cup frozen bananas
• 1 cup frozen strawberries
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

Directions:

1. Add the ingredients to a high-powered food processor.
2. Process on a high setting until smooth and creamy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Serve and enjoy!

Who says dessert has to be unhealthy? With these healthy banana ice cream recipes, you can enjoy a delicious treat without the guilt!

Which flavor will you try first? Let me know in the comments.

Shared it on social media? I would love to see it! Tag your post with #elevatedtreats, so I can find it.

If you come up with your own recipe I would love for you to share with me. You can post it in the comments!

References:

1. https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/health-benefits-bananas#1
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27041291