Easy Banana Ice Cream (Tips + 10 Flavors!)

Banana ice cream, also referred to as “nice cream,” is a super simple, plant-based version of ice cream made with a base of just 1 ingredient: bananas!

It’s typically made in either a blender or food processor depending on the equipment available and your priorities (total time, hands-on time, quantity, etc.).

Tips for Success

Use ripe, spotty bananas for best flavor/sweetness

Peel and slice into 1/2-inch slices instead of large chunks, which can be more difficult to blend

Freeze in a single layer to prevent large clumps (parchment paper on a baking sheet is our favorite way to prevent sticking to the pan!)

If you’re having trouble blending, let the banana thaw for a few minutes. This will allow it to soften and become easier to blend. Alternatively, you could add 1 Tbsp (15 ml) at a time of dairy-free milk to encourage blending. But be careful with this method as it’s the fastest way to get runny banana ice cream.

For true “ice cream” texture vs. soft serve, simply spread into a Tupperware or loaf pan and freeze for 2-3 hours. Then scoop with an ice cream scoop! If too firm, let thaw 15-30 minutes to soften.

The flavor options for banana ice cream are endless! For most flavors, you can simply add the flavors after the bananas have already been turned into “nice cream”.

It’s perfect any time you’re craving a healthier dessert (or when you need to use up extra bananas)! It would also be fun as a homemade ice cream bar, allowing everyone to customize with different flavors and toppings.

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups sliced frozen ripe banana (~2 medium-large bananas as recipe is written — adjust amount if adjusting serving size // the riper, the sweeter)
• 1-2 tsp maple syrup or other sweetener of choice (optional)

FLAVOR VARIATIONS

• Vanilla (base recipe + 1 tsp vanilla extract)
• Strawberry (base recipe + 1 cup frozen strawberries, organic when possible)
• Berry (base recipe + 1 cup frozen mixed berries)
• Green Dream (base recipe + 1 tsp spirulina + 1-2 tsp matcha)
• Chocolate (base recipe + 2 Tbsp cacao or cocoa powder)
• Chocolate Nut Butter (base recipe + 2 Tbsp cacao powder + 2 Tbsp nut butter)
• Peanut Butter (base recipe + 2-3 Tbsp peanut butter or other nut butter of choice)
• Chocolate Tahini
• Sea Salt Caramel (4-6 soaked pitted dates + healthy pinch sea salt)
• Cookie Dough

FOR SERVING optional

• Sliced fresh fruit (such as kiwi, banana, or berries)
• Cacao nibs
• Nut butter
• Shredded coconut
• Seed cycling mixes