Caramel Nice Cream is sweet and decadent! This recipe is made with only four simple ingredients, and it takes about 15 minutes to prepare. It's the perfect summer dessert for anyone who is dairy-free or vegan!
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🍴Ingredient Notes
- Frozen Bananas - The less ripe, the better! I use green/pale yellow bananas because the flavor is mild which keeps it from being the dominant flavor. They also have less sugar and more resistant starch!
- Medjool Dates - Pitted and soaked in water. Dates are a natural way to create a caramel flavor.
- Vanilla Extract - You'll need a touch of vanilla for this recipe.
- Salt - I love adding a pinch of salt to balance out the sweetness.
Additional Toppings
- Chopped Walnuts
- Melted Dark Chocolate - My favorite chocolate brands that are dairy-free and soy-free are Hu Kitchen and Pascha.
- Grain Free Granola
- Grain-Free Snickerdoodle Cookies
- Dairy Free Dark Chocolate Chips
- Dairy Free White Chocolate Chips
- Chopped Pecans
- Flaky Sea Salt
🍴Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Soaking Dates
Start by pitting the Medjool Dates. Add the dates into a small bowl and fill with filtered water. Let them soak for 10-15 minutes. (Drain water when they're done!)
Step 2: Blending Nice Cream
In a blender or food processor add dates, frozen bananas, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend on a low setting, stirring every 15 seconds. Add a few tablespoons of coconut milk if you have trouble with blending!
Step 3: Serving
Once the mixture is smooth and creamy, transfer into 4 small cups. Place in the freezer for 15 minutes to set. Enjoy!
How to prepare and store green bananas
When preparing your green bananas, they should be tough to peel. (Usually, a light green color is best.) If they're too hard to open by hand, they might be too green. Usually I can peel most of it on my own, but you can also take a sharp knife and slice down the long way - the banana will pop right out!
If you're planning to use a blender, you can cut them in small pieces to freeze. If you're using a food processor, I recommend cutting them into smaller chunks so it's easier to blend.
Freeze them on a baking sheet, plate, or in a baggie! (I actually use a ceramic pie dish!) Let them freeze for about 6-8 hours or overnight. I made a quick video on my Instagram if you want to get a closer look.
Expert Tips
- I like to leave the frozen bananas out on the counter for a few minutes before adding it into the blender or food processor! This helps to speed up the blending process.
- Cut the bananas into small discs so they blend easier! (Cut before freezing.)
- If the mixture is looking too soft, just throw in a few extra frozen banana chunks! It should thicken right up!
- If you use a blender, blend on a very low speed. Gradually increase speed as it blends.
- Don't worry if you still see small chunks of dates in the nice cream! If it's not perfectly blended, it still tastes amazing. (I actually prefer it with some chunks.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! I honestly use both, it just depends on what's clean at the time. My Vitamix blends a lot quicker than the food processor, but they both work great!
Yes! This is essential for easy blending. Dates are very dry and hard - soaking them in water will help them blend into the nice cream mixture.
How to store leftovers
This recipe makes about 3 small cups of ice cream. I recommend putting the ice cream in small glass or ceramic cups, and either eating them right away or popping them in the freezer for later.
The texture is best right out of the blender, but you can pop them in the freezer for 15 minutes - an hour if you like it firmer. I have left the cups overnight in the freezer and the texture is still pretty good the next day!
Just let them defrost on the counter for about 15-20 minutes. You can even microwave it for about 10-15 seconds to soften it up.
More ice cream recipes!
After you make this Caramel Nice Cream, make sure to leave a comment & rate the recipe!
Recipe
Caramel Nice Cream
Equipment
- Food Processor or Blender
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Frozen Bananas The less ripe, the better!
- 5 Medjool Dates Pitted and soaked in water.
- 1+½ Teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- ¼ Teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Start by pitting the Medjool Dates. Add the dates into a small bowl and fill with filtered water. Let them soak for 10-15 minutes. (Drain water when they're done!)
- In a blender or food processor add dates, frozen bananas, vanilla extract, and salt. Blend on a low setting, stirring every 15 seconds. Add a few tablespoons of coconut milk if you have trouble with blending!
- Once the mixture is smooth and creamy, transfer into 4 small cups. Place in the freezer for 15 minutes to set. Enjoy!
Notes
Expert Tips
- I like to leave the frozen bananas out on the counter for a few minutes before adding it into the blender or food processor! This helps to speed up the blending process.
- Cut the bananas into small discs so they blend easier! (Cut before freezing.)
- If the mixture is looking too soft, just throw in a few extra frozen banana chunks! It should thicken right up!
- If you use a blender, blend on a very low speed. Gradually increase speed as it blends.
- Don't worry if you still see small chunks of dates in the nice cream! If it's not perfectly blended, it still tastes amazing. (I actually prefer it with some chunks.)
Nutrition
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