Craving a cup of rich, dark chocolate ice cream.. but without all the sugar and dairy?? You will LOVE this Chocolate Banana Nice Cream! When I stopped eating dairy, I didn't think I'd ever find a good alternative to replace my favorite summertime treat. Once I started making nice cream, there was no turning back! It takes less than 5 minutes to make, you only need a few simple ingredients, it has no added sugar, AND it's actually good for you!
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What makes this ice cream healthier?
The key to this ice cream recipe is unripe green bananas! If you follow me on Instagram, you know how much I'm obsessed with them. Green bananas have less sugar, and a higher starch content! Resistant starch is amazing for your gut health, and the extra fiber helps to keep you full! (I also use one ripe banana to add sweetness.) The other main ingredient in this recipe is cacao powder! Cacao Powder is full of antioxidants and it's less processed and more NUTRIENT DENSE than cocoa powder.
🍴Ingredient Notes
- Frozen Green Banana Slices - I like to cut the frozen banana into small slices so they blend easier! If you only have frozen ripe bananas, that will work too.
- Ripe Fresh Banana - The fresh ripe banana will add sweetness, and balance out the cacao powder. It also helps the mixture to blend without the need for coconut milk. If you only have frozen bananas, it's okay! The coconut milk will help it blend.
- Cacao Powder - You can use traditional cocoa powder, but I like cacao powder because it’s less processed and more NUTRIENT DENSE. TerraSoul is one of my favorite brands – great quality, and great price!
- Unsweetened Coconut Milk - If you have trouble blending the mixture, add coconut milk. (You shouldn't need much.) It will thin out the ice cream if you use a lot, so I try using as little as possible. The fresh banana should help it blend!
- Dark Chocolate Chips - Totally optional, but I always add chocolate chips on top! Since I’m dairy-free I like to use vegan chocolate chips. I personally love the brand Pascha – they make high quality chocolate that’s dairy-free and soy-free. The 85% dark chips are my favorite because they’re sweet but not too sweet! They also have a 100% cacao option that is great for anyone who is sugar free.
🍴Step by Step Instructions
Step 1:
Start by adding frozen green banana slices, fresh banana slices into your blender or food processor. If you're having trouble blending, add a few tablespoons of coconut milk.
Step 2:
Blend on low until the mixture is creamy, then add in cacao powder. Continue blending until a it's a thick consistency.
Step 3:
Transfer into two small serving bowls, top with chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or whatever your heart desires! Place in the freezer for about 5-10 minutes to set. Serve, and ENJOY!
Helpful Tips
- I like to leave my frozen bananas out on the counter for a few minutes before adding it into the blender! This helps to speed up the blending process. I made a quick video on my Instagram if you want to see a closer look!
- If the mixture is looking too soft, just throw in a few extra frozen banana chunks! It should thicken it right up!
- Don't add the cacao powder until the mixture is 80% blended. It will make a mess, and not blend as easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can certainly use just ripe bananas, but you won't get the gut health benefits of green bananas. I like using a mix of both because it has more fiber, less sugar, and less banana flavor. If you think it's not sweet enough, just add more ripe banana to the mix.
Yes! If you use a food processor just make sure to cut your bananas into small discs instead of large pieces. It will take a few minutes to your creamy texture. (Be patient!)
You can serve it as is, but I like adding dark chocolate chips, melted chocolate, walnuts, almonds, or shredded coconut!
How to prep and store frozen 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.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Ninja Foodi Blender - This one works great for thick smoothies or ice cream! (It comes with at tamper.) You can also make purees and soup in it! I also think it's a great price for what you get.
- Vitamix - If you're looking to make an investment, I recommend this Vitamix. I've had mine for almost four years and it works great! 90% of the time I make my smoothies in this blender because they always come out so creamy.
- Food Processor - In my opinion, food processors are a kitchen staple! I've been using mine for years, and it's a great option if you don't have a high speed blender. This isn't the exact model I have, but it's the same brand!
- Tamper - This helps to push around the ice cream while it's blending so you don't have to keep stopping and scraping down the edges.
How to store leftovers
This recipe makes about 2 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 10 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 a 15-20 minutes. You can even microwave it for about 10-15 seconds to soften it up.
More chocolate recipes!
- Paleo Chocolate Skillet Cake (Nut Free)
- Nut Free Chocolate Spread Recipe (Vegan)
- No-Bake Chocolate Energy Bars
- Sweet Potato Brownies (Paleo)
After you make this Chocolate Banana Ice Cream, make sure to leave a comment & rate the recipe! Your feedback is helpful for me, and for anyone planning to try this recipe. I hope you love it as much as I do!
Recipe
Chocolate Banana Ice Cream
Equipment
- High Speed Blender or Food Processor
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Frozen Green Banana Slices
- 1 Ripe Fresh Banana
- ¼ Cup Cacao Powder
- 2-4 Tablespoons Unsweetened Coconut Milk
Instructions
- Start by adding frozen green banana slices, fresh banana slices into your blender or food processor. If you're having trouble blending, add a few tablespoons of coconut milk.
- Blend on low until the mixture is creamy, then add in cacao powder. Continue blending until a it's a thick consistency.
- Transfer into two small serving bowls, top with chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or whatever your heart desires! Place in the freezer for about 5-10 minutes to set. Serve, and ENJOY!
Notes
Helpful Tips
- I like to leave my frozen bananas out on the counter for a few minutes before adding it into the blender! This helps to speed up the blending process. I made a quick video on my Instagram if you want to see a closer look!
- If the mixture is looking too soft, just throw in a few extra frozen banana chunks! It should thicken it right up!
- Don't add the cacao powder until the mixture is 80% blended. It will make a mess, and not blend as easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to store leftovers
This recipe makes about 2 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 10 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 a 15-20 minutes. You can even microwave it for about 10-15 seconds to soften it up.Nutrition
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Wow this is so yummy!! I made it twice, and my kids loved it.
Glad it's kid approved!! Yay!
This recipe is so delish! It’s simple to make, indulgent, creamy and actually so filling! I topped mine with coconut whip cream, strawberries and cocoa nibs!
Thank you Chelsea!!! So glad you enjoyed. (: Next time I need to top mine with coconut cream!!