Banana Ice Cream Recipe, 5 ways

I wanted to share this recipe because it has become one of my favorite things. When I found out that frozen bananas can create a sort of soft serve ice cream when put in the food processor, I didn’t believe it. But of course I had to give it a try because one thing I knew that was going to be very hard when giving up dairy was not being able to eat ice cream anymore (store-bought non-dairy options are not possible alternatives as the saturated fat content is typically too high and there is always too much added-sugar).

So I cut up some ripe bananas and put them in the freezer. Once nice and frozen, I added them to the food processor. While I was still skeptical for a bit that this lumpy, pebbly mixture would eventually turn into a nice smooth bowl of ice cream, I kept processing till all of a sudden this amazing thing happened…the frozen bananas really did turn into soft serve ice cream! I still cannot believe how much these recipes are able to satisfy my ice cream cravings. The best part is that they are pretty much guilt-free! Now I always make sure to keep a stock of cut up bananas in the freezer. If you have bananas that are on the ripe/overripe side, just peel, break them apart, put them in a storage container or bag, and pop them in the freezer.

I am not really a fan of fruity ice cream, but you can experiment with all sorts of ingredients and even try adding other fresh or frozen fruits to create whatever flavors your heart desires. Just add about a 1/2 cup fruit to the Basic Recipe below. 

Basic Banana Ice Cream Recipe
vegan, plant-based, gluten-free, refined sugar-free
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Ingredients: 

• 3 Frozen Bananas
• 1/2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
• Pinch of Salt

Instructions:

1. ​Add all ingredients to the food processor and process until smooth
2. Be patient, it does take a little time for the smoothness to come through
3. You can eat this as is or scoop out and put in the freezer for a firmer texture

PB and Chocolate Banana Ice Cream
Ingredients: 

• 3 Frozen Bananas
• 1 tbsp Natural Peanut Butter
• 2-3 tbsp Cocoa Powder, best with Dutched Cocoa Powder
• 1/2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
• Pinch of Salt

Instructions:

1. ​Add all ingredients to the food processor and process until smooth
2. Be patient, it does take a little time for the smoothness to come through
3. You can eat this as is or scoop out and put in the freezer for a firmer texture

Mint Chocolate Banana Ice Cream
Ingredients:

• 3 Frozen Bananas
• 2-3 tbsp Cocoa Powder, best with Dutched Cocoa Powder
• 1 drop Peppermint Essential Oil
• 1/2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
• Pinch of Salt

​Instructions:

1. ​Add all ingredients to the food processor and process until smooth
2. Be patient, it does take a little time for the smoothness to come through
3. You can eat this as is or scoop out and put in the freezer for a firmer texture

Almond Banana Ice Cream
Ingredients: 

• 3 Frozen Bananas
• 2 tbsp Natural Almond Butter
• 1/2 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
• Pinch of Salt

Matcha Banana Ice Cream

• 3 Frozen Bananas
• 1 1/2 tsp Organic Matcha Powder (Japan sourced)
  

​Instructions:

1. ​Add all ingredients to the food processor and process until smooth
2. Be patient, it does take a little time for the smoothness to come through
3. You can eat this as is or scoop out and put in the freezer for a firmer texture

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