If you’re craving a refreshing, naturally sweet treat, this Mint Chocolate Chip Nice Cream Recipe is an absolute game changer. Made primarily from frozen bananas with just a hint of fresh mint and a sprinkle of chocolate chips, it delivers all the creamy indulgence of traditional ice cream without any dairy or guilt. Whether you’re looking for a vegan dessert, a healthy snack, or just something cool and vibrant for a sunny day, this recipe will quickly become your new favorite go-to. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make, boasting fresh ingredients that bring out bright, minty flavors balanced by luscious bits of chocolate in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients sets you up beautifully for creating this dreamy Mint Chocolate Chip Nice Cream Recipe. Each component plays its part—bananas provide the creamy base and natural sweetness, mint adds a fresh zing, and chocolate chips bring that irresistible crunch.
- 3 cups frozen sliced bananas: The star of the recipe, bananas give it that silky texture and natural sweetness without added sugar.
- 2 tbsp coconut cream: Adds a luscious, velvety richness that mimics traditional ice cream fat content.
- 4 pitted dates: Enhance sweetness naturally and blend smoothly into the creaminess.
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves (about 8 leaves): Offers a bright, refreshing flavor that makes this nice cream stand out.
- 1 drop peppermint extract: Just a hint to intensify the minty goodness without overpowering the fresh leaves.
- 1 tbsp matcha powder (optional): For a subtle earthy note and vibrant green hue that gives this dessert a beautiful pop.
- Almond milk (as needed): Used sparingly to help the blender work its magic if the mix feels too thick.
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips: Small, melt-in-your-mouth morsels that perfectly complement the mint flavor with a touch of sweetness and crunch.
How to Make Mint Chocolate Chip Nice Cream Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Base Ingredients
Start by placing the frozen bananas, coconut cream, pitted dates, fresh mint leaves, peppermint extract, and matcha powder (if using) into a high-speed blender or Vitamix. To avoid overloading your blender, split the ingredients into two batches if necessary. This ensures a smooth, creamy blend that’s essential for the perfect texture.
Step 2: Achieve the Perfect Creamy Consistency
Blend on high until the mixture transforms into a velvety smooth consistency that resembles soft serve ice cream. If it’s too thick and struggling to blend, add one tablespoon of almond milk at a time just until everything moves freely. The key is balancing the creaminess without making it runny.
Step 3: Incorporate the Chocolate Chips
Once your base is smooth and creamy, gently fold in the mini chocolate chips. This step adds subtle bursts of chocolate that pair beautifully with the fresh mint, making each spoonful exciting and flavorful.
Step 4: Freeze or Serve Immediately
Line a bread pan with parchment paper and pour the nice cream mixture into it. For a soft-serve style treat, feel free to scoop and enjoy immediately. If you prefer a firmer, scoopable ice cream, cover the pan with plastic wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours until completely solid.
Step 5: Scoop and Enjoy!
After it’s frozen, remove the pan from the freezer and scoop out your dreamy mint chocolate chip nice cream into bowls. This moment is pure joy—creamy, minty, with irresistible chocolate chips in every bite.
How to Serve Mint Chocolate Chip Nice Cream Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your serving game by topping your nice cream with fresh mint leaves for an extra burst of color and aroma. A sprinkling of cacao nibs or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate also adds a sophisticated touch and deeper chocolate flavor.
Side Dishes
This Mint Chocolate Chip Nice Cream pairs wonderfully with light, summery sides like fresh berries or citrus salad. For a more indulgent experience, serve alongside warm brownies or a freshly baked vegan cookie to contrast the cold cream with warmth and chewiness.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with presentation by serving the nice cream inside hollowed-out mini melons or coconut shells for a tropical vibe. You can also layer it in tall glasses with crushed nuts and chocolate drizzle to create a layered parfait that impresses every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the nice cream in an airtight container in the freezer. This keeps it fresh and prevents ice crystals from forming, ensuring it remains creamy and delicious for several days.
Freezing
For best texture, freeze the nice cream for at least 4 hours after preparing. When freezing longer term, cover the surface with plastic wrap directly touching the nice cream before sealing the container. This extra step helps maintain the smooth texture you love.
Reheating
This Mint Chocolate Chip Nice Cream Recipe is best served cold. If it’s too hard to scoop after freezing, let it sit at room temperature for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This softens it just enough to scoop without melting it completely.
FAQs
Can I make this nice cream without dates?
Yes, you can substitute dates with another natural sweetener like maple syrup or agave, but dates add a unique caramel-like depth and help with the creamy texture. Adjust sweetness according to your taste.
Is matcha powder necessary in this recipe?
Matcha is optional and adds a lovely green color and earthiness, but the recipe shines just fine without it. If you love a subtle green tea flavor, it’s a great addition.
Can I use a regular blender instead of a high-speed blender?
A high-speed blender works best to achieve that silky smooth texture quickly, but a regular blender can work if you add a bit of extra liquid like almond milk and blend in small batches. Just be patient with the process.
How long does this nice cream keep in the freezer?
Stored properly in an airtight container, this nice cream is best enjoyed within 3 to 5 days for optimal texture and flavor. Beyond that, it may develop ice crystals or lose some creaminess.
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to use dark, milk, or even vegan chocolate chips depending on your preference. Mini chips work best to get little bursts of chocolate in every bite.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of making your own refreshing, creamy treat from wholesome ingredients, and this Mint Chocolate Chip Nice Cream Recipe delivers just that. It’s simple, delicious, and versatile enough to impress at any gathering or just as a special indulgence for yourself. Give it a try—you might just find it’s your new favorite summer classic!
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Mint Chocolate Chip Nice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This vegan Mint Chocolate Chip Nice Cream is a luscious, healthy alternative to traditional ice cream, made entirely from frozen bananas and fresh mint for a refreshing flavor. Blended until creamy and studded with mini chocolate chips, it’s perfect for a guilt-free dessert that’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and naturally sweetened with dates.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups frozen sliced bananas
- 2 tbsp coconut cream
- 4 pitted dates
- 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves (about 8 leaves)
- 1 drop peppermint extract
- 1 tbsp matcha powder (optional)
- Almond milk (as needed)
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all ingredients except for almond milk and mini chocolate chips. Make sure the bananas are sliced and frozen for optimal creaminess.
- Blend Mixture: Add the frozen bananas, coconut cream, dates, fresh mint leaves, peppermint extract, and matcha powder (if using) into a high-speed blender or Vitamix. If your blender is small, blend in two batches for smooth consistency.
- Adjust Consistency: Blend on high until smooth and creamy. If the mixture is too thick and struggles to blend, add almond milk one tablespoon at a time until it reaches a creamy texture.
- Fold in Chocolate Chips: Remove the blended mixture from the blender and gently fold in the mini chocolate chips to evenly distribute them without melting.
- Prepare for Freezing: Line a bread pan with parchment paper and pour the nice cream mixture into the pan.
- Freeze or Serve Soft Serve: For a soft-serve texture, you can serve immediately. Alternatively, cover the pan with plastic cling wrap and freeze for at least 4 hours or until firm.
- Scoop and Serve: Once frozen, remove the nice cream from the pan using the parchment paper and scoop into bowls to enjoy.
Notes
- If you prefer a softer texture, serve immediately after blending as soft serve.
- Adjust almond milk quantity gradually to avoid a runny consistency.
- For extra mint flavor, add more fresh mint leaves but blend well to avoid leafy texture.
- Matcha powder is optional but adds a subtle earthiness complementing the mint.
- Store leftovers in the freezer in an airtight container for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Vegan
