Name: Pumpkin Nice Cream
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-487309H26M1S
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen; 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (or homemade pumpkin puree); 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, depending on desired sweetness); A pinch of salt; 1/4 cup almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pumpkin Nice Cream is a simple yet irresistible treat that delivers all the cozy flavors of fall in a healthier form. Made with frozen bananas, pumpkin puree, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this vegan ice cream is both refreshing and comforting. It’s naturally sweetened, dairy-free, and can be made in just minutes, making it a perfect snack, dessert, or even a breakfast treat. Plus, it’s easily customizable with your favorite toppings, making it versatile enough for any occasion!

Ingredients

2 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen
1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (or homemade pumpkin puree)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional, depending on desired sweetness)
A pinch of salt
1/4 cup almond milk (or any non-dairy milk)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Bananas: Slice the bananas into small chunks and freeze them for at least 2 hours, or until solid. The frozen bananas are what give the nice cream its creamy, ice cream-like texture.
Blend the Ingredients: In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the frozen banana slices, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, maple syrup (if using), and a pinch of salt. Add almond milk (or your preferred non-dairy milk) and blend until smooth and creamy. You may need to scrape down the sides of the blender or food processor a few times to ensure everything is evenly blended.
Adjust Consistency: If the mixture is too thick, add a little more almond milk, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serve: Once smooth and creamy, scoop the pumpkin nice cream into bowls or cones. You can enjoy it immediately as a soft-serve or freeze it for 1-2 hours to allow it to firm up to an ice cream-like texture.
Optional Toppings: Top with crushed nuts, granola, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor and texture.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2-3 servings
Prep time: 5 minutes
Freeze time: 2 hours (for frozen banana chunks)
Total time: 10 minutes (excluding freeze time)

Variations

Add Coconut Milk: For a creamier texture, use canned coconut milk instead of almond milk. It will make the nice cream richer and more indulgent.
Make it Sweeter: If you prefer a sweeter nice cream, add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup or use another sweetener such as agave or coconut sugar.
Pumpkin Pie Spice: For an extra fall flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the mixture instead of cinnamon and nutmeg.
Add Protein: Blend in a scoop of plant-based protein powder to give the nice cream an added boost of protein.
Chocolate Chips: For a chocolatey twist, fold in some dairy-free chocolate chips once the nice cream is fully blended.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: If you have leftovers, store the pumpkin nice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week. Allow it to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping if it becomes too hard.
Reheating: Since this is a frozen dessert, it doesn’t need to be reheated. However, if it’s too hard after freezing, let it thaw for a few minutes before scooping.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin?

Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin puree, but make sure it’s fully cooked and blended until smooth. You may need to adjust the sweetness if using fresh pumpkin, as it can be less sweet than canned pumpkin.

Can I make this nice cream without bananas?

Bananas provide the creamy texture and natural sweetness for the nice cream. However, if you prefer to avoid bananas, you can try using frozen cauliflower or frozen coconut meat for a similar texture, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes, you can substitute maple syrup with other sweeteners like agave, coconut sugar, or dates. Just adjust the quantity based on your sweetness preference.

How can I make the nice cream thicker?

To make the nice cream thicker, use less almond milk or add more frozen bananas. The less liquid you add, the thicker the consistency.

Can I make a larger batch?

Yes, you can double or triple the ingredients to make a larger batch. Just make sure your blender or food processor is large enough to handle the volume, or blend in batches.

Is this pumpkin nice cream vegan?

Yes, this pumpkin nice cream is completely vegan, as it’s made with non-dairy milk and does not contain any animal products.

Can I add toppings to the nice cream?

Yes, feel free to add toppings like crushed nuts, granola, coconut flakes, or a drizzle of nut butter for extra flavor and texture.

Can I use this recipe as a breakfast?

Yes, Pumpkin Nice Cream is nutritious and can be enjoyed as a healthy breakfast, especially if you add toppings like granola, seeds, or nut butter for a more filling meal.

How do I make this nice cream extra creamy?

To make the nice cream extra creamy, use full-fat coconut milk or canned coconut cream instead of almond milk. The higher fat content will give it a richer texture.

Can I add chocolate to this recipe?

Yes, you can add chocolate chips, cocoa powder, or chocolate chunks to this nice cream for a delicious chocolate and pumpkin combination.

Conclusion

Pumpkin Nice Cream is the perfect fall dessert—cool, creamy, and packed with all the flavors of the season. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream that doesn’t skimp on taste. The combination of sweet, spiced pumpkin and creamy bananas creates a refreshing yet comforting treat that’s perfect for cooling down on a warm day or enjoying as a cozy dessert. Plus, it’s customizable to fit your dietary needs and preferences. Enjoy it as a sweet snack, a dessert, or even a wholesome breakfast!