Name: Vegan Banana Ice Cream
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-487028H42M21S
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 4 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional) Pinch of salt (optional) 1/4 cup non-dairy milk (almond, coconut, oat, or soy milk) Optional mix-ins: chocolate chips, nuts, berries, or swirl of peanut butter

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Vegan Banana Ice Cream is the perfect combination of creamy, sweet, and satisfying, without any added sugars or dairy. The bananas provide natural sweetness and a silky texture, making it an excellent base for homemade ice cream. The best part? It’s incredibly customizable! You can add in your favorite flavors like vanilla, cocoa, cinnamon, or fruit, making it a versatile dessert option. Plus, it’s so easy to make that you’ll be tempted to make it again and again.

Ingredients

4 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Pinch of salt (optional)
1/4 cup non-dairy milk (almond, coconut, oat, or soy milk)
Optional mix-ins: chocolate chips, nuts, berries, or swirl of peanut butter

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

Directions

Start by peeling the bananas and slicing them into small rounds.
Place the banana slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them for at least 2 hours or until completely frozen.
Once the bananas are frozen, place them in a food processor or high-speed blender. Add the vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of non-dairy milk to the bananas.
Blend the mixture on high, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides, until it reaches a creamy, ice cream-like consistency. You may need to add more milk (a tablespoon at a time) to help it blend if it’s too thick.
Once smooth and creamy, you can serve the banana ice cream immediately for a soft-serve consistency, or transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for 1-2 hours for a firmer texture.
If desired, fold in chocolate chips, crushed nuts, or swirl in peanut butter before freezing.
Scoop into bowls and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Freezing Time: 2 hours for frozen bananas, plus 1-2 hours for final freezing (optional)

Variations

Chocolate Banana Ice Cream: Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder or 1/4 cup of melted dairy-free chocolate when blending the bananas for a rich chocolate flavor.
Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream: Swirl in 2 tablespoons of peanut butter or almond butter for a creamy, nutty flavor.
Berry Banana Ice Cream: Add a handful of fresh or frozen berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a fruity twist.
Cinnamon Banana Ice Cream: Sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a warming, spiced flavor.
Mint Chocolate Banana Ice Cream: Add 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract and fold in mini vegan chocolate chips for a minty treat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover banana ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 week. Be sure to let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before serving, as it can become quite firm.
Reheating: Banana ice cream is best enjoyed directly from the freezer or after letting it sit out for a few minutes to soften. You can also microwave it for 10-15 seconds if you prefer a softer consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I make this banana ice cream without a food processor?

Yes! If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a high-speed blender, although it may take a little longer to blend. Just scrape down the sides often and add a little extra non-dairy milk if needed.

2. Can I add sweeteners like maple syrup or agave?

The ripe bananas provide plenty of natural sweetness, but if you prefer a sweeter ice cream, you can add a little maple syrup, agave, or another sweetener to taste.

3. Can I use fresh bananas instead of frozen?

For the best texture, you’ll need to freeze the bananas first. Fresh bananas won’t have the same creamy, ice cream-like consistency when blended.

4. Can I make this ice cream without vanilla extract?

Yes, the vanilla extract is optional. You can leave it out or substitute it with other extracts like almond or mint, depending on the flavor you prefer.

5. Can I make this banana ice cream in advance?

Yes, you can make the ice cream in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the freezer. If it becomes too hard, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften before serving.

6. Can I add other fruits to this ice cream?

Yes! You can blend other frozen fruits like mango, pineapple, or strawberries with the bananas for different fruity flavors. Just blend them together with the bananas until smooth.

7. Is this ice cream really creamy without dairy?

Yes! When frozen bananas are blended, they create a creamy texture similar to traditional ice cream, even without any dairy. The key is using fully ripe bananas that are naturally sweet and soft.

8. Can I make this recipe without a freezer?

Freezing the bananas is essential for this recipe. However, if you don’t have space in your freezer for the banana slices, you could blend the bananas and serve it immediately as a soft-serve treat, or freeze it in a loaf pan to set for a couple of hours.

9. Can I add chocolate chips to the ice cream?

Yes! You can fold in chocolate chips or chunks after blending for a delicious crunchy texture.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double or triple the recipe. Just make sure your food processor or blender can handle the increased quantity, or blend in batches.

Conclusion

Vegan Banana Ice Cream is a delicious, healthy, and simple dessert made with just one key ingredient: ripe bananas. You can customize it with your favorite flavors and mix-ins, making it perfect for everyone in the family. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing snack, a cool treat on a hot day, or a dairy-free dessert, this banana ice cream is sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping things wholesome and easy!