If you’re craving creamy ice cream without the fuss (or calories), banana ice cream is a game changer.
All you need are frozen banana chunks and a blender. Yes, really!
This one-ingredient banana ice cream recipe is sweet, rich, and impossible to resist. Plus, I have 12 flavor variations I know you’ll adore.
Easy One-Ingredient Banana Ice Cream
Who knew a bunch of bananas could transform into something so dreamy and satisfying?
Frozen banana ice cream is often called “nice cream” because it really is delightful.
It’s a vegan, gluten-free, low-calorie dessert anyone can make.
Keep it simple with just one ingredient, or jazz it up with some add-ins. Either way, it’s a must-make.
You’ll love the creamy texture and sweet banana flavor. And if you add a dollop of whipped cream, I bet you won’t even notice it’s healthy.
How to Make Banana Ice Cream
Making banana nice cream is super simple. But there are a couple of key steps.
Here’s a quick overview:
1. Freeze the bananas. Peel, slice, and freeze the bananas until solid. If they’re not solid, they won’t blend properly.
2. Blend until creamy. I say blend, but this is best made in a food processor. And I high-powered one at that!
3. Serve or freeze. Dig in right away for a soft-serve delight, or freeze for a scoopable treat.
Just remember to be patient while blending. It might take a few minutes, but those frozen chunks will turn into creamy ice cream.
Check out the tips below or scroll to the bottom of the post for the full method.
Tips and Tricks
It’s hard to believe a one-ingredient recipe could have tips and tricks, but here we are.
If you want perfectly smooth, sweet, and creamy homemade ice cream, read these before you start:
- Use a high-powered food processor. Cheaper machines won’t struggle with soft ingredients, but frozen banana chunks? That’s a big ask. So, be sure you have a decent machine that can handle blending frozen solid banana chunks.
- Add milk. If the food processor starts to struggle, add a bit of milk to smooth things out.
- Start slow. Pulse the bananas a few times to break them up. Then, start on low and very slowly turn the speed to medium.
- To use a blender: Again, make sure it has a powerful motor and start on low. Push the bananas towards the blades with a tamper and add milk as needed.
- Wait for ripe bananas. Use bananas that have brown spots for a sweeter, richer flavor. They’re nature’s candy!
- Slice bananas thin. Thin slices freeze faster and blend more easily.
- Add a bit of fat. Some nut butter or coconut milk will make your ice cream even creamier. It’ll taste almost like the real deal.
- Add fun extras. When the nice cream is smooth, transfer it to a container and stir in tasty treats. I like cookie dough and salted caramel. Other options include chocolate chips, Reese’s Pieces, flaked coconut, candied fruit, chopped nuts, etc.
Follow these tips, and you’ll be making banana ice cream like a pro in no time!
Flavor Variations
As mentioned, you can enjoy this right away, and it’ll be like smooth, soft-serve ice cream. Or freeze it for a couple of hours until it’s scoopable.
Another fun option is to make homemade popsicles. Just pour the blended bananas into popsicle molds, add sticks, and freeze.
Finally, here are some fun flavor variations. Add the mix-ins (when the bananas are smooth) a little at a time and taste often until it’s how you like it.
- Chocolate twist – Blend in cocoa powder and a dash of vanilla for a rich chocolate flavor.
- Mint Chocolate Chip – Mix in peppermint extract and chocolate chips for a refreshing twist.
- Nutella – Swirl in some Nutella for a decadent hazelnut-chocolate combo.
- Strawberry – Add frozen strawberries and honey for a fruity, sweet variation.
- Cookies and Cream – Crumble in Oreo cookies for that classic cookies and cream taste.
- Peanut Butter – Stir in peanut butter to indulge in a nutty, creamy treat.
- Matcha Green Tea – Mix food-grade matcha powder for an earthy, vibrant green ice cream.
- Berry Banana – Toss in a mix of frozen berries for a berrylicious treat.
- Tutti Frutti – Blend in frozen mango, peaches, and pineapple for a tropical twist.
- Piña Colada – Use coconut milk and blend in pineapple for a tropical getaway.
- Banana Walnut Chocolate – Add toasted walnuts and dark chocolate chunks for a crunchy, chocolatey experience.
- Pistachio – Incorporate pistachio butter and a hint of vanilla. Top with crushed pistachios for extra flair.
Oh, and if you like this recipe, you have to try these fun chocolate covered banana pops!
More Ice Cream Recipes
Mexican Ice Cream
Fried Ice Cream
Homemade Strawberry Ice Cream
Ice Cream Balls
Banana Ice Cream
2
servings5
minutes2
hours110
kcalIf you’re craving creamy ice cream without the fuss (or calories), banana ice cream is a game changer. All you need are frozen banana chunks and a blender.
Ingredients
2 large ripe bananas
Topping Ideas: fresh banana slices, chocolate sauce, chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, etc.
Instructions
- Peel and cut the bananas into thin slices. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate and freeze for 1-2 hours or overnight.
- Put the frozen banana slices into a high-powered food processor and pulse a few times to break up the fruit. Then, blend until smooth and scrape the sides as needed.
- Serve immediately with toppings for a soft-serve consistency. Or transfer to an airtight container and freeze for 1-2 hours for a scoopable, ice cream-like consistency.
Notes
- This recipe is best done in a high-powered food processor. If the motor has difficulty processing the bananas, stop and add a splash of milk. Always start on low and gradually increase the speed.
- If using a blender, be sure it has a powerful motor. Start on low and press the banana slices into the blades using the tamper. Turn the speed to medium only when the slices are broken into small pieces, and stop if the motor struggles. It may also need a splash of milk to help blend the bananas.
- Cut the bananas into thin slices for easier blending.
I would love to try the banana 🍌 ice cream. Just wondering why no milk is recommended.
Hey, Stephen! This recipe doesn’t require milk because it’s a “one-ingredient” recipe. However, you can definitely add milk to make it smoother and creamier. Dairy-free milks could also work. 🙂
Do bananas turn brown? The picture looks nice but . . . .?
Hi Paula!
If you store it in an airtight container and keep it frozen, you shouldn’t have to worry about browning.
That said, mine never lasts more than a few days, so I can’t say for sure beyond that 🙂
A splash of lemon juice will help though