Easy Banana Ice Cream Tips 10 Flavors

We learned a lot in the process, which we’ve distilled here in this ULTIMATE Guide to Banana Ice Cream, plus 10 easy and delicious flavors to try!

What is Nice Cream?

Banana ice cream, also referred to as “nice cream,” is a super simple, plant-based version of ice cream made with a base of just 1 ingredient: bananas! It’s typically made in either a blender or food processor depending on the equipment available and your priorities (total time, hands-on time, quantity, etc.). We share the pros and cons of each method below!

Tips for Success

Use ripe, spotty bananas for best flavor/sweetness Peel and slice into 1/2-inch slices instead of large chunks, which can be more difficult to blend Freeze in a single layer to prevent large clumps (parchment paper on a baking sheet is our favorite way to prevent sticking to the pan!) If you’re having trouble blending, let the banana thaw for a few minutes. This will allow it to soften and become easier to blend. Alternatively, you could add 1 Tbsp (15 ml) at a time of dairy-free milk to encourage blending. But be careful with this method as it’s the fastest way to get runny banana ice cream. For true “ice cream” texture vs. soft serve, simply spread into a Tupperware or loaf pan and freeze for 2-3 hours. Then scoop with an ice cream scoop! If too firm, let thaw 15-30 minutes to soften.

Food Processor vs. High-Speed Blender

Using either a food processor or a blender will work for making banana ice cream. For best texture, we prefer a blender, but for an easier-to-master method, a food processor is the way to go!

Food Processor

Generally takes a bit longer (5 minutes vs 2-3 minutes in a blender). Requires occasional babysitting. Otherwise, relatively hands-off. Not quite as smooth — can be a bit more difficult to fully blend and ensure there is no chunkiness.

Blender

Fast! High-speed blenders (especially a Vitamix) with a tamper can make banana nice cream in 2-3 minutes, or depending on the motor power and skill, even 1 minute! Requires babysitting and using the tamper the whole time. Can be aggravating to the motor, and can sometimes require stopping for breaks. Can make larger quantities.

We’ve had success with both the Vitamix 5200 and Kitchenaid KSB8270FP Pro Line Series. See our full blender review here.

Flavors

The flavor options for banana ice cream are endless! For most flavors, you can simply add the flavors after the bananas have already been turned into “nice cream”: But for the following flavors, add the fruit at the same time as the bananas:

Toppings

If you’ve ever been to an ice cream shop where you get to choose your toppings, you know there are so many different options! The same applies here. Some of our favorite topping ideas include:

Sliced fresh fruit (such as kiwi, banana, or berries) Cacao nibs Nut butter Shredded coconut Seed cycling mixes

We hope you LOVE this ice cream! It’s:CreamyFluffySweetFruityRefreshing& Delicious! It’s perfect any time you’re craving a healthier dessert (or when you need to use up extra bananas)! It would also be fun as a homemade ice cream bar, allowing everyone to customize with different flavors and toppings.