Banana Ice Cream
Banana Ice Cream
This creamy, one-ingredient banana ice cream is a healthy, no-dairy frozen dessert that tastes like soft-serve. Just freeze ripe bananas and blend them smooth—naturally sweet, low-calorie, and perfect for hot Lahore afternoons. Add a splash of milk for extra creaminess or flavor twists like vanilla or cocoa. Ready in minutes after freezing, it’s the ultimate budget-friendly treat.
Ingredients
- For 2 to 3 servings, you need only these basics:
- 4 large very ripe bananas (heavily spotted or brown peels for maximum sweetness)
- 2 to 4 tablespoons milk (dairy, almond, oat, or coconut for smoother blending)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but adds classic ice cream flavor)
- Pinch of salt (enhances the natural banana taste)
- Optional add-ins: 1–2 tablespoons cocoa powder for chocolate banana, handful of frozen berries for mixed fruit, or a drizzle of peanut butter for swirl
- No sugar, no ice cream maker required.
Direction
- Follow these easy steps for perfect banana “nice cream”:
- Step 1: Peel the ripe bananas, slice them into 1-inch coins, and spread them in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray or plate.
- Step 2: Freeze the slices for at least 2 hours (or overnight) until completely solid.
- Step 3: Transfer the frozen banana pieces to a high-powered blender or food processor. Add the milk, vanilla extract, and pinch of salt.
- Step 4: Blend on high, stopping every 20–30 seconds to scrape down the sides. It will first look crumbly, then turn creamy like soft-serve (usually 2–4 minutes total). Add extra milk 1 tablespoon at a time if needed for blending.
- Step 5: For add-ins, stir in cocoa, berries, or peanut butter after it’s smooth. Serve immediately for soft-serve texture, or scoop into a container and freeze 1–2 hours for firmer scoops. Let sit 5 minutes at room temperature before eating if too hard.
Nutrients Information
Per serving (about ¾ cup, plain version with 1 tablespoon milk, approximate values)
- Calories: 110 to 130
- Total Fat: 0.5 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0.2 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: 20 to 40 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 27 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 3.5 grams
- Sugars: 14 grams (all natural from bananas)
- Protein: 1.5 grams
- Excellent source of potassium, vitamin B6, and natural energy. A low-fat, cholesterol-free alternative to traditional ice cream that supports digestion with its fiber.
Recipes Credit
Popularized as “nice cream” by healthy eating bloggers and vegan communities, this simple frozen banana dessert has become a global favorite for its simplicity and health benefits. Adapted here for everyday Pakistani kitchens using local ripe bananas (often very sweet and affordable at markets). Inspired by no-machine recipes from sites like Minimalist Baker, Oh She Glows, and countless family WhatsApp shares for quick, guilt-free treats. Freshly presented for easy, delicious indulgence.