Cool down in a delicious way with this rich and decadent chocolate nice cream recipe. Made with just four ingredients, it’s ready to enjoy in just 10 minutes! This healthy version of ice cream is the sweet treat you need to try this summer! {Vegan & gluten-free}
As we hit the higher temperatures this summer, it’s hard not to reach for a scoop of sweet and refreshing ice cream This chocolate banana ice cream is a healthy and delicious way to beat the heat without all of the added sugar.
This super easy recipe only requires four ingredients and is made in the blender so it can be whipped together in record time. Our little guys can’t get enough of it. It’s the perfect healthier treat for all ages!
Perfectly creamy, sweet, and ultra refreshing, this recipe is a keeper!
Be sure to try my Chocolate Avocado Pudding and Healthy Banana Cookies too!
Table of Contents
Why We Love this Chocolate Banana Ice Cream
- Quick and easy: It takes no more than 10 minutes to make this nice cream recipe, and even better that you can enjoy it right away!
- Healthier option: Naturally sweetened with bananas and flavoured up with antioxidant rich cocoa, this recipe contains no added sugar is also a source of fibre, potassium and B vitamins. It’s such a great alternative to traditional ice cream.
- Make ahead: You can enjoy this sweet treat right away, but it also freezes well if you want a firmer ice cream or if you want to save it for later to eat as a treat throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes
- Bananas: Provide natural sweetness to the ice cream. Use overripe bananas for the sweetest flavour and freeze them before blending to get that ice cream texture.
- Coconut milk: Use canned rather than cartoned coconut milk as it has a much thicker and creamier consistency. It’s best to use full fat rather than light for a more rich and creamy ice cream, but either one works.
- Cocoa powder: Adds a rich flavour to the banana ice cream. Use unsweetened cocoa powder for a decadent chocolatey flavour. You can add more depending on how rich you like it.
- Vanilla extract: Vanilla adds a touch of sweetness and flavour. For the best flavour, use pure vanilla extract.
Step by Step Instructions
-
Peel and slice the bananas into 1/2 inch pieces. Place in a large freezer safe bag or container and freeze until fully frozen.
-
Next, add the frozen banana slices, coconut milk, cocoa powder and vanilla to a food processor.
-
Blend until smooth and creamy. You may need to scrape the sides of the food processor to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.
- You can either serve the ice cream immediately soft-serve style or transfer the ice cream mixture to a pan or container and freeze for 30 minutes to 2 hours, or until desired ice cream consistency is achieved.
-
Scoop out desired amount of ice cream into bowls and serve with desired toppings.
Recipe Tips
- For best results, use overripe bananas for this recipe as they are naturally sweeter. If you use bananas that aren’t ripe enough, the ice cream won’t be as sweet or flavourful.
- I highly recommend slicing the bananas before freezing to make them easier to blend. You can also cut them into chunks once frozen; just be sure to remove the peel before freezing.
- Adjust the amount of cocoa powder according to taste. If you prefer a richer flavour, add an additional tablespoon or so.
- You can serve this nice cream soft serve or freeze for about an hour or until desired ice cream consistency is achieved. If you fully freeze it, it will harden so you’ll need to let it thaw on the counter for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
Recipe FAQs
How to store
Store the nice cream in the freezer, covered tightly, for up to one week.
What is nice cream made of?
Nice cream is an added sugar-free and dairy-free version of everyone’s favourite dessert. However, instead of using cream and sugar, we blend together frozen bananas and coconut milk to create a creamy scoop. This version is made with cocoa powder to give it a rich chocolate flavour, but other fruits and ingredients can be added instead.
Is nice cream healthier than ice cream?
Yes. Traditional ice cream often has 12-24 grams of sugar per half cup serving. Nice cream is made with no added sugar and coconut milk is used instead of cream which consists of healthier fats known as medium-chain trigylcerides (MCTs). These have been found to potentially decrease appetite and increase energy levels. It’s also a source of lauric acid which has immune boosting and anti-inflammatory properties.
Plus you get a load of nutrients from the bananas including fibre, potassium, magnesium and B vitamins.
Why is it called nice cream?
It’s called nice cream because it mimics a traditional ice cream, but is made with wholesome ingredients that are better for you or “nicer” to your body. It’s plant based too, so if you’re following a vegan or dairy-free diet, you don’t have to miss out!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this nice cream topped with any (or all) of the following:
- A drizzle of chocolate sauce, peanut butter or almond butter
- Chopped peanuts
- Chocolate chips or finely chopped chocolate
- Coconut flakes
- Granola (try some of this Healthy Chocolate Granola!)
- Regular or coconut whipped cream
- Fresh fruit (i.e. strawberries, cherries, additional sliced banana, etc.)
More similar recipes
- Strawberry Banana Smoothie with Yogurt
- Healthy Chocolate Baked Donuts
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Overnight Oats
- Vegan Chocolate Coconut Fudge
- Dark Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
- Vegan Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake Cups
Did you make this recipe? Scroll down to leave a rating and review!
Chocolate Nice Cream
Ingredients
- 4 large overripe bananas
- 1/4 cup canned coconut milk
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder unsweetened
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Toppings
- Chocolate chips
- Chopped peanuts
- Drizzle of peanut butter
Instructions
- Peel and slice the bananas into 1/2 inch pieces. Place in a large freezer safe bag or container and freeze until fully frozen.
- Next, add the frozen banana slices, coconut milk, cocoa powder and vanilla to a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. You may need to scrape the sides of the food processor to ensure all ingredients are evenly combined.
- You can either serve the ice cream immediately soft-serve style or transfer the ice cream mixture to a pan or container and freeze for 30 minutes to 2 hours, or until desired ice cream consistency is reached.
- Scoop ice cream into bowls and serve with desired toppings
Notes
- For best results, use overripe bananas for this recipe as they are naturally sweeter. If you use bananas that aren't ripe enough, the ice cream won't be as sweet or flavourful.
- I highly recommend slicing the bananas before freezing to make them easier to blend. You can also cut them into chunks once frozen; just be sure to remove the peel before freezing.
- Adjust the amount of cocoa powder according to taste. If you prefer a richer flavour, add an additional tablespoon or so.
- You can serve this nice cream soft serve or freeze for about an hour or until desired ice cream consistency is achieved. If you fully freeze the nice cream, it will harden so you'll need to let it thaw on the counter for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
This post may contain affiliate links which means that I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only promote products that I love and feel will benefit my readers :)
Leave A Review: