Did that title pique your interest?
It did mine when I first saw it on the internet. In fact, this little phenomenon has been popping up on food blogs all over the place lately. Maybe you’ve heard of it referred to as “Nice Cream?” If you’re like me you’re probably wondering what could possibly possess all of the properties necessary so that just the item itself could be enough to magically transform into ice cream. Right? Apparently bananas.
I’ll admit I was very skeptical. When I think of banana ice cream, I think of something more like THIS. And obviously a frozen banana isn’t going to compare. But I have to say I was very surprised and very pleased with the results. Somehow whipping up frozen banana chunks creates some magical reaction and really does turn it into a creamy-smooth ice cream-like substance. Wanna see how?
Ingredient & Equipment Notes
- Food processor or blender – This recipe will work in pretty much any food processor. A high powered blender (Blendtec, Vitamix, Ninja Pro, etc.) will work as well.
- Add-ins – If you’d like, feel free to blend in a little peanut butter, Nutella, or cinnamon-sugar. You can also blend in a few frozen raspberries or blueberries for a fruity twist.
- Bananas – Bananas can tend to get a bitter taste to them after freezing and it’s intensified if they’re under-ripe So definitely use very ripe bananas for this. They shouldn’t be brown-mushy-banana-bread-ripe, but ripe. I found the best ones to be like the ones below, where the outsides were spotty but the insides weren’t brown yet at all. They were super sweet.
How To Make One-Ingredient Banana Ice Cream
- Try it with about 3 medium bananas. Slice or dice into small pieces (to make the blending part easier) and place in the freezer. Place frozen banana chunks into a food processor.
2. Can you guess the next step? Ya, blend those babies up. Depending on the size of your food processor, the amount of bananas, and how frozen they are, you may have to stop it a few times and scrape and mush the mixture around. I’ve had to do that every time.
The first time I tried this I was concerned when my mixture never turned into anything resembling ice cream. It just looked like tiny little grains, much like couscous!
But all I had to do was grab a spatula and when I stirred them even the tiniest bit, ta-da!
Sure enough it was smooth, creamy, and looked just like ice cream!
3. Now looking like ice cream is one thing, but what about the taste and texture? I was very surprised to find that this stuff actually feels like ice cream in my mouth. It tastes like- let’s be real here, bananas. But it’s still quite delish. One of the great things you can do is add some mix-ins to the food processor along with bananas. Sure it won’t make it “one” ingredient ice cream anymore, but it’s sure yummy. I tried one batch with some cinnamon-sugar, one with a spoonful of peanut butter, and our personal favorite: a scoop of heaven. Er…I mean, Nutella.
It’s really amazing how much frozen bananas can resemble ice cream.
The true test? This one:
Not only was this 4 year-old super happy to be eating a treat, he had noooo idea it was just bananas.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this ahead and freeze it? As is, this banana ice cream comes out like soft serve. For a more scoopable texture, pop it in the freezer for a bit. For longer freezing, make sure it is sealed tight to prevent freezer burn. You may need to let is sit out to soften for a bit if completely frozen.
Related Recipes
Looking for other ice cream ideas? Consider these Our Best Bites Favorites:
Ice Cream Crunch Bars (Tastes like Fried Ice Cream!)
Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream
Cherry Chocolate Ice Cream
Snickerdoodle Ice Cream
Caramelized Banana Ice Cream
Did You Make This?
I’d love to hear from you! Snap a picture and tag me on Instagram, then come back and give this recipe a rating!
One-Ingredient Ice Cream
Ingredients
- 3 medium ripe bananas just beginning to show brown spots on the peel but the insides have not yet begun to brown-- not underripe but also not as ripe as you would use for banana bread
- OPTIONAL ADD INS
- cinnamon-sugar
- peanut butter
- Nutella
Instructions
- Slice or dice bananas into small pieces (to make the blending part easier) and place in freezer until frozen through, at least a few hours.
- Place frozen banana chunks into a food processor and blend. Depending on the size of your food processor, the amount of bananas, and how frozen they are, you may have to stop it a few times and scrape and mush the mixture around. I've had to do that every time.
- The mixture may look crumbly and resemble cous cous. Just grab a spatula, stir it, and watch as it transforms into perfect soft serve banana ice cream.
- If using, blend in your desired add ins to taste and serve.
Questions & Reviews
Did you know that there is a machine that does this banana ice cream job? I know, one more appliance to add to your cupboard. But seriously, I never thought of using a food processor, and it is probably easier to use that. Just so you know, this appliance is called Yonanas. Hope I helped!
Hmmmm, I didn’t think this would taste good but turned out as best hit dealio!
Mmmm Nutella! I will definitely have to try that one. My favorite quote: some people look at things and say, “why not?” I look at things and say, “why not with Nutella?” 😉
I have been wanting to try this for ages but I don’t have a food processor… So i finally decided to try it in my magic bullet and it worked! Mostly. I did have to break up the frozen block of banana chunks into the individual pieces of banana and I had to do it in two batches but it worked! I tossed a few blackberries into the banana mixture and it’s delicious. I was going to be virtuous and eat it as a healthy snack.. but I couldn’t help drizzling some hot fudge on it.. MmmMmmmmm amazing idea!
the first time i made this my bananas weren’t fully frozen and when i took it out of the food processor i realized it looked exactly like pudding! i had one spoonful and loved it! i mixed some peanut butter into mine and that was really yummy.
Just made this tonight (along with the lettuce wraps) for the first time and oh my wow…delicious! I even saved a bit for myself as a treat for later. Totally yummy!
Love this!! Made this for my little guy, he is going to love it.. Thank-you!
I would LOVE to try this but I don't have a food processor! I have been making this shake/smoothie, though, that is SO yummy that reminds me of this. I use frozen bananas, chocolate soy milk, and a scoop of peanut butter. I blend it all together in my Magic Bullet and it is a really yummy chocolate/peanut butter/banana shake. I would never know there wasn't ice cream. Oh, and I also sneak some spinach in there from time to time. I can't even taste the difference!
Seriously! This is genius! I can't wait to try it out! I have featured it as one of my Friday favs…hope you can check it out!
http://adomesticnerd.blogspot.com/2011/01/five-friday-favorites_21.html
This is perfect! I didn't add any extras to this, but came up a handful that would be good with it. After I ate this my craving for ice cream was gone and I really felt like I was getting a treat!!! The best part about this was that I got in my fruit which I don't get enough of! And for me one banana was enough. I did two and split it with my husband. We thought this would be a great topper for those low point brownies with a small drizzle of chocolate sauce. A perfect hot fudge banana split birthday treat and practically guilt free!
Tried this for an after school snack for the kids and was totally amazed at the results! I had to freeze the bananas overnight before they were hard enough, and I, too, tried it plain…but I'll definitely be playing with mix-ins! Nutella, peanut butter, chocolate syrup, maybe cold "hot" fudge would make it an amazing dessert, will have to try it with berries, and I love the idea of cinnamon and nutmeg! Yum! I'll be making banana splits with this for my lactose-intolerant Dad, and what a fun summer treat this will be for a teething baby!
Anyway, the real reason I'm commenting is that I topped our treat with home made granola that I made this morning. It turned out pretty well, but I love clusters in granola and did not end up with any. I would love an OBB recipe and walk-through if you're ever hurting for ideas – not likely, but I can hope! 🙂
YUM! You were right that it does taste like bananas, so not an ice cream replacement but I was surprised at how good it actually was. It was especially good with a little chocolate syrup on top!
Thanks for gathering these healthy meal ideas together. I'm going to try the frozen banana dessert this week. I love my tasty indulgences, but I'm always on the lookout for healthy meal ideas!
So this would now be a 0 point ice cream on weight watchers. I'm going to love this!!!
my kids LOVE bananas!! we are definitely trying this!!
I've seen this before, but forgotten all about it. We're definitely banana fans around here, so thanks for the reminder. I'll HAVE to try it now.