Banana Peanut Butter Nice Cream: the Healthy Recipe for a Creamy, Fresh and Delicious Ice Cream!

Dreaming of a refreshing dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth without sacrificing your health goals? Look no further than Banana Peanut Butter Nice Cream! This tasty treat is the perfect way to cool down on a hot summer day and can be enjoyed by anyone following a vegan or dairy-free diet. Frozen bananas form the base, creating a creamy texture without any churning required. Blended with peanut butter for a nutty richness, this nice cream gets an extra decadent touch with a chocolate shell. Made with just a few readily available ingredients, this recipe comes together in minutes. So ditch the guilt and grab a spoon…it's time to create a healthy and delicious frozen treat the whole family will love!

What is Nice Cream?

At its core, nice cream is a frozen dessert made primarily with frozen bananas.  The bananas are blended until smooth, creating a surprisingly creamy texture that rivals traditional ice cream. This base can then be flavored with various ingredients like fruits, nut butters, cocoa powder, or even spices.

While the exact origin of "nice cream" is a little fuzzy, it's become a popular term for frozen desserts made with minimal ingredients and often avoiding dairy.

The rise of vegan and dairy-free diets likely played a significant role in the surge of nice cream's popularity. Frozen banana "soft serve" has been around for decades, but the term "nice cream" seems to have gained traction in the early 2010s. The shareable nature of nice cream recipes on social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram has undoubtedly fueled its popularity. The vibrant colors, creative flavor combinations, and ease of preparation make it a perfect recipe for home cooks to showcase.

Tips

• For the creamiest texture, use very ripe bananas. The riper the banana, the sweeter it will be. Look for bananas with brown spots on the peel – these are the perfect candidates for nice cream!
• Peel the bananas and break them into chunks before freezing. This ensures even freezing and easier blending later. Freeze the banana chunks for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, for the best results.
• Creamy or crunchy? The choice is yours! Creamy peanut butter will blend more seamlessly, while chunky peanut butter adds a nice textural contrast.
• Experiment with different nut butters for a flavor twist. Almond butter, cashew butter, or even a mix of nut butters can add a unique twist to your nice cream.
• There are a few ways to melt your chocolate for the shell. Using a double boiler is the safest method, but you can also use the microwave in short bursts (around 30 seconds each), stirring in between, to avoid burning.
• A high-powered blender will achieve the smoothest consistency. If your blender struggles, add a splash of plant-based milk or a tablespoon of nut butter to help things along.
• Once the nice cream reaches a smooth and creamy texture, stop blending. Over-blending can melt the nice cream and make it soupy.
• Serve your nice cream immediately after blending for the best texture. If it starts to melt, simply pop it back in the freezer for a few minutes to firm up again.
• For an extra bit of indulgence, add your favorite toppings like chopped nuts, granola, fresh fruit slices, or even a dollop of whipped cream (dairy-free if needed).

Can I Use A Different Type Of Nut Butter Besides Peanut Butter?

Yes, you can! Almond butter, cashew butter, or even a mix of nut butters can be delicious substitutes.

Do I Need To Add Any Sweetener?

Ripe bananas are naturally sweet, and depending on their ripeness, you might not need any additional sweetener. However, if you prefer a sweeter treat, you can add a tablespoon of honey, maple syrup, or a few drops of stevia.

My Nice Cream isn't Creamy, What Did I Do Wrong?

There are a couple of reasons why your nice cream might not be creamy:

The bananas might not have been frozen long enough. Ensure they are frozen for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.

Your blender might not be powerful enough. A high-powered blender will achieve the smoothest consistency. You can try adding a splash of plant-based milk or a tablespoon of nut butter to help with blending.

Can I Add Anything Else To This Nice Cream?

Sure! Here are some ideas for delicious mix-ins:

• Chopped nuts
• Cacao nibs
• Shredded coconut
• Fresh fruit slices (like strawberries, blueberries, or mangoes)
• Cocoa powder for a chocolatey twist

How to Store Nice Cream

Leftover nice cream can be stored in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a week. However, the texture may not be quite as creamy as freshly blended.

How Can I Make This Recipe Higher In Protein?

Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the blender along with the bananas and peanut butter. Choose a plant-based protein powder if following a vegan diet.

How To Make Banana Peanut Butter Nice Cream

Peel and chop your bananas. Spread them out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. Freezing ensures a smooth and creamy texture.

While the bananas freeze, prepare the chocolate shell (optional). In a heat-resistant bowl set over a pan of simmering water (double boiler method), melt your dark chocolate. Alternatively, use the microwave in short bursts (around 30 seconds each), stirring frequently, to avoid burning. Add a teaspoon of coconut oil for a smoother consistency and easier drizzling.

Once the bananas are frozen, they can be blended! Add the frozen banana chunks and peanut butter to the blender. Blend until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency, similar to soft-serve ice cream.

Scoop the nice cream into bowls or cones.

If you made a chocolate shell, drizzle it over the nice cream and top with peanuts.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy frozen treat!