Introduction: Welcome to the realm of indulgence where creamy, dreamy chocolate ice cream meets the health-conscious palate. Our recipe for chocolate ice cream offers a delightful twist on the classic frozen dessert, using wholesome ingredients and innovative techniques to create a guilt-free treat that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. With the natural sweetness of bananas, the rich flavor of cocoa powder, and a hint of warmth from cinnamon and cayenne pepper, this ice cream is sure to become a favorite among dessert enthusiasts of all ages. Join us as we explore the art of crafting this delectable confection and indulge in the joy of guilt-free indulgence.
Paragraph 1: At the heart of our chocolate ice cream lies the humble banana, transformed into a creamy base that rivals traditional dairy ice cream in both texture and taste. By freezing ripe bananas and blending them with unsweetened almond milk, we create a velvety smoothness that forms the perfect canvas for our decadent chocolate flavor.
Paragraph 2: But it’s not just any chocolate flavor we’re after – it’s the rich, intense taste of unsweetened cocoa powder that sets our ice cream apart. By using high-quality cocoa powder, we ensure that each spoonful is bursting with deep, chocolatey goodness, without the added sugar and calories found in traditional chocolate ice cream.
Paragraph 3: To enhance the complexity of our chocolate ice cream, we add a touch of warmth and spice with ground cinnamon and cayenne pepper. These unexpected ingredients provide a subtle kick that tantalizes the taste buds and elevates the flavor profile, transforming a simple dessert into a culinary masterpiece.
Paragraph 4: Now, let’s delve into the step-by-step process of creating this irresistible chocolate ice cream in the comfort of your own kitchen.
Step 1: Prepare your grill or grill pan by coating the rack with nonstick spray and preheating it to medium-high heat. Alternatively, you can prepare a medium-high fire in a charcoal grill.
Step 2: Cut the bananas into halves crosswise, and then halve each piece lengthwise to create banana strips. Arrange the bananas, cut-side up, on a baking sheet or plate, and coat them with nonstick spray.
Step 3: In a small bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper, then sprinkle this mixture over the bananas to add a flavorful spice blend.
Step 4: Transfer the spiced bananas, cut-side down, to the grill and cook them until they are charred and marked by the grill, typically around 2 to 3 minutes. Carefully turn the bananas over and grill for an additional 2 minutes until they are tender and caramelized.
Step 5: Remove the grilled bananas from the grill and cut them into 1-inch pieces. Arrange the banana pieces on a baking sheet and freeze them until they are completely firm, which typically takes about 3 hours.
Step 6: Once the bananas are frozen solid, transfer them to a food processor. Add unsweetened almond milk and cocoa powder to the food processor, then process the mixture until it is completely smooth and creamy, which usually takes 2 to 3 minutes, pausing occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Step 7: Serve the chocolate “nice cream” immediately for a soft-serve-like texture, or transfer it to a container and freeze it until firm, typically for 1 to 2 hours, to achieve a traditional ice cream consistency.
Paragraph 5: The result? A heavenly chocolate ice cream that’s not only dairy-free and vegan-friendly but also low in calories and Weight Watchers points. Each serving contains just 72.97 calories and is worth a mere 2 Weight Watchers points, making it a guilt-free indulgence that you can enjoy without hesitation.
Paragraph 6: But the benefits don’t end there. Our chocolate ice cream is also packed with nutrition, thanks to the natural goodness of bananas and almond milk. Bananas are rich in potassium, fiber, and antioxidants, while almond milk provides essential vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin E.
Paragraph 7: Furthermore, the addition of cocoa powder not only adds a rich chocolate flavor but also provides a boost of antioxidants and flavonoids, which have been linked to numerous health benefits, including improved heart health and reduced inflammation.
Paragraph 8: And let’s not forget about the cinnamon and cayenne pepper, which not only add depth of flavor but also offer their own unique health benefits. Cinnamon has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation, while cayenne pepper is known for its metabolism-boosting properties and potential pain-relieving effects.
Paragraph 9: As with any recipe, it’s important to note that nutritional information may vary depending on factors such as ingredient substitutions and portion sizes. We recommend using an online calculator or consulting with a registered dietitian for personalized guidance based on your individual dietary needs and preferences.
Paragraph 10: So why wait? Treat yourself to the irresistible allure of our chocolate ice cream today. Whether enjoyed as a dessert after dinner, a refreshing snack on a hot summer day, or a guilt-free indulgence any time of year, it’s sure to satisfy your sweet cravings while nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors. With its creamy texture, rich chocolate taste, and health-conscious profile, it’s a dessert that’s truly worth savoring.
chocolate ice cream
chocolate ice cream
Ingredients
Cooking spray -4 spray(s)
Banana(s)- 4 large, slighty firm
Sugar -1 Tbsp
Ground cinnamon -½ tsp
Cayenne pepper -⅛ tsp
Unsweetened vanilla almond milk -½ cup(s)
Unsweetened cocoa powder- 3 Tbsp
Instructions
Off heat, coat grill rack or grill pan with nonstick spray. Preheat gas grill or grill pan to medium-high, or prepare medium-high fire in charcoal grill.
Cut each banana in half crosswise, then halve each piece lengthwise. Arrange bananas, cut-side up, on baking sheet or plate and coat bananas with nonstick spray. In small bowl, combine sugar, cinnamon, and cayenne and sprinkle over bananas.
Transfer bananas, spiced-side down, to grill and cook until charred and marked from grill, 2 to 3 minutes. Carefully turn bananas over and cook for 2 minutes more. Remove from grill. Cut bananas into 1-inch pieces and arrange on baking sheet. Freeze bananas until completely firm, about 3 hours.
Transfer bananas to food processor. Add almond milk and cocoa powder and process, occasionally stopping to scrape down sides of bowl, until completely smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Serve nice cream immediately for soft serve–like texture, or transfer to container and freeze until firm, 1 to 2 hours.
Serving size: 2⁄3 cup 2 ww points