This Vegan Chocolate Banana Ice Cream is a healthier alternative to traditional ice cream, with just a few wholesome ingredients. Frozen bananas are blended into a smooth, creamy base, and cocoa powder adds the rich chocolate flavor. It’s naturally sweetened, and you can make it in under 10 minutes. No ice cream maker required, just a food processor or blender!

Ingredients:

  • 4 ripe bananas, sliced and frozen
  • 2-3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (adjust to taste)
  • 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave syrup (optional, depending on the sweetness of your bananas)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
  • A pinch of salt (optional, to enhance sweetness)

Optional add-ins:

  • 1/4 cup dairy-free chocolate chips
  • 1-2 tablespoons almond butter or peanut butter for a creamy twist
  • Chopped nuts (like walnuts or almonds) for extra crunch

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the bananas:
    • Slice your ripe bananas into rounds and freeze them for at least 2-3 hours (overnight works best if you’re prepping ahead).
  2. Blend the ingredients:
    • Once the bananas are frozen, place them in a food processor or a high-speed blender. Add the cocoa powder, maple syrup (if using), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
    • Blend on high until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. You may need to stop and stir a few times to get the mixture fully blended. If the mixture seems too thick, you can add a small splash of plant-based milk to help it blend, but keep it minimal to maintain the creamy texture.
  3. Add optional mix-ins:
    • Once the ice cream is smooth, you can mix in any optional ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or nut butter. If you like chunks in your ice cream, pulse the machine a few times to fold them in.
  4. Serve or freeze:
    • For a soft-serve consistency, serve immediately and enjoy!
    • For a firmer, scoopable texture, transfer the ice cream to a container and freeze for 1-2 hours before serving.

Nutrition (per serving, approximate):

  • Calories: 120-150 kcal (for about 1/2 cup)
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Protein: 1-2g
  • Fat: 1-3g
  • Fiber: 3-4g
  • Sugar: 15-20g (naturally occurring from bananas)

Note: Nutritional values will vary depending on the size of the bananas and any added sweeteners or toppings.

Why You’ll Love It:

  • Simple & Healthy: Made with just frozen bananas and cocoa powder, this ice cream is naturally sweetened and contains no added sugars or artificial ingredients.
  • Creamy & Delicious: The frozen bananas provide a naturally creamy texture, and the cocoa gives you that perfect chocolatey flavor.
  • Customizable: You can add in your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nut butter, or chopped nuts to make it your own.
  • No Ice Cream Maker Required: This is a quick and easy recipe that doesn’t need any fancy equipment, just a blender or food processor.