Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy Ingredients: Utilizes frozen bananas and blackberries, offering a nutritious alternative to traditional ice cream.
- Dairy-Free: Made with coconut milk, making it suitable for those avoiding dairy.
- Simple Preparation: Requires minimal effort with no churning needed.
- Customizable: Easily adjust sweetness and consistency to your preference.
Ingredients
- 6 ripe bananas, peeled and frozen overnight
- 2 cups blackberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1½ teaspoons honey
- ⅓ cup canned coconut milk (adjust as needed)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
Directions
- Prepare Bananas: Peel 6 ripe bananas, cut them in half, and freeze overnight.
- Blend Ingredients: In a food processor or high-powered blender, combine the frozen bananas, blackberries, and coconut milk. Blend until mostly pureed but still slightly chunky.
- Add Flavorings: Add honey, vanilla extract, and lemon juice to the mixture. Blend again until the mixture reaches a creamy consistency. If needed, add more coconut milk to achieve desired texture.
- Serve Immediately or Freeze: For a soft-serve consistency, serve immediately, garnished with fresh berries if desired. For a firmer texture, transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container, cover, and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes approximately 6 servings.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes (excluding freezing time).
- Freezing Time: At least 2 hours for firmer consistency.
Variations
- Sweeteners: Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option.
- Nut Butter: Incorporate almond or peanut butter for added richness.
- Additional Fruits: Blend in other berries like strawberries or raspberries for a mixed berry flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Fold in dairy-free chocolate chips before freezing for a chocolaty twist.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep the ice cream in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week.
- Serving: Allow the ice cream to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping if it becomes too hard.
FAQs
How do I make sure the ice cream has a creamy texture?
Ensure the bananas are fully ripe before freezing, as this enhances sweetness and creaminess. Adjust the amount of coconut milk during blending to achieve your desired consistency.
Can I use other types of milk instead of coconut milk?
Yes, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. However, coconut milk provides a rich, creamy texture that complements the flavors well.
Is this ice cream suitable for vegans?
Yes, when made with plant-based milk and sweeteners, this recipe is entirely vegan.
Can I use fresh bananas instead of frozen ones?
Frozen bananas give the ice cream its characteristic creamy and firm texture. Using fresh bananas will result in a different consistency.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the ice cream?
Taste the mixture before freezing and adjust the amount of sweetener as desired. Remember, the sweetness may slightly diminish after freezing.
Can I add nuts to the ice cream?
Yes, folding in chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts before freezing can add a delightful crunch.
What if I don’t have a food processor?
A high-powered blender works well for blending the ingredients to the desired consistency.
How do I prevent the ice cream from becoming too hard in the freezer?
Storing the ice cream in a shallow, airtight container and allowing it to soften at room temperature for a few minutes before serving can help achieve a scoopable texture.
Can I use other berries instead of blackberries?
Yes, raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries can be used as alternatives, keeping in mind that each will impart a unique flavor.
How long does this ice cream last in the freezer?
For optimal taste and texture, consume within one week of making.
Conclusion
This Blackberry Banana Ice Cream is a delightful and healthy alternative to traditional ice cream, offering a blend of natural flavors and creamy texture. Its simplicity and versatility make it a perfect treat for those seeking a refreshing dessert option.
PrintBlackberry Banana Ice Cream
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (for freezing)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This Blackberry Banana Ice Cream is a delicious, healthy, and dairy-free dessert made with frozen bananas and blackberries. Blended with coconut milk, honey, and vanilla extract, it offers a creamy and refreshing treat with no churning required. Perfect for a quick and customizable dessert, this ice cream is an easy option for those following a dairy-free, vegan, or plant-based diet. Enjoy the natural sweetness of bananas and the tang of blackberries in every scoop!
Ingredients
- 6 ripe bananas, peeled and frozen overnight
- 2 cups blackberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1½ teaspoons honey
- ⅓ cup canned coconut milk (adjust as needed)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare Bananas: Peel 6 ripe bananas, cut them in half, and freeze overnight.
- Blend Ingredients: In a food processor or high-powered blender, combine the frozen bananas, blackberries, and coconut milk. Blend until mostly pureed but still slightly chunky.
- Add Flavorings: Add honey, vanilla extract, and lemon juice to the mixture. Blend again until the mixture reaches a creamy consistency. If needed, add more coconut milk to achieve desired texture.
- Serve Immediately or Freeze: For a soft-serve consistency, serve immediately, garnished with fresh berries if desired. For a firmer texture, transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container, cover, and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more honey or using maple syrup for a vegan option.
- Add almond or peanut butter for a richer flavor or mix in dairy-free chocolate chips for a fun twist.
- Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to one week. Allow to sit at room temperature for a few minutes before scooping if the texture is too hard.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (excluding freezing time)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Dairy-Free, Vegan