How to Make Frozen Banana Ice Cream, Plus 4 More Ways to Enjoy Frozen Bananas
Tatiana Volgutova/Getty Images
If you haven't tried banana ice cream, you're going to want to make a trip to the store once you're done reading this. Whether you're vegan, paleo, lactose-intolerant or just avoiding dairy, banana ice cream is sure to please any palate or sweet tooth. And did we mention it requires just one ingredient? This simple dessert also a great way to use up overly ripened bananas that are just sitting on your countertop. In fact, we officially grant you permission to consider it summer's answer to banana bread.
RELATED: 7 Foods Higher in Potassium Than Bananas —and Why Nutrition Experts Want You to Eat More of Them
Easy Frozen Banana Ice Cream Recipe
Making homemade banana ice cream is beyond simple. All it requires are frozen bananas, a blender, and patience (which is probably the most difficult part). Here's how to make this popular, relatively healthy dessert in five easy steps:
Slice up 4-6 bananas and place them in a freezer-friendly food storage container. Then, place the container in the freezer for at least six hours.
Once the bananas are firmly frozen, place them in a blender and pulse until they are smooth and creamy.
Pour blended bananas back into a freezer-friendly container and place it back in the freezer for two more hours.
Remove the container from the freezer and scoop as you would any other ice cream.
Serve in a bowl with or without toppings. If you want to make a banana ice cream sundae, drizzle on some Nutella, add a scoop of whipped cream, and finish off with crushed peanuts.
RELATED: How to Store Bananas So They Don't Turn Brown
4 Ways to Enjoy Frozen Bananas
Frozen bananas are probably more versatile than you might think. Aside from whipping up "ice cream", you can also add them to smoothies, frozen cocktails, or enjoy them in other tasty frozen treats. Here's how to make the most of your frozen bananas:
Toss Them in a Smoothie
If you're looking to achieve that perfect, creamy consistency in your smoothies, frozen bananas are key. Just keep a bag of peeled bananas in your freezer so you can seamlessly pop one in the blender whenever you need it.
In this recipe, frozen banana slices are paired with oat milk, coffee, tahini, and avocado to make a healthy morning drink.
Whip Up Chocolate-Covered Banana Bites
If you're someone who needs a sweet treat after dinner each night, these chocolate-covered banana bites are essential to have on-hand. All you need is a sliced banana, creamy or chunky peanut butter, and melted chocolate.
Make Pineapple Soft-Serve
Transport yourself to a tropical island with this homemade Dole Whip-inspired treat. There's no better combination than frozen pineapple, banana, and coconut. Just blend it up until smooth, and enjoy with either a spoon or straw.
RELATED: 14 Summer Fruits—and How to Cook With Them
Or Boozy Dole Whip
For an adult version of the previous pineapple-and-coconut treat, reach for the rum. This boozy take on Dole Whip is made with coconut rum, which compliments the frozen pineapple, frozen banana, and coconut milk pretty well.
