Save to Pinterest I was standing in front of the freezer one evening, craving something cold and sweet but refusing to feel guilty about it. That's when I spotted the bananas I'd frozen a week earlier, the ones that had gone spotty and soft. I tossed them into the blender with a splash of oat milk, pressed the button, and within minutes I was spooning out the creamiest, most naturally sweet ice cream I'd ever made. No sugar, no churning, no complicated steps. Just fruit and a little liquid turning into something that tasted like pure indulgence.
I started making this for my niece on summer afternoons when she'd come over after soccer practice, flushed and hot and hungry. She'd watch me blend the frozen slices, eyes wide, convinced I was hiding ice cream in the freezer somewhere. When I handed her the bowl, she took one bite and looked up at me like I'd just performed magic. Now she asks for it every single visit, and I keep a stash of sliced bananas in my freezer just for her.
Ingredients
- Ripe bananas: The riper they are, the sweeter and creamier your ice cream will be, so don't toss those spotted ones on the counter.
- Plant-based milk or regular milk: Just a splash helps the blender move things along without making it icy, and you can use whatever you have on hand.
Instructions
- Slice and Prep:
- Peel your bananas and cut them into thin coins, then lay them out on a parchment-lined baking sheet so they don't stick together. This step makes blending so much easier later.
- Freeze Until Solid:
- Pop the tray into the freezer for at least 2 hours, or until the slices are completely frozen and firm to the touch. You can leave them overnight if that's easier.
- Blend Into Creaminess:
- Toss the frozen slices into your blender or food processor, add the milk, and blend until it turns smooth and thick like soft-serve. You'll need to stop and scrape down the sides a few times.
- Serve or Freeze Again:
- Eat it right away for a soft-serve texture, or transfer it to a container and freeze for another hour if you want it firmer and scoopable. Either way, it's perfect.
Save to Pinterest There's something quietly satisfying about pulling off a dessert this good with so little effort. I've served it at dinner parties with a sprinkle of cinnamon and dark chocolate shavings, and people always ask for the recipe, convinced there's some hidden trick. There isn't. It's just bananas, patience, and a little bit of blending magic.
Flavor Variations
I've thrown in frozen strawberries, a spoonful of peanut butter, even a handful of spinach once when I was feeling ambitious. The base is so forgiving that you can turn it into whatever you're craving that day. A teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon can make it taste like something you'd buy at a fancy shop.
Storage and Texture Tips
If you freeze the finished ice cream, it will harden up more than store-bought because there's no added fat or stabilizers. Just let it sit on the counter for five minutes before scooping, and it softens right back up. I've kept batches in the freezer for up to a week, though it never actually lasts that long.
Serving Suggestions
I love piling mine into a bowl and topping it with granola for crunch, or drizzling a little almond butter over the top. Sometimes I'll add a handful of dark chocolate chips or fresh berries if I have them around.
- Top with crushed nuts or shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
- Drizzle with maple syrup or honey if you want a touch more sweetness.
- Serve it in a cone to make it feel like a real ice cream treat.
Save to Pinterest This is the kind of recipe that makes you feel clever and resourceful every time you make it. It's proof that the simplest things, done right, can be the most satisfying.
Ask About This Recipe
- → Can I use any type of milk for this treat?
Yes, plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or coconut works well, as does regular milk. Choose based on dietary preferences and flavor.
- → How do I achieve a creamier texture?
Using slightly overripe bananas enhances sweetness and creaminess. Blending thoroughly until smooth also improves texture.
- → What are some suggested flavor additions?
Consider adding vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, or frozen berries before blending for extra flavor depth.
- → Can I prepare this treat ahead of time?
Yes, slice and freeze bananas in advance. After blending, freeze for an additional hour if a firmer texture is desired.
- → What toppings complement this frozen banana dessert?
Chopped nuts, granola, or chocolate chips add crunch and balance the creamy softness well.