By: Sophie Wathen 

While ice cream is a staple summer treat, the dairy and loads of sugar are enough to make some think twice. For those looking for a healthier version of the typical dairy-filled ice cream, banana ice cream is a delicious alternative that has no refined sugar, more fiber, and is vegan-friendly.

“Bananas are a great source of potassium, which Americans don’t get enough of in their diet,” says Emmaline Rasmussen, MS, RD, LDN, a Clinical Research Dietitian at NorthShore. “This alternative is a great way to enjoy a frozen treat, add more produce, and sidestep processed food and added sugars in favor of a natural and plant-based alternative!”. With an easy-to-make banana base and countless flavors, this sweet, tasty, and healthy recipe will become a treat you always reach for.

Also, July is National Ice Cream Month - what better way is there to celebrate than by making your own ice cream?

Servings: 2

Ingredients:

• 2-3 overripe frozen bananas
• Milk (to keep it vegan, use a plant-based milk alternative like unsweetened almond milk)
• Pinch of salt

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Directions: 

1. Peel and cut bananas that are turning brown, into large pieces. Then, freeze in an airtight bag (you can freeze multiple at a time so you are ready to make ice cream whenever).
2. When you are ready to make the ice cream, throw 2-3 frozen bananas into a blender. Add a pinch of salt and 2-4 tbsp of milk if a smoother mixture is desired. Blend until you have a soft-serve texture.
3. You can serve immediately or transfer to a container and freeze it for an additional 30 minutes before scooping it out with an ice cream scoop.

Adding Flavor:

If you want to try flavors other than the plain banana, here are some options that only require a few additional ingredients. You can also get creative and experiment with making your own flavor!

Chocolate Banana: Use 3 bananas and follow the recipe above. While mixing, add 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 3 tbsp of cocoa powder.

Mint Chocolate Chip: Use 2 bananas and follow the recipe above. While mixing, add 1/8 tsp pure peppermint and a pinch of salt. After mixing, stir in chocolate chips or cacao nibs. For more nutrients and a green color, add a pinch of spirulina or a small handful of spinach.

Peanut Butter: Use 2-3 bananas and follow the recipe above. Before mixing, add 2-3 tsp of peanut butter or another nut butter.

Cookies 'n' Cream: Use 2-3 bananas and follow the recipe above. While mixing, add 2 tbsp of coconut butter. After mixing, add in crushed cookies of your choice. 

Very Berry: Use 2-3 bananas and follow the recipe above. Before mixing add 1 cup of your frozen berries of choice and 1/8 tsp pure vanilla extract.

Strawberry: Use 2 bananas and follow the recipe above. While mixing, add 1/2 cup of frozen strawberries, 1/4 tsp of pure vanilla extract. A shake of cinnamon is optional.

Pina Colada: Use 2-3 bananas, add 1/4 cup of canned coconut milk, and follow the rest of the recipe above. While mixing, add in 1/2 cup of frozen pineapple. After mixing, stir in shredded coconut if desired.

Vanilla Bean: Use 3 bananas and follow the recipe above. While mixing, ad in 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste and a pinch of salt.

Pistachio: Use 2-3 bananas and follow the recipe above. While mixing, add 2-3 tbsp of pistachio butter and 1/8 tsp of pure vanilla extract. After mixing, sprinkle crushed pistachio on top if desired.

This recipe is adapted from Chocolate Covered Katie.