Save I stumbled onto this completely by accident one afternoon when I found myself with freezer bags full of spotted bananas I swore I would use for bread someday. Instead of letting them go to waste, I tossed a few in the blender and what came out looked exactly like soft serve ice cream. My kids stood there with spoons in hand, skeptical at first, then completely shocked when they took that first bite. Now it is the one dessert I can always have ready without any planning.
Last summer, my sister was visiting and mentioned she had given up dairy but missed something sweet after dinner. I pulled out the frozen bananas, gave them a quick whirl, and served bowls with a drizzle of peanut butter on top. She looked at me like I had performed magic, texting the recipe to herself before she even finished. Now she keeps frozen banana slices in her freezer at all times.
Ingredients
- 4 ripe bananas: The more spotted they are, the sweeter and creamier your final result will be
- 2 tablespoons milk: Just enough to get things moving, whether you use almond, oat, coconut, or regular dairy
Instructions
- Prep the bananas:
- Peel and slice them into thin coins, arranging in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet so they freeze individually instead of becoming one solid block
- Freeze until solid:
- Let the slices chill for at least two hours, though overnight works perfectly fine if you want to prep ahead
- Blend it up:
- Drop the frozen pieces into a powerful blender or food processor, splash in your milk, and blend until smooth and creamy, pausing to scrape down the sides as needed
- Choose your texture:
- Serve right away for soft serve consistency, or pop it back in the freezer for an hour if you prefer something you can scoop
Save This recipe became a regular during our Friday movie nights, especially when my youngest went through a phase of wanting ice cream every single week. I loved being able to say yes without the sugar crash that usually followed. Now those bowls of banana ice cream are part of the routine, simple and sweet and exactly enough.
Flavor Variations
Once you have the basic method down, the possibilities are pretty endless. A teaspoon of vanilla extract makes it taste like classic vanilla bean ice cream, while a pinch of cinnamon gives it warmth. I have stirred in frozen berries for a purple swirl and even added a spoonful of cocoa powder when chocolate was the only thing that would do.
Topping Ideas
The simplicity of this base means toppings can really shine. Chopped nuts add crunch, granola brings texture, and chocolate chips never hurt anyone. A drizzle of peanut butter melts beautifully into the cold, and sometimes I just sprinkle a little sea salt on top because that sweet salty combination hits every time.
Make Ahead Tips
Keep bags of sliced bananas in your freezer so you are always twenty minutes away from dessert. The slices can stay frozen for months without any issue. When friends come over, you can pull them out and have something sweet ready without anyone realizing how last minute it really was.
- Portion the frozen slices into single serving bags before freezing
- Let the blender do most of the work, stopping only to scrape down the sides
- Leftovers can be stored in the freezer, though the texture is best fresh
Save This is the kind of recipe that makes you feel clever for discovering it, simple enough to make on a Tuesday but good enough to serve to anyone who stops by.
Recipe FAQs
- → What kind of milk works best?
Plant-based milks such as almond, oat, or coconut milk blend well, but dairy milk can also be used depending on preference.
- → Can I add flavors to enhance the taste?
Yes, add vanilla extract, cinnamon, or frozen berries before blending for extra flavor.
- → How do I get a firmer texture?
After blending, freeze the mixture for an additional hour to achieve a firmer consistency.
- → Are overripe bananas better?
Slightly overripe bananas yield a creamier and sweeter result for this frozen treat.
- → What toppings are recommended?
Chopped nuts, granola, or chocolate chips add nice texture and complement the flavors.