Time for Dessert? – Homework For Health

By Angela, Registered Dietitian

February 7, 2023/Blog/Homework for Health

Now that you are moving, how about a sweet treat? Have you heard of “nice” cream? It is a yummy dessert made from bananas that closely resembles ice cream – but with fewer calories and fat than traditional ice cream. I’ve provided a basic recipe that can be modified to make your favorite flavors. You’ll go bananas for this healthy alternative! Recipes courtesy of Katie.

Ingredients

2-3 overripe, frozen bananas
optional milk of choice, if needed
pinch salt

Instructions: Start with bananas that are turning brown. Peel and cut into large pieces, then freeze in an airtight bag or container. (You can freeze a whole bunch at once so they’re ready whenever you want to make banana ice cream.) To make the ice cream, throw around 2-3 frozen bananas into a blender or food processor-adding a pinch of salt and 2-4 tbsp milk of choice for smoother blending if desired-and blend until you achieve a soft-serve texture. You can serve immediately, or transfer to a container and freeze an additional 30 minutes, then scoop out with an ice cream scoop.

Banana Ice Cream Flavors

Chocolate Banana Ice Cream: Use 3 bananas. Add 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract, pinch salt, and 3 tbsp cocoa powder.

Mint Chocolate Chip: Use 2 bananas and a pinch of salt. Add 1/8 tsp pure peppermint extract (or more if desired), and stir in chocolate chips or cacao nibs after blending.

Peanut Butter: Make the original recipe, adding 2-3 tbsp peanut butter or another nut butter or allergy-friendly alternative before blending.

Cookies’n Cream: Make the original recipe, adding 2 tbsp coconut butter if desired. After blending, add in a crushed cookie sandwich.

Very Berry: Make the original recipe, adding 1 cup frozen berries of choice and 1/8 tsp pure vanilla extract.

Coffee: Use 2 bananas and a pinch salt. Add 1/2 tsp instant coffee granules, 1/8 tsp pure vanilla extract, and optional shake of cinnamon and handful chocolate chips.

Pina Colada: Make the original recipe, using 1/4 cup canned coconut milk as your milk of choice. Blend in 1/2 cup frozen pineapple. Stir in shredded coconut if desired.

Vanilla Bean: Use 3 bananas and a pinch of salt. Add 1/2 tsp vanilla bean paste.

Pistachio: Make the original recipe, adding 2-3 tbsp pistachio butter and 1/8 tsp pure vanilla extract. Sprinkle crushed pistachios on top if desired.

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