It’s the middle of summer. It’s incredibly hot outside and you’re doing your part trying to conserve energy, so it’s only moderately cool at home.
Maybe you’re craving something sweet and cool. Or perhaps the kids are asking for money to run out to the ice cream truck. And all of a sudden you think to yourself, “Why don’t we just make some ice cream?”
Your practical brain chimes in, “When was the last time we made our own ice cream? Do we even own an ice cream maker?”
Well, no worries. You now have 6 recipes at your fingertips that are not only super easy to make in the comfort of your own home, but are also healthy and require no rock salt, ice, coffee tins, or ice cream maker!
What’s the Catch?
Strictly speaking, these aren’t ice cream recipes – they’re Nice cream!
What is Nice cream? It’s a healthier variation of the popular creamy frozen dessert that’s made with bananas. It can easily be vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, and low-sugar. In fact, for these specific recipes, it just depends on the kind of chocolate morsels you use.
Why bananas? Other than eliminating the heavy cream and sugar content that is usually found in ice cream, bananas are a fantastic source of fiber and protein and several other key nutrients! Most notably, bananas are rich in electrolytes and antioxidants, which are both crucial to your health during the summer – electrolytes help you stay hydrated and keep your muscles from cramping; antioxidants can help protect your skin from oxidative stress caused by UV rays. Bananas are also good for heart health and maintaining healthy blood sugar levels.
All in all, bananas are simply amazing and make for a terrific summer treat!
So, try these recipes and let us know which one is your favorite!
Base Recipe
Ingredients
2-3 overripe frozen bananas (peeled, sliced into coins, and frozen overnight)
Directions
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Add frozen bananas into a blender or food processor and blend until you achieve a soft-serve texture.
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You can serve immediately, or transfer to a container and freeze an additional 30 minutes, then scoop out with an ice cream scoop.
For different flavors…
Vanilla: Use base recipe. Add 1 tsp vanilla extract to blender.
Strawberry: Use base recipe. Add 1/2 cup frozen strawberries and 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract to blender.
Double Chocolate: Use base recipe. Add 2 tbsp cacao powder (unsweetened) and 1 tbsp maple syrup (or honey) to blender. After blending stir in 1 tbsp mini dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs.
Mint Chocolate Chip: Use base recipe. Add 1/8 tsp pure peppermint extract (or more if desired) to blender. After blending stir in dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs. (Optional: Blend in a pinch of spirulina or a small handful spinach for color and an extra nutrient boost.)
Coffee: Use base recipe. Add 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 cup cold brew coffee, and 1/4 cup cocoa powder to blender. Top with dark chocolate chips or cacao nibs.
Got Dogs?
They deserve a cool treat too!
For a safe and easy tasty cold treat for your pup try one of these pet-friendly recipes:
Peanut Butter Pops
1 cup peanut butter (make sure it doesn’t contain xylitol)
Directions: Add all ingredients to blender and blend until creamy smooth. Pour into ice tray molds and freeze until firm (about 3 hours). Let your pup(s) enjoy!
Watermelon Pupsicles
2 tsp honey