Easy homemade banana ice cream recipe: Quick and simple to make

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By: Daniel Harris

When life gives you ripe bananas, making homemade banana ice cream is a delightful and economical way to utilize this often-overlooked fruit. Not just a simple dessert, homemade banana ice cream showcases how basic and fresh ingredients can transform into extraordinary flavors right in your kitchen, without the need for professional equipment. This dessert is a hit on warm days or whenever you have ripe bananas that would otherwise go unused. Growing out of the healthy, vegan cooking trend, this recipe reveals that frozen and processed bananas achieve a creamy texture akin to soft serve. It’s a healthy choice for those with gluten intolerance or vegans, provided the right ingredients and toppings are selected.

The Basics of Homemade Banana Ice Cream

Homemade banana ice cream starts with peeling ripe bananas and slicing them before freezing. Once frozen, these slices are blended until they reach a creamy consistency. This blend can be enjoyed immediately as soft serve or returned to the freezer for a firmer texture. To enhance blending, you may add a splash of vanilla extract or a bit of milk (dairy or plant-based), along with optional ingredients to customize the flavor.

Ingredients and Variations

These ingredients are not only accessible but also open the door to numerous variations, allowing each batch of ice cream to be unique.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Banana Ice Cream

  1. Peel the ripe bananas and cut them into approximately 1.5 cm slices.
  2. Place the slices on a wide tray or plate, ensuring they do not touch each other.
  3. Freeze the banana slices for at least 2 hours or until solid.
  4. Transfer the frozen slices into a powerful blender or food processor.
  5. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, pausing occasionally to scrape down the sides.
  6. If needed, add a tablespoon or two of milk to ease the blending process.
  7. Mix in vanilla extract, cocoa, or other chosen additions and blend briefly to incorporate.
  8. Serve immediately for a soft serve texture or return to the freezer for about an hour for a firmer consistency.

Preparation Time and Serving Size

Estimated Total Time: Approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes, which includes:

  • Initial preparation (peeling and slicing bananas): 5 minutes.
  • Freezing time: At least 2 hours.
  • Blending and adding toppings: 3-5 minutes.

Using 4 large bananas, this recipe generally yields between 3 to 4 standard servings.

Nutritional Value Per Serving

Each serving of banana ice cream, when made with just bananas, vanilla essence, and plant milk, approximately contains:

  • Calories: 105
  • Fat: 0.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.1g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Sugars: 14g (naturally occurring)
  • Protein: 1.3g

Note that these are estimates, and exact nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients used and serving sizes.

Storage Recommendations

In a suitable container in the freezer, homemade banana ice cream can be stored for up to 1 week. For optimal texture, it is recommended to let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving. This makes it easier to scoop and enhances the creamy texture.

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