I scream, you scream, try healthy ice cream

Banana ice cream is a healthy alternative with less sugar and more fiber than classic dairy ice cream.

“Ice cream is a staple summer treat,” said Brittany Powelson, a Marshfield Clinic registered dietitian. “Banana ice cream is a perfect healthy alternative for you and your kids.”

Benefits of banana ice cream

Classic dairy ice cream has more sugar and less fiber than this healthy ice cream alternative.

“Banana ice cream also has vitamins and minerals that are not present in regular ice cream,” Powelson said.

Try this recipe

The original recipe is mostly frozen bananas and milk, both healthy ingredients in moderation, Powelson said.

Alternative flavor options offer extra nutrients.

Mint Chocolate Chip: Spinach adds to your vegetable intake.
Very Berry: “We often don’t have enough fruit. Very Berry boosts your fruit intake,” she said.
Coffee: “This is a fun one, too, especially for parents looking for a tasty treat,” Powelson said.

“In the alternative flavors presented on Chocolate Covered Katie, replace coconut oil or coconut butter with almond milk, rice milk or skim or 1-percent dairy milk,” Powelson said. “These are healthier, lower-fat ingredients.”

Banana Ice Cream

Prep time: 5 minutes

Freeze time: Approximately 2 hours

Servings: 1-2

Ingredients

2-3 overripe, frozen bananas
Optional milk of choice, if needed
Pinch of salt

Alternative: Very Berry

Above ingredients
1 cup frozen berries of choice
1/8 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Alternative: Coffee

2 overripe, frozen bananas
Pinch of salt
1/2 teaspoon instant coffee granules
1/8 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Optional shake of cinnamon
Optional handful chocolate chips

Alternative: Mint Chocolate Chip

2 overripe, frozen bananas
Pinch of salt
1/8 teaspoon pure peppermint extract
Chocolate chips or cacao nibs
Small handful spinach

Instructions

Start with bananas that are turning brown.

Peel and cut into large pieces, and 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 2-3 frozen bananas into a blender or food processor. Add a pinch of salt and 2-4 tablespoons milk (skim or 1-percent, almond milk or rice milk) for smoother blending if desired. Blend until you achieve a soft-serve texture.

Serve immediately, or transfer to a container and freeze an additional 30 minutes. Scoop out with an ice cream scoop.

Nutrition information

Nutrition content based on original flavor, 3 bananas. Content varies slightly based on additional ingredients in alternative flavors and serving size: 315 calories; 4g protein; 1g fat; 43g sugar; 9g fiber; 4mg sodium.

Nutrition with 3 bananas and 2 tablespoons 1% cow’s milk: 328 calories; 5g protein; 1g fat; 45g sugar; 9g fiber; 17g sodium.

Source: Recipe adapted from chocolatecoveredkatie.com

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