“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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