Ingredients:
- 4 ripe bananas (peeled and sliced into coins)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons almond butter (or peanut butter for extra flavor)
- 1/4 cup dairy-free chocolate chips or cacao nibs (optional, for added chocolatey goodness)
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Pinch of salt (to enhance the chocolate flavor)
Instructions:
- Prepare the bananas:
- Slice the ripe bananas into coins and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet or large plate. Freeze the banana slices for at least 2 hours, or until completely frozen. This step is key to getting that smooth, ice cream texture.
- Blend the ice cream base:
- Once the banana slices are frozen, place them in a high-speed blender or food processor.
- Add the unsweetened cocoa powder, almond butter (or peanut butter), vanilla extract, and pinch of salt to the blender.
- Blend on high speed, scraping down the sides as needed. The mixture will first break up into little chunks, but keep blending, and it will eventually come together into a creamy, thick ice cream consistency.
- Add sweetness and texture:
- Taste the mixture and add maple syrup or agave nectar if you’d like a sweeter ice cream. If you want extra chocolate flavor, you can also add more cocoa powder to taste.
- If you like some texture in your ice cream, stir in the dairy-free chocolate chips or cacao nibs.
- Freeze (optional):
- If you prefer a firmer texture, transfer the ice cream to a container and freeze for an additional 1-2 hours before serving. This will give it a more traditional ice cream consistency.
- If you’re in a rush, you can enjoy it immediately as soft-serve style ice cream.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Scoop the vegan chocolate banana ice cream into bowls or cones, and enjoy immediately! It’s rich, creamy, and full of chocolatey goodness.
Tips:
- Make sure your bananas are very ripe before freezing. The riper the bananas, the sweeter the ice cream will be.
- You can customize this ice cream by adding different mix-ins such as chopped nuts, shredded coconut, or even a swirl of peanut butter.
- For a smoother texture, you can also add a splash of dairy-free milk (almond milk, coconut milk, or oat milk) while blending.
This Vegan Chocolate Banana Ice Cream is the perfect guilt-free treat—naturally sweetened, rich in flavor, and so easy to make. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a creamy, indulgent dessert without any dairy or added sugars!
