Make a batch of the easiest banana ice cream to share with the kids with just two ingredients and the creamiest texture! It takes about 5 minutes, there are four yummy flavor options (including homemade chocolate shell) and is just so good.

banana ice cream in pink bowl.

Banana Ice Cream

There are so many things we can do with an abundance of ripe bananas (or leftover bananas that the kids have decided not to eat) and while we love Banana Bread, Banana Bread Muffins, Banana Cookies, and Banana Cake, we adore this Banana Ice Cream.

Sometimes this is known as “nice cream”, but I don’t like the implication that other ice cream is potentially “mean cream” (kids are literal, what can I say!), so I just call it a more direct name.

It also is literally bananas and cream, so that’s a good explanation to me.

(You may also like Strawberry Frozen Yogurt, Blueberry Ice Cream, Graham Cracker Icebox Cake, and Frozen Yogurt Bark.)

Ingredients You Need

To make this banana ice cream recipe you need to have the following ingredients on hand and ready to go.

frozen-bananas-in-freezer-bags
  • Very ripe frozen bananas: You can use ones purchased at the store or bananas you’ve frozen yourself. I usually freeze them in halves, which works fine, though slices may blend up a little faster.
  • Cream: I used regular heavy cream here, though you could also use half and half, coconut cream, or even Greek yogurt if that’s what you happen to have.
  • Optional add-ins: To add more flavor, you can add peanut butter, maple syrup, a splash of vanilla extract, or you can top with a quick homemade chocolate Magic Shell.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Below is a look at how to make this banana ice cream recipe so you know what to expect. Scroll to the end of the post for all of the specifics, amounts, and timing.

how to make banana ice cream in grid of four.
  1. Add the frozen bananas to a food processor.
  2. Seal the lid and start to grind on LOW. Continue going, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides as needed.
  3. Add in the cream and continue grinding, working up to HIGH speed as the mixture becomes smooth.
  4. Serve, or pop into the freezer to harden up if it’s too soft to scoop.

This banana ice cream has the texture of soft serve, usually, so it’s best eaten right after making or you can store it for later in the freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does frozen banana taste like ice cream?

Frozen bananas are super creamy when blended, so it has a similar texture to ice cream.

Is ice cream made from bananas healthy?

Ice cream made with a base of bananas has all of the nutrition that are in bananas, with the texture of ice cream. Which is a yummy combination.

What’s the best way to store this so it’s not too firm?

Fruit-based ice cream freezes firm, so let it sit at room temperature for a little bit to soften if you store it after blending.

close up of banana ice cream in food processor.

Flavor Variations for Banana Ice Cream

You can make plain Banana Ice Cream with my base recipe, or you can make one of the following flavor options:

  • Banana-Peanut Butter Ice Cream: Add peanut butter to the food processor with the cream for more flavor.
  • Banana-Vanilla Ice Cream: Add a splash of vanilla extract.
  • Banana-Maple: Add a splash of maple syrup (or you could use honey for kids over age 1).
  • Banana Ice Cream with Magic Shell: Melt chocolate chips and coconut oil in a heat-safe bowl in the microwave, let cool, then drizzle over the ice cream for homemade chocolate shell. So fun!
scoops of banana ice cream in pink bowl.

How to Store

This banana soft serve is best right after making—it will have the texture of soft serve ice cream or sorbet—or you can freezer in a freezer-safe container (or small containers) for up to 3 months. It freezes hard, so you’ll need to let it soften at room temperature for a bit before serving from the freezer.

You can also make this idea into Banana Popsicles by freezing the mixture.

bowl of banana ice cream with magic shell.

Best Tips for Success

  • Use very ripe frozen bananas for the best banana ice cream flavor.
  • Be patient when grinding in the food processor as it takes a few minutes to break down the bananas.
  • Add an optional flavor addition as you like.
  • Top with homemade Magic Shell as you like. (See the Notes at the end of the recipe).
  • Serve right after making or store in the freezer for later.
  • Use the banana ice cream mixture to make popsicles.

I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please comment below to share!

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banana-ice-cream-scoops-in-pink-bowl

2-Ingredient Banana Ice Cream

Make a batch of the easiest Banana Ice Cream to share with the kids with just two ingredients and the creamiest texture! It takes about 5 minutes, there are easy ways to customize it for your preferences, and it is just so good.
5 from 22 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Cuisine American
Course Dessert
Calories 184kcal
Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 4 cups frozen very ripe banana
  • ¼ cup cream (or coconut cream or Greek yogurt)
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Instructions

  • Add the frozen bananas to the bowl of a food processor. Seal and start grinding on LOW, stopping to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally. Keep going until the banana is in small pieces that look like coarse sand.
  • Add the cream and any optional add-ins. (See the Notes below for options.)
  • Continue grinding on LOW until the mixture starts to look creamy, then switch to HIGH to make a smooth and creamy banana ice cream.
  • Serve immediately.

Notes

Banana-Peanut Butter Ice Cream: Add 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter to the food processor with the cream for more flavor.
Banana-Vanilla Ice Cream: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture.
Banana-Maple: Add a splash of maple syrup (or you could use honey for kids over age 1).
Banana Ice Cream with Magic Shell: Melt ½ cup chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon coconut oil in a heat-safe bowl in the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring in between. Let cool for 10-20 minutes (so it’s not so hot that it immediately melts the ice cream), then drizzle over the ice cream for homemade chocolate shell that hardens on cold foods. Store leftovers in a container in the fridge and warm to use again.
 
  • This banana soft serve is best right after making—it will have the texture of soft serve ice cream or sorbet—or you can freezer in a freezer-safe container (or small containers) for up to 3 months. It freezes hard, so you’ll need to let it soften at room temperature for a bit before serving from the freezer.
  • Dairy-free: Use full-fat coconut cream.
  • Use very ripe frozen bananas for the best flavor.
  • Be patient when grinding in the food processor as it takes a few minutes to break down the bananas.
  • Add an optional flavor addition as you like.
  • Top with homemade Magic Shell as you like. (See the Notes at the end of the recipe.
  • Serve right after making or store in the freezer for later.
  • Use the mixture to make popsicles.

Nutrition

Calories: 184kcal, Carbohydrates: 35g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 17mg, Sodium: 6mg, Potassium: 551mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 19g, Vitamin A: 315IU, Vitamin C: 13mg, Calcium: 17mg, Iron: 0.4mg
Tried this recipe?Rate in the comments and tag @yummytoddlerfood on IG!

This post was first published September 2022.

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Comments

  1. Hi, thanks for this recipe. I found it absolutely delicious! Just the level of sweetness I like. If I was to make it with frozen berries, would I still get an ice cream texture or would that basically become a smoothie? Thank you!

    1. You can do half berries and half banana or frozen mango and still get the creaminess. You need some banana or mango in the mix. Berries, when blended, are not as naturally creamy. Enjoy!

  2. 5 stars
    My daughter wanted banana swirl like she saw on Daniel Tiger. I saw this recipe and gave it a try. It is so delicious! Will definitely be making on repeat.

  3. 5 stars
    Excellent! Now when my kids ask for ice cream I’ll say yes much more!

    Also good to add other frozen fruits

  4. 5 stars
    Wow! I am utterly delighted about this recipe. It turned out so good my daughter, husband and I wanted second…and thirds 😜 We did the peanut butter option and used Greek yogurt. Highly, highly recommend

  5. 5 stars
    Just made this with oatmeal and I added a little vanilla extract to balance the flavor and it was very good. I will definitely be making this again.

  6. 5 stars
    What a treat!! I used full fat Greek yogurt and even snuck in some chia seeds. Kids licked the bowl and couldn’t believe I allowed them “ice cream” for lunch!
    Ps) magic chocolate shell is ingenious !

  7. 5 stars
    Oh my goodness!! Just made this for me and my son tonight with a splash of maple syrup. I am in shock how delicious it is.